The Kingmaker System Chapter 5 - 4. First Quest (1)

Viscount Ainsworth appeared somewhat uncertain, yet he consented to converse with me, and we relocated to the library.

"Pray, enlighten me on the nature of this matter?" I inquired, presenting him with a document detailing the Duke's mounting financial setbacks.

"My Lady, you ought not to exert yourself with such concerns; you are still recuperating-"

"Inform me," I insisted. He pursed his lips, his gaze fixed upon the papers before nudging them back toward me.

I examined the pile and commenced perusing the documents. With each page, my frown deepened, and I met his eyes once I had finished reading.

"Is this the entirety of the report?" I asked, and he shifted uncomfortably.

"The remainder is in His Grace's possession."

"You verified that location prior to its acquisition, did you not?" I questioned.

"Indeed, my Lady!" he exclaimed, his voice rising slightly in pitch, but he soon sighed, "We achieved success for the initial few days, but subsequently..."

"Did you engage in discussion with the proprietor?"

"Yes, but he merely stated it was standard business practice and..."

"And?"

"If the Duke proves unfortunate, it is hardly his concern." He confessed, looking downward, and I let out a sigh.

"Who is this astute and fortunate individual?"

"C-Count Stanson."

"Hm..." I hummed, my eyes scanning the papers.

"Procure the complete report for me, and any documentation pertaining to soil analysis. Additionally, have the ores extracted from that mine undergone testing?" I inquired, and the Viscount appeared somewhat perplexed.

"We examined the soil, but... not the ores."

"Arrange for their testing; I am quite convinced it was a fraudulent transaction." The Viscount nodded in agreement.

"I shall see it accomplished, but, my Lady... are you genuinely attempting to resolve this predicament?"

"Do you presume I am merely jesting?"

"However, even His Grace was unable to- I mean- His Grace has already initiated legal proceedings against Count Stanson in court, so..."

"All the more reason for my involvement then," I concluded.

Legal disputes invariably proved intricate and protracted, thereby affording perpetrators ample opportunity to obscure their transgressions. Should it not be too late, I might yet uncover something.

"Pardon me?" The Viscount stared at me, and I rose to my feet.

"Deliver the documents to my chambers subsequent to dinner."

"But, my Lady-"

"I shall be awaiting them," I stated, exiting the library.

Returning to my room, I sat down, contemplating the situation I had just uncovered.

The Duke was likely ensnared by a scheme involving the purchase of a mine purported to yield iron ore. To acquire it, he expended a considerable sum, only to discover it was an barren site yielding nothing but rocks and dirt, thus offering no profit.

The Duke initiated legal action against the Count who had facilitated the mine's sale, yet it appeared no favorable outcome was forthcoming.

If decisive action were not taken promptly, it was poised to result in a significant detriment to the Duke.

Just as I was contemplating a method to visit the mine myself, a system notification materialized.

[A new task has been assigned by the Defender of Divine Glory.

{Investigate the mine in conjunction with Rune Aurelius.}

Rewards: Complete mastery of the Mana Eyes skill.

Consequences of Failure: Financial loss in business.]

The presented rewards brought a smile to my face.

"Excellent. However, how am I to reach the location?" I pondered aloud.

[Upon accepting the task, you shall be teleported to the designated site.]

"But why is Rune implicated in this?"

[The Goddess of Wisdom deems it perilous for a young child to venture alone.]

"Precisely." I concurred.

[The Defender of Divine Glory clarifies that the 'young child' refers to you.]

"Hah?! He is twelve; he is also a child."

[The Goddess of Wisdom requests your trust.]

I ran my hand through my hair, finding our exchange frustrating. They were not only intrusive but occasionally insistent.

I pondered whether Rune possessed awareness of this financial defalcation and if his accompaniment would be prudent. Doubts lingered, yet the task explicitly stipulated his involvement, leaving me with little recourse.

"Very well, let it proceed as you decree," I muttered.

I resolved to confer with Rune beforehand, ensuring he would not be alarmed by our teleportation to the site via the system's magic. Furthermore, we would arrange for the investigation under the cover of night, to evade observation and facilitate a swift journey.

With the strategy formulated, I changed my attire and proceeded to dine with the Duke and Rune.

Duke Aurelius presented as the sort of parent who shielded his offspring from adversity. Following his wife's demise, he had single-handedly managed both his responsibilities and his children.

He eschewed remarriage despite numerous proposals, dedicating himself entirely to Reina and Rune, ensuring they would not experience the void left by their mother. A stark contrast to the scoundrel I was acquainted with.

While generally seeming like a decent person, the fact that he could be swindled so easily was rather concerning.

Dinner was a regular affair where the Duke and Rune would attempt to pry information out of me.

"Well, I was thinking of purchasing a new dress for you, Reina, as you've been growing so much," the Duke stated with a smile, which I mirrored, albeit forced.

"Father, I'm quite content with my current attire."

"What? But aren't they becoming a bit tight? It must be uncomfortable, right? Perhaps this weekend we could visit the town, or would you prefer the dressmakers come to you?" he inquired.

He was truly a skilled actor; the severe issues he was facing were nowhere to be seen on his face.

"Let's go out in town then," I agreed, and his smile widened.

"Excellent, I'll incorporate that into my schedule."

"I want to join too!" Rune exclaimed.

"Certainly, I'll buy both of you whatever you desire."

The atmosphere mimicked that of a typical family, yet I couldn't find any sense of ease. The task I was assigned weighed heavily on my mind, like a time bomb counting down.

[Goddess of Wisdom instructs you to take things easy.]

[Defender of Divine Glory advises you to enjoy family dinner time.]

"Didn't I tell you to stay out of my personal affairs?" I thought, and the notifications vanished.

Following dinner, the Duke retired to his study, while Rune offered to escort me back to my room.

"We'll finally get to go out in town together," Rune chirped with a grin.

"You seem rather excited about it."

"Of course! It's the first time you'll be venturing outside the mansion," he replied. It then dawned on me that in this life, "I" had been confined to bed almost constantly, making this my inaugural outing.

"Right..."

"Aren't you happy about it?" he questioned.

"I am, but something else is troubling me," I confessed. He stopped mid-stride, regarding me with a serious expression.

"What is it?"

I looked up at him, still hesitant, recognizing how young he was and the potential trouble he could face if involved, which would then fall on my shoulders.

"Uh... it's nothing," I mumbled, and he frowned.

"Reina, please tell me. I'll do anything to help you; I'm your older brother!"

His eyes shone with earnest determination, making it difficult for me to meet his gaze directly. I simply asked him to accompany me to my room.

He followed without question. Once inside, I presented him with the documents I had obtained from Viscount Ainsworth.

Rune, completely unaware of the situation, was utterly shocked to discover that we were facing significant financial losses and even legal action.

"B-But Father didn't mention anything!"

"Perhaps he didn't wish for us to worry," I suggested, and Rune scowled, his eyes fixed on the papers.

A knock echoed at the door. Upon opening it, I found Viscount Ainsworth standing there with another stack of documents. I stepped aside, allowing him entry.

He gasped upon seeing Rune already present. After a brief interrogation, he admitted everything.

"How could Father not inform us? This is a serious predicament," Rune snapped, and I sighed.

"His Grace did not wish for the Young Master and My Lady to worry unnecessarily," the Viscount explained.

"Unnecessarily? This matter is-"

"Brother," I interjected, causing him to cease speaking, though he slammed his fist onto the table, his anger palpable.

"Viscount, you have fulfilled your duty; you may leave now," I commanded. He looked at me with questioning eyes.

"Pardon my asking, My Lady, but what will you do with these?" he inquired, and I glanced at Rune, who was also looking at me.

"That is something we will decide," I stated, gesturing between Rune and myself, which widened his eyes.

"But-"

"Furthermore, keep this a secret from Father."

"Pardon, what?!"

"Do as she says, Viscount," Rune interceded.

"Do not inform Father that we are aware of this."

Viscount Ainsworth appeared troubled as he faced both of us before finally relenting and exiting the room.

Once his footsteps faded, Rune and I turned to face each other, and he asked, "So, what are we going to do about this?"