Subliminal Wayfarer

“…Still, it’s a shame about the diamond mine.”

Up until that moment, Jaime had been pretending to be a dignified aide, but as soon as he got into the carriage, he pouted his lips.

Lucas glanced at Jaime and raised an eyebrow, as if to ask, ‘What?’

“Isn’t it, though? As a mere servant, if I may dare to comment on my master’s decision! I mean, putting everything else aside, why the Brügge mine of all things? Couldn’t you have given him a gold mine instead?”

“Do you think it’s a waste?”

“Yes! It’s such a waste. I mean, if you had given it as a wedding gift to Lady Grace, it wouldn’t feel like a waste at all. But to give it to Marquis Kafrenn O’Ellin? It feels too generous. Yes, that’s it. Yes.”

Jaime vented his frustration like a rapid-fire gun.

Of course, the Brügge mine was not the only one Lucas owned.

He had so many hidden assets through various routes that even counting with all ten fingers wouldn’t suffice.

Jaime wasn’t even aware of the full extent of Lucas’s wealth.

But no matter how rich one was, wasting resources was never pleasant.

As someone who had conducted background checks on Kafrenn O’Ellin, Jaime felt it was even more of a waste.

‘People are not always what they seem.’

The men of the O’Ellin family.

The more he dug into Marquis Kafrenn and Norman O’Ellin’s backgrounds, the more petty and despicable they appeared.

There were numerous instances of Grace being neglected and abused since childhood, and many maids left that household half-crippled.

Zeronium was famously a patriarchal country.

While the behavior and mindset of young nobles were gradually changing, the old nobles still viewed women as tools or slaves.

Kafrenn O’Ellin was one of those nobles.

Jaime felt sorry for Lady Grace but couldn’t stand Kafrenn and Norman O’Ellin.

And there was even a report stating that Norman O’Ellin had slapped Julie.

What a despicable person.

“Well, it is too generous.”

“In that case, how about retracting the deal now? Just say the word, and I’ll go do it. People might call it petty, but what does it matter? Your Excellency, I’ll take the blame…”

“Leave it. Forget it.”

Lucas chuckled and shook his head.

“If that’s a bit much, how about switching to another mine? The Roxan gold mine should be fine, right? I mean, if the Marquis had any conscience, he wouldn’t outright accept a diamond mine!”

Of course, Jaime knew that the marquis lacked such scruples, but he voiced his hope.

Lucas glanced at Jaime, who was nearly pleading, and shook his head again.

Seeing Lucas’s resolve, Jaime looked dismayed.

Why? Why on earth, Your Excellency?

As if Lucas heard Jaime’s unspoken question, he finally explained after staring out the window for a while.

“How long does it take to get to Brügge from here?”

“…Pardon?”

“I asked, how long does it take to get to Brügge from the capital?”

Of course, Lucas could shorten the distance using a transport gate, but others could not.

Jaime answered with the usual travel time.

“It takes about a month and a half just to get there. For a round trip, it usually takes around three and a half months…”

“Exactly. It’s very far. The road is treacherous, too.”

“But…?”

“Diamonds have issues with loss, so the owner must manage them personally. Their value is so high that management requires particular care. It’s best if you have a trustworthy subordinate, but if not, you have to do it yourself.”

“Of course, that’s true…”

Currently, Sir Audion was guarding the Brügge mine.

He had sworn lifelong loyalty after having his life saved twice by the former duke.

Especially known for his integrity and frugality, the former duke cherished him greatly.

‘With him, even if a few diamonds went missing, it would be understandable.’

For this reason, the former duke entrusted Sir Audion with the management of no less than five mines.

But did Marquis Kafrenn O’Ellin have such a trusted subordinate? The answer was obviously no.

“The Marquis will likely have to visit Brügge frequently. He’ll constantly worry about the potential loss of even a small amount. So, at least for a year, Grace won’t have to worry about her father.”

“What? Just for that mere reason… you gave away a diamond mine?”

“It’s not a mere reason, but a significant one.”

“Hah…”

This man who’s blinded by love…

Jaime looked at his master in awe and amazement.

Seeing his nonchalant expression, Jaime realized how different their aspirations were.

‘…Well, if he says so, what can I do?’

Even knowing it couldn’t be helped, Jaime still felt it was a shame.

“Your expression says otherwise.”

“…No, it’s nothing, Your Excellency. I’ve decided not to think about it anymore.”

Lucas chuckled and asked Jaime.

“Do you know how long it’s been since that mine was discovered?”

“Brügge? I think it’s been about… eighty-two years?”

“Good. Sometimes, you act so recklessly that I wonder if I should cut you loose. But generally, you seem to be smart.”

Jaime looked at Lucas with a somewhat aggrieved expression.

Laughing, Lucas ruffled Jaime’s hair with his large hand.

“Last year’s output from Brügge decreased by about 30% compared to the year before. And last month’s report said this year is down by about 35% from last year.”

“Ah…?”

“It’s already depleted. At most, it has two years left. The minerals will run out within two years. It was a mine that would be exhausted soon anyway. Such things shouldn’t be wasted—they should be sold off appropriately.”

“Oh… oh! Wow! That’s true!”

Jaime, who had been momentarily stunned, clapped like a seal right there.

‘As expected of our lord! Bravo!’

Buoyed by Jaime’s enthusiastic applause, Lucas raised his chin proudly.

 

* * *

 

Around the same time—

Grace was at the residence of Countess Gestash, an old friend of Selena, at Selena’s request.

They were walking slowly across the backyard, where a tea party was being held, following the servant.

True to the countess’s reputation as a gardening enthusiast, the garden was filled with plants more splendid and beautiful than any other estate’s.

Grace couldn’t help but be captivated by the various green plants passing by.

‘Oh my, are those really tropical plants?’

Inside the glass greenhouse, she saw plants she had only read about in books.

Without realizing it, Grace slowed her pace as she passed by, her head turning back to get a better look.

“You really can’t take your eyes off the plants, can you?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I must have been too distracted. They’re just so fascinating.”

“Oh, not at all. Actually, I felt bad for dragging you here so abruptly, but I’m glad I could show you something you like.”

Grace’s heart strangely fluttered at Selena’s kind words.

‘…Would this be what it feels like if I had a mother?’

Perhaps it was because she had seen her in her dream last night.

Selena’s smile overlapped with her mother’s smile.

Although they were not at all alike, strangely, Grace saw Eleanor in Selena.

‘It must be because I miss her.’

Grace quickly composed herself and smiled calmly.

She already felt so grateful and sorry for receiving the censer from Selena.

Accompanying her to a friend’s tea party was hardly a big deal.

“No, I worry that I might not be such an interesting companion.”

“Who said you’re not fun? You, Grace? I find being with you so enjoyable.”

“I’m just grateful you say that.”

Selena smiled brightly.

In that smile, Grace saw a glimpse of Lucas.

Though they didn’t seem alike, their expressions were similar when they smiled.

“Did you have a good dream last night?”

“Oh. Yes… I had a good dream. My late mother appeared in it.”

“Oh my, that’s amazing. Dreams really do show us those we miss.”

A fleeting look of longing crossed Selena’s face as she murmured.

There was someone she missed deeply.

Someone she wished she could see even in a dream.

Someone she would give anything to bring back if she had the power to turn back time.

“……”

Grace quietly watched Selena’s side profile, sensing an indescribable ache.

It was something she couldn’t put into words.

“Um… since I’ve already seen someone I miss, why don’t you take the censer back?”

“Oh! No, it’s yours. It came into my possession through improper means, but its rightful owner is you. Don’t worry and keep it with you.”

They finally reached the place where the tea party was in full swing.

“And… you promised to stay by my side and protect me, didn’t you? That’s more than enough for me.”

Selena pointed her chin toward the lively gathering and whispered in a voice only Grace could hear.

“Please protect me in that jungle, Grace. Don’t let me be devoured… okay?”

Winking, Selena turned to wave at the red-haired woman smiling brightly at her.