KFBRV Pt 2 Ch 41

The Count still desired Charlotte. Even if Odette returned, she had declared war, so she would never help the Albrecht family.

Having a real, cooperative Purifier would be a dream. However, Charlotte's sudden interest in adoption after two years of refusal was strange.

[Ulrich] "Personal opinions prove nothing."

[Rolf] "Saintess Charlotte has a condition. She wants Paula, a former maid here, as her personal servant."

He frowned.

[Ulrich] "Paula? How does she even know her?"

[Rolf] "I don't know, Master."

[Ulrich] "Are you certain her goal is to find Odette's weakness?"

[Rolf] "I believe so."

The name Paula left a bad taste in his mouth.

Isn't she Sasha's old loyalist? No one even knows where she is now.

He reached a definitive conclusion.

[Ulrich] "Hold the adoption."

[Rolf] "You can't, Master! Lady Odette declared war!"

[Ulrich] "Should I invite a stranger with hidden plans into my home? Along with Paula as a bonus?"

The Count stood firm.

[Rolf] "This is a golden opportunity. Paula is a minor issue. What if the Saintess changes her mind?"

[Ulrich] "The situation demands caution, Rolf. I can't decide this easily."

Rolf argued like a man chased by a ghost.

[Rolf] "You brought Odette in easily enough! Thirty-nine times!"

[Ulrich] "Rolf!"

His voice boomed, scolding the butler's boldness. Desperation filled Rolf's face.

'Why is a butler so desperate about family matters?'

[Rolf] "Master, listen to me. Odette...... no, that girl is a real S-class. A daughter of God. How do we defeat Siegfried's daughter if she has God on her side?"

[Ulrich] "Rolf."

[Rolf] "Charlotte is our only defense! An S-class Purifier!"

The Count let out a short, hollow laugh.

[Rolf] "I hate to say this, but the family finances are a mess! Charlotte promised to give her support funds to this house. This is a golden opportunity."

[Ulrich] "You aren't being objective."

[Rolf] "I am the most objective person in this house! Weren't you the one ready to die for a Purifier before?"

The Count's voice dripped with sarcasm.

[Ulrich] "Is that so? Was it your objectivity that made you hide Ferdinand's gambling from me?"

Rolf flinched. He fell silent for a moment before speaking with renewed resolve.

[Rolf] "I feared you would stop fighting for Master Ferdinand's legal immunity."

[Ulrich] "So you thought it was right to lie? Even when he sold my weapons and became a complete addict?"

The Count spoke with disgust. Anger filled Rolf's expression.

[Rolf] "Master, I did it for the family."

[Ulrich] "You are only the butler, Rolf. I decide what is best for this family. You report; I judge. That is your duty."

Rolf shook with rage but remained silent.

He forgets his place.

Despite his judgment, the Count offered a small peace offering to soothe the butler.

[Ulrich] "I will check if Odette is genuinely Siegfried's daughter. I need to know the link between Charlotte and Paula, and the history between the two girls. Once I know the truth, we can proceed, Rolf."

[Rolf] "......"

[Ulrich] "Charlotte always claimed Odette sent her. I need more than a whispered conversation to believe they are enemies now."

[Ulrich] "I need to know her goals. And why does she need Paula?"

[Ulrich] "I am not saying no, only 'not yet.' If the investigation goes well, I will adopt her."

[Rolf] "Yes, Master."

Rolf finally spoke.

The Count clicked his tongue. It was annoying to have to please his own servant. As the family's power faded, the talented people left.

Few useful people remain in this house.

[Ulrich] "Don't worry about money, Rolf. 'Morel' returned to the market. We don't need Charlotte's money so badly that we must rush without facts."

'Morel' was an expensive medicine made from rare herbs. The fire two years ago stopped production, but they finally secured enough seeds to distribute them again. Expensive drugs would save their finances. Plus, the current flu epidemic boosted sales. Money was flowing in.

[Rolf] "I understand, Master."

[Ulrich] "Hire a private investigator. Do it now."

Rolf bowed and left.

The Count sighed. He had no idea that in less than a month, his "hope," the drug 'Morel,' would drown him in a wave of lawsuits.

---

Raphael assigned Odette the largest guest room in the Cathedral. It was a royal suite with a dressing room and a private bath, usually reserved for the Imperial family.

The interior was grand. The ceiling featured frescoes depicting God, the World Tree, the first Calamity, and the first Saintess. The holy images felt heavy.

I asked the Pope for a room, but Raphael chose it.

The location allowed the High Priests to monitor her easily. Raphael clearly wanted to keep her away from Charlotte to prevent any "accidents."

They view me as a total fraud.

It didn't bother her. She had tricked the entire Empire three days ago.

But why do they trust her? It's ridiculous.

Charlotte was the real liar.

Odette stared at the painting of the first Saintess. Since no records of her face existed, the artist had painted Rosalyn from behind.

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