Collaborator
On that day, I had invited guests to the mansion.
I instructed Henry and Mother to keep it secret, as I had invited them to a separate residence.
"Welcome, Aunt. Thank you for coming all this way."
"I am no longer your aunt. I don't have that qualification."
A regretful expression was on Lady Anita Granrule's face.
She was technically a stranger on the family registry even though she was my aunt, but for the sake of this plan, she has become a collaborator.
"The family registry doesn't matter to me."
“Lady Marie.”
"Please, just Marie."
I had met Aunt once before.
Even though I have heard it was before I became aware of things, I vaguely remember it.
"I appreciate you granting my wish this time."
"I should be the one thanking you for the wonderful bridal apparel for my daughter."
I'm glad she liked the wedding dress I designed.
Aunt doesn't need to bow to me; after all, it was the fault of those two that the wedding couldn't take place.
"Regarding that matter..."
"Those two are no longer relevant."
I've heard that Aunt severed ties with Ranford family at the time of her marriage, but according to the family registry, Grandfather had always been concerned.
Even if we set aside the family registry, she should have been given a portion of the inheritance after she shouldered part of the funeral expenses.
The greediness of my biological mother gave me a headache.
"I gladly accept the matter of being your collaborator."
"Thank you very much."
"There is a debt to Lady Anesia that I cannot fully repay."
Mother felt sorry for Aunt's position and provided financial assistance.
She was concerned about the potential parasites coming to her in the future, so she took all possible measures to protect herself.
"Now, our family is living comfortably. My daughter is expecting a child as well."
"That's good to hear."
However, what worries me is the envy of those two.
Since they've been driven out of the territory and are in dire straits, they should be seeking help from her first.
That's why Mother, making the first move, did an excellent job.
She strengthened security around the Granrule estate and kept a trusted guild close, making it difficult for them to resort to force.
However, that alone is not enough.
That's why a few days ago, I attached something to a letter I sent to my Aunt.
It was a device that could record audio and video.
It was not common in the territory, but it was used for security in the Capital.
It would be effective in a legal dispute.
A certain noblewoman, who had suffered from her family's abuse, used this method as a last resort in a legal dispute and actually won.
Sometimes, historical facts can be useful, so I decided to make use of it.
But that alone was not enough.
We need to move on to the next plan.
What do you think about this chapter?
