Chapter 71

 

“Baron, do you know how to read?”

 

“Dame Iona!”

 

“There seemed to be a lot of words I didn’t know, so I asked just in case. I want to show you the evidence, but what if you can't even read the text?”

 

Iona said in a soft tone and pulled out one by one from the stack of papers in front of her.

 

After sorting out a few sheets, Iona laid them down towards Baron Haas.

 

"Take a look."

 

Ioona urged him on.

 

It was a voice that had the power to attract people.

 

Baron Haas did not want to obey her words, but at the same time was very curious about the contents of the paper she handed him.

 

The baron couldn't stop his feet from moving in that direction on their own.

 

Baron Haas carefully picked up the papers on the desk.

 

Soon, his face began to turn white.

 

“Eh, what is this…”

 

Baron Haas was speechless. It was because what he had done for Baron Franz for a long time was clearly organized.

 

Even what he received in return.

 

Baron Haas glanced at the other papers piled on the desk with an anxious look on his face.

 

He wondered if other vassals were also organized in such a way.

 

"Now, do you understand what position you're in, baron? Or should I explain it directly?"

 

Having said that, Iona picked up a document that Baron Haas hadn't looked at.

 

At that, Baron Haas almost jumped on top of the desk and took the papers Iona was holding.

 

He hastily tucked it away into his own belongings and said,

 

“This, Dame Iona. Please listen to me for a moment. All of this was forced by Baron Franz. I'm in an unfair position as wel.”

 

However, Iona was not interested in the story he made up, and there was no more time to listen to him.

 

It was thanks to Fin, who left after receiving her order, and returned just in time with a guard.

 

Since the crime was clear, Baron Haas was arrested and taken outside.

 

Baron Haas shouted, pointing at the Fin as if desperate for the last time.

 

“That guy, that guy is the main culprit who disturbed the territory, so why are you letting that cunning guy go? Dame Iona, you need to see the situation right away!”

 

“This person is the number one contributor who helped me uncover the corruption of Baron Franz. If it's unfair, shouldn't you have betrayed Baron Franz a little more quickly?”

 

With a tinge of regret, Iona looked around the desk in search of evidence. However, due to baron Haas shoving the documents into his chest, there was nothing left.

 

"Take out the evidence from the baron's bosom."

 

Iona pointed to Baron Haas' chest and added kindly.

 

The guards, who had bowed to Iona in understanding, took the evidence and left with Baron Haas, who had become one with the evidence.

 

Iona sat down wearily on a chair. Fin looked at her with concerned eyes and asked.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

“Yes, I didn’t want to do it, but it was something I had to do. I caught him as an example, so the others will be quiet.”

 

"I'm worried that you're going through unnecessary trouble by coming down to the territory. Didn't that guest who came yesterday cause a commotion?"

 

'Going through unnecessary trouble by coming down to the territory.'

 

If Fin knew how she had been treated in the capital, he wouldn't have said such things. But Iona didn't boast about her misfortune. Instead, she relaxed her tense shoulders and closed her eyes.

 

"She is the person I planted."

 

"What?"

 

Fin asked in surprise.

 

Iona knew that Fin had come to check on her yesterday after belatedly hearing about the commotion. He couldn't see Iona in person because she was taking a bath at the time.

 

Since she thought it would be necessary to mention Fleur beforehand, now seemed like a suitable time.

 

"So, are you saying that Miss Fleur is not Count Modrov's real lover?"

 

"No, she is real. She's not someone the Count cherishes enough to fly around for, but she's useful to me. That's why she decided to help me with my work."

 

Fin was well aware of the repercussions Fleur's visit had on the manor house.

 

After listening to Iona's explanation, Fin naturally came to a certain conclusion.

 

“Ah… …Do you have a bad relationship with your family?”

 

“You may not be able to understand it.”

 

"... The Count isn't your father, is he?"

 

Iona burst into laughter at Fin's attempt to comfort her. It seemed like she had heard a very amusing story.

 

After a while, Iona, who managed to calm her breath, calmly wiped the moisture from her eyes.

 

"That's right. And I intend to take everything from him.”

 

Fin didn't know how to react because Iona said it like it was no big deal. It was because she didn't seem to want anyone to stop her, and she didn't seem to want vindication either.

 

Fin hesitated for a moment as footsteps approached on the other side of the wall.

 

Sophia shouted, sticking her head through the crack in the door.

 

“Dame Iona!”

 

“What is going on?”

 

“I heard that Baron Haas broke into the office. Marsha asked me to find out if there are any changes to the departure time...”

 

Sophia was speechless as she looked around the room, which was just empty and seemed to have no problems.

 

The maid who told the story obviously reacted as if something big had happened, but when she came and confirmed it, the scene was quiet.

 

Iona also only shrugged her shoulders with an insignificant expression.

 

“As you can see.”

 

“Then come and prepare for departure. Marsha-sama told me to come back with Dame Iona. If it is delayed further, I might have to spend the night outside."

 

Sophia looked anxious as she urged Iona. It seemed like she was more afraid of Marsha than Iona.

 

Iona answered after a moment of thought.

 

“I’ll be leaving soon, so wait outside.”

 

All the other personnel were away anyway, so there was no point in holding on to anything more by herself. It seemed that the rest of the work should be handled by the natives.

 

It seemed a bit imposing to leave with such heavy responsibilities, but that didn't mean she had been less dedicated than them until now.

 

The reason why she abandoned her job midway in the first place was because of Baron Haas.

 

After confirming that the door was closing, Iona thought of the last words to ask Fin.

 

With her fingertips at her temples, Iona recited the precautions one by one.

 

“Fin, take care of Miss Fleur while I am away. I don't think there's much to do, but... … . Because there might be some trouble. There is a girl named Sarah among the maids who works for Fleur, and since I have attached her, she should be able to communicate through that side.”

 

“I will.”

 

"For the time being, official business reports will be delivered to the Count, but I hope you can grasp the contents in advance and contact me without delay. Can you do that?"

 

"Of course."

 

"Oh, and keep Viscount Klaus busy for a while under the excuse of being busy. It would be troublesome if he encounters others and unnecessary rumors spread."

 

“It won't be difficult. There are actually a lot of things to deal with.”

 

The answer was too naive.

 

Iona paused for a moment and looked down at Fin.

 

Because of his bent posture, his light brown hair fell below his eyebrows, casting a light shadow.

 

His usually hazy light green eyes were tinted with a murky light, creating a peculiar atmosphere, as if he was harboring other thoughts unknown to her.

 

However, his voice when asking about the next command was as polite as ever.

 

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

 

--- End Of The Chapter ----

 

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