Chapter 8
“Are you sure you can just leave it at that?”
“Do you think I would remember something like that?”
Leopold glanced at the mountain of documents piled on his desk and asked in return.
Even today alone, there were dozens of documents that required his attention. He only reviewed and processed them case by case; there was no way he could keep track of every single one.
“Oh, right, of course. Haha. Well, it makes sense that Your Excellency wouldn’t remember—it was a contract signed five years ago…”
“That would be when I was on the battlefield.”
“Yes. At the time, the Baron’s family borrowed money to repay massive compensation for the victims. They used their estate and railway concession as collateral.”
“Is that so?”
Leopold stroked his chin with a meaningful expression.
“How much debt are we talking about?”
“About… 2 billion crowns, I believe.”
With 2 billion crowns, one could buy five luxury mansions in the capital’s most valuable district. Not just mansions—the amount was comparable to the value of a single gold mine owned by a ducal house, where all currency eventually flows.
It was a compensation burden of that scale. It did feel somewhat unfair. But that was their problem. And besides, he was the creditor here, holding the superior position.
“Ah, I almost forgot—I had a copy here.”
Raul quickly retrieved something from his desk drawer.
[Debt Performance Agreement]
Debtor: Diego Hernandez
Creditor: Hector Otero von Bern
Debt Amount: 2,000,000,000 crowns
Contract Date: March 10, 1881
Due Date: March 10, 1886
The debtor must repay the principal and interest in full by the due date. In the event of the debtor’s incapacity, their descendants shall assume responsibility.
◉ Collateral Details
- Collateral Assets:
- Hernandez Baron Estate (hereafter “Collateral Asset 1”)
- Bern Railway Concession (hereafter “Collateral Asset 2”)
- Total value of collateral: 2,000,000,000 crowns
◉ Enforcement Conditions
- If the debtor fails to fulfill the obligation by the due date, ownership of Collateral Asset 1 and 2 shall be automatically transferred in full to the creditor.
- Interest rate may fluctuate according to market conditions. (Current rate: 1%)
Leopold slowly reviewed the copy of the agreement from five years ago.
The seals of both families were clearly stamped in the signature section. Diego Hernandez must be Violeta Hernandez’s biological father. Just as Hector Otero was his own worthless father.
Raul continued.
“When the deadline passed this March without repayment, I asked whether we should proceed according to Clause 1 by presenting this copy and the asset transfer document.”
Leopold searched his memory as he listened.
Yes… he vaguely remembered hearing something like that. That must be why the name Hernandez felt familiar.
It had been so routine that he must have approved it without a second thought and moved on. It was such a fleeting moment that it would have been easily forgotten.
Still… it might not have been just that. Perhaps it was a sense of déjà vu tied to more complex emotions. Memory was always prone to distortion.
But it wasn’t something to dismiss lightly. The value of that silver-haired woman had once been insignificant—but not anymore.
And in a case involving debt of this scale, it could be used as a far more valuable card.
“So, has the Baron’s family been informed?”
“Ah—no. Clerk Crank is still reviewing it. If nothing goes wrong, it should be delivered within the week.”
Crank was a long-serving legal advisor who had handled all of the Otero ducal family’s legal affairs for years.
Leopold tapped his fingers on the desk.
Then, after a moment, he spoke.
“Do not inform them.”
“…Pardon?”
Raul blinked, thinking he had misheard.
“Don’t notify the Hernandez family. I’ll handle it myself.”
A smooth smile formed on Leopold’s lips. Raul looked uncertain but nodded hesitantly.
“Ah… yes. I’ll send the telegram immediately. And…”
Raul glanced at the clock on the desk.
“You should start preparing. Her Highness the Princess will be arriving soon.”
“Why is she even coming here?”
“Well… perhaps to act as your fiancée?”
Raul shrugged.
Leopold scoffed.
“Fiancée, my ass.”
“Even if you dislike it, just endure it for today. Who knows—”
“Who knows what.”
“They say fortune comes to those who endure. Maybe some blessing will fall from the sky.”
Blessing, huh. More like revenge.
Leopold waved his hand dismissively, signaling Raul to leave. Raul bowed and exited.
But just as the door closed—
Bang.
With a loud commotion, the office door swung open.
A familiar figure strode in as if she owned the place.
“Ah. My dear. Long time no see, my fiancé, Leo.”
It was Princess Erika.
Of course. There would be no such thing as “blessing” in his life.
A self-mocking smile flickered across Leopold’s face.
“Raul, you may leave. I’ll escort my husband out myself.”
Erika gently pushed Raul aside with a smile. Startled, he quickly fled.
Once the door closed, she walked straight toward Leopold.
With every step, a sharp scent of alcohol reached his nose. Leopold frowned.
But something else irritated him more.
“Who exactly is your husband?”
“We’re going to be married anyway.”
“That’s quite the confident statement.”
“I’ve been engaged to you for four years, you know?”
“I wasn’t aware of that, but I do know it’ll last at least four more.”
“Leoooo!”
Her shout echoed through the room.
Leopold ignored her and stood, casually adjusting his desk. Then he looked at her with cold eyes.
“If you hate it that much…”
A thin, icy smile formed on his lips.
“You’re free to end it here.”
Erika’s face flushed red with humiliation.
She was a princess. His fiancée.
How could he treat her like this?
And yet, even after four years, his cold indifference still shook her.
‘At this point, he should feel jealous… shouldn’t he?’
She bit the inside of her cheek.
Her gaze followed Leopold as he moved away, being dressed by servants. He did not spare her a single glance.
Was their engagement just an illusion she had believed in?
Leopold had even spread false rumors, humiliating her.
‘At least cheat for real, then.’
Of course, her jealousy wasn’t just for attention—it was to provoke him. To make him look at her.
She already knew the rumors were fake.
That made it worse.
He was deliberately pushing her away.
Her pride was being trampled.
And yet, she couldn’t let go of her feelings.
‘I can’t lose him.’
She clenched her lips.
“Breaking off the engagement is not an option. Understand?”
Leopold approached.
With every step, her heartbeat grew louder.
Before she knew it, he was right in front of her.
He tilted her chin up.
“Say that again?”
His voice was calm, almost amused.
“You don’t have any choice.”
“Is that so?”
“The weakness I hold over you… you haven’t forgotten, have you?”
Her voice trembled slightly.
“If you don’t behave, I can always send your mother back to prison!”
At that, Leopold’s smile disappeared.
His expression turned cold.
Erika smiled in satisfaction.
‘Should’ve started with that.’
After all, she held his leash.
That was why she could control him.
She let go of his chin.
“One year left, right?”
She adjusted his coat.
“The day you’re officially recognized as a noble.”
“That has nothing to do with you.”
“Oh? Of course it does.”
Leopold sighed deeply.
“We will end this. I will make sure of it.”
“Ha. You really don’t understand, do you?”
Erika cut him off.
“Do you think Father called us today for nothing? At this exact timing—one year left?”
“….”
“To tell us to prepare for marriage. Don’t you remember?”
