Chapter 45 (1/2)

Mrs. Hurzurn spoke firmly while her husband next to her also arrogantly crossed his arms. They were making Rubica look like she wasn't paying attention to the well-being of the Claymore family if she didn't buy their hoes.

Rubica soon realized what was going on. These people hadn't come to plead for justice or get close to Rubica. They were merchants eager to use an innocent idiot to strike it rich.

And unfortunately, Rubica wasn't such an idiot. She had met plenty of these kind of merchants at the abbey. She knew what to say to them.

"According to the books I got from Ann, I decided the hoes we already have will be enough."

No, I won't buy.

"But Your Grace, this hoe is different from the other hoes. Food production will increase greatly in the fall."

"It looks like the price of purchasing hoes will be bigger than the increase in food production. I will not buy them."

No, still no.

"But…"

"I will think of buying them if the hoes rust by next year."

Her smile made it clear: she was saying she would think about it, but she wasn't saying she would buy them. In the end, Mrs. and Mr. Huzburn had to leave without getting what they wanted. They only got to find out the duchess wasn't an easy opponent.

Of course, Rubica wanted to enjoy spending a lot of money to bankrupt the Claymore Family. However, what she wanted was to spend money on fun, not to be used by some greedy merchants. Granting a wish of such people couldn't be good. They would thank her but spread words on how Duchess Claymore is so stupid and easy to fool the moment they stepped out of the room.

Why should I be called a fool even when I'm spending money?

"Your Grace, you are doing so well."

When Rubica got rid of the 19th visitor-salesperson, Ann offered her hot coffee. Good, she had been having a headache. No wonder Edgar had a headache. Rubica silently muttered to herself as she drank coffee.

"Haa."

The coffee had a pleasant scent that Rubica had never felt before. The smell of fruits and almond? It had to be an expensive coffee that she had never drunk before. She enjoyed the smell and got rid of her worries.

"Now you have only one visitor left. Lord Sesar."

"Who is she?"

Rubica hoped it might be the fairy she had seen at the feast, but that bubble of hope popped when she saw the document Ann gave her. It said Sesar was an old man.

"He is a relative, second cousin of His Grace… he is a little weird. But it shouldn't be a problem as you have been doing well."

Ann wasn't trying to hide that she wanted Rubica to say 'no' to Sesar. Rubica smelled her coffee again and read the rest of the document.

Sesar was a botanist. He spent almost all he had on writing a book on the plants of the Seros Mountains to become a member of the Aron's Academy. That was unusual as most Claymores worked in the munitions industry. Moreover, he had spent all he had on a plant book? Yes, he was a bit weird.

"Will I get visitors tomorrow as well?"

"Yes, you will have to meet visitors for about three more days."

Rubica was relieved to hear that. Most of the visitors she had met were close relatives or relatives involved in important businesses. There was no way Ann had scheduled meetings randomly.

Unfortunately, dependent lodgers like Rubica's fairy had to be far behind in the line. She decided to be patient and wait for the fairy.

"Then Ann, bring refreshments and tell Lord Sesar that I am ready."

"Okay."

The maids cleared up the table and brought a glass of cool water, a cup of coffee, and some cookies.

Rubica decided to go through the last visitor and end this boring time.

"Your Grace!"

Soon the door was opened and botanist Sesar came in with his beard that reached his shoulder. He must have worn the best clothes he had for the occasion, but there was still dirt on the tip of his white beard. One of the servants brought the heavy documents and left them on the side table. The servant looked at Rubica as if he pitied her for wasting time on that weirdo. He shook his head and left.