Reincarnated as the Baron's son: My Infinite Card Upgrade System-Chapter 46: Deals and words.

(Count Velmo. A few weeks back.)

"Another excuse? Correct me if I’m wrong, Miss Erica, but isn’t this the third time this conversation is happening?" Velmo asked, his jaw resting on his fist.

Right in front of him was Erica. She was kneeling with her head bowed.

Count Ernest Velmo, known to be arrogant and rude, with a mouth that held no boundaries. He ruled over seven Viscounties under him, each of them having successful growth since he was appointed.

Normally, it would be almost impossible for a Count to see eye to eye with a lowly Baron.

But, after hearing of the one the Duchess herself favored, he became intrigued and began to think of ways to get close to the Montclair family.

Only for him to learn they were struggling financially.

For a family close to the Duchess, he thought they’d be living the best life, the kind every noble wished they had.

To him, he felt if he loaned the dying family some money, he could use it as a means to get close to the Duchess.

At least that was what he thought until he learned the Duchess wasn’t the type to help without reason. She let people hustle for themselves.

In other words, he needed to get his money back, or he knew he would never get it back.

And now...

"I know, Lord Velmo, but I beg you to give us just one more month. That is all we are asking for," Erica spoke with her forehead pressed against the ground.

Like a child after disobeying their parents.

Velmo sighed aggressively.

"Oh, what to do to that father of yours? You do realize it wouldn’t take me anything to destroy the Montclair Barony before night falls, right?"

His cold words sent a chill down Erica’s spine.

She needed to choose her next words wisely. If she somehow managed to anger him, she knew the Montclair Barony would be the one to pay the price.

Even if she was doing all this for her family and her people, her brother, Alaric, was the one person she could never stand to lose from her own bad decisions.

"And you would be justified in doing so," she responded calmly. "We have been postponing this for too long. It’s understandable that you’d lose your patience with us."

Velmo changed his sitting position, surprised to see the young girl was no longer begging.

"So you agree?" he asked.

"Yes. I feel ashamed having to keep doing the same thing we’ve been doing for months. No words can free me of that burden. That is why I have a proposal."

"I’m listening..."

"My family is well aware that I’m in Velmo, and that includes my brother, who is currently working on making full use of our mining ground. He promised us in a month’s time we’ll see excellent results, ones that will take us out of the debt we owe."

She then slowly raised her head to look at the Count.

"Knowing my words are not enough to convince you, I beg you to let me stay in the mansion with you, as your maid, until our debts are paid. I’ll serve you however way you want."

To the naked eye, her words came out as bold and confident, one of the many attributes she inherited from her mother.

But inside, she was terrified.

This was the man who once wiped out a village of demi-humans, turning them into slaves for his County. What’s to say he wouldn’t wreck her in the few weeks she’d spend with him?

Not to speak of his annoying sons, known to be even worse than what Alaric was before.

For Alaric, she was more than ready to overlook every other thing.

All that she waited for was Velmo’s approval.

"That’s new. I do remember you being timid. Where did all this confidence come from? You truly believe your brother can raise 200 million Eres in less than a month’s time?" Velmo spoke with a smirk.

"Yes, I do. Though a fool, my brother is not one to go back on his words. If he told me he’d slay every demon in the world, I wouldn’t doubt him in the slightest. I trust my brother."

Haahahahahha!

Velmo laughed.

"Well, isn’t that interesting. The bond between a brother and sister. How exciting and cute."

He stood up from his chair and began to walk toward Erica, who was still kneeling on the ground.

"Let me make this clear. I despise three things in this world. Those who lie, those who question my authority, and lastly..."

He tilted her head up a bit with his finger, his cold blue eyes staring directly into her soul as he grinned.

"Those who can’t stand by their words. Those, I despise the most. With that said, can you still give me your word that your so-called brother will live up to the expectations you place on him?"

Boldly, without any hesitation, Erica responded -

"You have my word."

Staring into her eyes for a while, he could easily tell the honesty dancing in her eyes. But honesty doesn’t add much when it comes to people.

"Very well. Until your brother delivers to me 200 million Eres, you will remain in my mansion as my slave. And if after one month’s time he is unable to do so, I will have your head delivered to your family instead."

A smile immediately showed on Erica’s face. She had somehow managed to convince the Count to give her more time.

All her hope fell on Alaric. If he fails, she dies—not that the thought of her brother failing ever crossed her mind.

And thus, Erica began to live in the Ernest mansion, helping as the lead maid, specifically assigned to the Count himself.

After a couple of weeks, a surprise came knocking at the front door.

The Viscount of Olsen had come to pay the Count a visit, discussing opening up trading routes for the mining ground in Montclair.

In other words...

Erica smiled, almost shedding tears as she covered her mouth. "My brother did it," she blurted out while standing beside the Count, who was busy reading the contract that was presented to him.

The Montclair Barony mining ground was more than ready to be monetized.

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[A\N: Happy new month and new year, I wish you the best in life.]