Gloria von Caldwell's Condemnation and Revenge - Episode 42: Abram von Hattlestone

“…I apologize.”

With genuine embarrassment and regret, Cedric’s older brother, Abram von Hattlestone, lowered his head.

His eyes, seen through his glasses, were filled with sorrow. They were the same jade-green eyes as his brother Cedric’s.

Before Abram could lower his head again, I motioned for him to sit down.

I also took a seat on the sofa in the reception room, brushing the hem of my guiding robe as it clung to my legs, straightening my back.

I had come to report that the mourning period for my father had ended, after having dressed in black for almost a year at the grand cathedral in the royal capital. As I was preparing to leave, Abram stopped me, looking around nervously with a slightly uncomfortable expression.

It was clear he was about to confess something, much like a dog who had been scolded, ears down. What he confessed was concerning Cedric’s recent behavior.

I had been expecting some kind of reaction from the Hattlestone family or the church, so it was hard not to stifle a smile at how things were unfolding.

During this past year, while in mourning, I had refrained from any social activities except for those related to my engagement as the Crown Prince’s fiancée and my duties as the “Purple Guide.” I had also taken a step back from economic activities.

I had entrusted Cedric with the management of the hospital and research projects funded by the “Tears of God”—profits earned from investments linked to church interests. Initially, Cedric had refused, but when I convinced him that the church should manage these affairs due to divine rights, he readily agreed. He, of course, had a strong devotion to faith.

Though it was only a temporary arrangement until the end of the mourning period, Cedric had already gained significant profits, some of which were from lands that had been granted to him by the Hattlestone family, and others from the church-related ventures I had invested in.

As I had discussed with Cedric previously, he believed that accumulating wealth was akin to accumulating faith, and that adorning oneself in fine attire was a way of manifesting that faith.

He had taken the substantial wealth he had acquired and was now thinking of further increasing it.

When someone has more wealth than they can handle, their actions tend to follow a predictable pattern, regardless of time or place…

“I never imagined that my brother would squander all the money of the Guide-sama on gambling…”

Abram’s shoulders slumped as he continued to bow deeply, despite my urging him to stop.

According to my findings, Cedric had managed to lose not only the funds I had provided—the profits from the Tears of God sold by the church—but also investments made from those funds, as well as the construction costs for the church that was to be built in the Caldwell Duchy, a formally recognized holy site.

What’s more, he had squandered money that wasn’t even his, acquired through underhanded means, acting as though it belonged to him.

However, Cedric firmly believed that adorning himself was a way to manifest his faith, and he had no intention of stopping his lavish lifestyle.

The decorations, which had originally been more modest and intended for social events, gradually became even more extravagant, symbolizing the growing costs of his indulgence.

His reputation had begun to decline as rumors spread about his involvement with questionable establishments.

There was even speculation that the money he spent was illegitimate, obtained by betraying the trust of the “Purple Guide.” This rumor spread slowly but surely, and before long, the people who had heard it began to believe it.

I couldn’t help but recall the extravagant meal Cedric had enjoyed under the cherry blossom tree during our first year, ignoring all discipline while devouring the finest food, calling himself a “servant of God.”

Until this money is cleared up, it seems unlikely that the Hattlestone family will allow Cedric to appear in public.

The reason we hadn’t seen Cedric at the academy recently wasn’t because of the “cold he supposedly caught,” as the homeroom teacher had claimed.

“On a day that is convenient for the Guide-sama, I would like to visit with my father to offer a formal apology. My foolish brother has truly caused a great deal of trouble, and we are terribly ashamed.”

Abram, shoulders slumped, was hoping to elicit the words “I forgive you” from me.

As for Cedric, I thought everything was progressing smoothly, but I couldn’t let him off so easily. To be underestimated would be fatal for me as a noble.

“More than that, I’d rather see Cedric in good health. I hope he recovers quickly and returns to school soon.”

Upon hearing this, Abram nodded with a bitter expression. His face, behind those glasses, was strangely reminiscent of Cedric from my previous life. A scholarly look, as A-ko would call it.

“Actually, there’s something troubling me at the academy, and I was hoping to consult with Cedric.”

“If my foolish brother has caused you any inconvenience, I apologize. Since his recovery is still uncertain, would it be alright if I listened instead?”

“That would be reassuring.”

I smiled gracefully, placing a hand over the pendant of the Guide while pressing my chest.

“Actually, there’s a classmate at the academy who claims to be a ‘Saint,’ but I’m uncertain about the truth of her claim, and I’m quite troubled.”

I tilted my head in confusion, wondering if the church had any information about this student.