Crunch, crunch.
Sitting in the garden, Bibi couldn't hide her anxiety as she gnawed on her fingernails. It was hardly a proper habit for a noble lady.
I observed her from a distance before approaching her leisurely.
"Is something the matter, Sister-in-law?"
"Baron...! You're here! I've been waiting for you!"
Ever since the day Bibi borrowed money from me to buy earrings, her vanity had grown rapidly with each passing day.
I sold her not only precious metals but also dresses, food, perfumes, cosmetics every imaginable luxury. I dangled the bait of a special 50% discount, claiming it was because she would soon become family.
From a certain point, she began demanding money from me first. Her reasons varied: a trendy dress was all the rage, and she'd be ostracized if she didn't wear it; a merchant from the southern tip of the kingdom was selling luxury cars, essential for tea time; and so on.
Like a fool, I smiled and lent her the money interest-free, meticulously drawing up contracts for each loan.
"Sister-in-law, please calm down and let's talk rationally. You seem incredibly anxious... Is it perhaps because of His Majesty the King's birthday celebration at the Royal Palace tomorrow?"
"No! Actually, I'm supposed to go on a picnic with some noble youths this afternoon."
"That sounds delightful. Do you perhaps lack a dress suitable for the picnic?"
"I've already chosen the dress I'll wear. The problem is..."
Bibi glanced at my face. I immediately sensed it was a financial matter.
"What's the problem?"
"...Haa. Baron, please hear me out. I need your help."
"We have plenty of time until this afternoon. Please speak freely."
I nodded along, listening to Bibi's story.
Yesterday, at the banquet she'd been invited to, Bibi met a nobleman: Basiv Meikeld. He was young, handsome, and held the title of Baron. According to Bibi, he was courteous and silver-tongued. A member of a fallen noble clan, his lifelong goal was to restore his family's prestige.
Recently, Baron Basiv Meikeld had become the talk of the town among the young ladies.
I knew him too. He was a character from the original work, though just a fleeting extra I never paid much attention to.
To put it bluntly, Basiv Meikeld was a con man.
There's no reason for me to expose Basiv Meikeld's true nature. In fact, this situation works to my advantage.
I continued listening to Bibi's words.
"Baron Meikeld is preparing a business venture. Several young ladies and I have agreed to invest, but... I don't have any funds."
"Why not ask the Marquis for assistance?"
"Father would never approve. Many nobles have approached our clan seeking investments, but none have ever succeeded in securing any funds. This time will be no different."
"Investment funds... So the Young Lady is seeking a loan from me. You haven't forgotten that your current debt stands at 320 million Ners, have you?"
She flinched.
The precise amount of her debt made her tremble momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure.
She was a noble, and a member of the Heollis Family at that. She likely considered 300 million Ners a manageable sum. In truth, the Marquis had the ability to repay it instantly, though she would face a severe scolding in the process.
"I'm aware. And according to the contract, there's no interest, correct?"
"Yes, we even drafted a formal agreement. Rest assured, I have no intention of charging interest. Or rather, the contract forbids it."
As I said this with a smile, she relaxed and replied, "I need 500 million Ners."
"...500 million Ners... That's far more than I expected."
"But you can lend it to me, Baron. You're a figure of such stature that you even conduct business with my father."
"You flatter me. Lending 500 million Ners isn't difficult. If I have about two weeks..."
"What? Two weeks?! You can't lend it to me right away?"
"Even I don't carry such a large sum of money on hand."
Bibi's eyes widened, and her body trembled slightly.
"But two weeks! I'm supposed to sign the contract with Baron Meikeld this afternoon! You have the Korea Merchant Guild, Baron. If this investment succeeds, we'll see returns within six months, and I can repay all my debts to you by then! Isn't there anything you can do?!"
"Even I can't just freely use the Korea Merchant Guild's funds. To withdraw money from the guild, we need to go through proper channels. Though, technically, I'm not officially the guild's master..."
"Please... I beg you, Baron. I've already told Baron Meikeld and the other nobles... If this falls through, I'll be branded a liar. My reputation will be ruined, and I might be forever ostracized from high society... Please..."
Bibi choked back tears. While it was unlikely she'd be ostracized over such a minor matter, her naivety led her to genuinely believe she would be.
"Sigh. I suppose I have no choice. I'll find a way to secure the 500 million Ners."
"Thank you! Baron Prucus!"
"There's one condition."
"A condition...?"
"What exactly did Merikeld say about the investment? Giving 500 million Ners without clear information would make even me hesitate."
"Th-that's... Baron Merikeld told me not to tell anyone..."
"Is that so? Then consider the money off the table."
I turned away without a second thought. Bibi, the one without the money, was the one who would regret this, not me.
"W-wait! Baron! I'll tell you! I'll tell you everything!"
I turned back to look at her.
"Tell me, Sister-in-law."
"It's a medicinal herb cultivation project! He said he'd found land perfect for growing these herbs. I've seen and even tasted the herbs Baron Meikeld brought their effects were incredible! Baron Meikeld's venture is bound to succeed!"
Hearing her words, I felt relieved.
That bastard is exactly as he was in the Original Work. He hasn't changed at all because of me.
In the Original Work, even years from now, this con man would still be peddling his herbal scams, boldly targeting Kyle after he became Count Prucus. Kyle would expose the fraud, confiscate the swindler's assets, and bring him to justice.
"But you actually tasted it yourself?"
"Yes! It was so incredibly bitter it made my eyes water, but as soon as I swallowed it, I felt a surge of energy!"
"Oh, impressive!"
Impressive my ass.
The bastard had laced it with a mild narcotic, likely one not widely known in the Rapelli Kingdom.
You might think people wouldn't fall for something so obvious, but...
Even in the real world, people fall for absurd scams. I vaguely recalled seeing an online news article about over a hundred people in Korea being victimized by voice phishing scams every day.
I reached out and firmly gripped Bibi's small shoulder. She flinched but couldn't shake off my hand. She knew better than to offend me. I massaged her shoulder as I spoke.
"I'll return in an hour. Given the large sum of money involved, I need time to prepare."
"Yes, Baron. I'm counting on you."
"Let's draw up a contract. But are you absolutely sure you don't want to inform His Excellency the Marquis? If you're uncomfortable speaking to him, I could handle it on your behalf..."
"Oh, no! Father must never find out! He'll be furious, like a demon! Baron, you absolutely mustn't tell him!"
"If you insist so strongly... Very well."
"Baron, your hand..."
"Ah! I accidentally touched your armpit, Sister-in-law! My apologies!"
"I-it's alright."
After parting from Bibi, I headed toward the parked carriage. Yuria, who had been secretly following me, emerged from the shadows.
I gave the coachman some money and asked him to buy various fruits. Then I glanced around. No one was in sight.
I pointed to a large tree beside the carriage. Yuria immediately understood my intention, leaned against the tree with both hands, and thrust her hips back.
I lifted her skirt to her waist, revealing the wanton white lingerie clinging to her ample hips. The crotch of her panties was split open, exposing her anus and pussy.
I stroked her pussy with my finger and asked Yuria, "Yuria, you have 500 million Ners, right?"
"Ugh... Yes? It's in the shadows. I can access up to 3.1 billion Ners immediately. Ahh..."
"Good. Let's kill an hour then."
An hour later.
I handed Bibi 500 million Ners.
"Thank you so much, Baron! I'll repay the debt within six months!"
"It's 820 million Ners. Don't forget this isn't a small sum."
"Don't worry! Baron Meikeld's business ventures are bound to succeed!"
Those were Bibi's words to me before she left for her picnic. I couldn't understand how she could trust such a swindler so completely.
"Anyway, that's the plan all set."
The birthday of the eighth King, Corocalis Rapheli, was a grand festival in the Royal Capital. The royal family provided wine and meat for the commoners, who celebrated the King's birth.
I headed to the Royal Palace with my father, Antion, my mother, Elaine, and my brother, Gent. Though servants were allowed, the number was limited to two knights, Elaine's maid, and my personal maid, Yuria.
The banquet was said to last three days and nights without pause.
"..."
Just before entering the banquet hall, I locked eyes with Gent. He glared at me with a predatory intensity, as if he wanted to devour me whole. I responded with a leisurely smirk, twisting the corner of my mouth upward.
He must know I've been visiting the Heollis Family every day.
I glanced into the banquet hall, teeming with hundreds of nobles. Royal Palace butlers and maids moved with practiced precision, while the nobles gathered in clusters, conversing animatedly.
Less than 30% of these nobles are worth my attention.
My gaze swept the room until it landed on a group of young nobles clustered around a central figure.
He was a young man with a short beard, tall and radiating a warm, friendly smile. He exuded an aura of genuine kindness and approachability.
The original work described him as someone who reminded you of a hero from a story... But seeing him in person, he's rather underwhelming.
Basiv Meikeld.
Outwardly a fallen noble, he was actually Rohad, a con man who had stolen the identity of a deceased aristocrat.
Might as well get a good look at this con man's face...
Just as I was about to approach Meikeld, someone approached me.
"Baron Sung Yujin Prucus. I'd like to have a word with you. Do you have a moment?"
A middle-aged man with silver-blue hair and piercing blue eyes approached me. Dressed in pristine white, he was a handsome man with a cold, imposing demeanor.
Marcellus Helbrit.
Prime Minister and Duke of the Rapelli Kingdom.
Yuria's biological father and the target of her vengeance. Facing him directly, he exuded a sharp, piercing aura.
I tensed slightly. Though his gaze was fixed on me, he couldn't possibly be unaware that his true target was Yuria. Yuria kept her eyes lowered, her composure unwavering despite facing her mortal enemy.
Just as I was about to speak, Antion, who was standing nearby, intervened.
"Prime Minister Helbrit, what business do you have with my son?"
"...Count Prucus. This is a personal matter. It's none of your concern."
"..."
Their subtle clash of wills began, the tense atmosphere instantly spreading to the surrounding area.
I quickly stepped between them.
"Father, I'll go speak with His Excellency the Prime Minister for a moment."
"...Very well," Antion replied with a heavy nod, his eyes never leaving Makellos. This was unexpected. I never imagined Antion would be so wary of Makellos.
"Baron Prucus, this place is too noisy for a quiet conversation. I'll escort you to the reception room. Follow me."
"Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister."
I followed him, glancing back at Yuria. Her expression and demeanor were as composed as ever.
Yet I sensed her heightened tension. Usually, her gaze would be fixed on me, but now it was focused on the back of Makellos's neck.