Chapter 69 - The Documents
"It seems to have gone well."
"Thank you, Julian. Now then, why are you still here?"
After overseeing the unloading of the newly arrived farm machinery, Opal had been able to meet with the two personal subordinates sent by Omar. She then set off to inspect the lead mine, but for some reason, Julian was accompanying her. When she voiced this question, Julian smiled brightly.
"Connally-san was worried about you, Your Ladyship. He must have thought it would be safer to have me accompany you, as I have visited Pasma Port several times."
"Yes, that's very thoughtful of him. But we are on our way to the mine now. Shouldn't you be returning to Connally?"
"But he is worried because the miners are a rough lot, and the mines themselves are also full of dangers."
"Connally is? Even so, I doubt you would be able to handle it."
"Is that what you think of me, Your Ladyship?"
"Yes. I have no idea what you've been doing up until now, Julian."
While serving dinner at an inn along the way, Julian placed a hand over his heart and lamented. His pretense of being hurt was utterly transparent. Throughout this journey, Opal and Julian had been constantly interacting in this manner, so much so that even Nadia had mistakenly come to believe they were good friends. Because of this, Nadia had been persuaded by Julian and was now in the next room, preparing the dress Opal would wear the next day.
"I really should have brought one more person with me…"
She had not brought any other female servants on this inspection, so the burden was falling entirely on Nadia. Although she had not received any reports of bandits, she had increased the number of guards, anticipating that the journey to the mine might be dangerous, and had judged it better to have as few women as possible who might slow them down. Opal's luggage was surprisingly light for a noblewoman, and she had only brought a few dresses. For that reason, Opal felt it would be fine to wear the same dress every day, but Nadia would not allow it. She ingeniously devised ways to make Opal's attire different each day.
"She is a very good lady's maid…"
"She's my pride and joy. I won't allow you to lay a hand on her."
Following Opal's gaze to the next room, Julian murmured this as if by reflex. Hearing him, Opal replied as if it were a matter of course, but then, with a start, she quickly added a sharp warning. Nadia and Julian had become quite friendly during this journey.
"Rest assured. I am well aware of my own position."
"...I see. As long as you are."
Opal did not miss the mocking smile that graced Julian's face as he bowed deeply. He had shown that smile often recently. But Opal said nothing more and continued with her meal.
Tomorrow, they would arrive at the town at the foot of the mine. There was supposedly a manor there belonging to the Duke of Boccelli's family, so there should be more proper footmen there. I just have to endure until then, Opal told herself.
And then came the next day. Upon entering the town, Opal was stunned by the difference from Mantest. Of course, she understood that Mantest was a very good place to work. She had made efforts as a manager to make it so.
"This is somehow frightening…" Nadia murmured as she looked out at the town from the carriage window alongside Opal. The men must have been out working. There were only women, children, and the elderly in the town, and they stared resentfully at Opal's carriage. Their bodies were all thin and frail.
"This looks to be quite a challenge."
Opal said it jokingly, but in truth, she was a little scared. However, she recalled the feeling she had when she first set foot in the Duke McLeod's household. She had wanted to run home immediately then, too. But her stubborn and headstrong nature had gotten in her way. Now, she had to fight, regardless of pride. I won't lose, she resolved, but then she felt a wave of dizziness at the sight of the building that was apparently the ducal family's manor.
"Wow…"
She could well understand the feeling behind Nadia's drained voice. The manor stood on a small hill, looking down leisurely upon the impoverished town, resembling a noble's residence in the Royal Capital. And the one who greeted Opal upon her arrival was a portly man.
"Welcome, Duchess of Boccelli. I am Cole, and I have been entrusted with the management of this town, including the Lead Mine."
"Cole, I will be staying for a while. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Clad in well-tailored clothes, Cole gave a reverent bow. The manor servants standing behind him were also, unlike the townspeople, healthy in complexion and well-dressed. When the disparity was flaunted so closely, it was no wonder the members of the ducal household were resented. As Opal stepped into the manor, Cole began to talk at length. The content of his speech was all about how well he governed this land, and his own talent for somehow managing the mine without going into deficit despite the low output. In short, it was all boasting.
"The people who work in this manor don't seem to be from this area. Apparently, this manor was built about ten years ago, and they moved here then."
"So it is just as I thought."
Opal had been thoroughly bored by Cole's boasting, as he had joined her for dinner as well. Nadia shared the information she had quickly gathered. The content was just as expected, and a sigh escaped Opal's lips. In the near future, even if the lives of the townspeople improved, there was no way they would get along with the manor staff who had lived a life of comfort until now. She knew this was another problem she had to solve, but Opal was tired, and she fell asleep as soon as she got into bed.
...The next morning. When she asked for a guide to the mine, Cole, who had been so affable before, returned with words of refusal.
"I am very sorry, but I cannot guide Your Ladyship to the mountain."
"Why not?"
"Because it is dangerous, of course."
"Oh, you needn't worry. I have experience entering mine shafts many times in the past, so I am used to it. In any case, I am going for an inspection. If not today, then tomorrow. If you are unable, then please assign someone else to guide me."
She spoke with a composed smile, but her tone left no room for argument. And then she continued.
"Also, let's see. I would like to see the documents regarding the mine's output and export destinations, so could you prepare them for me? I will go to the study later."
"D-documents?"
"That's right. If you have been managing things properly, you should have records, shouldn't you? You must be busy, so you don't need to be present with me. I may have questions for you later, though."
"...As you wish."
Satisfied with Cole's reluctant agreement, Opal stood up. She returned to her room to freshen up briefly before heading to the study. When she entered, Cole had already piled several documents on the desk.
"These are the documents for the last five years. I will go and arrange for your inspection of the mine, so I will be away for a while. Therefore, if there is anything you do not understand, please ask your questions later."
"Thank you, Cole. That's a great help."
As Opal offered a grateful smile, Cole bowed his head and left the study. From then on, Opal was engrossed in reading the documents. Just as Cole had so proudly proclaimed, the documents were meticulously organized. However, for some reason, Opal felt a sense of unease. To put it into words, the numbers were too perfect. She was standing up and searching the bookshelves for any other documents when a knock echoed.
"I have brought you some tea."
"Thank you. Just leave it there."
Opal replied without even raising her head from the documents she was looking at. A short while later, she suddenly felt a presence behind her. As she turned in surprise, a strong impact struck her shoulder. Opal could not even cry out before she lost consciousness.