I Thought It Was a Common Transmigration - Chapter 139

5. Renon Filch’s Diary

The news that Renon wanted to leave his job at the Duchy of Ludwig came as great news to us, as we were in need of competent people.

Killian and I succeeded in recruiting him by promising him the best treatment we could give and emphasizing the potential of Ryzen.

After wrapping up the work at the Ludwig mansion and finally arriving at the castle, we greeted Renon, happy to see him after so long.

“Good for us, Renon, but wasn’t it a shame you had to quit the Duchy? I mean, other than the Imperial Palace, there’s no other place that pays that much.”

“Well, maybe it’s because I’d already saved up quite a bit, but money wasn’t the main issue.”

Renon was still stingy about showing his emotions, but he looked somewhat drained as he said it.

“Why? Is there something going on at the Ludwig mansion?” Killian asked worriedly.

After some thought, Renon pulled his diary out of his bag and handed it to Killian.

“It would be a long story for me to tell you, so you might as well read my diary and see for yourself.”

Killian and I were puzzled by his behavior, pulling out his diary as if it were a report, but he didn’t seem to mind.

We began to look through the diary from the day we left the Ludwig mansion.

***

「– September 15, 1825

As soon as Mater Cliff’s wedding was over, Master Killian and Lady Edith left for Ryzen. They took Anna with them, and it seems as if every trace of them is gone from the mansion.

I didn’t think much of it at first, but the atmosphere in the mansion has changed a lot since they left.

The Duke and Duchess’s relationship with Lady Lizé, which was always harmonious before, seems to have grown cold.

The Duchess rarely meets Lady Lizé, and His Excellency the Duke has been drinking increasingly and sighing often.

At the wedding not long ago, Master Killian and Lady Edith were present, and the atmosphere was outwardly good, but now it can hardly be said to be good.

Master Cliff has begun to make arrangements for his succession in earnest.

– November 10, 1825

Lady Lizé, who has been keeping to herself in her room, has been making more of a presence lately.

She started attending parties and her clothes became more luxurious as time went on. This time, she announced that she would organize the year-end party in December herself.

It seems that she and Master Cliff have had a bit of a falling out over the matter, but it seems that Lady Lizé has decided to organize the December party.

The Duchess has yet to confirm, but there are many gossipy rumors that her daughter-in-law is already trying to take over as the family’s hostess.

The Duchess seems to be in a bad mood and doesn’t say much.

I don’t feel the same as before either. Perhaps it is time to prepare to leave this place.

– December 31, 1825

The year-end parties held at the Ludwig mansion yesterday and today were the most lavish and extravagant I’ve seen since I’ve been here.

Lady Lizé said that the Duke of Ludwig’s status as one of the Emperor’s closest confidants should be known by everyone, and well…… even without all the fanfare, there’s no denying that House Ludwig is the most powerful family in the Empire.

The Duke and Duchess were as calm and unperturbed as ever, but judging by the deep sighs of the butler as he escorted them to their chamber late at night, they were probably not in a very good mood.

Lady Lizé, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy herself immensely.

She received a lot of attention because Her Highness Catherine also attended and graced the party, showing their close relationship.

Lady Lizé danced several times with men other than Master Cliff, but the more she danced, the worse Master Cliff looked, and I became increasingly uncomfortable.

In the end, I left early and never returned.

Am I the only one who longs for the old days of the dignified House Ludwig?

– January 15, 1826

It’s already been 15 days since the new year dawned.

After sending out letters to each of the estate lords at the beginning of the month asking them to submit the tax collection details from the second half of last year, it’s been a quiet time.

So, over tea, I read Lady Edith’s letter from yesterday.

Lady Edith was sending New Year’s greetings not only to the Ludwigs, but also to her close workers.

She said that she and Master Killian are doing very well.

They’ve been inspecting Ryzen and considering various options for development, and I’m very curious to see what the future holds for Ryzen.

I also received a letter of greetings from Anna, and was able to learn more about the hardships that Lady Edith had not told me about.

In the evening, I took out my letter paper for the first time in a long time and wrote a reply, secretly mentioning my desire to resign.

I hope Lady Edith will notice my intentions.

– February 5, 1826

I’m tired.

In all my years working at the Ludwig mansion, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this tired.

It would be better if it were due to the accumulation of work, but lately, Lady Lizé has been picking on me in strange ways.

It all started the day I went to the post office.

I was out and about when I bumped into Lady Lizé, and when she asked me where I was going, I simply replied, “To mail some letter.”

And then I saw how sharp Lady Lizé’s eyes became……

She must have noticed that I was going to send letters to Ryzen.

I didn’t realize Lady Lizé still held a grudge against Miss Edith.

No, wasn’t she the perpetrator herself?

I don’t understand why Lady Lizé hates Lady Edith when Lady Edith has been quite forgiving about it.

Anyway, since then, she’s been taking on tasks that aren’t hers, or barging into my office and arguing with me over trivial matters.

It’s not something I can’t handle, but I’m a little worried about the days ahead.

– March 1, 1826

Spring is in the air, but the cold winds of mid-winter are still blowing at the Ludwig mansion.

The Duke’s anger finally exploded yesterday.

Not long ago, Lady Lizé came to see the Crown Prince without telling either the Duke or Master Cliff.

She claimed it was for House Ludwig, but in the eyes of the Emperor, it was an attempt to make a connection with His Highness the Crown Prince.

Not only that, but the Emperor himself summoned the Duke and asked him what he was plotting.

In the end, the Duke scolded Lady Lizé, but instead of reflecting, she yelled at the Duke.

Master Cliff seems to be caught in the middle, hearing unpleasant comments from both sides.

It is unlikely that House Ludwig will collapse over something like this, but I can’t help but feel bittersweet as I recall how powerful it once was, both internally and externally.

– March 26, 1826

Lady Lizé has been placed on probation for slapping Viscountess Mohr on the cheek.

In the past, one would have said that the angelic Lady Lizé could not have done such a thing, but now no one doubts it.

As I was passing through the hall to see the Duchess, I heard Master Cliff and Lady Lizé arguing.

Lady Lizé shouted, “Liar!” and Master Cliff, looking fed up, replied, “For God’s sake, just do it in moderation.”

Their personal circumstances are none of my business, but if they’re arguing like that in front of people, I’d say their love is over.

– May 2, 1826

I have decided to quit my job soon.

Lady Edith has written to say that she wishes to employ me as a financial manager at Ryzen, if I am willing. I am grateful that she seems to have noticed my intentions.

I spoke to the Duke and Duchess about it and asked for their permission, and they were both sad to see me go, but were willing to give me their blessing, saying it would be better for me.

But not Master Cliff and Lady Lizé.

Master Cliff tried to stop me one more time, mentioning the honor of being a vassal of House Ludwig and the large salary.

But I beg to differ.

I’d rather do work that I enjoy and find rewarding, even if it means less pay.

Lady Lizé’s reaction was even worse.

She must have wanted to kick me out for helping Lady Edith in the past, but she didn’t know I was really going to Ryzen, and she accused me of trying to steal the duchy’s information for County Ryzen.

But the Duke refused to listen to Lady Lizé.

Lady Edith, you should have seen the look on Lady Lizé’s face at that moment……

I no longer find Lady Lizé beautiful.

It breaks my heart to think that a family that has been devoted to dignity and loyalty for so many years is being ruined by one person.」

***

“I can’t believe this happened……”

When Killian finished reading the diary, he muttered in a low tone.

“I’m sorry I didn’t bring you good news.”

“Why is it your fault? It’s all my family’s fault.”

Killian, who had once considered his parents and brother to be without moral blemish and Lizé to be nothing short of angelic, smiled weakly at the irony of it all.

I patted Killian’s hand, then turned to Renon and thanked him again.

“I’m glad you chose us, Renon, though it must have been hard for you to give up your capital life and your status as a vassal of House Ludwig. Things have gotten quite hectic, and I was in desperate need of a competent financial manager.”

“As I wrote in my diary, I’ve wanted to come to Ryzen for some time. You have my thanks for inviting me, Countess.”

“I can promise you that you will enjoy your work here.”

I looked at Renon, who looked the same as before, and tried to visualize the organization of the administrative offices at Ryzen Castle in my head.

How fortunate I am that Renon came just in time, as I was already worried about my pregnancy and lack of manpower.

I already had a few people in place, and it would be perfect to put him as a manager.

‘Anyway, I hope the Duchy situation isn’t as dire as Renon thinks……’

It’s pathetic that Lizé still hasn’t come to her senses. I knew it was all the Ludwigs’ fault, but I’m a little worried because they’re still Killian’s family.

‘Surely…… they’ll be fine. They are Ludwigs after all.’

I shrugged it off and moved on.