TDS 12

Chapter 12

I also stared at the count’s aide in surprise.
I wondered, What kind of unexpected helper is this?

The aide wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

“I… I’m sorry for hiding it until now. Sir Joseph begged me not to tell Your Excellency.”

* * *

“Such a terrible bed.”

It was already late in the morning, and the sun was high in the sky.

Leo clicked his tongue and kicked off the blanket as he got up.

He had returned home after playing cards until early morning, but he couldn’t fall into a deep sleep like usual.

The old, worn-out bed was uncomfortable and didn’t fit his body at all.

He had been forced to move into this mansion so he wouldn’t lose the allowance he received as a marquis.
But honestly, he didn’t want to live in a house like this for even one more day.

When Leo got out of bed, his long silver hair flowed down beautifully.

Helen and the maids quickly approached him when they noticed he was awake.

“You’re awake, my lord.”

Without answering, Leo drank the water the maids brought him.

The thirst from his hangover disappeared, and his mind felt clearer.

“When will the new bed and furniture I ordered arrive?”

Leo asked irritably.

Helen took a small breath before replying.

“We will replace everything with new furniture today. Tonight you will sleep in a bed even better than the one you used before.”

“That better be true.”

Leo answered sharply and slipped his arms into the silk robe the maids were holding open.

Even though he had just woken up, his skin was glowing and his nose was perfectly shaped.

The maids secretly clicked their tongues in amazement.

How could their master drink like a reckless man every night but still have such perfect skin?

His beauty was brighter than that of most women.
They felt like they would never get used to it.

Life was truly unfair.

“Shall we go straight to the dining hall? We’ll prepare your meal immediately.”

“Do that.”

Leo nodded lightly and left the room.

Every step he took made the wooden floor creak.

Looking around the mansion with dissatisfaction, Leo thought again about how old and shabby it was.

The upper floors hadn’t been used much, so there were still spider webs on the ceiling.

When he reached the first floor, something caught his eye.

“What is that small door that looks like a dog hole?”

Leo frowned deeply.

On the corner of a large wooden door, there was a small oval opening that looked like something a puppy could pass through.

It even had a tiny curtain, which looked quite ridiculous.

Helen answered quickly.

“That was a special door used by Miss Erusha when she was younger. It seems Abbott made it for her.”

“…I see.”

Leo replied uncertainly and started walking again.

“Then that room is Erusha’s room?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“…I see.”

Leo walked toward the dining hall, almost pressing himself against the wall as if he were trying to avoid the door.

Erusha’s room.

The room of the daughter he had ignored until now.

It felt like facing an uncomfortable truth he didn’t want to deal with.

He had been too shocked about moving into this old mansion to realize something obvious:

This was the place where Erusha lived.

He didn’t want to know what it looked like or what was inside—

“Open the door.”

Before he realized it, Leo was already standing in front of Erusha’s room.

It was just curiosity.

A meaningless curiosity about what was behind the closed door.

It definitely wasn’t because he was interested in the child who shared his blood.

The marquis is acting strangely today.

Helen thought it was unusual but didn’t show it. She opened the door.

Leo walked inside, his long silver hair swaying behind him.

* * *

A few seconds of silence passed.

Everyone was shocked by the explosive confession from Count Colson’s aide.

I swallowed nervously, feeling like I had gotten lucky.

Then Duke Shurman finally broke the silence.

“Is it true that Joseph has gambling debts?”

Count Colson stammered in disbelief.

“T-That can’t be. I already paid them off… Don’t tell me you—!”

“That’s not true! Absolutely not!”

Joseph shouted, his face red.

The room became complete chaos.

Because I had often caused tense situations like this in my previous life, the atmosphere strangely felt familiar to me.

The feeling when the truth comes out is thrilling.

Joseph kept denying everything, but no one looked like they believed him anymore.

Joseph slowly stepped backward. When he realized everyone doubted him, he shouted:

“W-Well, you shouldn’t have blocked my bank accounts! You’re the one who pushed me into this situation, Father!”

“W-What?”

“It’s all your fault! How was I supposed to repay all that money?!”

Suddenly—

Joseph turned around and ran out before anyone could stop him.

Huh?!

Someone please catch that idiot!

While I was still shocked—

“Ah… ah…”

Count Colson groaned and grabbed the back of his neck.

People rushed toward him, afraid he might collapse.

Duke Shurman closed his eyes tightly, as if holding back his anger.

His expression clearly seemed to say:

This family’s son is just as useless as mine.

I tugged on his clothes and whispered.

“See, Grandpa? Every house has at least one troublemaker.”

“Ahem.”

Duke Shurman suppressed his anger even more.

Count Colson pushed away the people supporting him.

He suddenly looked like he had aged thirty years.

Then he bowed to Duke Shurman.

The situation had completely reversed.

Now it felt like Duke Shurman held the power.

“I have no words to apologize for showing such a disgraceful scene.”

“Hm… Count Colson. My son still hit your son, so my apology stands. However… seeing this situation makes me wonder whether your son had bad intentions.”

Duke Shurman’s sharp eyes became even sharper.

Since Joseph clearly had huge gambling debts, it was hard not to suspect that he intentionally approached Leo.

“W-Well…”

“But I won’t argue about it. The compensation I brought is still a gesture of goodwill, so please keep it. If you wish to reconsider our business contract, contact me anytime.”

“Your Grace…”

“I think it’s time for me to leave.”

Duke Shurman turned and walked away.

Nocturne and the others from the ducal house followed him.

I followed my grandfather but secretly glanced back.

Count Colson looked deeply moved, as if he had just witnessed a truly generous man.

Wow… look at Grandpa’s generosity.

Joseph clearly tried to cheat him, yet he didn’t even show anger.

Of course, a high noble must maintain dignity.

But it was probably also because their business partnership with the Colson family was important.

As they left the Colson estate, Duke Shurman asked Nocturne:

“Was Count Colson’s son always addicted to gambling?”

“That’s what I’ve heard. The count paid off his debts several times. If it weren’t for their chandelier business, the family would have gone bankrupt long ago.”

“Hm. Seems like that bad habit will never change.”

Duke Shurman clicked his tongue.

I didn’t miss my chance.

I quickly ran in front of him and blocked his path.

Surprised, Duke Shurman almost stumbled before stopping.

“Y-You little—!”

I spread my arms and filled my eyes with tears.

I had to achieve my goal.

“I’m sorry, Grandpa. Because of my dad… Please don’t kick him out.”

“You—!”

Duke Shurman pointed at me but suddenly stopped talking.

Maybe it was because I looked so pitiful.

I clasped my hands together like I was praying.

“My dad hitting him was wrong. He hit lots of people before. But this time he was tricked too. Please forgive my dad.”

“……”

Duke Shurman’s mouth opened slightly in shock.

He scolded me sternly.

“Didn’t I say that I alone should apologize for Leonardo’s actions?!”

But I kept begging desperately.

If I wanted to change my villain father, I had to start by apologizing.

“I’ll study hard from now on. I’ll help my dad stop causing trouble for you. So please believe me… Please don’t abandon us.”

Please.