Chapter 123

 

Hayden’s absence brought significant changes to the Modrov estate.

 

The most notable difference was that Iona had taken on the role of acting head of the family.

 

Despite the absence of both the family’s head and his heir, the influx of work remained constant, leaving the butler no choice but to knock on Iona’s door with urgent matters.

 

This led Iona to sit in the mansion’s office for the first time in a while, poring over documents in a familiar format.

 

“Why has the approval that should have been completed last quarter been delayed until now?”

 

“The count had to leave, and Master Nils was temporarily handed over the work, but, as you know, he’s not exactly thorough...”

 

“It seems this isn’t the only issue. Compile a report on all outstanding payments as well.”

 

The sudden increase in workload caused one aide to turn away with a grim expression.

 

Then, a nervous man stepped forward as the next in line.

 

He respectfully presented a report to Iona, saying, “This is the new business investment plan that the count had been deeply involved in. All the details have been finalized, so it just needs your seal...”

 

“You expect to make an investment decision for the family while the head is detained? Say something that at least make some sense.”

 

Iona’s dismissal caused the man’s shoulders to slump.

 

After witnessing his colleagues’ failures, the next person seemed to have lost all courage. Only after Iona’s silent urging did he finally present his report.

 

“...This is a request for support from the domain. It involves a significant sum for the settlement costs of a previous embezzlement case.”

 

The intimidated speaker hastily added, gauging Iona’s reaction, “Given the count’s absence and the family’s precarious situation both internally and externally, it might be best to delay support and observe for the time being. After all, the majority of those affected are tenant farmers bound by lease agreements, so they’re unlikely to cause any major disputes.”

 

“Do you want to lose the support of the royal family and incur the wrath of the domain’s residents as well? Who would trust and dutifully pay taxes to their lord if he changes his stance whenever it suits him?”

 

Iona’s expression, previously impassive, now clearly showed deep annoyance.

 

Surprised by the unexpected response, the aide stammered in a retreating tone, “But... there really is no money. The count’s absence has disrupted the cash flow, so we need to reserve funds for the time being...”

 

“We can use the emergency funds that the count has set aside. Overcoming this crisis should be our first priority; the count would surely understand.”

 

Iona cut them off sharply, waving her hand dismissively.

 

It was her way of saying she wouldn’t engage in further arguments.

 

The aide, caught off guard, missed the chance to object.

 

They hadn’t anticipated Iona would openly mention Hayden’s secret emergency fund.

 

As the aide hesitated, unsure of what to do and trying to dissociate themselves from the knowledge, Iona preempted them with a sharp look.

 

“Do I really need to spell out how to access that money?”

 

Her gaze seemed to say, ‘Such incompetence could be punishable by death.’

 

Eventually, the aide backed down, tail between their legs.

 

Iona, with an indifferent gesture, gathered and organized the documents before her.

 

“If you’re done with your reports, you can leave now. I’m sure there’s plenty more work to be done.”

 

“Yes, understood!”

 

The aides responded in unison, their voices tight with discipline.

 

After days of diligently working under Iona, they had quickly learned that laziness and cunning would not work with her.

 

Iona had an uncanny ability to spot any lapse and point out mistakes as if she fully understood the workings of their tasks.

 

Her directives were so precise that it was hard to believe she was a novice.

 

Initially, the aides had unconsciously compared Nils and Iona, but now they had completely abandoned such absurd comparisons.

 

To even consider Nils and Iona on the same level felt like a grave insult.

 

Compared to Nils, who had been trained as a successor yet continuously made mistakes, Iona seemed like a prodigy sent from heaven.

 

Ignoring the admiring glances directed at her, Iona thought to herself.

 

‘Considering I’ve been acting as the head for several years, comparing us might not even make sense.’

 

Nevertheless, firmly establishing herself as a formidable figure had made it easier to get things done her way.

 

At this moment, the aides were efficiently exiting the office, following her orders.

 

As they left, closing the door behind them, Marsha entered the office, as if on cue, to replace them.

 

With an excited tone, Marsha said.

 

“Miss, you might want to come downstairs for a moment.”

 

Marsha, who usually maintained an expressionless face, was now sporting a strangely pleasant smile that filled her features.

 

And there was essentially only one person who could elicit such a reaction from her.

 

Seeking confirmation, Iona asked.

 

“Has the Duke arrived?”

 

“Yes, he arrived a bit early and apologized, saying it’s alright for you to take your time coming down.”

 

Marsha relayed Leroy’s considerate words with a satisfied expression.

 

At this, Iona unconsciously glanced at the clock.

 

There were still about ten minutes left until the appointed time.

 

While his arrival was indeed earlier than scheduled, it wasn’t so much as to be considered a breach of etiquette.

 

Rather, it was Iona who might be at fault for being so engrossed in her work that she lost track of time.

 

It seemed there wouldn’t be time to dress up specially for the occasion.

 

‘After all, it would be rather silly to dress up with no one else around to see.’

 

Feeling somewhat sheepish, Iona stood up from her seat.

 

It was foolish of her to think of this meeting in terms of a personal encounter when he likely requested it for official business.

 

Putting aside any unwarranted expectations, Iona said calmly.

 

“I’ll go right away.”

 

Marsha seemed less than pleased with Iona’s plain appearance, but she refrained from voicing her disapproval.

 

After all, making the Duke wait too long was not something Marsha was keen on doing.

 

Quickly dismissing her displeasure, Marsha quietly followed behind Iona.

 

Then, she once again voiced the admiration she had repeated countless times recently.

 

“To think you would secure a proposal.”

 

Upon hearing Marsha’s exuberant voice, Iona couldn’t help but flinch involuntarily.

 

Iona tried to appear nonchalant as she responded.

 

“It was a marriage that was going to happen anyway. There’s no need to make such a fuss.”

 

“But it wasn’t just a proposal in writing; you were boldly confessed to in front of everyone. Clearly, the Duke must hold special feelings for you.”

 

“That’s probably not the case...”

 

Marsha seemed uninterested in Iona’s response.

 

Regardless of Iona’s agreement or lack thereof, Marsha continued to predict a rosy future for her mistress and her fiancé.

 

Given that this misunderstanding spared her from the tedious pressure to marry, Iona found it awkward to outright deny it.

 

Eventually, Iona fell silent and quickened her pace.

 

She planned to dismiss Marsha with the excuse of needing to speak privately with Leroy.

 

Marsha’s exaggerated speculations, or perhaps fantasies, ceased only as they neared the drawing room.

 

Marsha, feeling slighted by Iona’s inattention to her stories, cast a somewhat disrespectful glance before entering.

 

“You’ll understand why I’m acting like this once you go in.”

 

With those bold words, Marsha grasped the handle and slowly opened the door.

 

As the doors parted, the scene within the drawing room came into view, bit by bit.

 

At first, Iona’s eyes widened in curiosity, but they soon grew large with astonishment.

 

“What is all this...”

 

Iona couldn’t finish her sentence, her mouth merely gaping open.

 

The drawing room, already lavishly decorated as befitting a space for receiving guests, was now transformed to such an extent that its original appearance was hard to discern.

 

The room, which had been splendid yet lifeless, was now literally filled with flowers.

 

The space, densely adorned with fresh flowers, resembled an indoor garden.

 

Marsha, pleased with Iona’s reaction, whispered softly in her ear.

 

“Look at that.”

 

Frozen in place, Iona was unable to offer Marsha any substantial reply.

 

As Iona remained stationary by the door, Leroy eventually took the initiative to come greet her.

 

Walking through the blossoming flowers, Leroy extended a small bouquet he had been holding towards Iona.

 

Then, with a modest demeanor uncharacteristic of someone who had orchestrated such a grand event, he gently expressed a concern.

 

“I hope you don’t dislike flowers.”

--- End Of The Chapter ----

 

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