Chapter 25: Hausen Family—Muge

Recently, the number of servants in the Hausen family has significantly decreased. Muge is dissatisfied with this.

Even when she rings the bell, no one comes, and when she gives tasks, the maids give her unpleasant looks.

When she gets angry and shouts, the next day the maid quits.

“Muge, don’t speak so harshly to the servants.”

Having a late breakfast in the dining room, Muge is scolded by Donovan.

Recently, Donovan has become quick-tempered, and Muge doesn’t like it.

“Why is that? Father, you’ll be looked down upon by the servants if you keep doing that.”

Muge retorts as a matter of course.

“We can’t afford to pay the servants a satisfactory salary. That’s why it’s come to this.”

Hearing Donovan’s explanation, Muge made a disgusted face.

“What? Are we really in such dire straits? Could it be for Maggie’s medical expenses?”

Now that she mentions it, the Hausen house is not as well-kept as it used to be.

“That’s right. Suppressants are expensive.”

Hearing this, Muge became angry.

“Even so, when Maggie was told to take the suppressant the other day, she threw the bottle away and broke it! Despite it being expensive, how many bottles has she ruined?”

Maggie’s fever wouldn’t go down, her joints hurt, and she had nausea, so recently she occasionally threw tantrums.

“I’ve heard that story… I’ve also been talking to her about it.”

Donovan says it awkwardly.

“Even though she’s in that state, what do you intend to do by giving her more expensive medicine? And isn’t the recent food terrible? I’m enduring social gatherings for the sake of the family. If you’re short on money, bring me a good marriage proposal.”

Donovan sighed at Muge’s words.

“Don’t make me repeat it. Magic Excess Syndrome can’t be ignored. If she doesn’t take the suppressant, a magic runaway may occur. If that happens, furniture will be damaged, and there may even be damage to the house.”

“In that case, please hurry with my marriage! If I find a good family and make a connection, I’ll provide financial support to the Hausen family.”

This was the most rational approach, according to Muge.

However, her father insisted on trivial matters and never brought up the topic of marriage proposals.

“I already explained this not long ago. Fiene goes in your place, pretending to be you, and goes to the Duke’s residence. In that state, how can we proceed with your marriage? First, we need to discuss the substitution with the Duke. If we do that, our family will have to repay the money. Worst case, Fiene might be sent back home.”

“Sent back or not, Fiene is already—”

“Stop it, Muge!”

Donovan interrupted Muge with an intense tone.

This was the first time something like this happened, and Muge blinked in surprise. Donovan continued with his words.

“Because you all hid Fiene’s limited lifespan, things have become a mess. Before Fiene dies over there, we must tell the truth. There’s a pile of things that need to be done.”

He spoke rapidly, as if implying it was Muge and Rolf’s fault, and Muge became irritated.

“Even if you say that, isn’t it because Father originally created debts through investments?”

Muge said this, knowing that her father would fall silent.

“Muge, now is not the time to talk about that. This house is on the verge of collapsing soon.”

Donovan slumped as if completely worn out.

Muge shrugged with a bewildered expression. “Well, there’s no need to worry about immediate funds. I took care of it myself.”

“What do you mean? What’s going on?”

Surprised, Donovan lifted his head.

“I had Maggie write a letter,” Muge said, smiling.

“A letter? To whom?” asked Donovan.

“To Fiene, of course. Though I addressed it properly to’me’. I had Maggie write about her current, painful condition. Since Fiene seems to be a favorite of the Duke, she’ll arrange money for her sister, won’t she?”

Muge said this proudly. It was strange that none of her family had thought of this method.

“Muge, you—” Donovan is pale-faced and trembling.

“Father?” Muge tilted her head in confusion at her father’s unexpected reaction.

“What a shameless thing you did, you fool!” Donovan erupted in anger, and Muge felt fear for the first time in the face of his furious outburst.

From that day on, under Donovan’s orders, none of the servants listened to Muge, and she was confined to her room.

However, Muge couldn’t understand what had angered her father so much.

Because Donovan had agreed to Fiene becoming Muge’s substitute.

He had agreed.

Is he regretting it now? Because Fiene is about to die? Or has she already died?)

For Muge, Fiene was more like a servant in this house than a family member.