Chapter 198 - Chapter 198: The Protagonist's Acting
When Valier Trading Company began short-selling Cavendish Construction, the news reached the ears of Marquess Cavendish. The butler reported the information from the broker.
"Sir, someone has begun short-selling shares of Cavendish Construction."
"Is this something that requires reporting to me?"
The Marquess, who was preparing to head to a gathering of nobles, glared at the butler who had brought such a trivial report.
However, the butler did not consider it a trivial matter.
"Yes. I have been informed that approximately 10% of the issued shares are being sold."
The market capitalization of Cavendish Construction is about 500 billion Dra. Even 10% amounts to a huge sum of 50 billion Dra. Hearing that, the Marquess's eyebrows twitched slightly.
"That much money?"
"Yes. Furthermore, they are telling the brokers to gather more of our company's shares in order to dump them."
"What a ridiculous stunt! Who is doing such a thing!"
The Marquess's tone grew harsh.
The butler was used to this and was not surprised by such a level of reaction. He calmly conveyed the facts he had investigated.
"The one selling is Valier Trading Company. This is a trading guild connected to Margrave Sowell."
"Is that woman involved? However, we have not done anything to cause conflict..."
Marquess Cavendish reflected on his own actions, recalling if there was any conflict with Aurora. However, no matter how he pulled at the threads of his memory, there was nothing like that in his recollection.
"Or perhaps it is a solo action by Valier Trading Company."
"However, doing such a thing would result in reprimand from Lord Sowell."
Here, both the Marquess and the butler were mistaken. Valier Trading Company was not under Aurora's control. Valier had finished repaying his debt to Aurora and was free, but he was acting as if he had the backing of the Sowell family because it was easier to do so if he was mistaken for having their support. Well, he was naturally providing information as a sort of signboard (T/N:招牌 means 'signboard' or 'brand', implying he provides info to maintain his reputation as a Sowell ally).
And there was one more thing. It was bad luck that they did not know that behind Valier's independent action, there were Arthur and Isabella of House Archibalt.
In the end, time passed without understanding the background of Valier's short-selling.
――At the Remington Margrave's Residence in the Royal Capital――
Cavendish Construction had taken on the reconstruction of this building.
This was something discovered by the investigation department of House Archibalt. Lilia knew about the reconstruction itself, but this was the first time she learned that it was the work of Cavendish Construction.
Noble daughters do not memorize the names of contractors entering their homes one by one.
Furthermore, the reconstruction work was finished and only awaited confirmation from the Remington Margrave's family. This was the factor that completed Arthur's scenario.
Arthur and Lilia were waiting here for Anderson, the quality control manager of Cavendish Construction. When he arrived on time, he was startled upon seeing the two of them.
"Are you not from House Archibalt? I did not expect to meet you here."
After greeting him like that, Lilia smiled with a gentle smile.
"Today, I am here to witness the construction inspection on behalf of the Remington Margrave's family."
Behind that smile, Lilia's heart was beating faster than ever.
I cannot afford to fail here...
She wanted to escape the pressure, but she knew that if she did, it would be over, so she was somehow trying to steel herself.
"Yes, I did not introduce myself the other day. I am Charles Hess Remington's daughter, Lilia Hess Remington."
"I am Arthur T.S. Archibalt, your fiancé. Now, shall we judge based on the standards I heard about the other day?"
Hearing the introductions of Lilia and Arthur, a cold sensation ran down Anderson's back.
It was because he realized he had been set up.