Living Up to Your Expectations - Chapter 16

“Damn it…! Fetch Klaus, now!”

A furious shout echoes through the study. Ledgers, letters, and debt documents lie scattered across the desk. All things I’d rather not see.

Clutching a single notice in my hand, deeper shadows fall across my already furrowed brow.

—That Laila…

Is this her revenge for not letting her inherit the title? To cause such trouble deliberately, at this of all times…!

But I’ll pay. I won’t let you have your way.

“You called for me, Master?”

Klaus, the financial steward, appears shortly. Elderly, he wears an honest face, but in truth, he has always been a useful man. Yes, until now.

“…Look at this.”

I slam the letter onto the desk as if it were a writ of judgment. The wax seal is already broken, its contents exposed.

Klaus’s hands tremble.

“This is a demand to pay five million livres by the end of this week.”

“Exactly. If you had handled things properly, it wouldn’t have come to this.”

“Master! I was only following your instructions.”

“Silence!”

My throat burns with rage. I entrusted this steward with managing slush funds and negotiations, and of all people, he let Laila find out!

But there’s no time for blame now. Five million. I must raise the funds as quickly as possible.

“How much money does the trading company have? Including the funds gathered for the new venture?”

“…Ah, that. As of today, approximately ten million livres.”

I let out a breath. A faint sense of relief washes over me.

Good. At least my neck is saved for now.

“Use it for the repayment.”

“Are you serious…? But those funds are essential for the company’s expansion abroad.”

“I know that!”

I cut Klaus off. But this is no time for expansion.

“Right now, stabilizing the situation is the top priority. Abandon the overseas plans. We’ll maintain the status quo and gather funds again later. There’s still a chance for a comeback. Until then, we just need to stay afloat.”

“Understood. I will contact the company president immediately and arrange the transfer.”

“Hurry.”

As Klaus bows and quietly takes his leave, I sink deep into my chair. The cold sweat on my forehead feels unnaturally heavy.

Even so, this is an unexpected expense. If this continues, our family’s finances could collapse from the foundation.

Laila—.

If only you had been more obedient. If you hadn’t meddled, this never would have happened. No—did you plan this, knowing full well what would happen?

—After all, I should have married you off to Count Grantzlis after graduation.

His reputation is quite poor, but that no longer matters. No dowry is required. Moreover, he has offered regular financial support after marriage. Could there be a better deal?

Laila, this is all your own fault.

…Hah, foolish girl.

“M-Master.”

The call trembled.

Turning, I see the pale-faced financial steward Klaus standing there, holding a thick envelope cradled in both hands.

“What is it? Oh, is that the money? Hand it over!”

I rise and snatch the envelope as if tearing it away. But—

“…What is this? A letter of resignation?”

“Y-yes, it appears so.”

Klaus’s voice was hoarse. An indescribable unease spreads through my mind.

“What is the meaning of this? I told you to bring the money! Why am I receiving a resignation notice!?”

“Well, Master. Upon learning that the young lady will not inherit the title and has decided not to be involved with the company, the company president and employees have all submitted their resignations en masse.”

“Preposterous!!”

Unable to contain my frustration, my angry shout echoes through the study.

“I am the owner! I provided the funds! I built this company!”

“However, over the past few years, Lady Laila has built direct trust with the employees. Improvements to benefits, better working conditions, establishing consultation services. Everyone admires her capabilities.”

“Hah… Ridiculous! If they want to quit, let them!! Our company can immediately replace anyone who leaves with excellent new talent. We’re a prestigious company with floods of applicants. Even if everyone resigns, it won’t hurt us at all!!”

“Master. In that case, we will be obligated to pay severance.”

“Severance? Did our company have such a system?”

“Yes, it does. As part of the employee benefits program I mentioned earlier. It was proposed by the young lady, and you granted your permission.”

Ah, that’s right.

Laila had begged me about it. At the time, I just gave permission casually to avoid the hassle.

“Fine, pay them.”

If we hesitate, rumors will spread and the company’s reputation will plummet.

“However, the amount is the issue. For all employees, it will total approximately ten million livres.”

“Ten million just for severance?!”

“Yes. It is calculated according to the terms based on the employment contracts. The payment amounts are determined by years of service and position, and as it is stipulated in the contracts, we are legally obligated to comply.”

My strength drains away, and I collapse onto the sofa.

“Furthermore…”

Klaus continues, his eyes downcast.

“With all employees resigning, this information has already leaked to our business partners. We are receiving a stream of notices about contract cancellations and suspended transactions…”

“T-too soon…! Who… who…! …Laila…?”

Is she seriously trying to ruin me? To go this far against her own father—

“If we gather all the money in the house now and sell everything we can, how much would that yield?”

Rumors will spread that we’re in financial trouble, but that can’t be helped now.

“About three million, I believe.”

“Just… just that much?”

“Yes. If we sell the high-end furnishings and jewelry all at once, buyers will lowball us, offering far below market price. Moreover, we just recently paid for the purchased dresses and such, so we have almost no cash reserves.”

I cover my face. Dizzily, my vision wavers.

“D-do whatever it takes to raise five million livres by the end of the week. Understood? Whatever it takes!!”

“…Understood, Master.”

Klaus looks at me with the eyes of one watching the captain of a sinking ship, then leaves the room.