Chapter 36
Chapter 36
Translation: godsn
"Did you find what you were looking for, Your Grace?"
Hessen appeared not long after the attendant had left the study.
"What became of the thief who stole Bill Remmer's money?" Matthias asked, his voice still tinged with amusement.
"The constables came by, but with no solid evidence or witnesses, they've hit a dead end, I'm told."
"And Leila Lewellin's tuition?"
"Lady Norma has expressed her intention to cover the tuition if the thief isn't caught beforehand, and the Young Lady Brandt has voiced the same sentiment. I understand Dr. Etman feels no differently."
As expected, the answers were precisely what he'd anticipated.
Matthias gave a slight nod of his chin and set down the file with another chuckle.
Linda Etman was scheming.
That was the conclusion Matthias had drawn based on the information about the man he'd encountered that morning and that foolish man. He'd thought she would have accepted her son's marriage by now, but Mrs. Etman's obsession seemed far more venomous and tenacious than he'd expected. Of course, whatever her feelings, they were of no concern to Matthias.
What was amusing was Leila Lewellin. A woman who knew nothing yet wore the face of someone who knew everything in the world. Perhaps it was time to start calling her an idiot.
"If Your Grace's intentions differ, perhaps—"
Misinterpreting Matthias's silence as disagreement, Hessen cautiously broached the subject.
"No."
Matthias cut him off, his voice still laced with amusement.
"I respect Grandmother and Mother's wishes. I have no objections."
The moment he gave that answer, Matthias was certain. There was no way Linda Etman hadn't accounted for this possibility.
The chess piece she'd pushed forward with money had been shoddy, but her plan itself was quite systematic and bold. She wasn't foolish enough to be unaware that there were plenty of people willing to cover Leila Lewellin's lost tuition. She would have realized that just by looking at her own husband.
So then, what was her real goal?
Matthias lightly stroked his chin as he sank into thought.
Even if she hid the tuition money, she must know it wouldn't stop Leila from going to university with Kyle Etman. So why go through all this trouble?
It felt like facing an intriguing puzzle, and Matthias's crooked smile deepened.
"Assign someone to Mrs. Etman."
Matthias slowly crossed his legs. His expression, no longer smiling, was oddly serene in contrast to the command his lips had uttered.
"Mrs. Etman? Surely you don't mean the wife of Dr. Etman, the family physician?"
"Yes. Linda Etman. The doctor's wife."
The excessively mundane answer only flustered Hessen further.
"Just report one thing."
Matthias leaned back languidly against the sofa, a soft smile playing at his lips.
"Whether Mrs. Etman meets with Leila Lewellin separately, and if so, what they discuss."
The constables returned to Arvis the next morning. Instead of heading straight to the cabin as before, they came to the ducal residence. Coincidentally, it was just as Matthias was descending the staircase leading to the lobby hall.
"Good day, Your Grace. We must apologize for the intrusion due to the theft case."
The silver-haired man leading the group of constables bowed with impeccable courtesy. Matthias halted his steps at the center of the hall. Claudine and the servants following him stopped a few paces behind.
"They've requested to search for witnesses once more," Hessen quietly informed him as he approached. Matthias gave a gracious nod in response.
"Certainly. As much as you need."
"Thank you, Your Grace."
As the lead inspector bowed with perfect decorum, the younger officers behind him hastily lowered their heads as well.
"Ah, Your Grace."
The silver-haired inspector, who had been slowly raising his head, called out to stop Matthias just as he was about to pass by them. When Matthias turned to look at him, his gaze remained unshaken and calm.
"By any chance, did you witness any unfamiliar individuals in the territory that morning?"
Though he seemed to hesitate momentarily, the inspector posed his question with grave sincerity. Matthias slowly turned his full body toward him.
I did see.
Instead of that simple answer, Matthias responded with an elegant smile.
He considered all the things he could do for Leila Lewellin.
What if he allowed Mrs. Etman's tearful efforts—her desperate attempt to prevent her son's marriage by exploiting her bankrupt cousin—to be exposed at this point?
If Linda Etman hadn't yet revealed the true blade she'd pointed at Leila, the worst could still be prevented. There would be an uproar, but it would eventually settle, and since Dr. Etman and his son's resolve was firm, the wedding would proceed. Once it reached that stage, Mrs. Etman would have no choice but to resign herself to it.
And after that...
Matthias leisurely lifted his gaze to observe the glow of the chandelier.
Leila Lewellin, having seized the greatest fortune of her life, would live happily.
With their newlywed home established in Latz, Mrs. Etman's meddling would hardly reach them, and the doctor's son would surely become a devoted husband who cherished his wife wholeheartedly. Within that love, Leila could immerse herself in the studies she adored. She was clever—perhaps she might even become quite a respectable scholar.
Matthias shifted his gaze to the coat of arms carved into the high ceiling beyond the light.
Of course, if he were willing to endure a bit of inconvenience, he could find her an even better solution. Before Linda Etman sought out Leila, Matthias could meet with Linda Etman first. If she knew all her schemes had already been exposed to him, she would likely choose to quietly tidy things up, if only to preserve the barest shred of dignity.
Yes. That would be the path that minimized Leila's wounds.
Matthias faced the inspector again. The man looked rather tense, as if he'd interpreted Matthias's silence as reproach for his impropriety.
He knew exactly what Leila's happiness looked like. And the things he could do for Leila Lewellin were nothing more than the flick of a finger to Matthias.
But—so what?
Matthias's lips reclaimed their smile.
So what? What exactly is your happiness to me?
All that remains for me are seasons where roses bloom without you. A fissure in this otherwise flawless world of mine.
"None."
Matthias's reply to the inspector was low and dry. He, and of course the watching servants, finally allowed themselves to show relief.
"Ah, yes. Thank you for your generous understanding, Your Grace. We overstepped, just in case."
At the inspector's apologetic words, Matthias graciously nodded. Encouraged by his cooperative demeanor, the man then posed the same question to Claudine standing behind Matthias.
"By any chance, my lady, have you witnessed any unfamiliar individuals?"
"No."
Claudine answered without much thought.
"Unfortunately, I don't have any information that could assist you either."
After briefly glancing at Matthias, Claudine faced the inspector with a sweet smile.
As Matthias resumed his previously halted steps, the stifling atmosphere finally dissipated. The inspectors left to question the servants, and Matthias boarded the carriage waiting outside the entrance.
"You haven't forgotten our promise, have you?"
Claudine gently reminded him of their afternoon plans. After tea together, they were to join Liet for dinner.
"Of course I remember, Young Lady."
At Matthias's reply, Claudine's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
The carriage carrying Matthias soon departed the mansion. As the carriage passed the lane leading to the family doctor's house after exiting the estate grounds, Matthias cast a quiet gaze out the window.
He hoped Linda Etman would provide more amusement than expected. As trivial as her assistance and observation had been, she surely deserved at least that much in return.
Linda Etman wore a modest lavender dress. Her makeup was light, and she had chosen a hat that was dignified yet understated.
This was an occasion where she must neither appear too extravagant nor too shabby. After meticulously examining her reflection in the mirror one last time, Mrs. Etman stepped out of her bedroom with measured footsteps. Today, she had chosen to walk rather than take a carriage.
This was a meeting that must go unseen. With that in mind, she had personally stopped by the cabin to meet Leila and had carefully selected the meeting location as well.
Waiting for the stagecoach at the station, Mrs. Etman was briefly lost in thought. But the wheels were already in motion. There was no turning back now—she could only move forward.
It was for Kyle.
By the time she had steeled her resolve, the stagecoach arrived. Mrs. Etman let out a silent sigh as she boarded.
For Kyle's sake, she could do anything. Even if it meant becoming a villain herself.
The tea room Mrs. Etman had suggested was located somewhat removed from the bustling streets. Arriving earlier than the appointed time, Leila sat by the sunlit window seat, waiting for Mrs. Etman.
Across the narrow street, barely wide enough for a single carriage to pass, stood a row of brick buildings blanketed in ivy. The shops there, with their modest signs, looked appropriately weathered and unassuming.
This tea room was no exception. Faded awnings, a worn-out display window, and tablecloths still bearing tea stains—it hardly seemed like a place that would suit Mrs. Etman's tastes.
So why had she chosen it?
Though puzzled, Leila decided not to speculate. The more she thought, the more her anxiety and unease would grow. Her heart was already weary from the theft, and she had no desire to add unnecessary worries to it.
Perhaps Mrs. Etman simply wanted a quiet place where they could speak privately. There must be much to discuss, and besides...
Leila's trailing thoughts were momentarily interrupted by the clear chime of the doorbell. Assuming it must be Mrs. Etman, she sprang to her feet—only to see a young gentleman enter the tea room instead. Dressed in a neat suit and a bowler hat, he seated himself at a diagonally placed table and unfolded a newspaper.
Leila sat back down and absently stared at the tea stains on the tablecloth.
She had visited the police station again today, but nothing had changed. One sympathetic officer had whispered to her that without witnesses or evidence, catching the thief might prove difficult. He advised her to focus on finding someone to lend her the tuition money rather than clinging to futile hope.
Was that what she should do?
Dr. Etman, of course, as well as Mrs. Mona from the ducal household and even Claudine, had all offered to cover her tuition. This morning, Mrs. Mona had even stopped by. She had kindly comforted Leila and Bill, assuring them not to worry—if the thief wasn't caught, the servants of Arvis would pool their money to gather the tuition.
Everyone was so kind, and that only made her heart heavier.
Just as a sigh threatened to escape from the depths of her gloom, the doorbell chimed again. Leila reflexively rose and turned toward the entrance.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Etman."
Leila offered a faint smile and bowed her head. This time, it was truly Mrs. Etman standing at the open door.