~Chapter 37~
“It’s better if you don’t know exactly what the item is. I think that’s safer for both of us.”
“Hmm! It’s not something dangerous, is it?”
“If there’s any danger, I’ll make sure to include hazard pay. Would that be alright?”
“You could’ve asked another trade company for something like this.”
“I told you—it’s because you’re on the Eastern route. Among those who go that way, only Joubert Trading won’t raise suspicion or face inspections.”
Since they’re based in the East and travel between the East and Razan, no one would question their routes.
‘That’s probably why Rivier chose the Joubert Company too.’
Whatever’s being moved in their wagons, it can’t be anything honest. Could even be slaves for the dogfighting ring.
“The payment will be worthy of Valandier’s name. What do you think?”
Famous for their wealth, Valandier’s price would match its reputation.
Joubert’s greedy eyes sparkled, then he suddenly burst into laughter.
I was surprised by the unexpected reaction, but I didn’t show it. I just watched him carefully.
Did he catch on to something? But my offer had no real flaws.
“Hahaha! You’ve got a good eye for people! Of course, something like this should go to Joubert of the Eastern route!”
“…Of course.”
His tone changed quickly, as if he had decided to treat me like a subordinate now.
He’d realized the bullying excuse was just a cover and thought he’d gained the upper hand.
“Fine! It’s not even difficult. It’s along the route anyway. I’m curious how much Valandier’s honor is worth.”
He seemed very pleased to be the first person to make a deal with a so-called naïve Valandier noble lady.
Things moved faster than expected. I thought he might question it more, but Joubert was simply happy to earn a big sum for a vague task. Maybe he even thought he could use this against the Valandier group later.
‘He’s sloppier than I expected. I thought someone this protective of his ledger would be more cautious. Keeping someone like this around is clearly Rivier’s mistake.’
The deal ended so quickly I worried we’d miss our timing, but his endless chatter actually helped.
Once the deal was sealed, he loosened up and started rambling about random topics. I stayed quiet and endured it to stay on schedule.
‘At least I got some useful intel while waiting. Worth it.’
By the time I left the Joubert Company, the sun was already setting.
Perfect. I had aimed for this exact time.
“To think he could act so important over such a small job… is that some kind of talent?”
“Not just anyone could do it, so I suppose it is a talent,” Aldin replied.
“Still, we’re right on schedule. I’m not sure if it’s because I acted well, or if the viscount’s just that simple.”
“He loves money. Probably didn’t want to waste time thinking too hard.”
Aldin, who had long served the Marquis and protected the Valandier trading group, was someone the Marquis trusted even in sensitive matters.
‘Too smart to be just a bodyguard.’
“Did you figure out the building’s layout?”
“Yes. No problems.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
Smiling like someone returning from a successful deal, I stepped into the carriage.
It was headed for the Valandier estate—but I would switch carriages halfway and return to the Joubert Company instead.
By the time I got back to Joubert’s headquarters, night had fully fallen.
The darkness made it hard to see—but it was perfect for hiding.
‘Sneaking around like this… I really learned survival skills during my time as Rivier.’
Tonight was ideal—clear weather, no leg pain.
The viscount usually left the office between 7 and 8 p.m. each night for about an hour.
That time was spent secretly dining with his mistress—away from his wife.
“Our people are in position,” Aldin said.
“Thanks. Tell them to wait for the signal.”
We had planned a perfect escape route—just in case.
Now all that was left was for Joubert to leave for his dinner.
While we waited, Aldin suddenly spoke.
“Are you really… going in yourself?”
“I have to. I’m the only one who saw the office layout during the day.”
I had even worn a practical outfit to move easily, but Aldin looked uneasy.
He had the expression of someone watching a reckless child—hopefully I was imagining that.
“If something goes wrong, it could be dangerous. You haven’t trained in swordsmanship or martial arts.”
“That’s why you’re coming with me, Aldin.”
“There’s no guarantee something won’t happen. I might not be able to protect you alone.”
“Have some confidence, Aldin. You’re a knight hand-picked by my father. I believe in you.”
And I really did. I trusted Aldin’s skill, so I wasn’t overly worried.
Just in case, I had a dagger hidden in my clothes. I’d never used it before, but still.
“If something happens to you… I won’t be able to face Lady Serel…”
“Shh. He’s coming.”
I put a finger to my lips, and Aldin stiffened, silently preparing himself.
He crouched low and hid his presence—calm and experienced.
“Let’s go. We have to finish this in an hour.”
We’d already confirmed that the viscount left the ledger behind when visiting his mistress.
‘He doesn’t trust family, doesn’t trust his lover… so he leaves it behind. He even limits outings to just one hour out of paranoia.’
How important the ledger was could be seen in his behavior alone.
Aldin helped me silently enter the building.
He had opened the rear window earlier, which made getting in easier than expected.
There were still people inside the building, but the floor with the viscount’s office was eerily quiet.
That made me more certain the ledger was there. Maybe he cleared out the staff when he wasn’t around to prevent tampering.
“Be careful,” Aldin whispered.
He stayed outside on watch while I searched inside. His short but serious warning followed me in.
I nodded and headed straight for the place I’d suspected.
A thick bookshelf that didn’t match the room’s flashy interior—clearly out of place.
No signs that any books had ever been touched. I hadn’t heard that the viscount enjoyed reading.
‘Maybe he hid it among the books, like hiding a tree in a forest.’
One book caught my eye—familiar.
‘It’s the one I saw earlier when we signed the contract. He had hidden it behind another document—odd behavior.’
“Someone’s coming,” Aldin warned.
“Already?”
“Yes. Judging by the steps, it’s the viscount.”
Damn.
No time to check everything else—I grabbed the book I had my eye on.
“Ow!”
As I quickly opened it, something pricked my finger. It looked like a ledger. Frowning, I dashed to the window.
“Hold on tight.”
“Please.”
Aldin scooped me up and leaped out the window without hesitation.
As we landed and looked around, we heard shouting from above.
“A thief! Catch the thief!”
The alarm spread instantly.
I tightened my grip on the book, worried I might drop it.
“That’s… not what I meant when I told you to hold on,” Aldin muttered.
I looked at him questioningly.
“It’s nothing,” he said, pulling me closer.
Being in Aldin’s arms made me feel small—like a child—and I couldn’t help but blush.
“What are you doing?! Get them! Catch them now!!”
The viscount had clearly realized something was stolen.
His furious voice carried even from far away.
‘Good. That means this book must be the real ledger.’
The pain in my finger didn’t matter. What I felt most was a powerful sense of victory.
