Chapter 50 - Accusation
"Ha, hahaha. What nonsense. You may have a surprising amount of wealth for a woman, but that doesn’t mean you can touch another person’s assets. Or do you actually believe I would be seduced by you like McLeod and hand over my fortune?"
"Oh, but you are aware that money moves money, are you not?"
When Opal replied so matter of factly without a hint of anger, Keimont narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Next to him, the Countess, who had been laughing along, raised her thin eyebrows sharply. Realizing they didn't seem to understand, Opal let out a small sigh. Just like Hubert eight years ago, Keimont had likely left his assets entirely in the hands of a capable manager, an agent, or perhaps his father. The only difference from Hubert was that the person he entrusted them to was competent.
"The small mine you inherited from your father, the Earl, the Aion Mine, it’s in a poor location, but since the railway began passing nearby, its profits have increased dramatically, haven't they?"
"Y, yes. But that doesn’t mean you can steal the ore. Much less the mine itself."
"No, of course not. The profits from that mine are the largest part of your assets. It would be a pity to take that away. Therefore, I demand all of your other assets. Well, it is a little meager to divide among three people, but I shall be so kind as to compromise."
"What foolishness is this!"
As Opal smiled sweetly, it was not Keimont but the Countess who showed her anger. The ball had become a stage for Opal and her companions, and the orchestra had even stopped playing. Opal felt sorry for the hosts, Lord and Lady Croisel, but surprisingly, they seemed to be watching with considerable amusement.
"Compromise? Do not mock me. Why should I have to hand over my assets to such base women?"
"...In that case, let us stop the locomotives that transport ore from stopping at the mine station. You will have to transport your ore by horse-drawn carriage, just as you did in the old days."
"Do not say such things! As if you could do that!"
"I can. I am a co-owner of that railway company."
"What!?"
"You, you are out of your mind!"
In contrast to the composed Opal, Keimont was building up frustration and anger. The Countess shrieked and glared at Opal. In the past fifteen days, Opal had not only met with familiar faces but had also met with the owner of the railway company that passed near the Aion Mine. That owner was burdened with debts from other investments and had gladly welcomed her as a co-owner when she offered financial assistance. Since the railway company itself was profitable, it was bound to be a long-term source of revenue for Opal as well.
Incidentally, her previous words were a threat, and she had no intention of carrying them out. She did not want to cause trouble for the people working at the mine and its associated facilities. But she was certain Keimont would not be able to call her bluff.
"I can also freeze Lord Keimont’s other assets, but those belong to your children, so I would prefer not to touch them if possible."
"R, ridiculous! Do you have any proof that those are my children!? I may have said something that sounded like an admission in the heat of the moment, but it's possible I have never even met that woman. And why are you interfering in the first place?"
"That’s right! There is a limit to such insolence!"
Perhaps he had calmed down during their exchange, for Keimont's attitude had become haughty once more. Similarly, the Countess shrieked and wailed. Still, Opal maintained her smile and continued.
"Regarding them, I have had the circumstances of that time investigated. I have also obtained testimony from their former colleagues at the mansion where they worked. Furthermore, one look at the children is enough to know they are yours. They resemble you very closely. As for me, I am their representative. They are far too powerless to stand up to you."
"B, but those children are illegitimate. They have no right to inheritance."
"Whether there is a provision or not is irrelevant. You carelessly stole the futures of young girls and are now attempting to steal the futures of their unborn children. Therefore, for the sake of these powerless women, I will take what you already possess. Now, from this point on, please speak with my representative. ...Oh, I suppose that makes me the representative of a representative."
Opal chuckled softly and looked Keimont straight in the eye. The Countess no longer offered any rebuttal, she simply pressed a handkerchief to her forehead and closed her eyes.
"Lose everything, or lose a part of it. The choice is yours. You do not have much time, but the answer is simple, is it not?"
"What kind of woman are you! You hussy!"
Opal did not care what he called her at this point. The people here understood it was merely Keimont’s sour grapes. For that reason, Opal tilted her head slightly and smiled, but a figure appeared suddenly and knocked Keimont down with a single punch. Screams erupted from the women, and the Countess fainted.
"I will have you stop insulting my wife."
"Claude..."
"...W, wife?"
Hearing Opal’s surprised murmur, the surrounding crowd began to stir, and Keimont, still on the floor with his hands, looked up in a daze. Lord and Lady Croisel seemed excited by the arrival of Claude, Marquis Rousel. It was then that Opal remembered an invitation to this ball had been sent to Claude as well.
"W, what is this? There is no way Marquis Rousel could be this young. Did you return to the country for a tryst with your mistress?"
"This time, I believe I have good reason to punch you."
As Keimont spewed insults while staggering to his feet, Claude raised his fist again. Keimont flinched and braced himself, and Opal stepped in to stop it.
"Stop, Claude. More importantly, let me introduce you to Lord Croisel and his wife."
"Ah, you are right."
Relieved that Claude had agreed so readily, Opal turned her gaze to the hosts, Lord and Lady Croisel. The couple was making their way through the crowd when Keimont's furious shout echoed.
"Marquis or not, the fact is this man struck me! I will sue! And this woman trying to steal my fortune, such an illegal act cannot be permitted! You both shall be judged by a magistrate!"
"You should be more concerned about your mother."
At that moment, the Countess, who was being attended to by the surrounding women, snapped her eyes open. However, Keimont only spared her a fleeting glance. While it was well known that the Countess was prone to fainting, his reaction seemed cold for a son.
Be that as it may, Opal was the one who had started all of this, and she wondered how she could make amends to the Croisels for completely interrupting their ball. The plan had been to make everyone aware of what a despicable person Keimont was and collect child support for the children, even if Beth and the others’ honor could not be restored. Of course, arrangements had been made to avoid breaking any laws, and there had been no need to involve her uncle, the Royal Palace legal officer. More than that, she wondered if Claude, who had thrown a punch, would be alright. When she looked at him, he returned her gaze with a smirk.
"It is too late for regrets! With this many witnesses, you cannot talk your way out of this!"
"That's right. I will testify as well! You truly are a wicked woman. You have insulted our Count family and Jeff! We must also hold your father, Count Holloway, responsible!"
More so than Keimont himself, the Countess rattled on, huffing with indignation. But it was her last words that made Opal react.
"My father has nothing to do with this, does he?"
"Oh, but he does. You lost your mother at a young age, so I have been lenient until now, but I can no longer tolerate it. Your father, Count Holloway, was so preoccupied with making money that he clearly failed in raising his children. I heard your brother dropped out of university as well. How pathetic. In any case, a parent is responsible for a child's misdeeds."
Opal was about to protest, wondering why her brother was being dragged into this, but she held her tongue when Claude’s arm tightened around her waist. Claude usually let her do as she pleased, so if he was stopping her now, there must be a reason. She found herself wondering again why Claude was even here, and she stared at him intently. It could not be simply because he had come to pick her up.
"Excuse me, are you listening? Honestly, to be unable to even listen to someone properly."
"Opal is listening perfectly well. As am I, of course. So, my lady, you believe that a parent is responsible for a child's misdeeds?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Then how do you intend to take responsibility for your son's misdeeds?"
"My son is a victim. He was ensnared in the trap of those base women."
Next to the Countess, who snorted derisively, Keimont was smirking. He looked like a badly behaved child causing mischief from behind his mother’s skirts, not at all like a man in his mid-thirties.
"Coming from an adolescent, perhaps, but as an excuse for a man well past thirty, it is far too crude. And for it to happen multiple times suggests a lack of memory and judgment. In short, he is a fool who cannot even control himself."
"What did you say!?"
"What was that!?"
Keimont and the Countess bristled as Claude retorted on behalf of the speechless Opal. Even in the face of their anger, Claude remained calm and stated plainly.
"Lord Keimont, there is a warrant for your arrest."