After enjoying the rowboat together, we made our way toward the lord’s mansion. From the lake, we walked through the streets of the town.
“Shun-oniichan, what do you think he wants to talk about?”
“Most likely… about the deputy manager we met at the cottage yesterday.”
“The one who was mean to Shiro.”
The reason we were called to the mansion was almost certainly because of that arrogant deputy manager. There was no other reason we’d be called to the mansion after all.
It took us about thirty minutes on foot before the mansion finally came into view. We were shown directly into a reception room. And before we had even settled in, the lord himself entered the room without a moment’s delay.
“I’m sure you already know why you were called here. It concerns the deputy manager at the cottage. I wish to offer my formal apology, as well as explain the current state of the investigation.”
As expected, the reason we had been summoned was because of that deputy manager. He’d only been arrested yesterday, so this was bound to be a preliminary report.
“That man bows and acts humbly towards his superiors, but the moment he finds himself above others, he struts around and acts all bossy. This time as well—taking advantage of the manager’s absence while he was on leave—he acted as though the place were his own.”
“And by bad luck, that was exactly when we showed up, and ended up as his targets.”
“Precisely. He fawned over wealthy guests, but treated ordinary ones with arrogance and disdain.”
Hearing the lord speak, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my boss in my previous life. That man too had been just like the deputy manager—shifting his attitude entirely depending on who he was dealing with.
“Several of the staff had sided with the deputy manager as well. During questioning, evidence of embezzlement came to light. Truly disgraceful.”
“They even summoned the chef from the nobles’ cottages without permission yesterday… Perhaps they had been running wild behind the manager’s back all along.”
“The likelihood is high. Of course, audits are supposed to catch such misconduct. But it seems those conducting the inspections were bribed and entertained into looking the other way.”
It was larger in scale than I had imagined. But whatever the investigation ultimately uncovered, that deputy manager’s career was as good as finished.
“You’ll be leaving tomorrow for the Northern Margrave’s domain, right? Then I’ll see that the results of the investigation are forwarded directly to the Margrave himself. A scandal involving a noble’s daughter must be treated with due gravity.”
“I understand. Thank you for going out of your way.”
“We appreciate the trouble you’re taking. Thank you very much.”
And with that, the matter of the deputy manager was laid to rest.
Our conversation then shifted to affairs concerning the Northern Margrave’s household.
“I heard the margrave’s family is expecting their first grandchild. I’d like you to deliver my gift to them. Consider this an official commission.”
“Understood. As it happens, we’ve already prepared a present of our own, so we’ll deliver them together.”
“That will be a great help. I’ve already made the purchase, so you can collect it before you depart.”
This sort of request was hardly a problem. I glanced to my side—Sue gave a small nod of agreement.
“Munch, munch, munch.”
Meanwhile, Shiro and the others had their cheeks stuffed full of the sweets laid out on the table. Only Ao was listening properly.
It was about time Shiro started paying attention too…
And so, the troubles in the viscountcy had at last been settled.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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