I Did a Good Job For the Villain's Early Education - Chapter 51.2
Chapter 51.2
“I cannot agree to hand over the land. Please convey my apologies.”
“Huh?”
“As I thought… You won’t agree?”
Dane spoke again, politely but firmly. “This place is precious to our family. I must decline the offer.”
The gazes of the two guests, who had been observing the situation, met. After a brief exchange of glances, they looked at their friend’s father with a strange glint in their eyes.
“Is that truly the Baron’s decision?”
“Yes.”
“…Understood. I will convey your message.”
“Safe travels.”
The attendant left the dining room, looking displeased. As he disappeared completely, the subtle tension in the air dissipated. Except for one person.
“But…but it’s His Majesty’s command! Can we refuse?”
“Since he requested consent, acceptance isn’t mandatory.”
“But still! What if…what if there are repercussions…” Noltie, who had been silent as a clam, nervously tapped her fork. “Goodness, how could they… I apologize, but I have a headache. I’ll excuse myself.”
“A headache. The sign of all ailments.”
With Noltie and Sedna leaving one after another, the dining room became even more awkward.
“What’s gotten into Father?”
Half a letter. Aside from a single line of greetings, the contents consisted solely of the location and area of the land the Baron family was expected to offer. A part of the mansion’s garden. There…
‘…is the peach tree.’
The place filled with Dane Delaphion’s romantic memories.
‘Well, at least we didn’t lose it.’
If the King had wanted the mansion itself instead of the garden, the Baron would have gladly given it away. Avel breathed a sigh of relief and muttered, “D*mn royals.”
“Sister.”
“If they’re royals, so be it, but are they thugs? Why demand someone else’s land? Just because the history books call them descendants of the sun, do they think they’re something special?”
“Avel, the First Prince is also present…”
“It’s alright. Isn’t it true?”
Everyone glanced at Cheza, but he, the subject of the conversation, simply nodded in agreement.
“They’re trying every trick in the book to grab some money.”
“And what kind of Duke is he, with that red hair…”
“You never know. He might have his own reasons.”
“At least they pretend to ask the Baron’s opinion.”
Cardel chuckled, swirling her glass.
“What about the others?”
“They’ll probably bulldoze everything for a pittance.”
The area slated for redevelopment was a residential area, including a part of the Baron’s estate. A place where those who had recently arrived in the capital, those who had nothing, mostly resided.
“Then those people will have nowhere to go? Even though their jobs are here?”
“I’ve never thought about it. I suppose so.”
Pink eyelashes cast a delicate shadow.
“Father, about my birthday present…”
“I haven’t prepared anything yet because of the rush, but let’s go to the market tomorrow.”
“No, not that.”
“Then what?”
“I suddenly have a favor to ask.”
Avel smiled as brightly as a May stream. Although no one here took that smile at face value.
***
Having obtained what she wanted, regardless of anyone’s trust, Avel was beaming. An unknown hum filled the drawing-room. Only she, Cheza, and Cardel remained.
“What did you ask the Baron for?”
“It’s a secret.”
“Between us?”
“What are we to each other?”
“….”
“How many gifts did you prepare? It’ll take all day.”
“Use the servants. Or unpack tomorrow.”
“No way. This kind of thing needs to be checked with your own hands. I packed all this for you.”
Cardel, on the verge of sulking, sat close to Avel and pointed to each item. “This is a bracelet made of rubies and coral. That’s a summer hat. And that’s a dress for going out.”
“How did you know my size?”
“Remember when you had your work dress fitted at our mansion? You haven’t grown an inch since then.”
“I’ve grown at least a bit.”
“No way… Think carefully.”
Cardel seriously assessed Avel’s height and shook his head. “You haven’t grown.”
“Your Highness!”
“Huh?”
“Your Highness, what do you think? Have I grown?”
“Why are you asking him! Of course, you’re taller than you were five years ago!”
“You have grown, but… you used to be quite tall for your age.”
“You beanpoles! Just give me the presents.”
The girl, who could win arguments but not height contests, wiggled her outstretched hand.
