Chapter 69

 

Fleur protested vehemently.

 

It was impressive how, with her languid expression, she could become more intimidating than anyone else when she got angry.

 

Fleur's lips trembled with rage and she began throwing the objects that were on the table, one by one.

 

"Who do you think you are, acting as an auditor here?  It was all because I told the Count that I wanted to tour the estate. If you have any conscience, you should handle it well on your own. Why are you making such a disappointing remark from this side?"

 

"Please calm down, Miss Fleur. Even if you say that, some things just can't be done. You should make the reasonable request in the first place...”

 

"What? Are you saying that my current demand is unreasonable? What's so special about a few dresses!"

 

"If you want to purchase those dresses with public funds, of course it's unreasonable."

 

Iona calmly countered.

 

The servants stood quietly, holding their breath, unable to intervene in case sparks flew between the two.

 

However, just because they pretended not to hear and kept their mouths shut didn't mean they were completely in the dark.

 

Unless they were idiots, they could clearly see why Iona and Fleur were fighting.

 

"Why should I take out an important budget from somewhere? I heard that the baron or someone like that has embezzled a lot, so can't we just use some of that?"

 

"We haven't even found the escaped baron yet."

 

"Is it my fault that you're so incompetent that you missed him? You're going to confiscate all of that family's property anyway. Why do you think it's so difficult?"

 

Fleur was boldly demanding a new dress with the funds embezzled by Baron Franz.

 

In response, some of the servants stared at Fleur with open expressions of astonishment

 

Calling it public funds or unauthorized funds, since when has that been ordinary money?

 

It wasn't Baron Franz's property. It wasn't even Count Modrov's.

 

It was the money that had been squeezed and exploited from the blood of the people in the territory, taken from all of them.

 

Those who attended Robert's close quarters knew this better than anyone else.

 

"I will escort you outside."

 

A courageous maid stepped forward and restrained Fleur. A few others stood behind her, lending their strength to support their comrade.

 

Hostile air filled the room. Everyone present poured silent condemnation toward Fleur.

 

Slowly surveying the reception room, Iona came to the conclusion that it was enough.

 

"Miss Fleur, there are many eyes watching. It's time for you to retreat."

 

With a fierce gaze, Fleur glared at Iona and said, "As soon as I return, I will write a letter to the Count, explaining how I was treated."

 

"Even if you say that, it won't change my decision."

 

"I hope your thoughts will change once you return to the capital."

 

Fleur shot a piercing look and abruptly turned her head.

 

"Let's go!"

 

In response to Fleur's command, her maid, who had been observing the situation from a distance, hurriedly followed her.

 

Amidst the sound of hurried footsteps, Fleur moved further away.

 

The servants of the household, who had been holding their breath, waiting for her departure, hurriedly approached Iona.

 

"Oh my, Dame Iona, are you alright?"

 

"Wow, can there really be such a frightening woman?"

 

"Be careful not to step on any broken pieces. Hey, come over here and clear the floor!”

 

"Dame, would you like to change your clothes?"

 

All the maids were looking at Iona with worried eyes.

 

Although Iona had only stayed here for a few days at most, the people of the territory respected her more than the actual lord, the Count. This was because it was Iona, not Hayden, who had exposed Baron Franz's corruption and looked after the affairs of the territory.

 

There wasn't much difference between those working in the noble household.

 

Robert had ruled as the owner of the estate for a long time, but there were not many who truly remained loyal to him.

 

He was a man who treated people in a demeaning manner.

 

Even while waiting on Robert for a living, the servants sometimes became disillusioned with the reality.

 

They were genuinely happy that Iona had changed the owner of the estate.

 

“I have to take a bath first.”

 

"I will go and prepare it."

 

Sophia quickly responded and left her seat first.

 

Tea was still dripping from her hair, so Iona first wiped off the water with a towel brought by the maids.

 

One maid, who looked at Iona with pity, lowered her voice and asked.

 

"Is that the Count's lover?"

 

Iona silently nodded her head. From that point on, various complaints erupted.

 

"Actually, I saw her when I went out on an errand yesterday. She was grabbing the maids like she was catching mice. Ugh. I'd rather work under Baron Franz."

 

"Does she have to act like a noble lady just because she's wearing those fancy dresses? She's not a real noble, and yet she dresses up like a lady while the people in the territory are dying of hunger..."

 

"If she wants new clothes, she should ask the Count to buy them. Why does she bother Dame Iona, this brat woman?"

 

The maids chattered about Fleur, their faces filled with resentment.

 

Although they couldn't directly insult her, their dissatisfaction with the Count seemed more than evident.

 

Due to Hayden's long neglect of Robert's tyranny, Hayden's reputation had already hit rock bottom. And now, with the appearance of his mistress causing trouble, there was no chance of salvaging his image.

 

When Iona, acting on the Count's orders, resolved the issue and almost calmed the resentment, Fleur appeared and poured oil on the dying embers. The Count showed no interest in the pitiful situation of the people in the territory.

 

"It would be great if Dame Iona could stay here..."

 

A whisper filled with various meanings escaped someone's lips.

 

Seeing the crowd in agreement as if they had been waiting, Iona realized that she had achieved what she desired.

 

'It's difficult to consider what I have done as a favor from the Count just because he allowed me to stay."

 

After all, Hayden and she were family. Many people would unconsciously lump them together in their thoughts.

 

Iona needed to separate her accomplishments from her personal achievements. To do that, it was most effective to show a desired relationship between the count and herself.

 

In fact, this wasn't even a lie.

 

"It's truly frustrating to leave behind this chaotic territory. If anything happens, send a letter to the capital. I'll keep an eye on things from afar."

 

Iona gently instructed the maids with a caring attitude. Touched by her words, they tearfully voiced their grievances.

 

"Iona... What should we do if that woman comes again and causes trouble?"

 

"We were finally relieved when the Baron left, but now this ill-tempered woman appears again. Isn't it too much?"

 

"If she's the Count's concubine, she should live in the capital. I don't understand why she has to come all the way here and create a mess."

 

In the place where Baron Franz left, Iona planted a new public enemy called Fleur.

 

A concubine who was blinded by extravagance would be identified with the Count from now on and would attract all the grievances. Unlike Iona who emerged as a hero of the land.

 

The status of a ruler came from the sentiment of the people.

 

No matter how noble their status might be, the foundation of their power ultimately relied on land and people.

 

When there was a force pulling from above, the existence of stepping stones was of little concern. But if that upper force lets go, they would plummet downwards without even the slightest protective measure.

 

What kind of expression would Hayden make when he realized that there was nothing left to put his feet on? Iona looked forward to his second downfall as if it were the first.

 

--- End Of The Chapter ----

 

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