Episode 40.1 (2/2)

Then one day, she was asked to take on the mantle of Goncourt heiress.

The present master, Prado Goncourt sympathized with Norma's circumstances and afforded her conditions that would solve all her problems.

First of all, she would live at Goncourt Mansion. She may do as she pleases in the mansion. She may concentrate in her work of editing her father, Sasfrey's posthumous work. She's allowed to use anything she needs for that end, or even purchase them, money and manpower will be provided.

She doesn't have to do anything while Prado is still alive and even after he's dead. In other word, she may be a heiress of Goncourt, but she doesn't actually have to manage the house. Prado will take care of them while he's still alive, which would get transferred over to Kanner after. If Kanner were to die, Findin would assume the role.

Prado has requested Norma to marry someone if possible. Her partner would be the husband of Goncourt heiress, as a prevention against untoward people trying to take advantages of the situation. As such, her husband-to-be must be someone who would agree to be completely disconnected from Goncourt's authority and wealth.

(That's important to Norma too.)

(She won't be able to concentrate on the writing if she doesn't get away from troublesome stuff.)

(If her husband gets himself in some annoying situations.)

(He'd drag Norma into it.)

Norma agreed to Prado's request, but they had to overcome a trial known as Family Council. Norma found some problematic points in the plan Prado initially proposed.

”The plan grandfather thought up, you see. Was under the assumption that grandfather's position as the present master was an unbending truth. And I believed that would just cause more issues in the future even if it overcame the present.”

(Grandfather huh.)

(Looks like Norma's come to see him as a blood relative.)

They got through Family Council with the plan Norma drew up. It also succeeded in curbing the ambition of a powerful noble from another town to take over House of Goncourt.

But then, an assassin sent by that powerful noble made an attempt on Prado's life. Norma treated Prado, pinned down the assassin's identity, and obtained unshakable evidence with the help of magic tool, <Bell of Truth>, then using that, they managed to grow Goncourt's influence in the noble house who sent the assassin instead.

(Hmm?)

(Did Norma come up with that strategy.)

(Well now that's a surprise.)

(But she is from a bigshot noble family after all.)

(And she's extremely clear headed.)

(She might have just the innate talent.)

(To come up with these schemes and such.)

”And that is how I got to be named Goncourt heiress.”

”I see. Got it. Jinga.”

”Yes.”

”I have some questions.”