TPWTM 0

The midday wind blew bleakly.

No—objectively speaking, the sky was blue, clouds drifted like sheep, and the sunlight was warm. But that was how Yurik Windsor felt.

“……What?”

“I’m saying, it’s been seized as collateral.”

“……What has been seized?”

“Goodness, why do you keep asking? This mansion! This one!”

The Windsor family’s townhouse, located in the capital, was a historic estate. A three-story building constructed in the Anerican style of the northern continent, it was one of the most elegant mansions in the capital. Its garden, bursting with crimson roses, and its pond, home to expensive koi, were so beautiful that artists often stood beyond its wrought-iron fence to paint.

And now… this mansion was being… what? Yurik couldn’t comprehend the words of the gentleman standing before him. The middle-aged man, who claimed to be in real estate, mopped his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief.

“Countess Natelin signed the papers just the other day.”

“……Meaning what?”

“She borrowed 100,000 gold using this mansion as collateral, and she hasn’t paid the interest in months! Until the debt is fully repaid, this mansion belongs to Harnen Trading Company.”

100,000 gold was enough for an imperial citizen to buy a two-story house in the capital’s outskirts—and the capital was the most expensive place on the continent. Natelin was Yurik Windsor’s mother. With a dazed expression, Yurik asked for the third time:

“This mansion is…”

“That’s right. You have one week to vacate the premises. No—you must vacate, Lord Windsor.”

With that final notice, the man waddled back to his waiting carriage, assisted by a servant holding his coat. Yurik stared stupidly before pressing a hand to his forehead.

A bright spring day. In front of a beautiful mansion draped in blooming roses, Yurik Windsor had suddenly lost his home.

How did this absurd situation even happen?

As the eldest son of the prestigious Windsor Count family, trusted vassals of the Halcon Empire, Yurik stormed across the garden. His face was stiff with fury, but his platinum hair fluttered carelessly in the wind.

A butler, struggling to keep up, cautiously spoke.

“Young Master… His Lordship is currently…”

“And Mother?”

“The Countess left this morning, saying she had urgent business. We sent servants to contact her, but she’s unreachable.”

The foyer was in chaos. Several maids carried large leather Boston bags, while others held jewelry and fine crafts. Yurik let out a hollow laugh.

“What’s all this?”

The head maid answered.

“Her Ladyship instructed us to pack these. She said she and His Lordship were going on a trip…”

“This suddenly?”

Without a single word to him. And they had only just arrived in the capital ten days ago after staying at their northern estate. Now they were leaving again?

Absurdly, a carriage was already waiting at the foot of the stairs, being loaded with luggage. Yurik paled at the sheer volume.

“Are they taking everything from the mansion?”

The head maid hesitated before answering.

“…She ordered us to pack even the gold candlesticks.”

Yurik pressed his forehead again. The situation was so extreme that he couldn’t deny something was terribly wrong. No—he had sensed it the moment the man from Harnen Trading (infamous for its predatory interest rates) showed up at his door. But he had still held onto a sliver of hope.

That hope was brutally crushed.

Yurik rushed past the foyer to the Count’s chambers. He threw open the ornate double doors—only to find the room stripped bare, even of its decorations.

What in the world…?

He had thought his parents came to the capital for the social season. Instead, they had other plans.

On the vanity lay a small letter. Yurik snatched it up, tore off the wax seal, and unfolded it.

To my beloved son, Yurik,

Your father and I have decided to take a trip to the eastern territories.

After a string of failed business ventures, your father is deeply distressed. I fear he may fall ill. That is why we’ve planned this journey.

The estate has been entrusted to Viscount Lavigne.

A few people may come to the townhouse—pay them no mind. Your father will resolve everything. It may take time, but be patient.

Yurik, hold onto this mansion for us. We’ll return soon and settle everything. Just focus on your duties—no need to interfere.

P.S.: Look after your brother. He may be reckless, but he listens to you…

…Forgive us.

“This… this…”

He had heard of people feeling like lightning had struck their skull, but experiencing it firsthand was different. Yurik crumpled the letter in his fist, teeth clenched.

Failed business ventures. 100,000 gold. The mansion’s valuables, all gone.

The conclusion was obvious. His parents had fled.

After sinking into debt—they had abandoned everything, leaving their son to clean up the mess.

“…….”

Speechless with rage, Yurik barely noticed the butler approaching with a stack of parchment documents. He snatched them and scanned the contents.

100,000 gold — Harnen Trading

150,000 gold — Imperial Bank

1,000,000 gold — Ryuzha Trading

Interest rate: 30%

Yurik’s breath caught. When had they borrowed such monstrous sums? Every document bore his parents’ official seals.

And 1,000,000 gold at 30% interest? His salary as an imperial administrator wouldn’t even cover a single day’s interest.

His legs gave out. If the butler hadn’t caught him, he might have collapsed to the floor and howled.

“……Butler. Am I… dreaming?”

“…I’m afraid this is reality, Young Master.”

Even as the butler spoke, Yurik’s mind went blank. The documents slipped from his fingers, scattering across the floor.

“…….”

Disaster had descended upon his once-stable life.