A Small Victory

Eleanor’s POV

“Have you ever seen any of my father's documents?”

Edward's question lingered between us. I studied him for a moment before shaking my head.

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Just making sure.”

“Making sure of what?”

Edward didn't answer immediately. His gaze seemed to be searching my expression for something, making me slightly uncomfortable.

“If you haven't seen them, it's best to keep it that way.”

I frowned. “You always say things like that without offering any explanation.”

“I don't owe you an explanation, Eleanor.”

I let out a quiet scoff. “Fine. Then I won't waste my time asking.”

I turned away before he could say anything else. I had plenty of other things to take care of, and I had no intention of spending my entire day dealing with that man's mysterious behavior.

But after only a few steps, Edward's voice rang out again.

“Eleanor.”

I turned around.

“Don't make any financial decisions on behalf of the Alistair family without my approval.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I'm managing the household budget, not taking over the Alistair family's affairs.”

“The two can be connected.”

“Then make sure you give me enough information before accusing me of doing something wrong.”

I didn't wait for his reply. This time, I walked away from the corridor without looking back.

*** 

[System: Good morning, Eleanor.]

I let out a long sigh as the glowing panel appeared before me again. I'd only managed to get a decent night's sleep around four in the morning after spending the entire previous day reviewing all the documents Henry had given me. And now, that damned system was waking me up with its monotonous greeting.

[Main Quest Time Remaining: 362 days.]

[Active Side Quest: Alistair Manor Financial Audit.]

[Objective: Identify the source of irregularities in household expenses.]

[Side Quest Time Remaining: 5 days.]

I read the information before the panel changed to display something else.

[Main Target Affection Level: -5%]

I frowned.

“Minus five percent? Does he dislike me even more than before?”

The panel continued displaying the same information.

I sighed. “Wonderful. I've got a husband who's impossible to approach and a system that keeps giving me more work.”

The panel disappeared without a response. I opened the folder containing the copies of the purchase records I'd reviewed yesterday. If Edward didn't want me accessing his father's documents, I wouldn't force the issue. But the household's financial problems still needed to be addressed.

I asked Henry to come to my study. Not long after, the head butler appeared, carrying several additional records.

“You sent for me, Your Grace?”

“Yes. I want to ask you something about our food suppliers.”

Henry placed the records on the table. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Who has been responsible for selecting the suppliers for the kitchen?”

“The finance department handles the payments, while the suppliers are usually selected from a list approved by the treasurer.”

“Do we only have one supplier?”

“No, Your Grace. There are several, but most of the kitchen's needs have been supplied by the same company for many years.”

I opened one of the invoices I'd reviewed the night before. “This company?”

Henry nodded after looking at the name I'd pointed to.

“Yes. They've been doing business with the Alistair family for quite some time.”

“Have there ever been any complaints about their prices or the quality of their goods?”

Henry seemed to consider the question. “Over the past few months, the kitchen staff have complained that the quality of the ingredients has declined. However, I've never received any formal reports.”

I looked at him. “Why wasn't I informed yesterday?”

“My apologies, Your Grace. I didn't realize that this was something I needed to report to you as well.”

I sighed. Apparently, many things in this manor had been running on habit rather than proper oversight.

“Then I'd like you to contact two other suppliers who have worked with the manor before. Ask them for their latest price lists for the same kitchen supplies.”

“Are you planning to change suppliers, Your Grace?”

“Not yet. I want to compare their prices and quality first.”

Henry nodded. “Very well, Your Grace. I'll see to it.”

“One more thing. Don't place any new orders until we've made sure everything is in order.”

“Of course.”

After Henry left, I went back to reviewing the purchase records. Some of the prices were far too high to be dismissed as ordinary market adjustments. If other suppliers could offer similar-quality goods at lower prices, there was no reason for the manor to keep paying more.

A few hours later, Henry returned with two price lists from different suppliers. I compared them with the old invoices, then asked the kitchen staff to inspect samples of the ingredients being offered.

The results were quite clear.

“Your Grace,” Henry said after reviewing the lists, “the second supplier is offering prices nearly thirty percent lower for most of the food items. The head chef has also found their quality to be better.”

I looked up. “Can they meet the manor's regular demands?”

“They say they can, provided the orders are placed a few days in advance.”

“What about delivery fees?”

“Those are already included in their quoted prices.”

I tapped the end of my pen lightly against the desk. “Then there's no reason to keep our current supplier simply because we've worked with them for years.”

Henry looked hesitant. “However, Your Grace, changing suppliers would normally require approval from the finance department.”

“I know. That's why we'll submit a request for approval based on the price comparisons we've gathered. No additional budget is needed. In fact, we could reduce our expenses.”

“May I prepare a comparison report?”

“Of course. Include the old prices, the new quotations, and the notes on product quality. I want everything properly documented.”

Henry bowed. “Certainly, Your Grace.”

I was just about to close the folder when Robert appeared in the doorway. His expression was difficult to read as he glanced at the documents scattered across my desk.

“I heard Your Grace is considering changing suppliers.”

I gestured for him to sit. “That's right. I've compared several offers, and the results show that another supplier can meet the kitchen's needs at a lower cost.”

Robert picked up one of the price lists and glanced through it.

“With all due respect, Your Grace, the current supplier has been working with the Alistair family for many years. Replacing them isn't a simple decision.”

“I'm not replacing them without reason. There's a significant difference in price, while the quality of the goods they've been delivering has actually declined.”

“Price differences don't necessarily indicate a problem.”

“That's why I requested comparisons from other suppliers. All the figures and quotations are right here.”

Robert placed the document back on the desk. “I still need to ensure that this decision won't interfere with the financial procedures.”

“Please do. I'm not asking you to bypass any procedures. I simply want the household expenses to be managed more efficiently.”

He gave a brief nod, but his expression showed little sign of agreement.

“The final decision still rests with the Duke.”

“I understand. Please forward this report to him. I'll send him a copy as well.”

Robert bowed before leaving the room. I watched him until the door closed.

Henry, who had been standing beside the desk, finally spoke.

“Is something wrong, Your Grace?”

“I'm not sure. Mr. Robert doesn't seem particularly pleased with my proposal.”

“He's always been very strict about the family's financial procedures.”

I offered a faint smile. “There's nothing wrong with maintaining proper procedures, as long as they aren't being used to protect something that's costing the household money.”

Henry lowered his head, but his demeanor seemed slightly different from before.

“If Your Grace permits, I'll make sure the kitchen's supplies are inspected more carefully from now on.”

“Thank you, Henry. I appreciate it.”

After he left, the system panel suddenly appeared again.

[System: Side Quest Successfully Completed.]

[Reward: Basic Access to Household Expense Information.]

I read the notification in surprise.

“Finally, a reward that's actually useful.”

The panel disappeared. I leaned back in my chair, feeling slightly relieved. At least for the first time since becoming Duchess, I'd managed to make a change without having to ask Edward for money.

*** 

By late afternoon, Henry returned with the report, which was ready to be submitted to Edward for approval. He also informed me that the head chef and several servants had begun following my instructions without much resistance.

“It seems they're starting to get used to your presence, Your Grace,” he said.

“Hopefully. I don't want every simple decision to turn into an argument.”

Henry offered a faint smile. “I believe they're beginning to understand that you genuinely care about the state of the manor.”

I returned his smile. It was a small victory, but it meant a great deal to me.

However, the pleasant atmosphere didn't last long.

A servant arrived carrying a white envelope with no sender's name on it. She carefully placed it on the desk.

“Pardon the interruption, Your Grace. This letter was found outside your study.”

I frowned. “Who delivered it?”

“No one saw anyone leave it there, Your Grace.”

I picked up the envelope and unfolded the paper inside. There was only a short message written on it.

The Duchess of Alistair would be wise to stop interfering in the family's finances. Don't think your newly acquired title gives you the right to control the entire Alistair fortune.

My smile vanished instantly.

I read the message once more before placing the letter on the desk.

“Henry, does anyone else know about the supplier replacement report?”

The head butler looked surprised. “Only the household and finance departments, Your Grace.”

I stared at the anonymous letter. Henry did the same.

“Apparently, my little success in cutting expenses has made someone feel threatened,” I murmured.

“Your Grace,” Henry said cautiously, “would you like me to report this letter to the Duke?”

I fell silent for a moment before lifting my gaze.

“Who do you think would be worried enough to send a letter like this?”

***