Chapter 112 - Our Angel, Our Salvation.
Chapter 112 – Our Angel, Our Salvation.
"No! Of course not! I'm just surprised that you also noticed the inconsistency, the missing funds, and incorrect computation! You're amazing!" Ivo leaned forward as he laid the accounts in between us, pointing at some key points I corrected. He sounded amused, but I was even more amused by how he noticed the little detail in a short time.
"As you know, these are simply the copy of the original accounts. So, I changed them for a bit to see if you can detect them. But to think you rearranged and noted the anomaly in these accounts… wow, luna. This pack is in good hands!" Ivo clapped while looking at me, lips forming an o-shape. His compliments slightly made me feel a little embarrassed.
"So, you purposely changed some details?" I asked, and he nodded. His brows knitted when I heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear, then. I was a bit concerned when I marked the total that was missing. I'm glad that isn't the case."
"Luna, did you stay up all night because you're worried something is going on?" he inquired in surprise.
"Well…" why else would I stay up if I wasn't worried about people embezzling money?
Ivo chuckled as he reached for the documents he brought with him. "This is the official financial accounts from the past ten years, Luna. Rearrange them and make a new one. It will give you a broader idea of how the grand duchy changed and adjust to a crisis. I am also willing to hear what proposition you had for allocating the budget…"
Ivo and I engaged in a conversation as he explained Belcoot's usual circumstance. Since Belcoot was a cold place, industrial and agriculture were struggling. Not to mention defending the borders of the north from the vicious creatures beyond the wall required resources and enough food.
In other words, although Belcoot was doing great so far. It wasn't as prosperous as the empire.
"Right. Since we're discussing this, why don't we walk around the castle? It's better for you to see Belcoot from the tower." Amidst our discussion, Ivo erected a finger. "Shall we?"
"Alright." I smiled.
While he was busy picking up important accounts, I set my eyes on Adelia. She had been here from the very beginning, standing on the same spot. I didn't ask her to stay or leave, leaving the decision to her. But since she stayed, I hope she listened well since Ivo's words were very helpful.
"Adelia, Sir Ivo, and I will go to the tower. You don't have to wait for us."
She hid the contempt in her eyes as she bowed. "Yes, Your Grace."
A faint sigh slipped past my lips as I watched her leave the study. Adelia was still amazing to keep herself together, although she couldn't keep her eyes and expression in check. But that gave me a bit of hope. It made me think she was someone who wouldn't do something reckless without thinking.
"My lady, are you sure you want to keep that child as your lady-in-waiting?" I was brought back from my thought when Ivo stood by my side with the documents in his hand. We both trudged towards the door while he continued to talk.
"You know, you can take in a lady-in-waiting from a better house. I'm not saying Balthazar and Emily aren't good people, but Adelia is still young. She is the youngest and the only girl, so she grew up pampered than her three older siblings." He cast me a knowing look; a look that wasn't concerned, but more like a look of confirmation. "I'm not questioning my lady's intention, but in a wiser and efficient view, there are better options."
"I know that." A subtle smile appeared on my face, gazing ahead at the hallway we were walking through. "There are better and smarter ladies who deserved the role. However, Hugo sees Adelia as his little sister. She's young and sometimes, young people always make impulsive decisions. It will break his heart if she does something foolish that Hugh might dislike and would leave him no choice but to make a difficult decision."
"Luna, you're actually wise even though you look a bit…"
"Slow on the uptake?" I cast him a look to finish his sentence.
Ivo smiled, treading slower. "I don't mean to offend."
"Don't worry, no harm taken." I shrugged, holding my hand behind me. "You know my story, so you are aware I am more ignorant about a lot of things. But I don't want to use that excuse over and over. I'm not inside the castle anymore."
My steps stopped upon reaching a window in the hallway, turning my head to look outside. "Although I am still Rinnie, I'm not just Rinnie Everfell, who was the hidden princess of Everfell. I'm Rinnie, the chosen mate of his royal highness, the seventh prince, and the grand duke of Belcoot, Hugo Tempest. I am no longer forbidden to step outside, but I am now someone who can freely run with a pack of wolves. I may not be as strong as everyone else, but I want to help Hugh in my own way."
I peeled my eyes from the window to Ivo, only to see him smiling proudly. "You've adjusted quickly, my lady. I feel very at ease now."
"I am in your care, Sir Ivo." I smiled back, and we both resumed to make our way to the tower while continuing our discussion regarding the grand duke's stronghold.
I could still remember the time I first talked to Ivo. He pointed out his concerns about my parents, but I got upset about it. Why did I get frustrated over something as petty as that? Because Ivo, although he would foolishly talk back to Hugo, he was a smart person.
He was keen. So, even before others notice things, he would already catch what doesn't add up. Just like my situation, even though I tried so hard to deny it, Ivo had a point. Thus, I got upset because his words might not be the entire truth — but there were some truths in it.
"Ivo, can I ask what Hugo had been doing as of late? He seems very busy nowadays." Amidst our momentary silence, I inquired out of plain curiosity. But to my surprise, Ivo's entire body stiffed as he looked at me wide-eyed. His strange reaction made me narrow my eyes suspiciously.
"Luna, Your Grace, the only moon of our pack, and our Alpha's beloved, I don't want to be rude. But please don't force me to say what Alpha Hugo had been doing." Ivo breathed out in distress while averting his eyes.
"If it's something you can't say, you could've said so. But after seeing your reaction, I'm curious." I teased while keeping my countenance the same, biting the side of my tongue when he frowned and looked at me with puppy eyes.
"Please don't push me off the cliff, our angel, our salvation."