The Military Doctor Excels at Being a Contracted Duchess - Chapter 38

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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【Chapter 38】

 

It depends on the circumstances. Whether the opponent can be identified or not.

 

Whether they’ve never met but have heard stories about each other or not.

 

All of these factors are considered when making a judgment.

 

This time, Victor chose a hunting drive.

 

“Distribute wanted posters. Say that Bayern will reward anyone who finds him. Also confirm where and how he entered.”

 

“Yes.”

 

After giving his orders, Victor looked around the street.

 

Lovers passing by with smiles, an elderly man who recognized him and tipped his hat in greeting. Running children.

 

It was a boringly peaceful scene.

 

‘I’ll protect it. This time.’

 

It had been a life steeped in arrogance.

 

Claiming to do important work while forgetting what was truly important.

 

One mistake was enough, and he was a quick learner.

 

Of course…

 

‘It doesn’t seem like my nature has completely changed.’

 

If it had, he wouldn’t have made such a decision.

 

“Your Grace. If we block his escape routes like this, where do you think he’ll head?”

 

“Bayern Estate.”

 

He replied leisurely as he took out a cigar.

 

The acrid scent penetrated deep into his chest.

 

It was something he rarely smoked inside the estate for the sake of the children and Ebel.

 

Matthias tilted his head, unable to understand his master’s words.

 

“I’m not particularly dim-witted, but Your Grace’s schemes are impossible to follow.”

 

“It’s an invitation. Come in if you’re curious. It also means let’s face each other openly.”

 

He had blocked the escape routes.

 

A temporary blockade order was issued, and now there were no roads leading to or from Bayern that could be traveled safely.

 

Well, if he wanted to return home so badly, he could try going through the public land where mines had been planted.

 

He’d die before getting even halfway there.

 

‘Gaspard Lorraine. That man will definitely crawl into the estate.’

 

It was a good opportunity to gather information about someone who had only existed in rumors without substance.

 

Of course, there was the risk that Damian’s condition could be discovered in return…

 

“I need to find out what kind of code he uses when sending mail to the King of France. Tell them to inspect all documents coming into the post office. Especially telegrams—never send them immediately.”

 

“Oh my, my workload is going to increase tremendously.”

 

Despite grumbling, Matthias moved quickly.

 

After handling those matters, he headed toward a stall selling roasted peanuts.

 

Since he was already out, he intended to buy something Ebel liked.

 

‘Looking at things like this, it does seem I’ve changed a little from before.’

 

Taking care of someone felt awkward.

 

Remembering preferences and giving gifts.

 

Just wanting to see a smiling face once.

 

This was behavior the old him would never have engaged in.

 

Though letting dangerous elements into his mouth was no different from before.

 

In any case, he considered there to be meaningful change.

 

“Your Grace, but I have a question.”

 

On the way back to the estate.

 

Matthias, who had been leisurely driving the horse, suddenly voiced a question.

 

“Will there really be a war? I’m preparing as you ordered, but… ah, I’m not doubting Your Grace’s judgment.”

 

Matthias couldn’t help but have such doubts.

 

The man who enjoyed traveling to the most dangerous places—the capital, foreign countries—suddenly said he’d stay on the estate. Then he abruptly began preparing for marriage.

 

And now he was clearly preparing for war.

 

He did as ordered, but it didn’t sit well with him.

 

“I’ll try my best to prevent it, but who knows.”

 

“So you think there’s more than an 80% chance of war.”

 

“Even if I have to head to the battlefield, Bayern must remain safe.”

 

“Of course. We’ll secure enough food to last over five years within this year.”

 

Victor nodded and looked up at the clear sky.

 

Wasn’t it far too beautiful compared to his memories of it burning black from bombardment?

 

Such things deserved to be protected.

 

“Continue to reject all real estate speculation proposals that come in.”

 

“Yes sir. But are you really not going to invest in the railway project?”

 

“There’s no reason to.”

 

Up to this point today, Victor had drawn a grand picture.

 

Everything was merely uncertain speculation, but his intuition told him he was right.

 

‘Why did the King of Richter abandon me in the first place?’

 

There was only one answer.

 

To swallow Bayern whole.

 

Since it was a family with no mistress besides young nephews, all he had to do was die.

 

Richter was one country on the surface, but looking inside, the north and south were divided.

 

The north was ruled by the king.

 

The south was ruled by the House of Bayern.

 

Breaking Bayern and absorbing it into the north for unification was the royal family’s long-standing wish.

 

Previously, he had entered the Ri-Fr War to protect the people of his estate.

 

Because France and Southern Richter were adjacent.

 

He had made a treaty to strengthen Bayern’s autonomy as a condition for direct participation. Though it probably became worthless paper.

 

‘I was abandoned at the end, but the war itself was Richter’s victory. Therefore, Richter would have demanded massive war reparations from France.’

 

The current king lacked patience and was also stupid.

 

During a time of accelerating industrialization, what would he have done with all that reparation money that suddenly came in?

 

‘He probably released it into the market to solidify his popularity. Also to appease the southern people’s hearts.’

 

But when the money supply increases rapidly in a short period… the economy doesn’t flow only in good directions.

 

With money flowing freely, countless banks and companies with capital would have been established, and the House of Bettel would have inflated their business.

 

He didn’t know what kind of future actually unfolded. He hadn’t seen it.

 

It was merely speculation, but his predictions usually hit the mark.

 

“What do you think would happen if hundreds of billions of money were released into the market?”

 

“Hmm. Under the current king’s reign, banks and companies would spring up everywhere. Existing companies would also gradually siphon off money.”

 

“If we focus specifically on railways.”

 

“Oh… even if they embezzle from behind, they’d have to show that railways were built, so they’d probably lay them anywhere. The less profitable the location, the better. Since people won’t use them, they can lay them roughly and remove them. Even if they don’t follow proper steel quotas, since they won’t be used anyway, there’s no problem… aha?”

 

Matthias, who had been speaking up to that point, changed his expression as if realizing something. Victor gave light instructions to his capable aide.

 

“Assuming war breaks out and Richter wins, afterwards, the railway business will definitely fail.”

 

“Hmm, the House of Bettel will profit somewhat, but that would be the conclusion.”

 

“Railways will have to be built in Bayern too, but we must never approve what they propose as is. Only select profitable lines for limited installation. Give permission from our side without investment.”

 

“Oh, understood. It would be troublesome if they tried to lay railways everywhere.”

 

While exchanging conversation, the estate came into view.

 

It was strange that the music had stopped when the charity exhibition should still be ongoing.

 

“Make sure to lay less than necessary. Only the essentials. The rest… buy them at bargain prices when the House of Bettel collapses.”

 

With that, he spurred his horse. Matthias also quickly followed, grinning.

 

“I’m happiest when Your Grace acts like a villain!”

 

* * *

 

Naturally, the exhibition became a mess.

 

Hadn’t the heir of a noble family nearly died!

 

In such a situation, there was no one who could chatter excitedly.

 

“I heard from Mrs. Eberstain recently. She studied medicine abroad and came back.”

 

“Oh my, a doctor!”

 

“Yes, she’s said to be the attending physician taking care of all the young masters of Bayern.”

 

“No wonder. She must be quite an accomplished person.”

 

This was indeed a time when admiration for capable women was growing stronger.

 

The young ladies exchanged rumors and cast longing gazes toward the Magnificent Mansion.

 

The noble ladies were busy patting their chests in relief, while the children hid behind their mothers’ skirts with frightened expressions.

 

Just when everyone was calming down a bit thanks to Ebel distributing warm honey tea.

 

Victor appeared.

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