Chapter 40: 40

Chapter 40 – Accept It Now

Meyer Steel was one of the few companies on the continent that took the form of a ‘stock company’. It was the wisdom of Caitlyn Meyer, who is called the Empress, to transform what was close to a personal possession for Van Drake Meyer into a form of ‘enterprise’ that raises capital by issuing stocks.

Caitlyn has been a businesswoman since she was born. Until his downfall after being caught up in a political conflict, her father had been a successful businessman in the spice trade, and his eldest daughter, Caitlyn, inherited the same temperament.

Shortly after Duke Meyer fell ill, she entered the business in earnest with the support of allies such as Reinen and Richards.

She not only showed her natural business sense, but she also knew how to use her handicap as a woman. By saying that she does not know well because she’s a woman, she provoked the men’s ostentation and made their competitors lower their guards.

The times were also on Caitlyn’s side. Thanks to the wars and civil wars that took place across the continent, the demand for iron needed to manufacture weapons increased dramatically.

Caitlyn and her allies were the founders and touchstones of Meyer Steel. Investors and executives had no choice but to follow her like a god.

Therefore, it was only natural that when Caitlyn announced her retirement and that she would hand over the presidency to a young successor, voices of opposition were heard here and there.
Hadius Meyer was too young and inexperienced. In addition, he revealed his ambition to venture into the steam locomotive business. Meyer Steel’s meeting room was filled with ridicule and distrust day after day.

“Don’t forget, Prince. Meyer Steel is an arms company that makes weapons. We were able to get to where we are today by producing steel for guns, artillery, and firearms.”
“Although locomotives have been invented, they need enormous funding and national support before they can be commercialized. Moreover, the continental logistics are already moving freely through canals and horses. Why would we need railroads?”
“You will need huge investments all the time the moment you jump into the railroad business, from land purchase, vehicle development, and equipment, to every breath you take. In the end, it will all become debt. The risk is too great.”

Getting the ‘representative’ position doesn’t mean it’s over. He has to take control of the people to become the true owner of Meyer Steel. Caitlyn knew this better than anyone else, so that’s why she could give up Meyer Steel so easily.

The irrational jealousy of wanting her son to do well but also hoping that he would fail, and thus expecting his existence to be highlighted, was a feeling no one could easily accept. Only Hadius Meyer could see through his mother’s twisted mind.

“I respect your opinions. I have no intention of making my own decisions just because I am the new representative. Everything will be decided in consultation with either my mother or Grand Duke Reinen, so you can rest assured.”

The first card that Hadius pulled out to subdue the existing forces was accommodation.

Being seen as a threat to the existing forces that refuse to change is like digging your own grave.
Now is not the time to fight. After weeding out the enemies and allies, you have to secretly increase your power.

It was necessary to make the existing forces, including his mother, let their guards down. Inattentiveness tends to lead to negligence, and it won’t be too late to take out the opposing forces by that time.

He was never impatient and willingly bowed his head in front of the enemy. Then, a strange atmosphere was formed among some investors and executives.

‘Hadius Meyer is a guy who plays around under his mother’s skirt anyway. Such a person is easy to use in many ways. Maybe a lot more manageable than the tricky Caitlyn Meyer.’

The words, ‘The successor is still young.’, ‘The succession is too hasty.’, ‘I hope Lady Meyer will come back.’, gradually disappeared.

In the end, less than a month after the argument, Hadius Meyer was able to win the approval of shareholders as the second representative of Meyer Steel.

“Congratulations. Young Master. You have finally done it.”

Grozhang smiled broadly at his master, who came down from the podium. But Hadius couldn’t smile a single bit.

It was just the beginning.
The ultimate goal is to achieve complete control.
Starting with Meyer Steel, banks, real estate, to the family seal that symbolizes the decision-making power, he must have everything in his hands.

Including the woman who attracts his attention and excites him.

 

***

 

Beppy drove the carriage faster than ever. He doesn’t know why Emilia is in such a good mood to see Hadius again, but anyway, it’s just as thrilling as going to see Laura.

However, when Emilia arrived at the mansion, Hadius was not there. While Beppy was tying the horse to the stable, holding back his frustration, Tobias, the butler, came out and greeted Emilia.

“Young Lady… I mean, Miss Bern, I do not know when the Young Master will return. He has been very busy these days, so there are many times when I can’t even see him. Why don’t you go back for now and promise to meet next time?”
“…”
“I’m saying this because I am worried that you will be waiting for too long.”

Tobias quickly added, fearing that it would sound like he was kicking her out. In his memory, the Young Lady is the type of person who immediately rejected the dress the Young Master gave her and ran away, saying that he should not call her a young lady.

“No, don’t worry. It won’t be long. I’ll just wait an hour or two, and if he doesn’t return, I’ll just go back.”

Emilia answered, sitting down on a chair in the living room.

Tobias made the maid bring the tea. She didn’t feel like eating anything, but it was rude to refuse tea in the aristocratic world, so Emilia unwillingly swallowed the refreshments that were served.

One hour passed like that.
Emilia was still sitting, motionless. Tobias, who couldn’t look at her like that, stepped up again.

“I think the Young Master will be very late… Why not take a look around the mansion while you wait?”

Emilia, who was about to refuse, changed her mind. No matter if it’s fine, guests who occupy the living room are uncomfortable.

“Shall I?”

Emilia smiled and got up from her seat. Tobias led her around the house. As she wandered around the hall, kitchen, bedroom, and banquet hall, admiration was gradually appearing on Emilia’s face.

The Basilion House was a very elegant and sophisticated mansion. It was not dazzlingly decorated with bronze and gold leaf like other nobleman’s houses. Famous paintings and artworks were hung on the walls instead of portraits, and there were no cumbersome decorations.

“This is the Young Master’s favorite place.”

When Tobias opened the door, a huge study was revealed. It was so enormous that it could not be compared with the one on the Cavendish mansion. There was a large piano in the center.

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“This is a piano from Eimhardt. There are only 10 in the continent.”

Tobias’ voice showed a deep sense of pride. He pushed the cover of the piano back and spread his palm out as if telling Emilia to try it.

“You can play it anytime. Waiting is boring, and if the Young Lady is bored, I feel uncomfortable, so please make yourself at home.”

He bowed politely and left the study.

Emilia, who was left alone, held her hands together and looked around. Books were packed tightly on the tall bookshelves that filled the wall.

How many books would there be? Hundreds? No, thousands?
From all kinds of old books, history books, and encyclopedias, it was truly enormous. In admiration, she unconsciously stretched out her arm towards a thick encyclopedia. Then she stopped.

… She didn’t come here to leisurely read books.

Emilia lowered her arm and put her hand in her vest pocket. She grabbed the ring.
She came here to return it.

Emilia made up her mind and sat down on the piano chair. Time passed again. Gradually, she started getting nervous.

She must go back before it’s too late, what should she do? Should she just wait for another 30 minutes?

Emilia checked the time and looked down at the piano unintentionally.
Like anyone in front of an open piano, she unconsciously pressed a key. A low and deep echo resonated deeply in the study.

Should she press it just once more?

Emilia straightened her posture and started moving her fingers. It was the song she whistled with Beppy, ‘Der Lindenbaum’.

After hesitatingly pressing on the keys, she soon fell into the performance.
After repeating it three times, she managed to hear it. However, it was impossible to perform ‘Der Lindenbaum’ smoothly, like she whistled it. After repeatedly making a mistake in the same part, she frowned.

“Weird… What was it?”

Suddenly, someone’s voice came from the doorway.

“D#.”

Her trembling hands froze without being able to press the keys.

“I thought I was the only one who visited all of a sudden.”

He smiled softly and leaned against the doorframe.

“Continue. You were playing well.”

Emilia quickly removed her fingers from the keyboard. She must greet him, but she can’t say anything, like her tongue is frozen.
It’s probably because it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since they parted ways after returning from the tavern. All her other senses disappeared and only her heart was beating out of control.

“I’ll help you. If you just skip that part…”
“No, it’s fine.”

Whether he noticed that Emilia was on the alert like a startled deer, he continued with inquisitive eyes.

“… Why do you look angry? Haven’t we decided to get rid of the bad feelings we have for each other?”

While Emilia hesitated, not knowing what to say, a long shadow fell over her head, and he took the seat next to her without notice.

The next moment, something amazing happened. A beautiful melody could be heard, alleviating the unfriendly feeling. The man’s long fingers were playing ‘Der Lindenbaum’ perfectly.

“Beppy Dilson told me. It’s Emilia’s favorite song. You hummed every time you felt bad, didn’t you?”

Emilia suddenly came to her senses. This is not the time to relax and listen to music.

“Is Mr. Beppy… A lookout? Telling the Young Master about my daily life while pretending to be an ordinary coachman?”

“No, it’s not like that. I told him myself. Not to report on your daily life.”
“Well, I don’t really believe you.”
“Believe me. I’m not monitoring you. I found out about ‘Der Lindenbaum’ by accident. Every time Beppy met Grozhang, he whistled it so much that he got tired of it.”

She didn’t feel the slightest lie in the calm answer. He, who was playing the piano skillfully, said even more surprising words after a while.

“I can’t do the same thing to you when I know it.”
“What… Do you mean?”
“The pain of being watched.”

Just by looking at his casual expression, she could have thought she had heard it wrong.
However, he clearly called it ‘pain’. Several speculations and realizations came to her. She was getting deeply concerned.

Hadius continued playing indifferently.

“How was the last gift? Didn’t you like it?”
“A… Gift?”

The documents suddenly came to Emilia’s mind as she tilted her head. The evidence he gave her to use when she wants to take care of the Cavendish…

“That must be why you’re so on edge today, is it not?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s a bit uncomfortable that you have done a background check on Sir Cavendish, but… I am also grateful. For not using it thoughtlessly and giving me the right to decide…”
“Then why are you angry?”
“It’s not that I’m angry, I’m trying to keep my distance. Forgiving the past does not mean that I will continue meeting the Young Master.”

Hadius shrugged.

“Do it right, Emilia. You should know how to give up and accept it.”
“Accept what?”
“Who I am.”

Emilia was at a loss for words for a moment, and Hadius continued playing calmly. His piano playing skills were as good as his waltz skills.

“This is a commemorative performance. Emilia.”
“Commemorative…?”
“I finally got one thing I wanted.”

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