The Greatest Estate Developer - Chapter 56: The Devil’s Contract (1)

“Alright, let’s go collect the construction costs.”

“Excuse me?”

Javier looked at Lloyd with a puzzled expression.

Construction costs? Collecting money?

It was such an absurd thing to say.

“What do you mean by that?”

He couldn’t understand at all.

Meanwhile, the young lord he served, Lloyd, simply smirked.

“Don’t you know what construction costs are?”

“Of course, I do.”

Construction costs refer to the expenses incurred during construction: materials, equipment, labor, and other management costs.

Javier found it strange.

“Where exactly do you intend to collect those costs from?”

He tried to speculate.

Where could construction costs possibly be collected?

But no clear answer came to mind.

This current water supply construction project wasn’t commissioned by anyone.

It was carried out voluntarily to address the crisis of polluted river water threatening the estate, ensuring a stable supply of clean water for the future.

It was no different from replacing old, dirty window frames with new ones or repairing a damaged roof.

This was purely a necessity for the estate.

In other words, there was no one to extract(?) the construction costs from.

Javier furrowed his brows slightly.

“Are you planning to collect the construction costs from the Viscount of Lacona as compensation?”

“Huh? No.”

It was the only plausible guess, but Lloyd merely raised one corner of his mouth and made an even more incomprehensible remark.

“Compensation? Do you think I’d settle for such scraps?”

“…Excuse me?”

“There’s something far more rewarding. Just follow me. Hey, over there?”

Lloyd, who had been smirking, called out to Sir Bayern, who was wrapping up work at the site.

“You called for me, Lord Lloyd.”

“Yeah, I did. I’ve got a few tasks for you.”

“Command me as you see fit.”

“Alright, let’s see. For starters, I’ll be heading out somewhere with Sir Asrahan. You’ll oversee the final wrap-up at the site. Check the manpower and tools thoroughly. Make sure all the trash is cleaned up, especially food waste. We don’t want to attract wild animals to the intake station.”

“Understood. Does that mean you won’t be attending the completion ceremony?”

“What kind of nonsense is that? How could I miss a neighborhood party?”

“Then?”

“I’ll just finish my errand quickly and return. Let the Baron know. I already informed him where I’d be going.”

“Understood.”

“And one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Make sure they don’t pop the champagne without me.”

“I’ll ensure it. Travel safely.”

Sir Bayern saluted politely.

Receiving the gesture, Lloyd turned his gaze to Javier.

“Alright, let’s go.”

“…”

Javier followed Lloyd down the mountain. Even as they descended, Javier’s frown didn’t disappear.

‘What exactly is he planning?’

The direction Lloyd was heading… It wasn’t toward the estate.

‘This road leads to the Lacona Viscounty.’

He had traveled this path several times in the past, so he recognized it immediately.

This only deepened Javier’s doubts and concerns.

“Lord Lloyd.”

He spoke up as he followed.

Lloyd didn’t stop walking, replying while continuing down the mountain path.

“Yeah, I’m listening.”

“Are you really heading to the Viscounty?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you planning to meet Viscount Lacona?”

“Yeah.”

“What exactly do you intend to do if you meet him?”

“Why? Afraid I’ll cause a scene?”

“…”

To be honest, that was his biggest worry.

After some thought, Javier responded.

“To be frank, I understand how you feel.”

“Oh? You understand me? That’s a good start. Go on.”

“Yes. It’s undeniable that dumping toxic waste into the river was Viscount Lacona’s fault. His subsequent threats were petty and despicable. It’s also true that, because of him, our estate had to spend unplanned funds and manpower on the water supply project. But…”

Javier continued.

“Sometimes, it’s wiser to accept the loss and move on.”

“Hmm, are you suggesting I become a magnanimous person?”

“No. I’m suggesting you make a cool-headed and realistic judgment.”

“Cool-headed? Realistic?”

“Yes.”

Javier’s voice grew firmer as he spoke, looking at Lloyd’s back as he led the way.

“You could go to the Viscounty, meet the Viscount, and confront him about his petty actions. But doing so would bring little benefit, wouldn’t it?”

“…”

“Calling out his faults and confronting him—when you calculate it calmly—doesn’t offer any tangible gains beyond satisfying your anger. It’s a pointless endeavor that only creates unnecessary conflict.”

“Hmm, now that you say it like that, you’ve got a point.”

“Then, are you willing to reconsider?”

“No.”

Lloyd’s shoulders shook slightly as he walked ahead.

He was likely suppressing a laugh.

Indeed, when he spoke, there was a smirk in his voice.

“Javier Asrahan, do you think I’d do something that doesn’t benefit me?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Do you see me as the kind of person who would do that?”

“May I speak honestly?”

“Go ahead.”

“From what I’ve seen, you’re petty, vindictive, and can’t tolerate even the slightest loss.”

“Wow.”

“That’s exactly why this emotional outburst doesn’t suit you. Please, act like your usual self.”

“Hah. So you think this is just about venting my frustration?”

“Then what is it?”

“Just watch and see.”

“…”

Javier fell silent.

He had tried his best to reason with Lloyd.

But Lloyd wasn’t accepting it.

Pushing further felt like crossing a line.

‘So, is he really planning to throw an egg at a rock, letting his emotions take over this time?’

They were heading to the Viscounty.

Even if they met the Viscount, what could be achieved?

No matter how skillfully Lloyd might accuse him of his faults, what would be the point?

Whether it was compensation or construction costs, the Viscount wouldn’t pay a single penny.

He had no reason, justification, or obligation to do so.

With that thought, the silver-haired knight silently followed behind Lloyd.

Three or four hours passed like that.

They descended the mountain in silence.

Finally, they arrived at the Viscounty.

The aroma of food wafted through the village, the smell of preparations for dinner.

Passing through two villages, inhaling the savory scents, they finally stood in front of the Viscount’s mansion.

“Halt.”

“State your name and identity, visitor.”

Two gate guards blocked their path.

However, Javier didn’t have the chance to step forward and speak.

Lloyd took the lead, stepping forward with confidence.

“I am Lloyd Frontera, the official heir of the neighboring Baron Frontera estate. I’ve come to see Viscount Lacona. Announce my arrival.”

“Is this an official request for an audience?”

“It is.”

Lloyd’s confident tone and demeanor softened the guards’ attitudes.

One guard remained at the gate, while the other went into the mansion to deliver the message.

As they waited briefly, Javier thought,

‘It won’t work, probably.’

Requesting an audience like this was unreasonable and abrupt.

‘Normally, when visiting a noble family, one would contact them in advance, state their purpose, and arrange the meeting details beforehand.’

It was rare to suddenly show up unannounced.

Such behavior was against noble etiquette.

So if they were refused?

There would be no argument to make.

In fact, being turned away would be the natural outcome—

“The Viscount will see you.”

“….”

What?

Javier’s eyebrow twitched.

‘Why didn’t he refuse?’

It wasn’t bad for them, but he couldn’t understand it.

Allowing an unscheduled meeting?

It didn’t make sense.

Yet, this unbelievable scenario was unfolding before his eyes.

To make it even stranger, the person who came to greet them appeared to be the Viscount’s administrator.

‘Why? How?’

As they were escorted into the mansion, walking through its halls, Javier’s mind was flooded with questions.

Even more baffling situations followed.

“The eldest son of the Frontera family, Lloyd Frontera, has arrived.”

“Let them in.”

At the end of the corridor, in front of the audience chamber door, the administrator announced them.

The voice that responded was unmistakably the Viscount’s.

‘….’

Javier’s eyebrow twitched again.

The Viscount himself, waiting in the audience chamber?

That was beyond unusual.

‘We’re uninvited guests who showed up without notice.’

Not only were they allowed in, but the Viscount had also come to the audience chamber to wait for them.

Indeed, when the door opened, the Viscount was sitting in a chair, stroking his signature goatee.

But there was something strange about his expression and demeanor as he looked at them.

“Well, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“It’s a pleasure to see you.”

“Come, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

The Viscount’s gaze, focused on Lloyd, was as sharp as a snake about to strike.

He looked like he was restraining an intense venom within.

As for Lloyd?

“I can’t thank you enough for such a warm welcome.”

…He was utterly composed.

He radiated confidence and ease.

This left Javier even more confused.

‘What is this situation?’

This scene was nothing like what Javier had anticipated.

The behaviors of Lloyd and Viscount Lacona were reversed.

‘Lloyd should be the one expressing anger, and the Viscount should be acting nonchalantly.’

That was the logical expectation.

Lloyd had come to confront the Viscount about his past actions, so the Viscount mocking Lloyd would have been natural.

Yet, their roles were reversed.

Lloyd was brimming with composure, while the Viscount trembled slightly, suppressing his fury.

It was genuinely bizarre.

‘What is this situation?’

Javier sharpened his gaze, trying to deduce the hidden dynamics at play.

Meanwhile, the strange meeting between Lloyd and the Viscount continued.

“By the way, Viscount Lacona?”

“What is it?”

“Is there anything troubling you these days?”

“No, nothing at all.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Are you sure? No symptoms like dizziness when you wake up in the morning, or nausea that feels like seasickness?”

“Not at all. I’m perfectly healthy.”

“Hmm. The symptoms I just mentioned often occur under extreme mental stress.”

“There’s nothing for me to be stressed about.”

“Are you sure? Truly?”

“Why do you keep asking the same question?”

“Can’t I?”

“…”

The Viscount glared at Lloyd.

Lloyd shrugged.

“You might as well be honest about it.”

“Honest about what?”

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re desperate right now.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Come now. You’re desperate to solve a problem, but you can’t figure out what’s causing it. You suspect someone but can’t be certain. That’s why you’re meeting with me today, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t…”

“You want me to confirm it for you, don’t you?”

“…”

The Viscount fell silent.

Lloyd’s smirk grew wider.

“That’s how dilemmas work. You can’t tell anyone, but bottling it up makes you feel like you’ll explode. Isn’t that right?”

“I have no idea…”

“Oh, come now. Let’s not cling to that foolish pride.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“From this point on, I’m sure you know exactly what I’m going to say.”

“…”

“You must be realizing it now. That nagging suspicion you’ve been agonizing over? It’s falling into place, isn’t it? And you’re confirming that I’m indeed the cause of the problem that’s been tormenting you. Aren’t you?”

“…”

“Are you still not going to admit it?”

“…”

“Come now, just accept it and let it go. Think about it. Effort might betray you, but giving up never will.”

“What kind of nonsense…”

“You’re still holding on to your pride, even in this situation. Nothing will be resolved that way. This is when you negotiate. That’s why I came here—to help you. Think about it. You won’t find a more considerate neighbor than me.”

“I would never…”

“Your dye workshop has been struggling recently, hasn’t it?”

At last, Lloyd threw out a single, casual question, smiling brightly as he did.

At that moment, Javier saw it clearly.

The Viscount’s face turned red.

His goatee quivered.

Bloodshot eyes glared at Lloyd.

After a long pause, grinding his teeth, the Viscount growled,

“So, it was you all along?”