Chapter 50
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Lucian was at the information guild office located in the capital’s commercial district. Vincent, the publicly known head of the guild, stood beside him and gave his report.
“Rumors are spreading everywhere that Baroness Silvaris went to find the Baron’s mistress and grabbed her by the hair.”
“Hm.”
“And we’ve also spread word that the Asiel Duchy has withdrawn its investment. The families that invested trusting Your Grace will probably start pulling their funds as well.”
“That’s why we invested in the first place.”
“Well, that’s true, but.”
Lucian had never intended to invest in Baron Silvaris from the beginning. Using the marriage as an excuse, they had asked for something, so he handed them an appropriate sum while investing in the Baron’s business only to make use of it later.
He had always felt sorry for Elaria, who had grown up being compared and treated unfairly. To him, she was nothing but beautiful, so he could never understand why she was constantly compared to that frivolous-looking Elisa.
He knew very well how kind-hearted she was. Even though she was used like that, whenever she heard someone speaking badly of Elisa behind her back, she would firmly warn the person instead.
But she paid very little attention to her own situation. That made her seem foolish, yet it also tugged at his heart.
If she could protect such a lacking older sister simply because she was family, then if he became her family, would she protect him in the same way?
Because he was curious about that, he had decided that if he were to marry, it had to be Elaria.
“Ah, and we’ve found a suitable match for the eldest daughter of the Silvaris family.”
“Hm…”
“He’s quite good-looking, and his acting skills are excellent. Apparently he’s been making a living back in his hometown by swindling women like this, so he’s extremely glib.”
“Hm.”
Vincent had worked for the information guild since the time of the previous duke. Because of that, he was one of the few who understood Lucian to a certain extent.
Lucian was not saying much right now, but the fact that he wasn’t interrupting meant he was fairly satisfied with the situation.
So Vincent proceeded with the plan Lucian had set.
“It seems nobles are still fascinated with the romantic idea of abandoning status for love across class lines. People who can’t do anything without money still want to keep their romance too.”
At Vincent’s mocking tone, Lucian let out a quiet snort. He agreed with him. He had been forced to do things he didn’t want in order to preserve his household, but he did trust his ancestor’s foresight to some degree.
Just as his great-great-grandfather had predicted, nobles were gradually being judged more by wealth than by rank. Even a marquis with poor finances could not properly hold his head up in front of a wealthy count or viscount.
He would simply be a poor marquis.
Moreover, there were many counts and viscounts in the Karserion Empire who had succeeded through business. They tried in every way to raise their rank, but without the Emperor’s approval, it was difficult.
Once this transitional period passed, families would likely be judged solely by their wealth, regardless of title.
“That woman isn’t foolish. If anything, she’s quite calculating.”
“The more arrogant women are, the more easily they’re deceived by men.”
“Is that so?”
“They never think they’re being fooled. They assume it’s because they’re beautiful. On the other hand, the women who are hard to deceive are the ones who know their place well. They never expect anything from men.”
At Vincent’s explanation, Lucian thought of Elaria. If he had not rushed to send the proposal, she would have married the heir of a viscountcy whom she believed matched her standing.
Given her personality, she would probably have lived receiving enough affection. That was, of course, if the man was not worthless.
“…Expecting nothing.”
Muttering briefly, Lucian looked at Vincent and asked,
“Then how do you attract the attention of a woman like that?”
“Hmm…”
Vincent was momentarily at a loss. Lucian rarely asked questions like this. After thinking for a moment, he finally spoke.
“I suppose you’d have to approach her sincerely…”
His voice lacked confidence. He had experience with schemes like these, but he did not know how to approach an ordinary woman he genuinely cared about.
Then something occurred to him, and he quickly added,
“Ah, women like that tend to feel pity for a man’s vulnerable side. They may not expect anything, but they can feel sympathy.”
“Hm.”
Lucian recalled what Noctis had said a few days ago. That it was cute how Elaria kept looking at him with pity.
“Then why hasn’t the way she treats me changed?”
“Pardon?”
“In your opinion, do I look pitiful?”
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