Adele was all set to dip into her private stash to reward the servants, but Molly, ever the voice of reason, reminded her, "But Miss, the school has strict rules against using personal funds to support the farm. It's considered cheating."
Adele straightened up, her face serious. "How could I forget? Of course, I won't use my own money!"
But then, what would she use?
Molly watched as Adele, who had just adamantly refuted her, quickly fell into thought, struggling to find a solution. It was hard not to laugh, but Molly held it in, committed to maintaining her cool, aloof persona. After all, staying in character was a matter of principle.
Molly cleared her throat and gently suggested, "Even if you can't use your own money, there's always the estate's funds... or perhaps Oakham's..."
As soon as Molly mentioned Oakham, Adele's eyes lit up. Of course! With Oakham dead, his hidden stash was up for grabs. It could be used to fund the farm's improvements or even as rewards for the servants. Adele, being a responsible and ethical noble, would likely reinvest everything back into the farm's development.
Excited, Adele was ready to dash off and claim Oakham's hidden stash, but she remembered her promise to tour the estate with Molly first. So, she reluctantly held back her enthusiasm, though her impatience was obvious as she began to hurry through the tour. Molly, however, mischievously slowed her pace, stopping occasionally to comment on Oakham's gaudy taste in décor, much to Adele's growing frustration.
As they wandered through the estate, Adele occasionally encountered servants going about their duties. Their reactions varied—some were fearful, others grateful, and a few were downright sycophantic, hoping to gain favor with their new mistress. Adele, ever the picture of nobility, regained her composure each time, responding to their greetings with a dignified nod.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to Adele, Molly relented. "We've seen most of the estate, Miss. Shall we ask Bella to show us Oakham's room?"
Adele shook her head, determined. "No need, I know where it is. And Molly, don't call him 'sir.' He doesn't deserve that title."
"Of course, Miss."
Both Adele and Molly knew exactly where Oakham's room was—it was the source of the most overwhelming stench of blood. The servants had been too afraid to clean it thoroughly, so the room still reeked of decay. The smell was almost unbearable, but Adele, driven by the promise of treasure, pushed forward.
At the door, she hesitated, not wanting Molly to experience the horror inside. "Molly, you stay here."
Molly, curious about the contents of Oakham's stash, wanted to go in, but she agreed. "Yes, Miss." Adele stepped inside alone, immediately hit by the nauseating smell. She grimaced but pressed on, determined to find the hidden fortune.
After searching the room, Adele discovered a large wooden chest, locked tight. Using her fire magic, she melted the lock and opened it to reveal a trove of jewels, antiques, and a metal box containing a bankbook. When she saw the staggering amount of money Oakham had hoarded, even Adele was taken aback.
With the treasure in hand, Adele rushed out, grabbing Molly and hurrying back to their room. Once they were safely inside, she showed Molly the riches, particularly the bankbook.
She intended to impress upon Molly how greedy and corrupt Oakham had been, but Molly was too busy silently mourning the loss of the fortune. She had considered sneaking in to claim the stash for herself, knowing it could fund countless operations for the human resistance. But she knew Adele would use the money for the farm's benefit, which was a noble cause in itself.
Adele, unaware of Molly's internal struggle, started sorting through the valuables, setting aside the jewels and cash for immediate use. She planned to withdraw a portion of the funds from the bank later, intending to reinvest everything into the estate and farm.
As she worked, Molly prepared a fresh cup of tea, this time with sugar. Adele, feeling mentally exhausted, gratefully accepted the tea and took a sip. After writing for a while longer, Adele suddenly remembered something. "Molly, you haven't eaten anything since last night, have you? You must be starving."
Molly was indeed hungry, though she could easily go without food for a long time. But the thought of a meal was too tempting, so she nodded, "I am."
Adele looked apologetic. "I've kept you so busy that you haven't had a chance to eat. It's all Oakham's fault."
In truth, Adele was partly to blame for keeping Molly so occupied. But hearing Adele's concern, Molly felt her mood lift. She assumed Adele would now suggest she go eat alone, but Adele surprised her by saying, "Let's go eat together. I'm done with my work for now."
Molly was taken aback. If Adele accompanied her to the servants' dining hall, it would make everyone there too nervous to eat. But Adele was insistent, and in the end, Molly had no choice but to take her along.