Chapter 36 - Diana’s Inheritance

Chapter 36 – Diana’s Inheritance

The rainy afternoon calmed Diana’s mind. She savored the fleeting calm in her life, sipping the warm milk Charlotte had served to her.

“Oh, the butler will be here soon to bring what you asked for.”

“Thank you.” With Diana’s nod, Charlotte retreated. Moments later, while Diana was immersed in the book she read, a knock pounded on the door.

“Come in.”

The butler was a man in his old age. He wore a classic attire which matched his gray hair so well. He was the master servant of the former Duke. Without Charlotte and her butler Gray, Diana’s life would have been tough.

“This is what you asked for,” Gray placed a thick envelope down on the table.

“Thank you.” Even at Diana’s words, which signaled the end of their conversation, Gray stood in his place, motionless.

“You are surprised that I asked you to bring something like this all of a sudden, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I was a bit, but …….”

Diana’s delicate fingers opened the envelope. Several notes were woven like books, and a bunch of small pieces of paper fell out. It was all about Carl’s, or precisely, Diana’s property.

“I’m happy.”

Diana was surprised at the butler’s comment. Soon a warm smile formed his lips; he was firm when educating servants, but he was a friendly man inside.

“It’s proof that you’ve grown so much.” The butler expressed his sentiments.

“Is it?” Somehow she felt bitter. As the Empress, Diana never understood nor found her share. She had so much, and there was another opportunity, but she had to die so sad and miserable.

“But I still don’t know a lot more.” Diana looked at Grey, “Since it’s my first time, can you teach me?”

Gray saw in the young lady across him the spirit and determination. It was precious to see the happy face of the child, whom he had taken care of since her childhood. He believed that securing her future is the way to repay the grace of the late Duke and Duchess to him.

“It is an honor.”

As Diana beckoned, Gray sat on the chair next to her. The documents were arranged orderly.

“First of all, you should know the properties you own.”

“Huh.”

Gray set a few documents aside. “These are all about real estate. Real estate is…”

“I know. Like land or buildings?”

“Yes, you are very mature.”

Seventeen was a little early. But not for Diana now. She must be aware of the current situation as soon as possible to change her life.

The only clue she found was her inheritance, which Charlotte spoke about. Now she has the possibility to stand on her own and not by marriage.

“The biggest is this mansion. The rest are suburban villas or, in some cases, farms or ranches. The life of the Duke was sustained by the income he earned from running the land he owned.”

“Like that.”

His uncle and his wife took the title of the Duke and Duchess, but there were quite a few remaining possessions left by her parents. These, Diana did not know.

“I didn’t know how I was living all this time.”

“You’re still young.”

Aunt Silvia blinded her eyes, following the notion that marriage was a lifelong cause, and became an empress. Until Diana discovers the unspoken truth, she will be released from their strings.

“Then, all the proceeds from these lands were spent on the duchess’ living expenses?”

At Diana’s obvious question, Gray paused, swallowing a bitter emotion.

“Some are.”

“What about the rest of it?”

“You’re young, and the Duchess says it’s going to be managed… Charlotte and I agreed.”

It was expected already. Perhaps by the time Diana enters the palace, the rest of her remaining wealth will be taken care of by Sylvia. Private property was meaningless for the empress, and Diana was an effortless prey — a naive little girl who was ignorant about how the real world worked.

“Which one is particularly profitable?”

“Well, the horses and the vineyard of the ranch which the former Duke saved.”

“Horses and grapes?”

“Yes. Horses are excellent stallions and are traded at high prices in the empire, and the vineyards are well-known because they are famous for their breweries.”

However, there would be more money to come in creating additional trading than simply renting land. It was a fact that did not change over time.

“What will I do if I decide to move this property legally to me?”

Gray was surprised at the unexpected question. At the age of seventeen, it was not easy to claim properties, but what surprised the butler was Diana’s eagerness.

“Your lady’s uncle is now your guardian. Of course, the heir is you.”

“And my aunt decides… Isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

The main concern was that Diana’s parents passed away early, and Diana was too young at that time, with no one to depend on. Consequently, her uncle and aunt became her guardians, unable to be replaced.

“Okay. Leave this. I’ll think more.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, lady.”

“Huh.”

Alone, Diana scrutinized the documents that Gray had left behind. The documents that held the memories of her parent’s lives and now, her living.

“I have to get it back.” Diana’s blue orbs gleamed with resolve. With the help of Edwin, the escape from the prince was only the beginning. If you do not persist to break the chains, the dark future will remain an endless cycle. She wanted to avoid that because if not, her reincarnation will be meaningless.