Reborn as the Failed Lord with my Resource Gathering System.

I remember it like it was yesterday—the heartbreak etched upon my father's face when he announced the news.

"Sir Vane has struck again," he'd said, his voice hollow. "He attacked our warehouse and burned everything to the ground. We have nothing left."

That was the first time I had ever seen my father cry. Ever since I was a child, I have always envisioned myself becoming a great merchant, just like him.

I excelled in my studies, proving I was more than capable of carrying on my parents' legacy. My father's main trade was magic stones, shipped from the county and distributed throughout the other baronies.

Every night, I would be the last one in the counting room, staring at the ledgers. The numbers bled red. Shipments were being destroyed, and people were slowly losing faith in the Monteli business. I couldn't blame them.

Sir Vane had made it his life's purpose to ensure my father never saw success again, all because he had refused to allow me to marry the man.

Ridiculous. I, Seraphina Monteli, wouldn't stoop so low as to marry someone with no integrity or sense of shame.

The man I wanted was someone with a deep sense of responsibility, someone able to push me to my limits so I could, in turn, help him become great.

That was the kind of man I desired, and so I worked hard, because I knew a man like that would never look twice at a weak woman.

As time passed, the business dropped further. My parents, trying to be strong, decided to sell their properties to Vane, hoping to use the act as an apology.

"Mother, Father, you can't be serious! Are you going to let this man destroy all your hard work? You have been doing this for years!" I argued, my voice filled with a desperate passion.

I knew how hard they had worked. I remembered their dream to become the best merchants in the entirety of the Roziro county, perhaps even the Dukedom. To see them so blatantly give up pained me dearly.

"It's over, sweetie. A merchant should know when to give in," my father uttered with a pained smile. "Hopefully, one day, we will have our chance once again."

He was obviously putting up a front for me. I knew that the moment he was behind closed doors, he would bawl his eyes out again.

I didn't want that, not now, not when we had come this far. So, to give them a sliver of hope, even though I wasn't sure of myself, I wore a mask of resolve and looked them both in the eye.

"Give me a week. Just one week, and I'll fix this."

My mother covered her mouth, trying to force back her tears as she watched her daughter once again try to carry the family's burden on her back. I didn't mind.

As long as it meant the Monteli family could thrive again, then I was more than willing to do whatever it took.

Looking at my father, I waited for his approval. Instead, he gave me a grim look.

"This doesn't concern you. Don't act tougher than you actually are."

His words broke my heart. I watched as he walked away, while my mother tried to talk some sense into him.

But I knew why he said those words, why he doubted me. And for that, I needed to prove him wrong.

So, the very next day, I headed to the head of our barony, Baron Teila. My words came out in a rush as I bowed before him.

"Please, my lord, my family needs your help. We are being harassed by a rival merchant. It's getting worse with each passing day, and many of our products are being destroyed."

For now, this was the only move I could pull. The baron is in charge of the people's affairs; something like this should be easy for him to fix.

As long as I worded my sentences well and made sure the information was passed without a single hint of aggression, I should be good. I kept my head lowered, begging for the baron to ignite the little hope within my chest.

"A merchant disturbs you? That can't be right. Your father has been one of this territory's top suppliers. The people love him. Who would be stupid enough to wish him harm?" asked Lord Teila.

That very hope I was looking for finally lit up, a smile spreading across my face. I slowly raised my head, planning to explain everything so he could understand how grim the situation was and deliver his final judgment on that scum, Vane.

Or so I thought.

Upon raising my head, I was shocked to see Vane himself standing right beside the baron, holding that stupid hat that should have been melted onto his head.

Different thoughts crossed my mind. Why was he with the baron? Why did he look so proud? Had he somehow spread false information? No, if he did, then the baron wouldn't have asked me—

As that thought slipped in, I caught a devious look on the baron's face, as though he was taunting me. My instincts have never betrayed me; I knew when I was being taken for a fool. Had Vane bought the baron's loyalty?

I was enraged, my fist clenched as I looked to the ground, speechless. I was only an Amateur-ranked Alchemist. The most I could do was cast mana-enhancing spells and trackers. I would be smacked to the ground before I could even try to lift a finger against them.

"N-never mind," I said to the baron, swallowing my pride and accepting my defeat.

With my tail between my legs, I went back home, embarrassed and rageful. I knew I had no real plan when I said those words to my parents, but to think that little hope I had would vanish in the blink of an eye.

'Stupid Sera, stupid.'

My frustration got the better of me as I stood in front of my door, afraid to step foot into the house. Then I saw it. A small, familiar carriage was parked just outside my home.

"Uncle?"

My uncle was known to be one of the biggest merchants in the kingdom, at least at face value. He and my father were close, despite the fact my uncle was always traveling and never in one place for long. If he was here, then he must have heard about my father's current status.

A lot of people knew about the conflict; it was quite obvious, considering Vane would often send his guards to my father's shop, demanding he shut down his business.

I clenched my fist. This was my chance. Another opportunity had presented itself to me.

I steeled myself and made my way into the house.

Slowly i opened the door, my heart beating in my chance as i worry what type of face my father would make after i go in.

Than a voice came, five seconds, after i made my way in.

"Sera. there you are; i was looking for you."

Gilbert had spotted me.

...

[A/N]

Two more chapters today; the next chapter will be in her pov as well, or just half.