Who Brought the Head Maid Back? - Chapter 39

Amy carefully observed James Weaver as he bowed politely in greeting. His neatly combed black hair, his pale but gentle expression, and his intelligently sparkling green eyes gave a completely different impression from when she had first seen him. It was as if a dusty gemstone had been polished until it shone.

‘I heard he is quite popular among the maids.’

Did they say he had unintentionally become a rival to Dwayne? The maids were reportedly having a grand time lately, split into factions supporting the two men who possessed opposite charms: physical prowess versus intellectual brilliance.

“I heard you are adjusting well,” Amy began.

James showed a look of delight. “Yes. Everyone has been so kind that I feel I am receiving treatment far beyond what I deserve.”

“That is a relief.”

She was the one who had sent for him, so it would have been embarrassing if he had been having a difficult time. While the people of the Grand Duke’s castle would not be hostile to others without reason, it was true that she felt particularly responsible for this mother and son. Thus, seeing his improved complexion made Amy feel good.

“So, for what reason do you wish to see the Grand Duke?”

“Ah.”

When asked about his business, he blinked rapidly and gave an ambiguous smile, appearing slightly nervous.

“First, I would like to introduce myself properly. I believe you need to hear this first so that what I have to say next will seem less uncomfortable.”

“Proceed.”

Amy wondered what kind of topic required such a grand introduction. As she relaxed her posture to listen, he swallowed hard and began his story.

“It is presumptuous of me, but I grew up hearing that I was a genius. I am not saying this to brag, but to explain how I came to attend the University.”

“You attended the University?”

Surprised, Amy leaned forward. ‘Wait, he’s a much more high-level professional than I thought.’

James rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.

“A priest in my parish who had watched over me since I was young provided a letter of recommendation to the University. I did not graduate, but I studied there for a total of four semesters.”

The moment he mentioned the word “graduation,” his gaze flickered toward his own body. A faint shadow of regret appeared on his face. He had likely been forced to abandon his studies due to health issues.

Regardless, surviving for two years at a University that others struggled even to enter meant there was no doubt about his competence. Amy nodded to show she understood.

“I was fortunate enough to leave a good impression on a professor, and I participated in a short-term research project he led. Our task was to review and evaluate the utility of new policies to be implemented in the Empire. Since the previous Emperor commanded that all laws and policies be reviewed by the University and the Temple, such collaborations between the Empire and the University happen occasionally.”

He took a deep breath and finally got to the point.

“Though I left my studies, I still receive news from my former colleagues through those connections. That is how I learned of this. Is it correct that the estate of Baron Pearson, who allegedly poisoned the Grand Duke’s wine, borders Mount Boeta in the western part of the Empire?”

“That is what I am told.”

According to the information from the mercenary captain, that was correct. But how did James know about it?

“I remembered him because Baron Pearson was a beneficiary of a policy I helped review. When I came to the North and realized he was included in the Crown Prince’s entourage, I was quite surprised. It felt suspicious for a mere coincidence.”

He then shared the details of the information he had gathered.

The contents of the new policy reviewed by the University were as follows:

• • Estates heavily damaged by natural disasters would receive tax exemptions for a certain period.

• • As the policy was intended for small, struggling estates, it applied only to those with a tax rate of 30% or less in the previous year.

• • Officials would be dispatched to assess the damage and provide disaster relief funds proportionally.

This policy was implemented immediately after the review, and the first beneficiary was Baron Pearson.

Amy recalled what the mercenary captain had said. ‘Did he say there was a landslide recently?’

He must have had that damage recognized to receive tax exemptions and relief funds. Up to this point, there was nothing particularly strange.

Suddenly, James knit his brows.

“Do you know how the tax rate is determined? The smaller the estate and the lower the crop yield, the lower the tax rate. According to those calculations, the tax rate imposed on Baron Pearson’s estate last year was 40%.”

“Wait. That is strange.”

Amy frowned as well. Didn’t he just say that to benefit from the policy, the tax rate had to be 30% or less?

“Yes. It is strange, is it not? That is why I quickly contacted a colleague before the banquet to request more detailed information. According to the data that arrived today, Baron Pearson’s fief was reduced just before the policy was implemented. He ceded it to a neighboring estate.”

“What does that mean? Arbitrarily giving and receiving fiefs granted by the Emperor should be illegal.”

It was a natural conclusion. If a powerful neighboring lord demanded land, a weak noble would have no choice but to have it taken away.

“A mutual agreement between the two estates was drafted a year ago and recently received post-approval from the Emperor. As a result of recalculating the tax rate, it came out to exactly 30%. Furthermore, retroactive application was granted, and he even received a refund for the 10% tax he had previously paid.”

“Recognizing a private agreement? Is that even possible?”

“According to an early Imperial law that has now fallen into disuse, there is a clause stating that to pardon subjects fleeing to neighboring estates to survive hunger and disaster, up to one-fifth of the total estate can be ceded if a fair price is paid. He exploited that.”

“So…”

Amy felt a throbbing headache coming on. The late Baron Pearson had been incredibly clever; he found out about the upcoming policy in advance, coordinated with his neighbor to reduce his estate, and brought his tax rate down to 30%.

As a result, he pocketed the 10% refund and disaster compensation, and wouldn’t have to pay taxes for a while?

“That is an enormous profit.”

“Indeed. But there is one more strange point.”

Another? Feeling as if she were sinking deeper into a quagmire, Amy tensed slightly.

“Do you know who the neighboring lord who made the agreement with the Baron is?”

At James’s question, Amy tilted her head. “I am not sure.”

“It is Marquis Waldern.”

An unexpected name came from James’s mouth. Amy unconsciously crumpled the papers on her desk.

‘Marquis Waldern is the Empress’s younger brother.’

Only then did she realize how the situation was unfolding. Amy muttered blankly.

“So that is how he was connected to the Crown Prince.”

James nodded. “I believe so as well.”

Amy murmured, lost in thought. “They say that man openly bragged about being promoted in rank.”

James wore a look of pity. “Oh dear. A man with a loose tongue is not a pawn that can be used for long.”

“And that is why he ended up in that state.”

“He fell into his own trap. I have heard of the Grand Duke’s exploits at the banquet. He was truly remarkable.”

His refined face was filled with enchantment. He seemed deeply impressed that the Grand Duke, who was younger than himself, had suppressed prominent figures all at once. Amy felt a sense of pride as if she had been the one praised.

“I agree. To think he was hiding such skill. It is the greatest stroke of luck for the North.”

“It truly is.”

The two blinked at each other and then laughed simultaneously. It was amusing how two outsiders, who hadn’t been here very long, were acting as if the North were their homeland. Still, it wasn’t a bad feeling.

“I have heard your story well. I shall inform His Highness. As you surely know, you must not speak of this to anyone.”

“I am aware.”

“And His Highness may send for you, so do not go far for the time being.”

“Yes. I usually stay only within the castle anyway.”

James’s face looked a bit bitter as he replied. Amy looked at him out of the corner of her eye and resolved once again to discuss his position with Joseph. She had intended to appoint him to an important role anyway, but because she had been distracted by the banquet, she hadn’t given him a hint, so he likely thought he had been branded as incompetent.

“Do you know that even though the weather in the North has improved, recruiting manpower is still a distant goal?”

“Pardon?”

“I am saying you should rest while you can.”

“I understand.”

James retreated without another word, his face brightened. Left alone in the office, Amy crossed her arms and tapped her finger against her forearm. She was mentally retracing the information she had heard from James.

“I must meet Sally.”

After long deliberation, Amy made up her mind, stood up, and went outside. The moment she exited the inner castle and stepped into the courtyard, someone rushed toward her.

“Head Maid!”

She felt as if her heart had dropped, but she managed to hide it. Amy pressed her hand against her racing heart and frowned. The culprit was the middle-aged Countess who was the Crown Prince’s new Head Maid.

“If you need anything, please speak to the Housekeeper,” Amy said, drawing a line quickly as she had no desire to converse.

However, the Crown Prince’s Head Maid was not so easily deterred.

“The Crown Prince is searching for the Head Maid desperately. Come with me.”

“I heard there were no issues with his health. If he is still uncomfortable, I shall send a physician immediately.”

The Crown Prince’s Head Maid struck her chest in frustration and glared at her.

“It is not a physician he is looking for, but Head Maid Amelia! How can someone be so slow-witted?”

Amy looked at the other woman with an incredulous gaze. ‘Do you think you own Amelia?’

Who did she think she was, telling her to come and go? Amy walked past her, pretending not to hear. Startled, the Crown Prince’s Head Maid scurried over and grabbed Amy’s arm. Amy gently shook off her hand and spoke softly.

“I must go to my master. You know that the orders of the one I serve take top priority, do you not?”

“Knowing how dearly the Crown Prince regards you, do you have no heart, Head Maid?”

Lacking a proper rebuttal, the Crown Prince’s Head Maid began to act stubbornly. But she had met the wrong opponent. Amy smiled brightly.

“No, I do not.”

Support