Chapter 50: The Price of Pride

[March, Villa Calendar Year 425]

Checking the newspaper over tea was Finu’s daily routine.

Running a business meant staying informed about the world’s events was the least she could do.
As the wife of a frontier count, living far from the capital made it easy to miss out on news, so the newspaper was a vital source of information.

“Oh?”

Finu’s eyes caught on the auction section.

“What is it?”

Noticing her voice, Hawk looked at her.

“The Diner ducal house is selling the ownership rights to some of their land.”

“Are you going to bid?”

“Yes, I think I will.”

Finu smiled sweetly.

Lately, the debt-ridden Diner ducal house had been selling off their land rights one after another.

The land listed in today’s paper was in a particularly remote part of their territory, likely to fetch a pittance at auction.
But beneath it lay a massive gold vein, rivaling the Lilith gold mine, the largest in their domain.
The only issue was the tough upper bedrock, making it hard to dig.

“That guy might come storming in, red-faced, again.”

“Even if he does, it’s no trouble. His complaints are nonsense. We’re just bidding on land through proper channels.”

Finu let out a sigh.

“Besides, the wise Duke Diner once said he’d never regret his decisions, so there’s no need to worry.”

“True. I was overthinking it.”

Hawk’s shoulders shook with amusement at Finu’s sarcasm.

Just then, a knock came, and Anna entered.

“Today’s mail.”

“Thank you.”

Finu took the letters and looked through them.

She paused at a familiar family crest.

“From Father?”

Finu frowned at the envelope, stamped with the Shot marquess house’s wax seal.

“That’s rare. What’s it about?”

“Let’s see.”

Finu opened it and read the contents.

“Oh my.”

“What is it?”

“Reina’s getting divorced.”

Finu shrugged.

Her father’s letter mentioned his well-being and asked about Finu’s recent life, but also noted that Reina had caused a uproar by storming out of the Diner ducal house.
Her relationship with Banaji was at its worst, and it seemed headed for a divorce trial over alimony.

(Father isn’t just kind. He won’t tolerate a useless daughter freeloading in the mansion forever.)

Life after divorce wasn’t easy for a noblewoman.
When Finu left home, she planned to work at an inn to support herself, but she couldn’t imagine the prideful Reina doing the same.

That left her with options like becoming the second wife of an elderly widowed noble or the mistress of a wealthy one.
Neither was an easy path.

“Well, it’s none of my concern.”

“Right.”

Hawk gave a small laugh.

“And…”

Finu looked at the remaining letters.

“One from Lord Banaji.”

She opened and read it.
It was a long plea for help, begging for even a small loan.

“Huh. For him to write a letter like this, he must be desperate.”

“Indeed. But that’s none of my concern either.”

Finu folded the letter back into its envelope and stood.
She tossed it into the blazing fireplace, watching the ashes burn with a smile.

“By the way, Lord Hawk.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful treasure.”

“Found another diamond mine?”

Hawk raised an eyebrow playfully.

“Something even better.”

Finu’s lips curved into a smile.

“I’m carrying your child.”

Smiling brightly, Finu watched Hawk’s face go blank, then crumple into a joyful grin as the news sank in.

“Congratulations, Finu!”

“Eek!”

Hawk stood and lifted her by the waist, hoisting her like a child, making her squeal.

“Lord Hawk, put me down!”

“Sorry, I got carried away.”

Hawk scratched his cheek sheepishly, and Finu felt warmth bloom in her chest.

(He’s so happy. It makes me happy too.)

Sharing joyful moments with the one she loved, living peacefully.

The world she once dreamed of was within reach, and Finu savored her happiness.