About Becoming My Ex-Husband's Mistress - Chapter 112

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 112. Strike When the Iron is Hot
“I’ll discuss this with my client and bring additional charges, so please proceed with those as well.”
“You’re bringing additional charges?”
Gillian raised one eyebrow, and the lawyer rubbed his hands together with a smile.
“Well, we’re essentially suing the proxy, and when you strike, you strike decisively so our client can rest easy, wouldn’t you say? It’s also for the development of the Territory.”
The Judge looked at him with an expression of disbelief before eventually nodding.
“As long as the evidence is solid, I’ll make sure there’s no delay.”
After filing, we left the Courthouse.
Gillian scratched his head sheepishly.
“I’ll go secure the grounds for drafting the charges. Young Count, you can review what I propose and submit the additional complaint.”
I hadn’t even considered additional charges, so I asked for clarification.
“What will be the main focus?”
“Since she’s lived as a proxy, if we dig properly, breach of fiduciary duty, embezzlement, and tax evasion will be the basics.”
Gillian rubbed his hands together with a sinister expression.
“Tax evasion especially is easy to overlook, so as the lord, you can certainly raise it as an issue. However, that same point could become a weakness, so we must be prepared for potential backlash.”
“The same point? What kind of backlash?”
“The defendant is currently the proxy and also the late Count’s widow.”
“….”
“Initially we can counter her arguments, but if things turn unfavorable, she could claim she was wronged for caring for the Territory all these years, and since her daughter has considerable standing in the Central Social Circle, they could wage a public opinion campaign from the Capital.”
Gillian clicked his tongue regretfully.
“If everything is handled quietly in the Territory, that’s fine, but if it escalates into a major public opinion battle, money alone won’t solve it. Not for me, and not for the Judge either.”
He meant that ignoring public sentiment was difficult.
“So we could lose. But if we win, the accumulated lawsuit results will put us in an extremely favorable position.”
I imagined the scenario where Melissa and Count Veloda Genoma would wage a public opinion campaign to secure victory.
They would conduct media manipulation through the Central Social Circle and press outlets.
Still, the Central Social Circle seemed manageable.
I recalled the influence of the ladies in the Central Social Circle and the standing of Raber Salon.
By the time the final trial came around, it seemed Priscilla could likely do something.
The thought brought a self-deprecating laugh.
This lawsuit couldn’t be attempted without relying on Luderne Sellen’s legacy, yet I could still count on Priscilla’s influence in the Central Social Circle.
It was fortunate. That I had something useful to work with.
Then the remaining risk was just the public opinion campaign.
“What if we initiate the media campaign first?”
“That would be advantageous, but….”
Gillian’s eyes widened as he spoke.
“Is that even possible?”
“Couldn’t we do it with money?”
“It would cost a lot.”
I shrugged.
Still, if I could win, if I could win and live as myself without hiding, I would gladly spend my entire fortune.
Money can always be earned.
“While we’re at it, let’s find the funds and acquire the press and Temple in Bilsty Estate. We’ll offer them various hints and have them publish articles according to the situation. Where is the press located?”
* * *
At the same moment.
A cargo cart laden with hay came to a stop before Count Bilsty’s residence.
“That’s strange.”
Wood, who had jumped down from the cargo cart, took a couple of steps before stopping and tilting his head in confusion.
The woman he’d met in front of the Communication Office bore a striking resemblance.
To Priscilla Bilsty.
Of course, Priscilla didn’t know me. I had always been careful not to catch her eye.
But I knew Priscilla.
“I heard she was dead? Still, it might be better to tell Matilda about this?”
It was muttered as a thought to myself.
Then a strange voice suddenly came from behind.
“Who’s dead?”
“Yikes!”
Startled, Wood let out a cry and spun around.
The moment I saw the woman holding a small bundle, anger flared up.
But the instant I saw the massive man standing beside her—a man whose build resembled a bear—my anger instantly deflated.
It wasn’t just his size; when our eyes met, a chill ran down my spine.
The large, burly man even had scars on his face.
“W-who are you? What business do you have at Count Bilsty’s residence?”
Wood mentally nicknamed the man ‘Big Fellow.’ He had no desire to learn his actual name.
Big Fellow extended a hand the size of a pot lid and introduced himself without being asked.
“Big Bear. I heard you were looking for servants, so I came.”
Somehow, I found myself extending my hand and accepting the handshake.
Though I’d grown smaller with age, Wood had a sturdy build from years of stable work.
Yet my hand disappeared entirely into Big Bear’s massive palm, making me feel like a child, and my knees nearly buckled.
“Who should I go to for the employment contract?”
“Well, looking at you…”
Wood was taken aback by Big Bear’s attitude. He acted as though he was already hired, without even having an interview.
Big Bear’s eyes narrowed.
“What, is something not to your liking? From what I can tell, you’re also…”
Big Bear glanced at the cargo cart.
“…at best a lowly position, feeding horses hay.”
Contempt dripped from his words.
Wood felt anger rising.
But when I met Big Bear’s fierce gaze, my better nature suddenly reasserted itself.
“Come now, people shouldn’t be judged by appearance.”
“Then you’re saying you’re not a stable keeper?”
“Sigh…”
I am the father of Melissa Bilsty, who enjoys the King’s favor! I’m to become the King’s father-in-law, so bow at once and show proper respect!
Wood suppressed the urge to shout and turned to look at the Count’s Residence.
He still worked as a stable keeper.
But Matilda Bilsty had promised that when the time came, she would purchase a noble title for him and proceed with remarriage, restoring him to his rightful place.
Melissa was searching for something these days, and if she obtained it, everything would proceed swiftly, or so he’d heard.
He hoped it would unfold as described, but it still seemed distant. So he couldn’t say such things yet.
“For now, please wait here. I’ll confirm the matter and return.”
Wood entered the Mansion and immediately sought out Matilda Bilsty. He intended to tell her about the woman who resembled Priscilla, and also verify whether she had posted a servant recruitment notice.
“Ah, hm…”
As he raised his hand to knock on the Study door, he heard sounds from within and pressed his ear against it.
Rough breathing—a sound he knew well.
Wood sighed involuntarily. Still, he knocked on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Madam, it’s Wood.”
The Study fell silent for a moment.
“May I enter?”
“…Wait.”
Matilda Bilsty’s voice came, followed by a loud crash and commotion.
About two minutes passed.
A composed voice emerged from within.
“Come in.”
As Wood entered the Study, he glanced around the interior.
Though the window was open, the acrid scent of perspiration lingered, and the long Sofa was significantly askew.
Matilda Bilsty brushed back her sweat-dampened upswept hair.
Her hair was somewhat disheveled, and at her hastily fastened collar, one button was misaligned, with a faint red mark visible.
Wood pretended not to notice and bowed respectfully.
In doing so, the area beneath the Study desk came into view.
It was obstructed, so he couldn’t see clearly, but someone was definitely there—pressed tightly against the left side.
His question about why they were pressed so close was quickly answered. A jacket hem protruded slightly from the right corner.
Not one person, but two.
Wood kept his head bowed, closed his eyes briefly, and steadied himself.
Then he heard Matilda Bilsty’s question.
“What is it?”
“Did you post a servant recruitment notice?”
“Hmm?”
“There are two people outside the Mansion asking to be hired.”
“Is that so? What do you make of them? What did they look like?”
Matilda Bilsty’s voice was gentle.
Moreover, she used “you”—the form of address she employed when they were alone. Normally, whenever anyone was present, she called him “Wood” and spoke down to him.
Whether it was because I was disregarding the two men beneath the desk, or because I’d been caught red-handed indulging in impropriety when the girl’s father suddenly burst in.
Moreover, she was even asking for my opinion.
So Wood’s mood improved somewhat.
Regardless of who those men under the desk were, I’d essentially witnessed how Matilda treated me.
At the very least, they would be careful around me now. Not dismissing me as a mere stable keeper.
Wood’s tone naturally shifted.
“Well, one was built like a massive bear, and the other was a woman. Are they a couple?”
“We’re short on servants, so we need to hire women, and for men, I need someone intimidating enough to pressure others just by their appearance.”
“Pressure?”
“Ah, the tax official this year is particularly difficult. The one from last year was a bit better, but a different one came this year. He says no errors are allowed whatsoever.”
Matilda clicked her tongue.
“I swear. A woman alone looks so pathetic. So I thought having someone beside her might make things easier. I need to handle it quickly so I can rest, and so I can look after our Melissa sooner.”
Matilda continued speaking rapidly.
“Every year around this time I’m worried sick. The child is so delicate she’ll struggle being alone. So? Do you think he’ll work?”
Wood nodded.
Though his build and expression were intimidating and didn’t sit well with me, for that purpose he was exactly the personnel needed.
“Very much so. Though it seems female servants are always in short supply. I think a new one just arrived recently.”
Matilda clicked her tongue.
“These days the young ones have no patience whatsoever—the moment you say anything, they bolt. Tsk! What’s wrong with taking a slap or two?”
Matilda waved her hand dismissively.
“I’ll leave the procedures to you, so hire those two. Send the woman directly to the head maid. Put the man right beside me.”
“Understood.”
Wood acquiesced without hesitation and stepped outside.
It was just as I was stepping through the door.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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