A Life Consultation Worth 1.4 Million

After hearing the servant's announcement, Charles received the two young ladies who had come to visit in the mansion's main hall. They had come together after hearing that Forlan was at home recovering from an illness.

Although the two young ladies arrived together, their dress and demeanor were not alike.

One had brown hair and black eyes, with very regular features. She wore a white gown adorned with floral decorations, silk gloves on her hands, and a pair of crystal eyeglasses with a thin, gold-wire frame. When exchanging pleasantries with Charles, she looked back at him with a serious and direct gaze. Her bearing was gentle yet contained a hint of strength, without seeming severe.

The other young lady gave a completely different impression. She was dressed in a black gown with no ornamentation, looking almost as if she were in mourning. Her pale yellow hair was loose on her shoulders, and her gaze was unfocused and wandering. Her thin lips were pressed tightly together, and she said not a word. Her long eyebrows drooped slightly, giving her a very melancholic look, and a certain unreadable pain seemed to be hidden between them. Her eyes held a complex expression.

This one, Charles recognized—she was Mademoiselle Marie-de-Léaurand, the young lady he had just rescued from the convent.

Therefore, Charles was not at all surprised by her current dejected appearance.

So as not to agitate her further, Charles simply gave a slight bow to the two young ladies. "Welcome to our humble home, Mademoiselles."

"You must be Forlan's brother, correct? It's a pleasure to meet you." The young lady Charles didn't know also curtsied to him. "Mathilde-de-Dilièron."

Mademoiselle Léaurand, however, did not speak, merely giving Charles a deep curtsy.

"Dilièron?" Hearing this surname, Charles's interest was piqued, and he gave the young lady a few curious glances.

Mademoiselle Mathilde-de-Dilièron seemed accustomed to such looks. She remained perfectly composed under Charles's curious gaze, not showing the slightest change in expression. "As I said before, we are here today to visit Forlan. How is she doing now? Is she feeling any better?"

Charles nodded to himself. Such poise, she was indeed worthy of being the treasured granddaughter of the current Keeper of the Seals.

"Thank you both for your concern. I thank you on Forlan's behalf," Charles replied with a smile. "Forlan is much better now. She just had some medicine and is probably resting at the moment."

"That's wonderful," Mathilde said, delighted, a rare smile appearing on her face. "Then, may we go see Forlan?"

"Of course." Charles agreed at once and led them up to the second floor, down the corridor to the door of Forlan's bedroom. He then knocked gently on the door.

"Who is it? What's wrong?" Forlan seemed to be resting, as her voice was weak.

"Forlan, it's me," Charles answered. "Two of your classmates are here to see you."

He then gestured with his eyes.

"Mademoiselle de Tréville, are you feeling better now?" Mathilde called out a greeting.

"Forlan, I've come to see you. Are you alright?" Mademoiselle Marie-de-Léaurand said, speaking her first words since arriving.

"Marie? You've come to see me?" The voice from within the room immediately gained some energy. A moment later, the door opened, and Forlan appeared, overjoyed. "Thank you both so much!"

"Why be so formal," Mathilde said, nodding gently at Forlan. "What, do you plan to receive us out here in the hallway?"

"Ah..." Forlan blinked in embarrassment. "Please, come in quickly."

At the same time, she didn't forget to give her brother a stern look that said, "You are not included in 'us'."

Charles gave a wry smile, then bowed to the three graceful young ladies at the door before taking his leave. He walked to the small parlor off the main hall, took out his chessboard and game records, and continued his study of chess.

Chess was one of the new hobbies Charles had acquired after his transmigration. Ever since becoming obsessed, he would take it out to study whenever he had some free time.

Just as he was following the game record to an exciting point, silently applauding the genius of the two players, a gentle knock sounded at the parlor door.

"Who is it? Is there something to report?" Charles thought it was a servant coming to consult him about something.

"It's me."

A timid reply came from outside the door. "May I come in?"

Hmm?

Charles recognized the voice, which was precisely why he was a little puzzled. Nevertheless, he replied, "Of course you may, Mademoiselle Léaurand."

Marie slowly walked in, her steps somewhat hesitant and slow.

"Please, sit," Charles said, gesturing to the seat opposite the chessboard and smiling at her. "Mademoiselle Léaurand, there's no need to be so nervous. There are very few things left in the world that should make you nervous now."

Hearing Charles's words, Marie finally relaxed a little. She walked to the seat opposite him and sat down lightly, though her gaze was still lowered toward the chessboard. "I came to thank you."

"Thank me? There's no need," Charles said, still smiling. "I only did what I could. If you truly wish to thank someone, then thank the three hundred thousand francs. It is far more deserving of your gratitude than I."

Marie suddenly bowed her head so low her face almost touched the pieces on the board, her hair spilling across it.

"No, without your tremendous help, I would never have gotten out. I am truly... truly... so very grateful to you."

"Oh, really, there's no need for such formality," Charles said, feeling a little embarrassed himself. "If you truly feel such gratitude, then just continue to be good friends with Forlan in the future."

"Yes, I will," Marie slowly raised her head, her eyes seemingly holding tears. "Becoming friends with Forlan is the greatest fortune of my life... I will never betray this friendship."

Charles sighed softly.

"You don't need to be so sad. You still have many years of your life to live. There will be plenty of happy things in your future."

Marie lowered her head, silent.

"Really, you can look on the bright side," Charles continued to console her. "You have gained your freedom and have received the property you are owed."

The young lady opposite him suddenly burst into tears, which dripped one by one onto the chessboard.

"But Monsieur, I have lost my family!"

Charles was silent.

"After I returned, I made a special trip to go home," Marie said in a hollow voice. "I was thinking at the time, if they truly showed any remorse, I could forgive them. After all... after all, we are family..."

"Did your family scold you?" Charles asked cautiously.

"No, they didn't. If they had blamed me, or simply ignored me, it would have meant they felt some guilt in their hearts and couldn't face me. But... but... it was more tragic than that!" Marie looked up, her tear-filled eyes meeting Charles's. "They kept apologizing to me, saying they had just been foolish for a time, that they had now seen the light, and asked me to forgive them... Even my brother kept telling me he would treat me well from now on..."

"Is that so..."

"Monsieur, I could see it. Beneath their smiling masks was hidden deep regret..." Marie's tears continued to fall. "They regretted that they had given me the chance to escape! I could see the resentment and bitterness in their smiles! They truly, truly never felt any guilt at all! They wouldn't have cared if I had withered away for the rest of my life in there!"

Charles said nothing more, letting her vent the pain in her heart.

After crying for several minutes, soaking the entire chessboard, Marie finally spoke again.

"Because of that, I chose to move out and live on my own. But what is life, really? I don't know. Yes, I have money now. Even though it's thirty thousand less, there is still so much. But what should I do from now on? Monsieur, what should I do? Since you are so capable, surely you can answer this question for me?"

Charles pondered for a moment.

"Mademoiselle, are you asking in earnest?"

Marie was taken aback by Charles's solemn tone. She stared blankly for a moment before nodding emphatically.

"Yes."

"Then allow me to offer you some advice," Charles said, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to Marie.

Marie took it and gently dabbed her eyes.

Using another handkerchief, Charles began to slowly pick up the tear-soaked chess pieces and wipe them clean.

He started with the pawns.

"Mademoiselle, let's carefully consider your current situation. You are very young, you have no debts, and you are in possession of a large sum of money. We must admit that, objectively speaking, you are in a much better position than the vast majority of people."

"Perhaps," Marie's lips turned up in a self-deprecating smile. "Though the price was terrifyingly high."

The pawns were clean. It was time for the rooks.

"However, you must also admit that while 1.4 million francs may seem like a lot, it is by no means an inexhaustible sum of money. It needs to be carefully protected. If you develop extravagant habits, you will soon find yourself penniless. I'm sure you know how many people, after coming into sudden wealth, squander it all and end up ruined."

"Yes."

Now for the knights.

"Therefore, I think you should remember the price you paid and cherish this fortune. Especially considering your current circumstances and skills, you likely won't have many ways of earning money for some time. So, I think you could first spend a few hundred thousand on some land and property, as a foundation for your future security. Then invest the rest—about a million—in government bonds. By my calculations, you would have an annual income of about forty thousand francs. Of course, this sum won't allow you to live a life of luxury, but living like a respectable person would be no problem at all..."

Historical Note: At the time, the yield on French government bonds and other securities fluctuated slightly with the political climate, but it was generally between 3% and 5%. The figure Charles mentioned was a rough estimate.

Marie watched, transfixed, as the young, blond-haired man carefully wiped the chess pieces while calmly analyzing her situation and offering her advice. This was the young man who had rescued her, and who was now earnestly considering her future.

Now for the bishops.

"Of course, a person must have hobbies in life. One is either filled by good hobbies or stuffed with bad habits. I suggest you find yourself more hobbies that are elegant, enjoyable, and don't cost much money, to pass the time. Firstly, to be blunt, your current capital cannot support extravagant hobbies. Secondly, in my opinion, fine clothes and jewels do little to enhance a young lady's beauty. I think you could try learning dance or music. Of course, the painting you are learning now is also very good..."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, that is how I see it," Charles nodded without hesitation.

Finally, it was the Queen's turn.

"These less expensive but elegant interests will give you more style, and a capital of 1.4 million as a dowry will make you shine brilliantly. How many outstanding young men will lose sleep over you then! You can take your time to choose, and find one among them who is intelligent, has a bright future, and is reasonably faithful to you. Then you can live happily ever after with him. You see, as long as you are willing to follow my advice, I believe your future will be nothing short of glorious..."

Charles placed the cleaned Queen back on the board.

Marie was still looking at Charles.

"Besides, you also have intelligence. You know how to make choices and act decisively. As long as you are willing to follow my advice and live this moderate—by no means miserly—life, happiness will never be far from you," Charles added finally.

"You still haven't forgotten to tease me about my plea for help," Marie sighed.

Having finished cleaning the pieces, Charles looked at Marie sincerely. "I have said so much truly for your sake. Of course, whether you listen or not is your decision."

Marie was silent. A moment later, she nodded.

"I know. I will follow your advice."

"I am truly gratified by your wisdom."

"And I will continue to see Forlan. I will visit her often and talk with her... You won't object, will you?" Marie looked at Charles expectantly.

"Of course not. You and she are good friends," Charles said with a light shrug.

A flash of slyness suddenly appeared in Marie's eyes.

"As for your suggestion to find myself a more elegant hobby, I also think that makes a great deal of sense..."

Charles nodded.

"So, of course, you won't refuse to teach me chess, will you?" Marie suddenly smiled, her eyes locked on Charles. The melancholy that had nearly crushed her just moments before was almost completely swept away.

Charles's face froze.

Oh dear. I've checkmated myself.

But... it's no big deal.

"Of course. It would be my honor," he replied with a faint smile.