I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living

Chapter 59

"Empty threats won't work on me, so take your nonsense and leave. Simple, right? I suppose we'll meet next in court," Penelope said coolly, signaling to the steward with a glance. The steward, as if waiting for the cue, nodded, and the parlor doors opened.

To Penelope's surprise, the person standing at the door was none other than Lianel. He hesitated for a moment, surveying the room before clearing his throat awkwardly.

"I came to discuss the contract, but it seems I've chosen a rather inconvenient time once again," he said.

"...If you could wait just a moment, our other guests will be leaving shortly," Penelope replied, forcing a strained laugh. The corners of her mouth trembled slightly. To think Lianel would show up in the middle of a family squabble—it was far more embarrassing than she'd anticipated.

"This place is a bit noisy right now. Would you mind waiting in your room for a while? I'll send someone to call for you."

"That seems like a good idea."

Their composed exchange seemed to set Daniel off, and he shouted, "How dare you ignore a blood relative of the Halo family like this!"

The audacity of their complaints was remarkably consistent.

Penelope clicked her tongue in irritation. After dealing with Fiora, she found Daniel's tantrum far less shocking.

"I think we've said everything that needs to be said. It's time for you to leave."

"I won't leave! This is Halo family land!"

When Daniel showed no sign of budging, Penelope's knights moved in, flanking him on either side. His face went pale.

"You will regret this! Mark my words!" he spat.

"Feel free," Penelope replied indifferently. Even as the knights escorted him out, Daniel continued to bellow curses.

"The great ancestors of the Halo family are watching over all of this! They will never forgive you!"

"Oh, how terrifying," Penelope muttered under her breath. Daniel, it seemed, was blissfully unaware of how little power ghosts actually held. Or perhaps she only imagined the sound of someone stifling laughter nearby.

It wasn't until much later that peace finally returned to the parlor.

Penelope retrieved her notebook from the shelf and crossed out "Daniel Halo" with two bold lines. Above it, "Fiora Illake" had already been similarly marked.

"Ah, if only the Halo family's extended relatives weren't all so ignorant and troublesome. But I doubt my luck will be that good."

How much more of this would she have to endure?

She sighed, feeling inexplicably drained.@@@@

Just then, Lianel's voice came from behind her. "You should rest. Perhaps it would be better for me to come back another time."

Startled, Penelope turned her head. She had been so caught up with Daniel that she had completely forgotten about Lianel's arrival.

“Oh, I’ve already been looking into it. I’m planning to adopt a child from the Halo family soon.”

“Then I suppose there’s no need for me to offer detailed advice.”

“Just knowing someone understands my struggles is more than enough help,” Penelope replied earnestly.

If there was anyone in the castle who truly understood her feelings, it was Lianel. Only a lord could fully comprehend the burdens of another lord.

“If I might offer one more piece of advice: from now on, don’t bother entertaining the extended family when they visit. Just send them away. Talking with them won’t lead to anything productive.”

“I’ll take that advice to heart. Thank you.”

Lianel smiled faintly, then stood. Penelope looked up at him, puzzled, as he bowed slightly and said, “It seems I should take my leave for today. Let’s arrange another time to discuss the contract.”

“Oh, will you?” Penelope blinked in surprise before hastily standing. Lianel gave her a polite nod and exited the parlor.

Barely ten seconds after he left, the parlor window flew open with a loud crash.

“Ahh!” Penelope yelped, spinning around in shock. Standing on the windowsill was Ahwin.

The wind blowing in from outside had left his hair in a wild mess, and his usually pale face was flushed with color.

Thud!

“What’s going on?!” one of Penelope’s knights exclaimed as he burst into the room, sword drawn.

The knight froze when he saw Ahwin perched on the windowsill, then hastily sheathed his sword.

Penelope felt her face flush with embarrassment. She wasn’t sure why she was the one blushing when it was Ahwin causing a scene.

“It’s fine. Go back to your post,” she said, waving the knight away.

“Yes, my lady. Please be careful... and, uh, Sir Mage, do mind your step. Falling from there would be... dangerous.”

“Me?” Ahwin asked indifferently, raising an eyebrow. The knight stammered, coughed awkwardly, and left the room.

Penelope let out an exasperated sigh before turning to Ahwin. “Why in the world are you coming in through the window? Do you not know where the door is?”

“I heard another one of the baron’s relatives dropped by,” Ahwin replied, completely ignoring her question. Somehow, the news had already reached him.

Penelope sighed again and nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Did you hear it outside?”

“I was on my way back from the tower... the servants mentioned it.”

“The tower?” Penelope glanced out the window at the castle’s tower and pointed toward it, as if to confirm. “That tower?”

Ahwin shook his head dismissively. “Not that one. A different tower. So, was there any trouble?”