Chapter 23.2
“….”
Emily looked straight at me.
“As you know, I originally intended to live for my family as a single woman. Then, you came along, forced various things, and we ended up engaged against my will.”
Van and Emily are both graduates of Ruby Academy.
Emily is a senior by two years.
It is said that Van, captivated by Emily at first sight, caused all sorts of troubles and eventually succeeded in the engagement with Emily, who is his senior.
Perhaps because of that, Emily’s eyes were filled with an unmistakable resentment towards Van.
“I’m telling you this in advance in case you still have thoughts of a reunion. I have absolutely no intention of reuniting with you…”
“I feel the same way.”
‘This is unbelievable!’
I silently celebrated inside.
This was exactly the story I was hoping for.
“Really? Are you not scheming something else?”
Emily frowned, seemingly remembering some unpleasant experiences with Van in the past.
“Don’t worry. There’s nothing for you to worry about.”
“Remember. We’re just acquaintances now.”
Emily spoke firmly, almost as if advising.
I felt relieved.
If Emily strongly disliked Van to this extent, there seemed to be no need to worry about any potential flags.
Above all,
‘I won’t have any reservations either.’
Just in case.
If Emily suggested reconciling and getting along well, it could have been awkward.
I would have felt sorry for executing the ‘plan’ I had in mind.
‘Since we’re just acquaintances with nothing to worry about, I can manipulate the situation without any concerns.’
Nice.
What I was about to do now was to outsmart my opponent right in front of me.
“Enough with the useless talk. Let’s get to the point. Reduce Lindon’s debt for us.”
“Why should we?”
Now it’s crucial.
I intentionally crossed my legs, projecting an arrogant demeanor.
“Otherwise, your upper echelon will suffer immense damage. It might even lead to bankruptcy.”
“!!”
Emily had a perplexed expression.
“What nonsense is this?”
“Altran.”
Emily didn’t understand my intention.
“By Altran, I mean the debt collection corporation that handles the debts from your business. You don’t know?”
If it’s a top-tier under the Rapalt Duchy, they wouldn’t directly pressure the debtors with outstanding debts. They usually outsource the debt collection to specialized agencies.
“Are they managing it properly?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Is there no issue with Altran, the debt collection corporation contracted with your business?”
“Yes.”
“Really? Are you genuinely certain?”
“!!”
Emily frowned.
“Don’t underestimate our business. My direct subordinates have thoroughly verified and contracted with Altran.”
I drove the point home.
“So, if the debt collection corporation has done something wrong, it’s the responsibility of the upper echelon.”
“Well…”
“You seem confident, but you can’t give a clear answer. Just like Valic. It seems the Rapalt Duchy is all talk.”
“!!”
Emily’s face stiffened.
“Take back what you said.”
“If you’re willing to take responsibility for your words, then I shall take it back. Can you guarantee your upper echelon that there’s no issue with Altran?”
“…Yes.”
Good.
As I gestured, a man who had silently followed me like a shadow emerged.
Since he had followed me discreetly, no one had paid him much attention.
“Lady Emily, did you just state that you would take responsibility if Altran, the debt collection corporation, engaged in any illegal activities?!”
“…Who are you?”
“Ah, I’m a reporter from ‘Gossip Daily’! I heard that Lord Van wants to make a big revelation if followed, so I’ve recorded everything you just said with my ‘Recording Magic Device’!”
Emily furrowed her brow.
Her expression questioned what kind of mischief this was.
“What are you trying to pull?”
“Let’s not misunderstand. I just want to reveal the truth.”
Before leaving, the shadowy figure left some parting words.
“Soon, you might hear some unpleasant news… Don’t be too upset. After all, as you said, we’re acquaintances now.”
* * *
Sickening guy.
It was the emotion Emily held toward Van.
After just reuniting, one more word had been added.
Madman.
‘What? Unpleasant news? Problems with Altran…’
In that moment, Emily’s chest tightened.
‘…Is it really true?’
Are you genuinely certain?
Van’s appearance was different from before.
A somewhat uneasy sense of anxiety crept in.
And then, it happened.
“Milady, it’s urgent! Lord Van is causing a scene at Altran Corporation!”
“What?”
Emily furrowed her brow.
‘That figures. He’s a mess!’
Images of Van’s childish antics from the past flashed through her mind.
“I’ll go there myself.”
Upon entering the corporate building, an unexpected scene unfolded.
The security force was on high alert.
And not just any security, but knights.
“What’s going on with the security knights?”
“Well… Lord Van reported that there’s a warlock here at the corporation.”
“What did you say?”
Emily wore a bewildered expression.
Unable to find fault, and now a dark sorcerer? This was unacceptable behavior, even for a trashy Van.
“Van, are you out of your mind?!”
She shouted in anger.
However, instead of reflecting, Van continued with even more insane actions.
“It’s him.”
“…What?”
He pointed a finger, singling out a figure.
None other than the owner of the Altran Corporation.
“This guy is the dark sorcerer.”
“!!”
Everyone burst into laughter.
The seemingly good-natured owner of the corporation was far from being associated with a dark sorcerer.
“Uh, Miss Emily? What is Young Van saying right now? Calling me a dark sorcerer?”
Emily’s eyebrows trembled.
She figured she’d seen the worst of Ban, but turns out there was more disappointment to come.
Van’s absurdity seemed to have no bottom.
“Van, how long are you going to live like this? How much more do I have to witness you like this, Van?”
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