Magical Tool Master Dahlia Never Compromises ~ Starting Today: Life as a Freelancer ~

Wolfe's mansion, which is also the registered address of the Chamber of Commerce, is as luxurious as Oswald's mansion.

The three-story house has pure white walls and a blue roof. The courtyard is covered in lush green lawns and elegant white-based flowers blooming in the garden.

This is just the Scafalot family’s villa, so how magnificent is the main house?

Dahlia took a deep breath and exhaled to calm her fear, then got off the carriage and followed the leading servant.

The one who invited her here today was Wolf's brother, Guid Scafalot.

He is the eldest son of the Scafarot family and the future marquis.

Originally, Ivano was supposed to accompany her, but just before leaving, he was summoned to the royal palace for official business. He said he would come as soon as he was done, but considering his status, she couldn't rush him. Ultimately, Dahlia had to come alone.

Fortunately, Wolff was on vacation today and confirmed his attendance. Although Dahlia was worried about making a mistake in etiquette, she wasn't afraid.

The heavy double doors that seemed impossible to open by one person, and the high-ceilinged entrance hall where sunlight streamed in. Although the decorations were sparse, each one was gorgeous and elegant, showcasing the grandeur of an aristocratic mansion.

Dahlia was walking on the blue carpet in the corridor when she suddenly felt a gaze and stopped.

On the wall where the sun doesn't shine, hangs a beautiful portrait of a noble lady.

The woman in the painting had long ebony hair, skin as white as snow, and lips as pale as red. Her deep black eyes narrowed slightly, and she looked at him with a gentle smile.

This was Wolf's mother—Dalia's intuition told her so. This beauty wasn't simply due to the painting. Somehow, she was certain she was even more beautiful than the painting.

"The figure in that painting is the Third Lady, Lady Vanessa Scafalot. She died of an illness when Master Wolferich was a child."

"...I see. Thank you for telling me."

Dahlia nodded in response to the guiding servant's explanation, then took another step forward.

It is said that she was Wolff's mother who died of illness.

In fact, he was attacked and killed in a dispute over family heir, but it was announced to the outside world that he died of illness.

Imagining Wolf's mood every time he passed by this painting, Dalia's steps couldn't help but become a little heavier.

"Welcome, Miss Rossetti."

In the reception room they were led into, a man with silver hair with a bluish tint was waiting.

He didn't look much like Wolff. He looked more like a civil servant than a knight. While his features were handsome, he had a cold, hard air, reminiscent of a puppet.

"I am Wolfe's elder brother, Guid Scafalot. Thank you for your care for my brother."

"I'm Dalia Rosetti of the Rosetti Chamber of Commerce. It's us who are being looked after by you."

As Dahlia returned the greeting, she couldn't help but glance at the empty chair. Wolf should have been arriving soon, but he hadn't shown up yet.

"Wolver will be late. I'm sorry, I've delayed the agreed time by about an hour. I'd like to speak with you alone. Of course, even though we're alone, there will be attendants in the room. Do you mind?"

"...Yes, I don't mind."

He seemed to see through Dahlia's thoughts and spoke a little faster.

Only then did Dahlia notice that there was a man in black servant's uniform standing against the wall.

He was a tall man with rust-colored hair. Although he lowered his gaze, his eyes were also a deep rust color. His slightly brown complexion reminded people of a desert country.

Although she didn't need to greet the attendant, Dahlia couldn't help but give him a slight nod. He nodded back. She felt a little flustered, but she still managed to maintain the professional demeanor expected of a client.

Under the guidance of the servant, Dahlia sat on the black leather sofa, waiting for Good to speak.

"First of all, I want to sincerely thank you—thank you for saving Wolfe from being carried away by the dragon. I also heard about the fairy crystal glasses you later developed, and the products you developed for the monster subjugation team. I heard that Wolfe often visited you and seemed to receive a lot of care."

"No, it should be said that I was the one who received more care."

"yes……"

Guid's gaze shifted temporarily to the window, then returned to Dahlia.

There seemed to be some strange fluctuations in those bottomless deep blue eyes.

"Miss Rossetti, with all due respect, I have a question for you. How much would you demand in exchange for parting ways with Wolff?"

"what?"

This sudden question made Dahlia's mind go blank.

Just as she was about to ask what this meant, Guid spoke again.

"What I said just now may not have been appropriate. Please hear me out. I am truly grateful for everything you have done for Wolff so far."

Although his voice was calm, it carried a hint of chill, hitting Dahlia's eardrums.

"Miss Rossetti, I understand that you and Wolf are already very close. However, you might become a weakness for my brother in the future. From a position of status or work, we cannot rule out the possibility that letting you leave would be more beneficial to him. If that situation really comes, we would like you to part ways with Wolf, and it is only natural to offer you a corresponding reward. Whether it's two hundred or three hundred gold coins, I would like to know your desired figure first."

"No need. If Mr. Wolff wishes to sever our friendship, then that's the end of it. If my presence causes any trouble, I will automatically keep my distance."

Somewhere deep down, Dahlia had been mentally prepared.

Wolff would leave her one day - whether it was because of status differences, work or mission requirements, family arrangements, or even Wolff's love or marriage, the reasons were countless.

She always told herself that if that day ever came, she would be able to be independent without his protection. She was grateful for everything he had done so far, but she would never ask for money.

"If Wolff wishes to distance himself from you, I can promise to introduce a higher-ranking noble as a new guarantor for your Chamber of Commerce."

"No, thank you, thanks."

Although Dahlia now holds the title of designated supplier and advisor to the monster-suppression force, her guild had previously been protected under the names of the guild leader and Wolf. The misconception that she was using Wolf to run the guild was not without reason.

Even so, Brother Wolfer's suggestion honestly still made her feel a pang in her heart.

"I won't tell Wolfe, so please don't worry, just tell me."

"I really don't need that."

"So, Miss Rossetti, when you separated from Wolff, did you really not have any requests at all?"

Faced with the confused tone and the intense blue eyes that seemed to see through her, Dahlia almost couldn't help but lower her head.

Wolfe's smile suddenly appeared in Dahlia's mind.

Even though we haven’t been together long, he’s already a valuable friend to spend time with.

If her presence would cause him trouble, if leaving would protect him, then Dalia would definitely keep her distance from him. Even if they could never meet again, the memory and pride of being his friend would always remain in her heart.

However, if she accepted the payment for keeping her distance, she would certainly never be able to call Wolff a friend again.

Even when talking to his brother, a member of the Earl's family, she would never compromise on this point.

Wolff was her precious friend.

Hadn't she decided not to bow her head that day?

Dahlia raised her head, which was almost lowered, and looked straight at Guid.

"I really don't need anything—Lord Scafarot, if you have to leave because your presence troubles a friend, or if a friend expresses a desire to sever ties, will you ask for compensation?"

She tried her best to keep her voice steady, but the end of her words still trembled slightly.

“…I really won’t ask for anything.”

Guide's expression relaxed as if he had taken off a mask.

"Ms. Rossetti, I'm sorry for testing you. I sincerely apologize."

Good stood up from his chair and bowed slightly in apology.

Dahlia also hurriedly stood up and bowed deeply in return.

"No, please forgive my rude words just now."

"Don't worry, please relax. I'll be honest with you. I'm just worried about what kind of person our Wolff is in the eyes of the president of the Roseti Merchants Guild."

"I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean..."

"To Wolff, you're a precious friend. Conversely, I want to confirm whether Wolff is just a business relationship or an equally precious friend to you. Businessmen usually prioritize money and connections to prepare for a rainy day. That's why I'm asking in such a roundabout way."

What was the appropriate response? No noble etiquette manuals taught her about such situations. So, Dahlia desperately searched her mind for the right words.

"This may be a bit presumptuous, but please forgive me. Even if we don't have a professional relationship, Mr. Wolff is still a cherished friend of mine. Is this answer sufficient?"

"That's more than enough. I'm truly sorry. It's not right for me to be so worried at my age... but Wolfe's luck with women is truly terrible. He's my brother, but the more I get to know him, the more I sympathize with him."

"this……"

Good said with a frown, his face showing no sign of hiding his helplessness.

Dahlia didn't know how to answer for a moment.

Although she knew about Wolff's situation, she wasn't sure if she should mention it.

"Judging from your reaction, I think I know a thing or two. Lately, I've even been thinking it might be better if he just got a bit fatter. If he were twice as big as he is now, don't you think he could live a peaceful life?"

"That's true, but being that fat doesn't seem good for your health..."

Faced with Dalia's serious answer, Good couldn't help laughing.

"Indeed. Although the first impression was very bad, I hope I can redeem myself a little from now on."

Before he could finish his words, the servant opened the door to the corridor.

Then a cart was pushed in, on which were placed a white tea set with silver edges, two kinds of cakes, and a pile of biscuits.

"These are our chef's specialties, baked cheesecake and strawberry tart. The cookies are the flavor Wolf loved as a child. I think he still prefers salted cream cookies. For tea, we've prepared green tea from the Kingdom of the East."

"……Thank you so much."

Good seemed to know Dalia's preferences very well.

She remembered that Wolff had apologized to her before, saying, "My brother investigated your case."

The Scafalot family is a count family. As the elder brother of his younger brother Wolf, it is understandable that he is concerned about his younger brother and investigates his contacts.

Dalia had always lived an ordinary life, so she had nothing to worry about even if she was investigated. However, she felt a little embarrassed that her dietary preferences were so well-known.

However, if all this is meant to be a welcome, then we should be grateful.

"Please."

Dahlia and Guyd, who was sitting across from her, began to taste the baked cheesecake served by the servant.

While the high-end cheesecake I had in the Royal City was also delicious, this one is more down-to-earth, allowing you to fully savor the beauty of the cheese itself. It has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The cake itself has a moderate sweetness, while the biscuit base at the bottom is slightly sweet, which makes people feel pleasant.

The green tea she drank afterwards had a hint of sweetness and bitterness, which made her feel very nostalgic.

Green tea from the East Country costs about ten times more than regular black tea. I don't get to try it often, but it pairs perfectly with this cheesecake.

"How is it, Miss Rossetti?"

"It's delicious..."

Dahlia murmured in admiration, while Guyid smiled brightly.

At that moment, the servant replaced the empty plate with a plate filled with tartare bread with incredible speed.

The bright red strawberries suddenly appeared in front of her eyes, making Dahlia look at the servants at the table.

"This is our recommendation, please try it."

“Thank you…”

Was the speed just now a result of his strong desire to recommend it, or was it some kind of performance?

In any case, the gesture of changing the plate was so fast that it was completely unclear.

Despite this, the strawberry tart still looks very tempting.

After confirming that Good had already started enjoying it, Dahlia also started to taste it.

This cute, small, round tart is topped with a perfect amount of sweet and sour strawberries. When a fork is inserted, the custard cream oozes out, glistening with allure. While slightly sweet, it pairs perfectly with the strawberries.

Skip dinner tonight. And don't even think about calories.

While making up her mind, Dalia drank her green tea, when she noticed that Guyd opposite her had reached out and picked up the biscuits.

Although Goode also advised Dahlia to eat some cookies, she really couldn't eat anymore after eating two large pieces of cake.

Goode looked like he had no extra fat, but where did all those calories go? This made Dahlia feel a little unfair.

Hearing a slight cough, Dalia turned her head and saw the servant squinting his rusty eyes at Guid.

Then, an almost inaudible whisper came from his lips:

"Looks like I need to reduce the size of Goode's dinner..."