On the road to Rayfold, Belinda asked,
"But are you really not getting a gift? Are we just going like this?"
"…Fine, maybe I'll buy a flower or two."
"You haven't seen her in a while. Do you think that's enough? She probably won't be pleased."
"I don't care. I have no desire to impress her."
"Hmm…"
Ghislain was sincere.
In his previous life, when he knew nothing, he had been captivated by the pretty Amelia and was always anxious to make a good impression on her.
But now, he had no interest in maintaining a relationship with a woman who would inevitably become his future enemy. Nor did he care to stay engaged to her.
'This time, I'll make sure she can't blow money like that.'
If one doesn't achieve financial independence, military strength alone is meaningless.
War consumes vast amounts of money and resources. Without the funds to maintain an army, it's as good as having no army at all.
Hadn't he felt this all too keenly in his past life, when he was constantly up against the kingdom's endless supplies?
With no money to properly feed or arm the soldiers, there was little he could do, no matter what he tried.
'I need to act faster.'
Returning to the past was good, but the current situation was not favorable.
This was the time when the Delphine Duchy had already started to extend its influence over most territories and was beginning to make serious moves in the North.
Killing Elena had been part of that plan.
Ghislain tried to suppress the growing sense of urgency.
'Amelia, if you don't want to be humiliated, you'd better cough up plenty.'
The horse carrying him galloped tirelessly toward the Rayfold estate.
Thinking of how much he could squeeze out of Amelia lightened his heavy heart just a little.
***
The group arrived safely at Rayfold Castle.
Aside from being covered in dust after days of riding, no other issues arose.
As Ghislain headed straight toward the main gate of the castle, Belinda stopped him.
"Aren't you going to clean up? You're covered in dust and dirt. Miss Amelia will dislike it."
"I told you, I don't need to impress her."
"Huh, what's with the sudden change?"
Belinda looked at Ghislain's retreating figure, bewildered.
It was hard to believe this was the same man who, only a few months ago, would blush at the mere mention of Amelia's name.
"Going for the 'bad guy' vibe, are you? Right now, you just look like a dirty guy…"
"Enough. Still, since it's been a while, maybe I'll get her a little gift."
Ghislain walked toward Rayfold Castle, carrying only a simple bouquet he had bought from the market.
"Halt! What is your business here?"
The guards stopped Ghislain with a relaxed expression.
His small entourage and dusty appearance made it hard for them to recognize him as a noble.
Belinda immediately stepped forward.
Unlike her usual playful self, she adopted a serious and dignified demeanor.
"This is Young Lord Ghislain from the Perdium territory, here to meet his fiancée, Miss Amelia. Kindly inform her of his arrival."
It was customary for nobles to have their attendants announce them.
Ghislain simply watched as Belinda handled it.
"Lord Ghislain?"
The guards had an awkward look.
They had heard the rumors about Amelia's pathetic fiancé.
Belinda frowned at their hesitation.
"What are you waiting for? Announce us at once."
"Yes, ma'am."
One of the guards turned toward the castle, muttering a silent curse under his breath.
After a short while, he returned, looking troubled.
"Uh… The young lady is unwell and regrets to inform you that she cannot meet with you at this time."
Before he finished speaking, Belinda's eyes flashed with fury as she approached him.
"The young lord has come in person, and you tell him to leave without even granting him an audience or a place to rest? Do you think the Perdium Family is so insignificant?"
The guard stammered. Frankly, they did consider it insignificant, but he couldn't say that out loud.
"It's not that… The young lady…"
"Hey!"
As Belinda unleashed a formidable aura, the guard paled, shrinking back in fear.
'What is this? She looks like a maid, but her presence… Is she a secret escort?'
The guard trembled under the overwhelming pressure. Finally, Ghislain stepped forward.
"That's enough, Belinda."
"But, young master…"
"It's fine. I'll handle this now."
Ghislain dismissed Belinda and leaned close to the guard, speaking quietly.
"Tell them I have something to discuss about the merchant guild. If I'm sent away like this, who knows what I might say. I'm not exactly the tight-lipped type."
"Yes, sir. Understood."
The guard scurried back into the castle.
Moments later, he returned, breathless, bowing to Ghislain.
"The young lady has agreed to receive you. Please, come inside."
Belinda widened her eyes and looked at Ghislain, curious about what he'd said to change their minds so quickly.
Ghislain smirked and whispered to her,
"She must like me. Ah, the burden of popularity."
"Oh, where did this sudden confidence come from?"
Belinda rolled her eyes, chiding Ghislain for his cockiness. Still, she found it much better than his constant irritability of the past.
They were led to an opulent reception hall. Ghislain couldn't help but glance around in admiration as they walked.
'Wow, they're certainly wealthy. Coming here was a good idea. I bet I can secure a substantial development fund.'
Unlike the rough Perdium Castle, Rayfold Castle was beautifully decorated with expensive materials everywhere. It was clearly a wealthy estate.
While Belinda and the knights waited in an adjacent room, Ghislain was left alone to await Amelia.
'She's taking her time. I guess my words left her with a lot to think about.'
Amelia kept him waiting for quite a while.
Just as he was starting to grow bored after emptying his teacup, the door to the reception room opened, and a woman entered.
Her light brown hair flowed elegantly over her shoulders. Her slightly downcast eyes and raised chin gave her a cold and haughty impression.
Ghislain's fiancée, Amelia Rayfold.
Meow.
A cat followed her in, its tail held high.
This cat, called 'Bastet', has a flexible body and short gray fur with a blue tint.
Just like her owner, Amelia, she exuded an elegant and dignified aura from her expression to her every gait.
"Long time no see, Amelia. Did you miss me? And your cat—what was its name again?"
His playful greeting was met with nothing but a raised eyebrow from Amelia.
'Who does he think he is, calling me by my name and acting all familiar? "Did I miss him?" What a joke! This lowly fool who guards the outskirts… Is he crazy?'
When she first heard that Ghislain had come, Amelia scoffed and ordered him to be turned away.
There was no need to entertain someone who showed up unannounced, especially someone as dim-witted as Ghislain.
She had no intention of meeting him but had reluctantly allowed him entry after the message he sent.
'What on earth does he know?'
Her work with the merchant guild was a well-kept secret. It wasn't just a simple business venture.
As if unaware of her inner turmoil, Ghislain continued with a cheerful smile.
"Your birthday is coming up, isn't it? Here, I got you a gift."
He handed her the bouquet, and a flash of disdain crossed Amelia's face.
'Is this what he brought me as a gift? For me, Amelia Rayfold?'
She had never received such a lowly gift in her life. No one had ever dared give her something so cheap.
Not that she particularly valued material things, but just seeing Ghislain offer her such a pathetic gift was infuriating.
The cat, Bastet, even let out an annoyed meow as if it shared her displeasure.
Amelia walked over and took the bouquet from him with a graceful stride.
"Thank you. They're lovely flowers. But they'll wither soon enough. There's no need to keep them."
She tossed the bouquet into the corner of the reception room.
Her actions were an intentional insult that would be particularly offensive to a noble, who valued honor above all else.
Normally, she wouldn't act this way. But she wanted to provoke him, to make him lose his composure.
Yet Ghislain merely shrugged, leaning back casually on the sofa.
"Our territory is poor, so I can't afford lavish gifts. But it's the thought that counts! It's the thought!"
Amelia smirked, her tone mocking.
"Even if your territory is poor, that's not something to be proud of. Isn't it shameful? And if you want to show sincerity, the value of the gift matters. True intentions aren't expressed with garbage."
Amelia hurled harsh words at him, hoping to provoke a reaction.
Normally, she was composed and unemotional, but she felt desperate to gauge just how much he knew.
Ghislain, however, replied calmly, as if unfazed by the insult.
"Poverty isn't shameful. Dishonest acts are. I thought about starting a bandit gang, but I decided against it. After all, there's no need to do anything disgraceful."
It was a loaded statement. Amelia's face hardened.
His demeanor and actions suggested that he knew something.
'His attitude is different from before. He's never shown this kind of confidence. What happened?'
Not long ago, Ghislain couldn't hide his infatuation with her.
He was always flustered, never daring to speak first.
Now, however, he didn't seem interested in her approval. Instead, he acted indifferent.
His sudden change in demeanor only heightened her suspicion.
"Fine. Why did you ask to meet? Let's get to the point."
"I like that you're direct. I need some money. I'm in a bit of a tight spot."
Ghislain winked, forming a circle with his fingers.
Amelia was momentarily stunned.
Who asks for money so boldly and arrogantly?
"Ha, is that why you came to see me? Asking your fiancée for money? You must have no pride."
Ghislain shook his head, feigning regret.
"No, no, you misunderstood. I'm not asking to borrow it."
"Then what is it?"
He leaned closer and whispered.
"I'm asking you to give it to me. We're close enough for that, aren't we?"
"…"
"You'll help me out, right?"
As Amelia listened, she made a firm decision.
She had to end this engagement immediately.
[T/L: Please support me and read extra chapters here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]