Chapter 24: An Invitation from the Second Young Lady
"To summarize, Second Lady, these are Capollo's remaining followers within Montelli, and this is the data storage device containing the evidence of their crimes..."
"Mmm... I've received it. Thank you, Father Aeron."
After listening to Aeron's report, Carlotta nodded to confirm the intelligence he had brought, though she seemed somewhat distracted.
While this information was undoubtedly important and would likely require considerable time for subsequent investigation and analysis, there was one matter Carlotta felt compelled to ask about immediately.
"You didn't... rest well last night?"
The Aeron standing before her now appeared completely different from the man who had boldly confronted the Fractsidus yesterday—his arms hung limply, his eyes lacked focus, and his spirit seemed utterly drained.
"Uh..."
Carlotta's question caught Aeron off guard. His gaze drifted uncertainly, and his voice carried a noticeable hoarseness.
After wrestling internally with how to respond, Aeron unconsciously reached back to rub his lower back before finally offering an explanation:
"I did some... physical labor last night."
Memories from the previous night flooded back: after completing the cleanup work, Zani had invited him for a late-night meal, then he'd had to escort the completely drunk woman home, and then... he'd given—no, Zani had forcefully taken his innocence, and he can't even complain since the sex felt too good to forget.
To be honest, when he woke up this morning, he felt almost like he'd become a vegetable, uncertain whether he'd actually slept or simply passed out.
Watching Zani get up at her usual time, change into her uniform, and head to work as if nothing had happened, Aeron couldn't help but marvel that she was the real superhuman.
The unfortunate part was that he was the one who'd been super-ed (sadly).
When Aeron and Zani eventually emerged from her home together, one of them glowed with radiant energy, all traces of accumulated fatigue vanished from their face; the other had essentially turned into a stick.
Finally, since Aeron needed to return to the Montelli district to report to Carlotta, and Zani had to clock in at Averado Bank, the two went their separate ways.
Cows moo, horses neigh, and beasts of burden receive. Aeron had never understood this saying so profoundly until now.
"Physical labor?"
Carlotta tilted her head slightly at Aeron's explanation. She remembered him leaving the auction hall alone last night—what had he done afterwards?
Had he gotten into another fight with someone? But looking at his condition, it didn't seem like he was injured, more like all his energy had been drained.
"...Just some routine cleanup work, rather tedious stuff."
"Hmm?"
Shorty frowned and tilted her head, clearly not buying Aeron's explanation.
But no matter what, he absolutely wouldn't reveal what actually happened last night.
The reason was simple—this concerned his dignity as a man, damn it!
It wasn't until she glanced again at the report and data storage device Aeron had submitted—items that hadn't been present during last night's scene investigation—that understanding dawned.
As the family's executor handling aftermath operations, she quickly deduced what Aeron must have done.
"...You went to see Uncle Capollo after all?"
"Just settling some personal matters."
Aeron shrugged, trying to keep his tone light. He knew this matter wouldn't escape Carlotta's notice anyway—his only hope was that she, as a member of the Montelli family, wouldn't pursue it further.
"Rest assured, Uncle and his subordinates will face the family's judgment and punishment. Blood for blood, life for life—no one is an exception."
Carlotta's pale eyes fixed on Aeron, revealing a faint smile.
"Anyway, you've truly done me a great favor. This collaboration has been quite pleasant."
Carlotta concluded, but then her tone shifted abruptly.
"So, what are your plans now?"
Hearing Carlotta's question, Aeron finally snapped back to attention.
"With Capollo fallen, our deal is settled. Cartethyia and Little Phoebe are safe here with you. There's no need for me to stay any longer."
"Retiring after success?" Carlotta chuckled softly, yet with an air of seeing through everything. "Father Aeron, do you really think you can peacefully return to the Order?"
"I don't know. At worst, I'll find another place to blend in. Septimont are quite short-handed."
After all, his next target was rather troublesome, and Aeron needed to plan more carefully.
However, Carlotta merely responded with a light laugh.
"Are you so sure that Septimont, or anywhere else, would be more 'stable' than under the Montelli family's protection?"
"Then what does the Second Young Lady mean?"
"Let's speak plainly, Father Aeron. I believe your cooperation with the Montellis can continue."
Without any pretense, Carlotta straightforwardly extended an olive branch.
"With Uncle Capollo gone, there's a vacancy in managing the treasury affairs, and I happen to need someone trustworthy to take over."
"Sorry, I'm not interested in that position."
"That's fine. As I've said, the Montellis don't mistreat capable people."
The smile on Carlotta's face deepened. By now, as a witness to that night's events, she understood Aeron's motives.
He sought protection for two innocent girls while using the Montelli name to exact his own revenge.
He would stop at nothing to achieve his goals—exactly as her grandfather had described him as "unbound."
This was precisely why Carlotta wanted to recruit him.
This time, Aeron happened to be on the Montellis' side, but next time might be different.
At the very least, Carlotta wouldn't let him become her enemy.
"Father Aeron, the results you've achieved in such a short time are commendable."
"Although some family members have reservations about you, everyone, including my grandfather and I, holds you in high regard."
"If you're willing to stay, no matter what happens, the Montellis will back you. After all..."
Carlotta leaned closer to Aeron, studying the priest's expression.
"Anyone who dares to move against my people on Montelli territory—I'll settle that score personally. We share the same goal, don't we?"
"...What if my target is more troublesome than you imagine?"
"Heh, trouble is the one thing the Montellis never lack. Sincerity for sincerity—that's the Montelli way of life, Father Aeron."
Aeron was genuinely surprised by Carlotta's offer. He hadn't expected the Second Young Lady of the Montelli family to value him so highly.
Without giving an immediate reply, Aeron carefully pondered the proposition in his mind.
Considering his future objectives and current needs, accepting Carlotta's proposal would indeed bring him nothing but benefits.
Because from now on, he needed to consider how to resolve issues without triggering greater disasters—unlike when dealing with Capollo, where mere brute courage sufficed.
From this perspective, Aeron truly had no reason to refuse.
"Mr. Aeron, in the name of Carlotta Montelli, I guarantee a position will remain reserved here. What are your thoughts?"
He raised his eyes, meeting Carlotta's pale blue irises that seemed capable of seeing through human hearts, utterly devoid of falsehood.
"Then what outcome must I deliver this time to satisfy you?"
"Rest assured, as merchants, the Montellis would never accept any one-sided 'transaction'."
Carlotta spoke while gracefully extending her hand toward Aeron.
"This time, it is Montelli who will deliver results that satisfy you."
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