Obviously, It’s My Child

Johann cherished his family, but he did not identify himself with them. There was a huge gap in status between the household head who inherited the title and the third son who had nothing to inherit.

Claire smiled.

“You have a good memory. I wouldn’t have stood out that much.”

“That’s where Baron thought wrong. An underclassman female student fighting Duke Klausener is not something so easy to see. There was neither an underclassman nor a female student— Actually, there isn’t anyone who could stand up to him.”

“Ke-hum.”

Claire cleared her throat at that. This time it was Johann’s turn to smile.

“And even if it wasn’t because of the Duke, you were enough to draw attention.”

As soon as he said that, three cold pairs of eyes were fixed on him. Johann was dumbfounded. It could be so with Grey Sherwood, but how dare someone like Roger Carson stare at him?

There’s nothing more to say about commoners who didn’t know their place. Johann glanced at Casey Morris holding the papers.

Casey felt his throat closing up. Claire drew Johann’s gaze back with a gentle gesture.

“Let’s talk about diamonds.”

Grey put a piece of paper down in front of Johann. Johann opened it.

There was a contract to hand over all of the Noi mines two-carat diamonds or lower to the Weaving Guild at a bargain price. Signed by his father.

Johann gulped. It was not the time for him to laugh and toss words that bordered on seduction and flattery.

His father must have signed the contract thinking that he was passing on unnecessary goods, but when this contract was executed, the Krozik County would probably be watching with their mouths open as the price of the sold item would soar.

“As you probably already know, I am going to start a diamond business. I have plans to exponentially increase its demand. I believe buying out a newspaper press can be a good first step.”

“Yes.”

“Once  demand increases, not only the Klausener Duchy but also the existing jewelers will see a return in investment. Especially if it is a place that has a large amount of high-quality diamonds like the Krozik Crozik.”

Claire smiled.

“Before being a noble, I am a merchant, too. So since I’m a merchant, I cannot share huge profits with a great nobleman who monopolizes Noi Diamond.”

“Yes…”

Thinking so, Johann had no choice but to answer in the affirmative.

The second contract was placed before Johann.

“If this contract is concluded, I will consider you, Sir Johann, as a partner and either cancel the first contract or sell back the diamonds at its acquisition price whenever you are in need of some— any quantity you need.”

Johann looked at the contract. It contained something completely different from what he had thought.

“Invest in the Morris appraisal company, cooperate in creating diamond appraisal standards, and put Morris’s brand of appraisal on all diamonds?”

In addition, it was written that they would invest in appraiser education and publicity. The stake was also set at thirty percent.

And the name of the contract partner was Casey Morris.

He looked at Claire in bewilderment. Claire said calmly.

“We will make it possible for commoners to buy jewelry so long as they can afford it. On a broader level, if possible, every citizen of the capital will be able to afford to have at least one diamond in their lifetime.”

Claire was adamant.

“And before that, we will standardize appraisals and prices. So that even the less discerning buyer can judge whether it is a reasonable price or not.”

“Yes.”

“If there is a repurchase guarantee so that a certain amount can be recovered in case of emergency, it will be easier to get their hands on it. Fortunately, diamonds are precious stones that do not easily deteriorate.”

“To the commoners…”

With that unexpected thought, Johann muttered unknowingly.

But thinking about it again, there was nothing surprising. She had done the same with textiles and toys. Claire had always done business by expanding the market to the middle class.

Johann got a realization and looked at Claire. Then he noticed the amber eyes shining transparently.

“Do you understand?”

“I do.”

Johann cleared his throat once.

The Weaving Guild was a huge success, and he knew that Clare Delford was doing quite well in a few other ventures as well.

In addition, now the Klausener’s power was added. There’s no way she would fail.

Claire said.

“I always try to treat my business partners and managers well enough to suit their roles. Of course, I want the other person to show the same sincerity to me.”

“If this contract is concluded, I will no longer be able to be Her Majesty’s person. Is that not enough?”

“Actually, I can just buy them all.”

Claire laughed and picked up the first contract.

“The reason why I’m trying to attract House Crozik even though there’s no benefit is because your position is useful right now, Sir Johann.”

Johann drew in a breath. He expected it.

Of course, it’s not something that can be surrendered all at once. He had to prove that he wasn’t just a handsome guy and gave away information.

If he’s going to stick with Claire Delford, shouldn’t he at least take a higher position than Roger Carson?

He asked calmly so as not to appear impatient.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Tell me everything you know about Count Schneider.”

Johann took a breath. For a moment, his thoughts were completely tangled. From the start, he never expected this conversation to go this way.

‘Does she know that the Empress is monitoring the Schneider County?’

Since when?

And if she got ahold of that information, did the Weaving Guild know it, or did House Klausener know it?

He had no idea whether it could be the former. However, if it’s the latter, it’s not something to be taken lightly. That meant that Klausener was monitoring the Empress’s movements.

That could mean that they were interested in the succession of the throne.