Chapter 1
Episode 01: The Fool Did It
“Lord Georg, I must annul our engagement.”
These were the words blurted out by the young lady who barged into my office without so much as a knock.
“What are you talking about?”
No one could blame me for being dumbfounded. It’s only natural to be annoyed when someone rudely interrupts your work with such nonsense. Even if that someone happens to be my fiancée, Lady Fiona Serens, Countess of Serens.
“This is exactly why conversing with someone as dull as you is exhausting.”
Fiona’s face twisted into an ugly sneer as she hurled insults at me. To be fair, Fiona’s face isn’t unattractive—in fact, she’s generally considered a beauty. But the sheer ugliness of her expression right now is a testament to how one’s personality can taint their appearance.
“Our engagement is a political alliance between our families. Do you really think it’s in your best interest to break it off based on personal whims?”
Fiona shot me a look of pure disdain.
While it’s true that I don’t harbor strong romantic feelings for Fiona, I’ve made efforts to bridge the gap between us as future partners. Judging by her expression, those efforts have clearly been in vain.
“Brother, you’re being quite pathetic.”
Another voice chimed in, dripping with sarcasm. It was Leon, my half-brother, who entered the room. He casually wrapped his arm around Fiona’s waist, and she gazed at him adoringly, while he returned the look with equal affection.
“So, let me get this straight. Lady Serens wishes to annul our engagement because she’s fallen for my brother Leon?”
The two of them responded with twisted smirks.
“Yes, I’m terribly sorry. Lord Leon is far superior to you, both as a man and as the future head of the Zarfing Marquisate.”
“Brother, if you’re going to resent anyone, resent your own incompetence.”
They spoke in unison, showering me with scorn. In a way, their lack of character perfectly matched their ugly expressions.
“I see. Well, there are a few things I’d like to clarify. Would you mind answering?”
The two of them smirked again, clearly enjoying themselves.
“First, Lady Serens, you mentioned earlier that Leon would be the one to lead the Zarfing Marquisate. What exactly did you mean by that?”
“Obviously, Lord Leon will be the next Marquis of Zarfing.”
“So, you’re saying you intend to become the next Marchioness of Zarfing?”
“Of course. I am the future Marchioness of Zarfing. You, who are despised by the current Marquis, will never inherit the title.”
I almost sighed at Fiona’s words but managed to hold it back. That level of restraint deserves some recognition.
“I see. And are the Count and Countess of Serens fully aware of this?”
“Of course. My father and mother are fully informed.”
“I see.”
I then turned my gaze to Leon and asked, “Leon, do you also believe you’ll be the next Marquis of Zarfing?”
“Obviously. I’ve heard it from Father himself.”
“I haven’t heard anything about it.”
“Why would I need to inform you of such a thing?”
Leon’s voice was laced with mockery, and it was incredibly irritating, but I pressed on.
“As a member of the Zarfing Marquisate, I believe I have the right to know.”
“You? The failed product of Father’s first marriage? You have no right to know anything.”
“Even so, I’ve been handling the Marquisate’s affairs.”
“Silence!!”
Leon shouted, cutting me off.
“A worthless parasite like you should be grateful we even allow you to serve the Zarfing Marquisate. In fact, you should be thanking us for letting a failure like you have any role at all!”
“I see… My apologies.”
“Hmph, you should be sorry. You really don’t know how to speak properly.”
Leon’s face twisted into an ugly sneer as he glared at me with utter disgust.
“So, Father and Stepmother are aware of this as well?”
“Of course.”
Leon answered with absolute confidence, the kind of expression one wears when they believe they’re in an unassailable position.
“I see… Then I have no reason to show you any mercy.”
With that, I turned my gaze to the figures behind them and commanded, “Roy, Aisha, seize these two.”
“Yes, sir!!”
At my command, Leon and Fiona were swiftly pinned to the ground.
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