The Duke’s Inspection

Eleanor’s POV

“Duke Edward has requested your presence in his study, Your Grace.”

I looked up from the ledger I was reading. Henry stood near the door, his expression composed, but his arrival was enough to tell me that Edward had received the report I'd sent him.

“When?”

“He has just returned from the family office. He said there are a few matters he'd like to discuss regarding the estate's expenses.”

I closed the ledger. “It seems my little investigation has finally reached the Duke's desk.”

“Would you like me to accompany you?”

“No need. I can handle him myself.”

Before leaving the study, I caught sight of a transparent panel appearing at the edge of my vision.

[System: Good morning, Eleanor.]

[Main quest time remaining: 361 days.]

[Main Target's Affection Level: -5%]

I sighed. Another day had passed, and the number hadn't changed.

“At least don't bother me right now. I haven't even had a chance to sleep,” I muttered before the panel disappeared.

*** 

Edward was seated behind his desk when I arrived. Several documents were arranged in front of him, including the price comparison report I'd sent through Henry. He didn't immediately invite me to sit. Instead, he studied me for a moment.

“Sit down, Eleanor.”

I pulled out the chair across from him. “Have you read the report?”

“I have.”

“What do you think?”

Edward picked up one of the sheets. “The price comparison is quite clear. The new supplier is offering lower prices without compromising the quality of the goods.”

“Some of their samples are actually better.”

“I noticed.”

I waited for him to continue, but Edward simply set the document aside and picked up another.

“However, there are a few things I'd like to ask you.”

“Of course.”

“Since when have you considered yourself entitled to change the management of this estate?”

I held back my immediate response. “Since I realized the household expenses weren't being managed properly.”

“That doesn't answer my question.”

“Then let me be clear. I haven't changed anything without a reason. I found unreasonable purchasing prices, compared them with other suppliers, and presented a more cost-effective alternative.”

“And you did all of this without seeking my approval first?”

“I never assumed the final decision was mine to make.”

Edward leaned back in his chair. “You instructed the staff to contact other suppliers, collect samples, and prepare price comparisons. All of this was done before I even knew about it.”

“Because if I had to wait for your permission every time I wanted to investigate something, we'd probably still be paying the old prices.”

“Eleanor.”

“I know you don't like people making decisions without your permission. But I can't just sit quietly when I see the estate's money being used inefficiently.”

His expression remained unchanged. “You're dealing with the finances of the Alistair household, not simply managing your personal expenses.”

“Exactly. Since this is the Alistair household, I believe it's my responsibility to make sure everything is running properly.”

Edward fell silent for a moment. He looked over the report again, then pointed to several figures I'd marked.

“Are these savings calculations accurate?”

“Yes. I used the average household requirements over the past three months as the basis for comparison. The new supplier's prices already include delivery costs, so there shouldn't be any additional expenses.”

“What about possible delivery delays?”

“I've already requested their delivery schedule and replacement terms in case the goods don't meet our standards. Henry is also making sure we have enough supplies during the transition.”

Edward raised his eyes. “You considered all of that?”

“I don't want to replace one problem with another.”

For the first time since I'd entered the room, he didn't immediately challenge me. Edward examined several more pages, comparing my calculations with the previous expense records.

I watched him carefully. He was meticulous, and I was beginning to understand why the staff were so cautious around him. Not a single figure escaped his attention.

“This section,” he said, pointing to one line. “You calculated the expenses based on the quantity actually received, not the quantity ordered?”

“Correct. The amount listed on an order doesn't always match what actually arrives. I don't intend to pay for goods the estate never received.”

“Who taught you to review financial records like this?”

The question made me pause.

“Experience.”

“What kind of experience?”

“I've handled administrative and financial matters before.”

I couldn't explain any further without revealing something no one was supposed to know. Eleanor Smith had lived an entirely different life in another world, and I needed to be careful not to let that past surface in ways that might invite difficult questions.

Edward studied me for several seconds, as though waiting for me to elaborate. When I said nothing more, he lowered his gaze to the documents again.

“Your calculations are correct,” he finally said. “At least this section.”

I almost smiled. “I'll take that as a compliment.”

“Don't be too quick.”

“Of course. I wouldn't want to ruin the moment.”

Edward ignored my remark and closed the report. “You may assist with managing the estate's expenses, but that doesn't mean you have the authority to change the entire system however you please.”

“I never asked for that much authority.”

“Then what exactly do you want?”

“The opportunity to manage the household budget without having to seek your approval for every minor decision. I'll still prepare reports and submit them to you. If something involves a major change to the Alistair family's finances, I'll seek your approval first.”

“And what if I disagree with your decision?”

“I'll listen to your reasons. But I expect you to be willing to listen to mine as well.”

Edward studied me for so long that I began to feel as though our conversation was no longer about the figures in the report.

“I don't know what brought about this change in you,” he said. “But I won't grant you unlimited authority simply because you've suddenly developed an interest in household affairs.”

“Yes, that's your right. I'm not asking you to trust me blindly, either.”

“At least you understand the boundaries between us.”

The system panel appeared before my eyes again.

[Main Target's Affection Level: 0%]

Zero percent?

I stared at the number again. So that conversation had actually increased his affection level?

Five percent might not be much to celebrate, but at least I was no longer in the negatives.

“Is there anything else you'd like to ask?”

Edward didn't answer immediately. He picked up his pen, reopened the last page of the report, and wrote something at the bottom.

“Starting today, I'll grant you authority over the household budget for one month.”

I blinked. “One month?”

“Consider it a trial period. You may manage routine expenses, servants' needs, supplies, and supplier payments. However, every change must be documented. I expect a weekly report from you.”

I considered his offer. One month wasn't particularly long, but it was far better than having to deal with Robert every time I needed a document or approval.

“Very well. I agree.”

Edward set down his pen. “If expenses increase without a reasonable explanation, or if your decisions cause any problems, your authority will be revoked.”

“I understand.”

“And don't use the Alistair family name for personal matters.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Do you still think I'd do something like that?”

“I'm simply reminding you.”

“Then allow me to remind you of something as well. I have no intention of causing trouble for this family.”

Edward didn't respond. He simply slid the signed document toward me.

I took it and read through the approval. For the first time, something had been granted to me without having to beg for it or fulfill someone else's demands.

One month. That was enough time to prove what I could do.

“Thank you,” I said, rising from my chair.

“Eleanor.”

I stopped and turned around.

“Don't make me regret this decision.”

I held his gaze for a moment before offering a faint smile. “Then don't be too quick to regret it.”

I had just turned toward the door when Edward spoke again.

“One more thing. From now on, if you find anything suspicious in the financial records, report it to me before taking action.”

My smile slowly faded.

“Does that include all the old transactions?”

“Especially the old transactions.”

I nodded slowly. “Very well. I'll keep that in mind.”

But my thoughts had already returned to the name I'd discovered yesterday.

Vernon Trade and Supply.

If Edward already knew something about that company, I needed to be careful not to let him realize I was looking into it.

I held the approval document in my hand and turned to face my husband once more.

“Then, Edward, I'll get to work.”

***