In for a penny, in for a pound

Shaun leaned back in his chair, munching on a cookie. "You actually finished the mansion renovations in a month? You're crazy, man. That haunted dump is actually livable now."

Eldric, sighed dramatically. "I had to, my lord. You asked for it, after all. In fact, I'm upset I didn't finish it faster. Everything is tailored to your preferences. The entire fourth and fifth floors are now at your disposal for research, training, and whatever else you fancy. And, of course, as you requested, they're secured with encrypted magical runes."

Shaun waved a hand. "Alright, alright. You're laying it on too thick."

Baron chuckled. "Forgive him, master. He's just eager to please."

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, how's the business plan going?"

Baron leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "Pretty well. We've invested in medicinal herbs and floriculture, with Madam Rosie as the majority owner—51%. You hold 19%, my lord, and I have the remaining 30%. As expected, she was hesitant at first, worried about juggling this along with taking care of you and managing the mansion. But after a little… persuasion and emotional blackmail, she agreed. And, honestly? She seems happy about it. Though I'd suggest hiring more staff. She's the type who doesn't do things halfway, and overworking her could backfire."

Shaun smirked. "I've thought about it. The real goal was to keep her busy so she wouldn't hover over me all the time. But yeah, having no close butler or colleague feels… off. Anyway, what about the mining operation?"

Baron nodded. "The land is acquired and ready to be mined. Just waiting on your signal."

Shaun tossed a feather to him. "Plant this at the designated spot, then start operations the next morning. I'll transfer the silver there myself. Keep it discreet. Buy up land around the mine little by little and replicate the process. No unnecessary attention."

Baron examined the feather, watching its dark glow. "Understood, master. Also, the buyers for your title and estate are on their way. I've prepared all the paperwork."

Shaun grinned. "You're doing better than I expected. Once we've mined enough silver and my bank account looks satisfying, I'll grant you a reward of your choice."

Baron inclined his head. "An honor, sir."

Rosie peeked into the room. "Master, another guest has arrived. Should I prepare more tea?"

Shaun stretched. "Speak of the devil. Yeah, Rosie, please do. Baron, go greet them."

Baron left, and Shaun leaned back, deep in thought. Everything is going smoothly. My deal with the Warden is progressing—his hidden reserves of gold and silver will be converted into usable currency without suspicion. In return, he gains influence and resources for his revenge. Meanwhile, I use Umbra's feather to pinpoint viable mining locations, transport the minerals, and let Tempest and Ignis ensure the conditions look natural. Too easy.

The door swung open. A young girl, maybe thirteen, strutted in—dressed in fine noble clothing, wealth practically radiating off her.

"Are you the boy selling his title?" she asked, her tone dripping with entitlement.

Shaun didn't even bother standing. "Yep. How much are you offering?"

She scoffed. "Manners, boy. You don't even stand to greet me? Introduce yourself properly. Who do you think you are?"

Baron opened his mouth to interject, but Shaun cut in. "If introductions are so important to you—Shaun Deltrix, the guy selling his surname and title to you. Now, name your price. I'm busy."

The girl huffed. "I am Cleanat, daughter of the kingdom's most prominent merchant. Mind your tone."

Shaun's smirk widened. "Great. That means you can pay a lot. So, are we doing business or not?"

Cleanat rolled her eyes. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today since I got to see my bias."

Shaun blinked. "Bias? What is that? Some kind of plushie or jewelry? Whatever, not my concern. Just tell me the offer."

At that moment, a message from seeker flashed in Shaun's mind.

[Seeker: The individual before you is a transmigrated being. She is not a proxy for another but was originally a character in a romance novel.]

Shaun's thoughts stilled. Well, well. So I've finally met another one. An original character from a novel, yet still a transmigrator? Interesting. She doesn't seem aware of the Seeker, though. No reaction.

Cleanat flipped her hair. "My bias is the most beautiful and brilliant man alive. Show some respect, or I'll cut your throat."

Shaun sighed. "Lady, I don't have time to hear your obsessive romance rants. I'm here to sell my title. Buy it or leave."

Cleanat pouted. "Fine, fine. First, how many people share this title with you? Any claims to it?"

Shaun gestured to Baron. "Explain."

Baron nodded. "Currently, Shaun is the sole holder of the title. His father is disowned, and his mother reverted to her maiden name. To ensure no future claims, we'll have the royal emblem officially declare that no one else can use or reclaim the title. It will be legally yours."

Cleanat considered this. "Fair enough. Given the size of your land and title, I'll offer two million."

Shaun sipped his tea, unimpressed. "Then go buy a bigger title elsewhere. I don't force deals."

Cleanat frowned. "What? Two million isn't enough? Fine, four million."

Shaun placed his cup down. "Not even close. Anything below thirty million, and I won't even consider it."

Cleanat sputtered. "That's outrageous! There's no way it's worth that much! You're trying to scam me!"

Shaun shrugged. "Deal's off. Baron, escort the lady to someone else willing to sell their family heritage for chump change. Nice meeting you."

Baron nodded. "As you wish, my lord."

Cleanat clenched her fists. No, no, no. I need that title. Without it, I can't get close to my bias. But… money isn't an issue for me, so why am I even hesitating?

"Fine!" she blurted out. "Thirty million! I'll buy it!"

Shaun smirked. "Pleasure doing business. Here's my signature—yours now." He glanced at the payment. "Check? Works for me. Baron, handle it."

Cleanat cheered, twirling. "Yay! I'm a noble now! Bye, you rascal! Hope we never meet again!"

Shaun waved lazily. "Same here."

As she left, Baron frowned. "Master, was that alright? You originally planned to sell it for eight to fourteen million. What if she accuses us of fraud?"

Shaun chuckled. "I was going to, but she pissed me off. Two million? What am I, a street vendor? She walked into this negotiation thinking she could lowball me. That was her mistake."

Baron shook his head. "For the daughter of a merchant, she lacks basic negotiation skills. Her mother's an economist, and her father's a trade magnate. How is she this clueless?"

Shaun smirked. "Because she wasn't even thinking. The moment I refused, she panicked. That title means something to her—she didn't even try to counter after that. Obsession clouds judgment."

Baron nodded. "Makes sense."

"Not our problem. I just made an extra profit. Now, reinvest it into the mining operation. Oh, and wire me fifteen million while you're at it."

Baron grinned. "Very well, sir."

A soft knock echoed against the heavy oak doors.

"Come in," Shaun said, not bothering to look up from his desk.

Rosie entered with a tray in hand, balancing a fresh pot of tea and a small plate of biscuits. With practiced ease, she set them on the table before standing straight, hands neatly clasped in front of her.

"You called for me, Master?"

Shaun slid an envelope across the desk. "Your paycheck."

Rosie hesitated for a moment before picking it up. She glanced at him before carefully tucking it away. "You know I don't do this for the money."

"I know," Shaun replied, setting his teacup down with a soft clink. "But that doesn't mean I won't compensate you properly."

A quiet moment passed before he leaned back, fingers tapping idly against the wood.

"I've decided to hire two new servants to replace Harold and Smith."

Rosie's expression stiffened. Her fingers curled slightly into the fabric of her dress. "Master…" she started, but then stopped herself.

Shaun watched her reaction carefully. "I know it's not easy. They were here for years. Loyal. Trustworthy." His voice was steady, carrying just a hint of something softer. "But they're gone, Rosie. And this place still needs people to run it."

Her grip on her dress tightened. "It just… feels wrong. Like we're erasing them."

Shaun sighed, rubbing his temple. "It's not about replacing them. No one could. But do you think they'd want the mansion falling apart because we were too sentimental to do what needed to be done?"

A flicker of conflict passed through her eyes, but after a few moments, she straightened her posture.

"You're right, Master," she said, her voice steadier now. "Harold and Smith took great pride in their work. They wouldn't want us neglecting the household in their absence."

Shaun nodded, satisfied. "Glad you understand. They really liked you, you know. Maybe they saw something in you." He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone shifting to something more businesslike. "Since you'll be busy with the business I've entrusted to you, I don't want to overwork you. So I'm promoting you to Head Maid and Finance Manager. You can hire a few competent, trusted personnel for the business and bring in a handful of part-time servants to handle the mansion's basic needs." He raised a finger. "And I do mean a few. I don't like crowds. Keep it under five or six."

Rosie's eyes flickered with something—pride, maybe. "Understood, Master."

"Good. Now leave."

Rosie hesitated for a moment before pulling something from her apron pocket.

"I almost forgot—this arrived a few days ago, but you've been too busy since returning from your training." She handed over a sealed letter.

Shaun took it, turning it over in his hands. "A letter for me? Now that's rare. Who the hell would be writing to me?"