[Side story] Two-arm scale (2)
This is an emergency.
Although the exact circumstances are unknown, it seems that Yenica Failover has made ‘considerable’ progress with Ed Rothtaylor.
From Lortel Kecheln’s point of view, there is no way to know to what extent it is, but in any case, the fact that it should not remain silent like this seems self-evident.
If that’s the case, it seems like we’ll have to take some special measures… but that doesn’t mean there’s anything particularly great.
It’s not my fault to say it, but Ed Rothtaylor is a terrible workaholic.
He never puts off any task that comes before him and always completes it neatly. Moreover, because they always plan their lives on their own initiative, they never fall prey to the flirtations or deception of people around them.
If we say that Ed Rothtaylor was taken by Yenika Failover, what on earth did he use?
Lortel pressed his eyebrows and pondered, but eventually opened his eyes sharply and strengthened his will.
Anyway, when the vacation period ends, Ed leaves for Aken Island to teach students. If you want to increase your chances of winning until then, now is the time.
And Ed’s help was desperately needed anyway.
*
“Slog Keldlux?”
Ed Rothtaylor and Jenica Palover are returning from a long journey, and a distinguished guest named Lortel is also visiting.
A sumptuous dinner was prepared under Tanya’s instructions. Along both sides of the luxurious banquet table, vassals of the Rosstaylor family and employees of the company who followed Lortel were eating luxurious food.
In the meantime, Lortel came to Ed’s side and spoke seriously.
“yes. “He is the current head of the Elte Company and has been a confidant of our father, the Golden King Elte Keheln, for more than 20 years.”
“If you’re planning to take the position of leader, I’ll have to tell that person to get ready to come down.”
“yes that’s right. But this old man is more ambitious than I thought. “The original contract was for me to get my position as chairman back, but a quick look at it shows that they don’t want to fulfill the contract.”
And Lortel talks lightly about that fact as if it was nothing.
“You will betray me sooner or later.”
In the world of Sangdo, where interests are complexly intertwined, betraying and being betrayed is as natural as breathing.
Nothing could hurt Lortel’s heart like a fingernail, like being stabbed in the back by a close friend of close friends who has worked with him for decades.
“Once you get to the position of CEO, you almost have to take your hands off the practical work. Because it’s physically impossible. So, I tried to finish all the work that needed to be done on the practical side, but it looks like I couldn’t resist that threat and picked something else.”
“…”
“I told you about it when Dune betrayed me. “It’s not okay to feel hurt and sad because an employee you’ve known for decades stabbed you in the back.”
A gorgeous dress and beautifully combed auburn hair. It seems as if the darkness that cannot be fathomed by those who look at it with envy because it is a glamorous and shining life is peeking its head.
“After all, fellow merchants are like stepping stones that we have to cross once in a while. That’s what they think, but there’s no reason for me to think in particular.”
“If you think that way, I have nothing to say.”
“I just need to not betray my senior. “That won’t happen.”
The words spoken lightly with a grin had a strange weight to them.
“The psychology of people who took their place through betrayal is obvious. In the end, because you can’t trust others, you betray again and you always doubt that you will be betrayed, and as you become buried in doubt, you slowly wear out.”
Lortel, who put his drink down on the table and smiled slightly, added quietly.
“Before you ask, the answer is from experience.”
“I didn’t even want to ask.”
“The consideration is touching, but the time to be hurt by such things has already passed. So, sir, to get to your point… This old man named Slog is very tough to deal with, as he has thick bones.”
Old fox. It was obvious how treacherous and quick-witted Lortel was to the point of calling him that.
The fact that he maintained his own food in that bloody Old Deck for over 20 years says a lot.
“I’m still taking the stance of postponing taking on the chairmanship while handling practical matters, but if things start to move in earnest, they’ll try to take me down.”
“How specifically?”
“Justice.”
Lortel raised both palms at an angle and spoke slyly.
“The scales on both arms of Elte Company always remain level.”
Is that phrase that is said every time one naturally reveals one’s hypocrisy something like Elte Company’s catchphrase?
“If you want to cause the downfall of Lord Lortel Kecheln, you have to find a suitable justification.”
“Like when you kicked out Elte Kecheln?”
Jeondae Hoeju swept away the responsibility for the sale of janggu, poor performance, and suspicion of accounting fraud all at once.
Now is the time for the dagger to fly towards Lortel.
“But… we are fellow merchants who have known each other for almost 20 years. “To some extent, we all understand what tricks each other is using.”
“Even though we have known each other for such a long time, there is no such thing as trust… Merchants also live very tiring lives.”
“It’s quite literal. In fact, it’s even scarier because we’ve known each other for a long time. “As he is an internal enemy, he understands my course of action very well.”
Lortel checks once more to make sure there are no listening ears around him and speaks with a lower voice.
“So you’re going to catch me off guard. I’ll check everything from every angle, but I’m sure I’ll find something unexpected in some way. “I know you are not a soft opponent.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen you so wary. “A person who acted relaxed even in front of the princesses.”
“You must not fall into the illusion that you are in complete control of all variables. “If you want to survive in this world for a long time, you have to always doubt yourself.”
The right-hand man who always faithfully fulfills his role as the assistant manager of the company, Lortel.
Slog is likely to be in that position.
“Can’t you catch the pod first and cut out the slog?”
Even as I said that, I was aware to some extent that it was a pointless point.
“He’s really good at his job. His performance is good and his management skills are outstanding, so he leaves nothing to be desired. Since I can’t find a good reason to kick them out, if I force them out a bit…” “
…That would give Slog a reason to rebel fairly.”
“…is it so. In this fight for justification, the one who acts unreasonable first loses. “The opponent is too big to go out on his own like he did when he kicked Dune out.”
Slog is in the attacking position and Lortel is in the defensive position.
That’s what it means to keep your position.
“The best thing is to deliberately create an opening and then counterattack.”
The person who loses in the fight for a cause is the one who made a ‘mistake’ first.
“Right now, Slog is acting like a sincere middle manager without giving any excuses, but it would be best to counterattack by preparing for the moment when his true colors are revealed.”
“I think the time when Slog shows his true colors is when victory is virtually assured… he’s an old fox.”
“is it so. So, it would be a good idea to prepare a strategy that can completely outmaneuver you.”
Ed gathered his thoughts while eating a few pieces of well-cooked steak.
It’s not very pleasant to be involved in the merchants’ dark power struggle, but Lortel says he’s in trouble, so I feel the need to help him.
“Senior Ed… I hope you can be the ‘wedge’ for that time.”
“wedge?”
“When the slog reveals a gap, please be a witness who observes that gap. Senior Ed is not only connected to the power of the Saints, but also to the imperial family. “There are only a handful of people in this empire who have relationships with saints and princesses at the same time.”
The request was to be present as a witness when Lortel found a good reason to expel Slog.
“Well, it’s not difficult, but… I’m a bit reluctant to have a relationship with the imperial family these days, perhaps because of my relationship with the Holy Emperor…”
“Yes? “Aren’t you in regular contact with the princesses?”
“Princess Fenia has been so busy since she was decided as the heir to the throne that it has been difficult to contact her, and with Princess Selaha… she has some bad connections.”
“why? “Is this a somewhat personal question?”
“That’s not necessarily true… It’s a bit difficult from my perspective. He invades the Ross Taylor mansion at will, creates a dark story as he pleases, and then gets angry at his own will, stares at it, and then runs away to the imperial palace… At the same time, he always responds to Tanya’s tea party invitation…”
“…I won’t ask for details. “I guess.”
“Okay, thank you. Anyway, the point is that there are some uneasy parts.”
Lortel clenched his chin and pondered, and eventually declared that the variables were not that big.
“Anyway, what I was trying to say was that we need to get rid of the slog. “I don’t know when I will reveal my true intentions, but if I make a move to become the head of the association in earnest, there will be a response.”
“When will that be?”
“Soon.”
Ed tilted his head and looked at Lortel. Then Lortel smiles like a fox.
“You get busy when school starts. “Let’s get rid of the bull’s horn as soon as possible.”
“In that case…”
“As soon as I return to Old Deck, I will immediately announce the story about the Hoeju position. “The slog will also move slowly.”
It was obvious what that meant.
“Senior Ed, would you please accompany me to Old Deck around then?”
The plan is to put an end to the slog and take Ed to All Deck.
Ed simply nodded at Lortel’s request that he would take care of both the cause and the practical benefit.
Ed and Lortel’s relationship of trust is stronger than expected and is not shaken by self-interest.
A magnificent amount of gold and silver treasures, the building and influence of the huge Elte Company, and all kinds of famous connections.
Lortel felt more reassured by Ed’s firm nod than everything else, and ended up monologuing to himself.
Anyway, I secretly thought that I wanted to hug this man for the rest of my life.
*
“Master Ed said he would soon go to Old Deck to help Lady Lortel.”
– Kuuk.
Yenika’s movements as she was crunching on the salad suddenly froze.
But that only lasted a moment… Then he nodded, munching on the end of the cabbage like a rabbit.
“Yes~ Okay, now that I think about it, I said it was time to renew the school supply supply contract with Elte Trading Company. “It must be difficult for Ed as he represents the Bachelor.”
“Well, it looks like Master Ed is planning on taking care of the academic affairs all at once, but the main point is that he is leaving to help Lady Lortel with her work.”
“Yeah, I see~. I must be very busy Ed~. After all, all responsible and capable people are so busy and having such a hard time~ I hope you do your best. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Yenika was still humming and munching on her food. After returning from Pulan, he had a vague expression on his face, as if he was in a dream, so it was not difficult for Belle to guess what had happened.
Belle came next to Yenika, who was in the middle of breakfast, and whispered seriously in her ear so that the other maids could not hear.
“Did you sleep with Master Ed?”
“Pukkahak! “Kahaak!”
There was no need for an answer. With that response, it’s as if the conclusion has already been said.
“Bebel, what kind of vulgar language are you talking about?”
“I just wanted to say something for Miss Yenika. “You shouldn’t lose your mind just because you think you’re a tough opponent.”
Bell’s words always cut to the core. Yenika also knew that fact well, so she seemed embarrassed, but strangely, she was listening to Bell’s words.
“What do you mean…?”
“You know the saying that all men are wolves? Of course, Master Ed is always a sound and sincere person, but he doesn’t know what will happen if the other party uses various tricks. Especially if it’s that Lortel girl, she will never stay still.”
From Belle’s point of view, it wasn’t very comfortable to cheer for just one person, but at least she didn’t want to see good-natured Yenika sitting around blankly, unable to do anything, and having Ed taken away.
“You don’t have to worry about that!”
However, Yenika was strangely assertive.
“Ed whispered to me! Because I’m here, Ed can gain strength…”
“Miss Yenica, your voice is loud.”
Yenika looked around and saw several maids with blushing faces quickly passing by holding cleaning tools. Yenika was sweating profusely and fanned herself with her hand to blow away the heat.
“Uh, anyway… Ed promised a future with me…”
“Is that so…”
Belle felt strangely moved by the fact that she had made more progress than she expected. Yenika is finally starting to do her part, and I feel like a parent watching my child grow.
However, there are still things to check and do.
“You… are you sure you said this clearly?”
“What what?”
“If you have clearly declared that you will draw a line with another woman… then there is no need to doubt it since you are a person who always keeps her words…”
After talking to that point, Yenika also reflects on the conversation she had with Ed. .
Just by sleeping together, I was so overwhelmed by the overwhelming happiness that surged through my heart.
But when I think about it again…
“…”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“… That girl, Yenica… Why did she stop speaking…”
While interacting with Ed, soaked in that sense of happiness and ecstasy, I exchanged many words with him… As for how the conclusion was reached…
“Is… Is… Bell…”
“… Yes. ?”
“I… was swept away by the atmosphere…”
Yenika says with difficulty.
“I may have allowed Ed to have an affair… but it just so happened…”
A moment of silence.
I clearly understood what Jenica said verbally, but I couldn’t immediately understand its meaning.
Belle, who was frozen like a stone for a moment, looked down at Yenika with a meaningful expression and had no choice but to ask back.
“…What on earth do you mean…?”
*
“Then I’ll contact you again. Senior Ed.”
The next day, when the business case for Seonghwangdo was concluded, Lortel got back into the carriage heading to Old Deck.
Lortel’s expression was quite calm as he spoke with the window down.
“I’ll see you at Alldeck soon.”
“Yes, Lortel. Take care of yourself too. “It looks like there is a high possibility that you will be involved in something dangerous.”
“Hehe…you don’t have to worry so much. Anyway, from a slog perspective, it would be difficult to harm my body directly. As I said, it is ultimately a fight for a cause.”
Whoever crosses the line first loses his cause. When each other’s forces are equal, the winner is often determined by who holds the legitimacy.
“It’s not an easy opponent, but I hope we can celebrate victory together the next time you come to All Deck.”
I sent Lortel away, saying I hoped so.
Anyway, Lortel is a person who knows how to take care of himself. No matter how much of a veteran slog it is, it won’t be easy to outmaneuver and defraud that sly snake-like Lortel.
With that in mind, I quietly let Lortel’s carriage go away.
Once the situation is somewhat resolved, they will invite me to All Deck.
And the sender of the letter from Elte Trading Company the following week… was not Lortel.
A letter from Lienna, Lortel’s most trusted confidant and chief secretary. Rienna was completely loyal to Lortel, so she was a trustworthy person.
The content, written in hastily scribbled letters, contained almost no specific details. Was he afraid that the contents would be leaked to someone?
However, the words written clearly and clearly… made me tense up between my eyebrows.
– ‘I bow my head with all my heart to Master Ed Rosstaylor of the glorious and great Rosstaylor Mansion.’
This was an SOS request.
– ‘Deputy Hoeju is seriously injured and has nowhere to turn for help. Please protect Assistant Manager Hoeju at the Ross Taylor Mansion. I ask you with all my sincerity.’
Something is happening in Alldeck.
I knew that fact for sure.
‘
