Even though the Lane family was already on the verge of collapse, it was estimated that before long, they would lose the majority of their assets to the encroachment of various factions, leaving behind nothing but an empty shell devoid of significance.
But even this hollow shell would be enough for an “ordinary person” to indulge in for a lifetime. Why would you think of donating it all? “Because the salary from the Clearing Bureau is more than enough for me, and it even allows our whole family to live quite comfortably. After inheriting the title of Duke, although I’d gain more wealth, I’d also get dragged into endless troubles. Anna and the others’ lives would be completely disrupted. Comparatively, I think things are better as they are now.”
After briefly explaining his reasons, Leon paused for a moment and added:
“Of course, there’s also the matter of avoiding suspicion. If I were to inherit the title of Lionheart Duke, I’d become the biggest beneficiary of the Blood Night incident. Investigators from the bureau might start speculating, so it’s better to force them to quickly replace me with someone else to take over the title and get rid of this burden sooner.”
So to you, the wealth of an entire ducal family is merely a heavy burden?” The Red-haired Bureau Director stared at Leon’s eyes, confirming that he spoke sincerely. Her eyebrows couldn’t help but slightly raise, then she glanced at the toad pendant hanging from Leon’s chest.
It does make sense… If he had a strong desire for wealth, he probably wouldn’t be able to resist the Holy Spirit who controls financial power. Making such a choice isn’t hard to understand, but…
“Why did you choose to donate to the royal family?”
The Red-haired Bureau Director thought for a moment, then seriously advised:
“If your goal is just to pressure them into replacing the person taking over the title, I don’t really recommend donating to the royal family because they might not accept it.
After all, it looks too much like seizing property. The old nobility’s influence isn’t weak either. If it’s mishandled and triggers a large-scale backlash, it’ll definitely cause the royal family significant trouble.
Moreover, even if you don’t donate to them, given the royal family’s current influence, they could still claim three or four tenths of the wealth. If managed well, even half is possible. They may not want to take this risk; the possibility of your proposal being rejected on the spot isn’t small.”
“…”
Is there such a development?” Hearing the Bureau Director’s words, Leon couldn’t help but pause momentarily. He was glad he consulted her instead of rushing into action blindly. Otherwise, if the royal family truly “rejected” his offer, he’d be in a tight spot.
Realizing the gap between himself and the director in this aspect, the ever-humble Leon immediately lowered his stance and asked earnestly:
“So what do you suggest I should do?”
“Simple!”
With a crisp snap of her fingers, the Red-haired Bureau Director smiled and said,
“The princess will definitely be present at such an important ennoblement ceremony. You can directly propose to her, using the entire Lane family as a dowry~”
“…”
“Ah?!?!?!”
“You trust me, this is absolutely the best method.”
Looking at Leon whose jaw dropped due to her suggestion, the Red-haired Bureau Director felt vindicated for earlier being startled by him. She then smiled warmly and said:
“Your ultimate goal is to force them to replace the person taking over the title, right? Now, in their eyes, you and the entire Lane family are like fish on a chopping board, no matter how you struggle, you’ll only be divided up. So no matter how ridiculous or absurd your actions as duke are, it won’t affect the outcome at all.”
Even donating the Lane family doesn’t matter, since you can only donate the family’s wealth. More importantly, the Upper Parliament seat and the influence in the Military Department and Road Administration Department cannot possibly be donated. These core aspects will inevitably fall into the hands of other noble relatives.
But if you use the entire Lane family as a dowry and propose to the princess, the situation changes entirely.”
In that case, the number of departments the royal family can basically control will reach nine. Adding some others they have partial influence over, more than half of the kingdom’s government departments will be under the princess’s influence.
Plus the Lane family’s deputy speaker seat in the Upper Parliament, both chambers will have the princess’s influence. Even if the old nobility and the parliament join forces, they’re only slightly stronger by two or three tenths.
Once you remove the internal consumption and scheming caused by their alliance, the princess faction and non-princess faction are basically split fifty-fifty. The reform measures she has been stuck on can finally be forcibly pushed forward, dealing a severe blow to the entire old nobility class.
Once they realize this issue, forget just changing the person taking over the title, those guys might even have thoughts of eliminating you on the spot!”
“…”
Watching Leon go from complete shock to staring in astonishment, and finally falling silent, the Red-haired Bureau Director, satisfied with her mischief, concluded with a smile: “If you follow my advice, the worst-case scenario is successfully shedding the title of duke. In the best-case scenario, you might even marry the princess and directly become a prince!
Little Leon~ How’s my idea?”
“…”
The idea’s great, but it would be even better if you didn’t mess with me along the way.
By now, Leon had realized that his director’s penchant for teasing had kicked in again. That previous suggestion was clearly just a joke.
“Thank you, Director, for the reminder.”
After memorizing this super-killer move that would guarantee shedding the title of duke, Leon left with a grim expression:
“But I don’t need to actually propose to the princess, right? Just mentioning my intention to propose should be enough to get them to kick me off the duke position.”
“That works too, but aren’t you considering it at all?”
The Red-haired Bureau Director smiled sweetly:
“According to the princess’s style, she would definitely agree to your proposal without hesitation. She’s known as the most beautiful woman in the capital. Don’t you feel even a little bit…”
“No!”
Seeing the director enter off-topic mode, Leon, who had already found a solution to the problem, naturally didn’t want to stay and be teased anymore. He left with a stiff face.
“I have a lot of accumulated work these past two days. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go deal with it.”
“Hmm hmm, go ahead, go ahead~”
Smiling warmly as Leon left, the Red-haired Bureau Director picked up a stack of documents and continued working diligently. However, when the sun began to tilt slightly westward, she suddenly exclaimed in regret, opening the drawer and pulling out a family portrait tangled in hair.
She had been busy with official matters first, then amusing herself later, completely forgetting to return the anomalous item Jerry stole from Leon!
