I need sponsorship

Chapter 22Saying that, he gently shook the tea bag in the cup. My head was spinning rapidly. ‘So, is this an investment proposal?’ To someone like me who was ignorant about business matters, it sounded that way. And to make matters even more surprising, the conditions were quite favorable. I came to talk about donations, and now, all of a sudden, there was an investment proposal. It caught me off guard, but I realized that this was a very significant matter. It was definitely not a problem to be taken lightly. “Well, could you give me some time? I need to think about it.” No matter how good the opportunity was, I couldn’t take it blindly. I have a lot of things to think about. I was worried that I might seem presumptuous, but the duke nodded happily. “Of course. We are still reviewing it, so it will take quite a while to plan in detail, so think slowly.” “Thank you.” Still in a dazed state, I nodded my head. My mind was still spinning. Then, I shook my head. ‘This isn’t the purpose of coming here!’ Of course, I had intended to present the tea bags, but that wasn’t the ultimate purpose. I came here today to talk about donation funds. I parted my lips. “Actually, I have something to tell you, Your Excellency.” “What is it?” “Today, I went to the bank to receive the donation funds.” “Oh, today is the day.” “But, um, the amount was more than I expected.” I said it. I clenched and opened my fist repeatedly, feeling the tension. Upon hearing my words, the Duke tilted his head slightly and asked Rick. “Rick, did we deposit 500 gold coins to the <Siella Orphanage>?” “500 gold coins. Yes, that’s correct.” “So, it is true.” “That’s a lot!” “Is that so?” The Duke had a somewhat puzzled expression in response to my words. “It’s hard to understand. It’s an amount that we reduced because Rick said it was excessive. What do you mean by ‘a lot’?” I momentarily forgot. Our economic principles were completely different. To him, who controls massive business enterprises and possesses immense wealth, 500 gold was a trivial amount, not even worth mentioning. It was understandable that he couldn’t comprehend why I was flustered. I made an effort to explain. “But the amount agreed upon in the first place is 50 gold, and usually nobles also support that amount.” “Indeed, it exceeded 50 gold, and I have no desire to contribute as much as an average noble would.” The Duke stated firmly. I lost my words at his unexpected response. He looked at me with a serious expression and spoke. “I understand that you find it burdensome. But I want the children in the orphanage I support to have a more privileged life than anyone else. That money represents my sincerity. I hope you accept it without feeling burdened.”  “… … .” I was at a loss for words at the firm words of the duke. Come to think of it, there was no reason for me to refuse the money. Although it was a substantial amount, even as a monthly contribution, I could save it and use it as independent funds for the children in the future or as an emergency fund.It was strange for me, as someone receiving sponsorship, to protest that the money was too much. With no other choice, I nodded my head. “I understand your feelings well. I think I was too hasty in my thoughts. Then I will gratefully accept it.” “Then may I ask a question this time?” “What is it?” “Will you also be attending the upcoming banquet?” “A banquet? What do you mean.. … .” “Are you unaware? There will be a national founding anniversary banquet held in a week.” “A banquet to commemorate the founding of the country… … ?” “I guess you really didn’t know.” “I had no idea.” “Didn’t you get an invitation that looks like this?” The Duke showed me something. It was a blue envelope. I recognized it immediately—it was the envelope the messenger had handed to me. And inside, to my surprise, was an imperial invitation. ‘But why was the invitation sent to me too?’ I am a fallen nobleman. A fallen nobleman with no private property was virtually deprived of all rights as a nobleman. I can’t attend any banquet, let alone the emperor’s call. Not to mention the imperial banquet. But the invitation came to me too… … . ‘It must be from the Emperor.’ I was able to figure it out at once. That the emperor was calling me directly. I slightly glanced at the duke. There was no way he was unaware of what I had noticed. he looked at me and said “I am afraid that something will happen to you because of me.” My eyes widened at the unexpected words. I couldn’t figure out how to respond to his sincere words, so I looked at him quietly. The Duke lowered his gaze and continued his speaking. “Perhaps the reason the invitation was sent to you was to keep me in check. To confirm my relationship with you. Honestly In my heart, I don’t want you to attend the banquet.” “Then it would be a violation of the imperial order.” At my words, the duke nodded. “I want to go to the palace together in case of danger, but since it’s an act that stands out, it’s better to refrain from it. Instead, I will attach a carriage and guards, so please accept it.” At his words, I was troubled. A carriage and a guard. ‘Even though guards are burdensome.’ I found myself pondering over his words. Guards were burdensome, but the carriage was appreciated. After all, it would be impossible for me to ride a rented carriage to the palace. Considering that, I gladly accepted his offer. “Thank you for considering it. I will gladly accept.” As I readily accepted, he smiled with a relieved expression. I had thought about it before, but Duke Krayman is quite something. ‘he seems indifferent but also kind-hearted… … .’ I couldn’t decisively determine it, but through our conversations, I felt that beneath his cold and indifferent appearance, he was a caring and affectionate man. Lost in these thoughts, I glanced at my watch. Time had passed by quickly. “I should be going now. The children are waiting for me.” I quickly stood up, and he did the same. “I will escort you to where the carriage is.” To his words, I responded without hesitation. “I will gladly accept it. thank you.” “I will have the carriage prepared.” While we were conversing, Rick, who had been observing our conversation, left the living room first. The Duke looked at me and asked. “Shall we go?” At his words, I nodded. “yes.”    * * *    “Thank you so much for today.” “I will make sure to receive the gift properly.” I stood in front of the carriage, exchanging greetings with the Duke. “Our next meeting will be at the palace.” I nodded in response to his words. Then, I turned to Rick, who stood unwaveringly behind the Duke, and greeted him as well. “Um… Mr. Henna, please join in as well.” (T/l: henna is actually Rick’s middle name, and this sentence is actually a polite request from the FL, inviting Rick to join the conversation. I wasn’t able to translate this properly so I ended up explaining it here^^) “You can call me Rick comfortably.” “Is it okay?” “Of course.” “Then, Rick, please join in as well.” “Yes, have a safe journey.” Rick nodded slightly and greeted me. After all the greetings were exchanged, I turned my head. The coachman was looking at me with watery eyes. The meaning of the eyes seemed to be that he was glad that I returned safely. “Please take me to the orphanage.” As I spoke, the coachman quickly nodded and climbed onto the driver’s seat. After a moment, I could feel the carriage moving along with the sound of the horse’s neigh. I leaned my head slightly out of the window and looked in the direction where the Dukewas standing. He was still there, watching over me. Finally, I nodded my head once more in his direction, and the carriage swiftly left the forest, heading towards the orphanage.