I Refuse To Be A Character In A Novel - Chapter 48 Part 1

After reviewing the expenses from the past 3 years, Erna realized that both Jonas’ and her expenses were covered under the Duke’s personal income.

As part of the royal family, the Argentines were indeed a wealthy family who owned various lands and mines, and they became even wealthier after Zachary established the hotel business and invested in the newly introduced coffee factories.

They had also made a fortune through the spoils of wars in which the Duke and his predecessor had taken part in.

However, no matter how wealthy a family might be, the hostess’ allowance as well as the family’s daily necessities would normally be paid for from the territory’s profits, but that was not the case with them.

Despite the harsh weather, the north was the largest territory in the kingdom and produced a lot of goods such as solid wood that was used for making high class furniture, and magic stones that were extracted from the remnants of the ancient kingdom where the Maghulls’ nest was located.

That alone would make a fortune for the Duke as he had the rights to over 60% of the profits as the governor of the land.

Yet the money that was made in the north was mostly spent on providing the locals with a better living environment such as protection from potential Maghulls or animal attacks, establishing a medical center, and even building an orphanage and a shelter for those with no families to stay at.

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“I wouldn’t have expected him to be such a thoughtful lord.”

As Erna murmured under her breath, Dylan didn’t miss her words and was quick to respond.

Perhaps because he was not fond of her attitude, which indicated how poorly she thought of his master.

Or simply because he wanted her to know more about the things that Zachary would never boast of.

“Although it is true that his grace is blunt and can sometimes be an insensitive person, he is a just lord and a deserving master to serve.”

Erna responded with a faint smile to Dylan’s retort.

‘He must admire him very much,’ She thought to herself.

His words held more than just praise, it also contained an indefinite respect.

“Thanks to his actions, the death rate in the north during winter has decreased significantly and unemployed young men were encouraged to work for a living rather than resorting to theft and assault. As for the reason why the tax rate is low, that was in order to not make the lives of people, who are already struggling in the harsh environment of the north, any harder than it already is.”

When Dylan concluded by answering her earlier question, Erna nodded her head absent minded.

“I see. I understand now.”

Perhaps it’s because I perceived Zachary from a different angle that my impression of him was that of an insensitive human being.

However, no matter what I think of him, the world seems to see him as a great lord and a war hero who might just become their next king.

Compared to him, I’ve never accomplished anything worthy of mentioning, or left a positive impact on someone’s life.

Regardless of the circumstances, in other people’s eyes, I’m not even a good wife.

It’s sadly ironic how I thought that Zachary might dislike the idea of a divorce.

…Perhaps he will be pleased to hear it.

An ambiguous feeling followed as Erna had that thought.