Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 146
[“At least at this point, it seems certain that he is using lotus-leaf cigarettes to control the miners.”]
[“It’s clear that the wages paid are being recouped as payment for the cigarettes. Being the sole supplier in the mine, it’s natural that the members can’t harbor any grievances.”]
The issue is with Jacob’s superiors.
Whether he’s a bomb planted by the Empress in the Klausener territory with a specific purpose, like Countess Schneider or Stefan Heinz, or merely a middleman who stumbled upon a supply line, was unknown.
But they couldn’t just threaten and interrogate him on suspicion. If he were the former, it would lead to a clash with the Empress.
The incident at the opera house was unintentional, but they couldn’t afford a repeat of such circumstances. They needed to be more cautious.
Thus, Claire smiled broadly, making sure everyone could hear her say,
“You’ve heard that I own the Weaving Guild, right? If anyone wishes, come find me. I’ll consult with you on earning and spending money, and on how to pay off debts.”
The movement of money could explain almost everything.
Even without direct access to the books, just by looking at the financial status of the members, one could roughly guess the operation.
Jacob’s complexion turned a sullen shade of red as he realized the potential impact of Claire’s offer.
The effect was not immediate. Even after three days, no one had come to seek Claire.
“I thought we had opened up to each other enough, even if we hadn’t become close friends, but it seems it’s not easy.”
Claire sighed.
Trust should have been sufficient with her status as Duchess Klausener and the owner of the Weaving Guild.
Yet the lack of visitors meant they still couldn’t trust her. Not her capability, but her intentions.
It’s not easy to believe that she would genuinely work with them for their benefit.
‘After all, if the boss’s wife came to me suggesting I receive financial planning from her, I’d wonder if she was trying to sell me insurance.’
While she did want evidence, she sincerely hoped to help at least one person before she leaves.
“It’s not a matter of whether they trust you or not. It’s that they’re afraid of Jacob. Why not deal with Jacob first?”
“If it were me, I’d put a figurehead in charge and act like one of his loyal underlings.”
“That’s your way of thinking.”
Erich replied shortly. Claire looked at him questioningly.
“Leaders don’t just hand over their positions so easily. Especially criminals.”
“Well, I wouldn’t know about big crime syndicate bosses, but we’re talking about a leader of a ring, right? The money sucked up through drug dealing is a separate matter.”
“You’re the one thinking money is everything.”
Left without a rebuttal, Claire paused before scratching her head.
“Well, yes, I do have a bit of a thing for money.”
“He’s the boss.”
“…”
Claire frowned slightly, looking at Erich.
“Did you find some clue I’m unaware of?”
“He’s the only one who dared to look me in the eye.”
Erich replied. Claire asked incredulously,
“Seriously? That’s your evidence?”
“If he didn’t consider himself a figure of authority, he wouldn’t do that.”
“But even if there’s a real mastermind, he might still think he’s the boss.”
“Then that mastermind would never dare to raise his head in front of me, and I saw no such person.”
“Ah.”
She was somewhat convinced, and it annoyed her.
“Anyway, I’ve instructed to keep an eye on him and his henchmen. If they move, they’ll expose themselves.”
“If they try to flee, we can catch them. If he’s linked to the Empress, he won’t escape easily.”
Erich nodded.
If he runs away and there’s a risk, he won’t easily attempt it. Those under the Empress know well how ruthless she can be.
Conversely, if they do flee, it means they’re insignificant.
Thinking they could escape from his grasp in Klausener meant they knew nothing.
Claire grumbled,
“So, I’m bait?”
“You kept prodding to make him uneasy, didn’t you?”
“But I was trying to gain the trust of the other miners.”
Erich shrugged. One goal led to the other.
Claire walked around the office a few times before flopping down onto Erich’s lap. He gently brushed her forehead and asked.
“Why?”
“If there’s nothing else to do, give me a neck massage, will you?”
Erich let out a laugh of disbelief but obediently placed his hands on Claire’s nape.
“Uwah!”
Her neck was squeezed like a lemon under his firm grip, causing Claire to scream.
As she tried to stand up in protest, Erich hugged her waist and held her down. Claire cried out in desperation.
“No, that’s enough!”
“You said your neck hurt.”
“Ack!”
This time, three fingers dug into her trapezius. Claire screamed again, attempting to escape, but Erich kept her firmly in place.
“Aah! Be gentle, please!”
“You asked for this.”
“Ah!”
After thoroughly working over the stiff muscles, Erich finally released her. Claire slumped on the spot, gasping for air. The squeezing was truly painful, but it quickly led to a release of tension, leaving her feeling drained but relaxed.
“Don’t say suspicious lines in that voice.”
“What did I do?”
Erich responded with a blank expression. Claire didn’t move an inch, lying sprawled over him, and sighed deeply. It hurt, but it also felt good.
“Haa…”
“You seem comfortable.”
Claire tilted her head back to look up at him.
“Are you that upset about massaging my shoulders?”
Erich was just contemplating whether to exact a kiss as payment.
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