I have a bit of business to attend to, so if I can't update by midnight, I'm sorry. I'll do my best.
"Good day, Count Belts."
"This is Prince Arnold. What brings you here today?"
Count Belts, who lives in the capital, is a court noble without a fief. His family has held important positions in the empire for generations, and Count Belts serves as the Deputy Minister of Public Works, assisting with civil engineering and flood control. He has consistently kept his distance from the imperial succession disputes, as his position does not directly influence them, and he has not actively sought to involve the other three candidates.
I came to Count Belts' mansion because I heard a certain rumor.
"Actually, I heard a rumor."
Count Belts is a man in his thirties. He is bald and has a timid appearance, which has made him unattractive to women. However, he finally got engaged a few years ago. He is a capable man who has succeeded a prestigious family and risen to the position of Deputy Minister. If he had looked for a wife properly, he could have found many. However, he made a mistake in his search.
"Rumor...?"
"Yes, just a rumor. I heard that Countess Belts goes out every night, playing extravagantly. Her lifestyle is so lavish that people wonder where the money comes from."
Count Belts wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, looking flustered. This seems to confirm that the information Sebastian gathered is accurate. According to Sebastian's investigation, Count Belts has expressed dissatisfaction with his wife to his acquaintances, even saying he wants to divorce her or, if that's not possible, to commit suicide.
"Count Belts."
"Yes, yes!"
I changed my tone and glared sharply, making him straighten his back noticeably. Is it because he feels guilty, or is it his nature? I wonder.
"There's also a rumor that you are misusing government funds."
"That is absolutely not true! I have always been a loyal servant to the empire and have diligently performed my duties! Please believe me!"
"Even if you say that. I came here because the rumor has reached the castle. If it reaches my father's ears, it will be a big problem. I want to resolve this before it gets that far."
Count Belts' face drained of color. He is a straightforward man. He might just be timid, but he doesn't want the emperor to know.
"Your Highness! Please help me! Save me!"
"I have no intention of helping a criminal. I, and Leo, do not."
"I really haven't touched the government's money!"
"Then where are you getting the money? It should be impossible to maintain your wife's lifestyle with your salary as a count."
"At first, I had savings, so it was fine... But they soon ran out, and I started borrowing from my acquaintances, and recently even from merchants... I feel guilty towards my acquaintances, and the repayment deadline for the merchants is approaching. I don't know what to do..."
I wonder why he married such a woman. As I was thinking this, the door to the room was rudely opened.