I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 161

"It didn’t even seem like there were a hundred buildings here last year!"

Now, buildings filled every corner of the outer city of the Halo estate.

Between the houses, built with gray and beige bricks topped with red roofs, ran a wide main street. Along it, shops, markets, parks, and the central square had been established. The shopping district bustled with carriages and people passing by in endless streams. The azure Erun River cut gracefully through the city, flowing with calm majesty.

The sight of so many buildings harmonizing with nature was breathtaking in itself.

“Goodness, am I really in the same territory?”

Penelope finally understood why her family couldn’t take their eyes off the scenery. Ahwin responded with a teasing grin.

“This is Halo. The territory you poured your soul into developing.”

“How did this even...? No, wait. Of course—it was all me.”

Penelope quickly nodded, her confidence unwavering.

She already knew how much Halo had progressed. Every detail had been meticulously reported to her while she was in the capital.

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And she was the one who had transformed the estate into such prosperity.

From herbal soaps made with green herbs to heated floors, green herb cosmetics, and even hairdryers, every business venture had been an instant success. Over the past few months, she had practically been raking in money from the capital.

And where did all that money go?

Penelope reinvested it as soon as she earned it.

She built workshops across the estate, expanded government facilities, established schools, and bolstered the security forces. As public safety improved and jobs increased, people naturally flocked to the territory. And as the population grew, the money flowed in even faster.

In short, this scenery was the direct result of Penelope’s tireless efforts, day and night.

“Still, this is beyond anything I could’ve imagined.”

Without realizing it, Penelope let out a soft chuckle, only to be promptly scolded by Ahwin.

“Pepe, calm down. Your family’s watching.”

“I’m just surprised.”

“Let’s go with that. Are you done sightseeing?”

“No. Could you turn just a bit to the right? Yes, stop right there!”

“...”

Ahwin obediently shifted his body as Penelope directed. Once again, she became entirely absorbed in admiring the estate.

Meanwhile, her family watched the two of them with peculiar expressions.

***

The next day, Penelope spent time with her family again. This was mostly because Ahwin had latched onto them like glue.

No matter how many hints she dropped, Ahwin pretended not to notice.

“Spending this golden rest time with my family... Is this some kind of punishment?”

Still, when it came down to it, she didn’t find the family tea time as uncomfortable as she expected.

In fact, Penelope found herself growing increasingly at ease with her family.

Baron Rencer no longer criticized her for running the estate as a woman or pressured her to remarry. As much as she hated to admit it, she suspected it was all thanks to Ahwin.

After experiencing the magic that had brought them to the top of the spire, both the Baron and Abe seemed to have gained a new perspective.

“So, having the world’s strongest man as your boyfriend does have its perks.”

Penelope smirked to herself.

Florin and Clara, on the other hand, appeared completely charmed by Ahwin’s looks. Judging by their demeanor, even if Ahwin hadn’t been the Tower Master but a penniless wanderer, they still would have approved of the relationship.

In any case, the atmosphere during tea time had become astonishingly warm compared to the first day. This newfound ease often sent Penelope into her own thoughts.

“It might be time to develop a new product. What should I make next?”

Having let some time pass since the hairdryer’s success, she felt the urge to strike again with another winning idea.

The thrill of success was addictive, and she couldn’t shake the exhilaration it brought.

“Vacuum cleaners are out of the question, but maybe something else...? What other devices can I make using motor rotation?”

Penelope frowned slightly as she pondered.

Meanwhile, her family busied themselves getting to know Ahwin better.

“So, is it true that the Grand Duke of Rahincel also courted Penelope?”

“For your information, I confessed to her first. That sly fox—excuse {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} me, I mean Rianel—approached Penelope even though he knew about us.”

“Oh my goodness...”

Florin and Clara simultaneously covered their mouths with both hands, their eyes wide with shock.

Abe cast Penelope a sideways glance, his expression one of disbelief. It was painfully obvious that he was silently pondering, Why on earth...?

Baron Rencer maintained a stern demeanor, but even he couldn’t hide his discomfort. He discreetly pulled out a handkerchief and began dabbing at his forehead.

A daughter receiving a confession from the Northern Grand Duke isn’t unheard of.

Penelope pursed her lips before her gaze accidentally met Ahwin’s. His brow twitched, and it was clear from his fiery glare that jealousy was eating him alive.

“So, Pepe, how did you feel when Rianel confessed to you?”

“What? When did I ever say I liked it?”

“Then why didn’t you reject him immediately?”

“Well... I... I didn’t really think about it...”

Penelope’s words faltered as she felt her argument crumbling.

Florin and Baron Rencer’s expressions turned cold. Even Abe and Clara looked at her as if she were shameless.

Ugh... Why is no one on my side?

In front of a family now fully backing Ahwin, Penelope felt herself shrinking.

Just then, a knock broke the tension.

“Lady of the estate, pardon the intrusion.”

“Come in.”

Penelope’s face lit up with relief. The visitor was the treasurer, carrying a stack of documents piled so high that even their weight seemed a comfort to her.

The treasurer, noticing the strained atmosphere in the room, hesitated before speaking with an apologetic tone.

“I deeply regret disturbing your time with your family. However, there are urgent documents requiring your approval.”

“Quickly, hand them over.”

Penelope eagerly accepted the papers, grateful for the distraction.

The documents contained the budget proposals for constructing libraries and cafeterias at the middle and high schools. It was a matter she had verbally approved with Professor Bake the day before.

I need to check for unnecessary expenses, duplicates, or missing items, Penelope thought to herself as she meticulously reviewed the documents.

After a thorough examination, she finally spoke.

“Hmm, it’s flawless. Proceed as is.”

“Thank you for your review,” the treasurer said, clasping his hands politely. Penelope removed the signet ring from her finger and pressed her seal onto the documents.

The treasurer, visibly pleased, accepted the papers with a respectful bow, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“I apologize again for interrupting your rest, Lady Penelope. I’ll take my leave now.”

“It’s fine. Feel free to come whenever there’s an urgent matter. Oh, and please inform Professor Bake that I’ll visit next Wednesday.”

“Understood,” he replied before leaving the room.

Abe, who had been staring blankly at Penelope, let out a belated cough. She smirked inwardly.

What’s this? Realizing your sister might actually be impressive?

A small wave of pride swelled within her.

See? This is the kind of person I am.

She chose to ignore the unenthused look that had settled on Ahwin’s face.

But Penelope’s moment of satisfaction was short-lived. Before long, word spread about the budget approval, and one by one, officials began knocking on the drawing room door.

“Lady of the estate, this is the administrative officer. Could you please approve just this one document...?”

“Lady Penelope, it’s the knight commander. I have a matter requiring your decision.”

“Lady Penelope, I’m the facilities manager. There’s an urgent document for you to review!”

“Lady of the estate...!”

“This is really the last one, I swear. Please, just this one...”

When even the chief steward finally made his way in, Penelope slumped back into the sofa, utterly drained. There wasn’t a drop of energy left in her.

Help... someone save me!

Her return to the estate after a long time was met with a staggering number of urgent approvals. The problem was that today’s workload was merely the tip of the iceberg—a “preview” of what was to come.

The thought of tomorrow, when her official work as the Lady of Halo would resume in earnest, made her feel utterly depleted.

It was then that Baron Rencer spoke up.

“We’ll be leaving for Bayton estate tomorrow.”

“So suddenly?” Penelope asked, startled.

“After observing you, it’s clear you don’t have the leisure to relax here any longer.”

“...”

Penelope was taken aback. It hadn’t been long since her family had started watching her, and they had already come to this conclusion.

I thought they’d stay for at least another week.

She couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.

Baron Rencer, noticing her expression, spoke firmly. “It’s for the best if we leave now.”