TVTLQ - Chapter 74
The Villainess Wants To Live Quietly
"They continued to hand out food materials for several weeks before the development began?"
"Yes. It is said that thanks to this, the local residents' favorability built up and there was no major opposition to starting construction. When I asked a few people about it, they actually had very high expectations."
"Expectation?"
"That means there may soon be a new job that will help them earn a living."
"Right. What really surprised me was this."
Rexed looked down at the report and pointed at the section that said 'Other multi-purpose buildings for learning.'
"I knew they were planning to reorganize the residential area, but I didn't know they were even thinking about establishing an educational facility."
"Yes. It was said that the decision was made because the level of education for minors in the region is lower than in other regions. In addition, since there are no plans to hire minors at the newly established factory, there is also a purpose to provide care for children who will be left alone while their parents are away,"
"What do they plan to teach?"
"First, they plan to teach basic language for reading and writing and simple math. In addition, etiquette and hygiene education were mentioned."
"Etiquette and hygiene education?"
"Most of the children there have not received proper education. As a result, even when food was distributed, there were many problems such as people eating it without washing their hands. I think we will probably be able to correct this."
"Perfect."
Rexed nodded. It was a good decision. As expected, it was a job worthy of a person who would be with him until he abdicated.
"There is nothing to point out. Very neat. From now on, we just need to inspect it periodically."
"Yes, I will."
Rexed savored his appetite and leaned against the back of the chair. But suddenly the gloves the official was wearing caught his eye.
Now that he thinks about it, it seems like all the people who went to inspect Dostic these days were wearing the same gloves.
What?
Rexed, curious, asked lightly.
"Is that a trend these days?"
The official, realizing that his eyes were on the gloves, smiled shyly.
"Oh, no. I received this as a gift."
"Gift?"
"Yes. It's winter soon, and since the construction site is outside, it may be cold, so he gave me a hat and a muffler as a gift. Not only I received it, but others also received it."
"Hmm."
Rexed slightly raised one eyebrow.
'It's strange.'
On the outside, it's just an ordinary pair of gloves. However, the thin chain that decorated the wrist of the glove was made of gold and had diamonds embedded between the rings.
There is no way that Rexed, who grew up wearing only the best things as a member of the imperial family of the empire, would not know this.
But he didn't blame the officials.
Dostic is an area of insecurity. The officials who went on-site inspections to such places every day needed compensation for their hard work.
However, it is rather commendable that Calix took care of it first. With a proud mind, Rexed decided to empower his loyal subjects.
"If there is a request for cooperation during construction, do your best to comply. This means that we should cooperate and not create issues that will delay construction for no reason. Even if you look at Duke Altemir's sincerity."
“Yes? Duke Altemir?”
The official asked back with a puzzled look.
Rexed, who thought the other person was still acting immature, scolded the official,
"So you were just going to wash your mouth after receiving the gift?"
"Oh, no! It's not like that... I found it strange that Your Highness suddenly mentioned Duke Altemir."
"Hmm?"
"The person who gave the gift was not Duke Altemir."
"What do you mean? Then it's a gift from someone."
"It was a gift from Pierre's superiors."
Rexed frowned slightly at the sudden name Pierre. Why does Pierre appear here?
But the real bomb started now.
"It was sent by Rosenia Pierre, the general manager of this project. As expected, Lady is better at these delicate parts..."
Bang-!
Rexed's fist hit the solid desk. The surprised official chewed his tongue while speaking without realizing it. A cold voice dripped from Rexed's mouth.
"What did you say just now?"
"Well, the delicate parts are definitely ladylike...."
"No! Not that, but before that!"
"Rosenia Pierre, the general manager of this construction...?"
Rexed opened his eyes wide. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Why is Rosenia Pierre mentioned here?
He questioned fiercely.
"What nonsense is that? The person responsible for this development must be Duke Altemir."
"Oh, no. It is led by Pierre, and Rosenia Pierre is the general manager."
"What?"
"Isn't that approved in the development permit..."
The official's voice, frightened by Rexed's anger, became as quiet as the sound of passing ants.
Rexed frowned.
This work was initiated by Calix. Calix submitted the report directly, and Rexed reviewed and approved it. Even after development began, Calix often visited the imperial palace to update him on the progress on site.
So, in a way, it was natural for Rexed to think that Calix was the developer.
But that wasn't it?
"Duke Altemir right now..."
"Oh, he said he was going to the Kiel Mountains."
Rexed scratched his head in frustration. Calix was currently away from the capital due to concerns about the possibility of an explosion in the Pontry Mine.
The Kiel Mountains are located at the very edge of the vast territory of the empire, so no matter how fast he traveled, it would take at least two weeks. So it is impossible to summon Calix now.
Rexed, who was about to call him and ask him the whole story, clicked his tongue.
If so, Rexed has one choice.
"You outside!"
"Yes!"
"Send someone to bring Viscount Gray of the Duke of Altemir. Right Now!"
"Yes, I understand."
Rexed's eyes burned brightly as he summoned a poor soul to replace Calix.
***
About an hour later, the knights dragged Dominic Gray away from the Duke's residence in the capital.
Dominic, the aide who was dragged in without knowing why, was scared and shaking. The atmosphere surrounding him was tense.
Knights were watching him, and on one side of the room, familiar imperial officials were lined up as if they were being punished. But the scariest thing of all was the expression on the face of Crown Prince Rexed, who was sitting at the head table.
"They say the person responsible for developing Dostic is Pierre, not the Duke..."
Rexed frowned darkly.
"I definitely gave the Duke permission. I would like you to explain to me, Viscount, what on earth is going on."
Dominic broke out in a cold sweat. He was equally embarrassed at the moment.
Why is the Crown Prince demanding an explanation from him?
He naturally assumed that this development had been agreed upon between the Crown Prince and the Duke.
It had to be that way.
Regional development was a very important task that also corresponded to national projects. But looking at the current atmosphere, it seems that wasn't the case at all.
'Duke, what on earth have you done?'
Dominic closed his eyes tightly and looked for Calix, who was not present.
The Duke, who was now suffering from the fever of his first love because he was afraid of the late wind, had a very serious accident and left the capital promptly.
'It was strange from the moment permission was given so easily.'
Dominic hesitated, unable to choose an answer.
Then Rexed gestured to the servant. All the people who filled the room retreated. Only Rexed and Dominic remain.
Rexed slowly opened his mouth.
"Is the Duke currently hunting?"
Dominic suddenly raised his head-hunted. It was their own slang for when Calix attempted a hostile takeover.
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