NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8
Episode 08: Everyone, Get Smacked
“Retirement?”
“W-wait a minute!! My eldest son is only 10 years old. He’s far too young to be a lord—”
As expected, both Viscounts showed reluctance to retire. Considering that Argus, the heir of the Karmais Viscount House, is only 13, and Carmine of the Edior Viscount House is a mere 10 years old, their hesitation was understandable.
“I see. If you can’t accept the terms, then the repayment deadline is set for one week from now. I’ve prepared a detailed record of how much money was transferred to you and when, so make sure to review it. You’ll have just one week to come up with and execute a repayment plan, but I’m sure that’s no problem, right?”
“Ugh… understood. I will retire and pass the title to Argus.”
“…Understood. I will also retire.”
Both Viscounts bowed their heads, their faces twisted in bitter resignation as they accepted my words.
“It must be troubling for you to burden these boys who haven’t even reached adulthood. I can imagine the distress.”
Here, I paused for a moment.
“I, the Zafing Marquess, shall act as the guardian for the two new Viscounts.”
“Wha—!!”
“T-that’s—!!”
“Hm? Don’t tell me you planned to hand over the titles but keep the actual power? How very bold of you to underestimate me.”
“N-no, that’s not it—”
“Truly, you are a family that attempted to usurp the Zafing Marquess House. I suppose I shouldn’t have been so lenient with you.”
“That’s not true!! I simply didn’t want to trouble the Zafing Marquess any further!!”
“Same here!!”
“Oh, is that so… my apologies. I may have been a bit hasty. But don’t worry. I’ll usually assign my subordinates as assistants. I’ll only step in when my judgment is required.”
My sinister grin left both Viscounts speechless.
This was nothing short of a declaration of a takeover of the Viscount Houses. But given that members of their families had attempted usurpation and funds had been misappropriated, it was inevitable that the Viscount Houses would be seen as accomplices. This harsh reality left them no choice but to accept my demands.
“Th-thank you…”
“We are deeply grateful for your generosity…”
Both Viscounts bowed their heads, their voices strained as they spoke.
“The Viscounts will complete the necessary procedures within a week. I’ll also appoint assistants within that time, so prepare the handover documents. Remember, these assistants act in my name, and any uncooperative behavior will bring an end to your family’s history.”
“Y-yes!!”
“Understood!!”
My tone left no room for hesitation. Both Viscounts replied with trembling voices.
“U-um… Lord Giorg…”
Fiona’s voice, filled more with fear than hesitation, chimed in.
“Aisha, it’s fine. I don’t expect much in the way of manners from the daughter of the Selens Earl House. Let’s overlook her rudeness, shall we?”
“Understood.”
I said this to Aisha, who was pinning Fiona down, as she was about to snap Fiona’s fingers.
“Now then, Lady Selens, let’s hear what you have to say.”
“Well… Leon and I…”
“Of course, you’ll be married. The announcement will come after Gazel and the others are executed.”
“Huh?”
“W-what!?”
My words painted the faces of the Selens Earl House with despair. If the murder of the former Marquess were discovered after the marriage, they could have minimized the damage by annulling the union. But if the crime was exposed and the marriage took place after the executions, the Selens Earl House’s reputation would be utterly destroyed. It was clear that all the nobles would cut ties with them.
“You betrayed me, your fiancé, and shamelessly demanded to marry my younger brother. In a way, it shows how deeply you love Leon, doesn’t it? As your future brother-in-law, I wish you both happiness.”
“Please, wait!! Not that!!”
“That’s right!! If those two marry, our Earl House is finished!!”
“Perhaps, but I can’t bear to tear apart two people in love. Don’t worry, I’ll send my subordinates to the Selens Earl House to spread the word that our families have reconciled.”
“Wh-what…?”
“Unlike the Viscount Houses, I’m not asking for the Selens Earl to retire, so feel free to continue managing your territory as usual.”
The Selens Earl and his wife slumped in defeat. Seeing this, Fiona began to cry, tears streaming down her face.
“If you had properly dissolved the engagement, none of this would have happened.”
My words seemed to strike a chord with Fiona. She realized that her reckless actions had brought this crisis upon the Selens Earl House.
“Leon.”
“Huh?”
I approached Leon, who was standing there in a daze, and spoke gently.
“Thanks to you, the Selens Earl House has effectively become a vassal of the Zafing Marquess House.”
“Huh?”
“You’re a lucky man.”
“Huh?”
Whack!!
I raised my sword and brought it down sharply on Leon’s neck. A loud sound echoed, but of course, it didn’t hurt him much.
“If it weren’t for your achievements, this would’ve been your end.”
I tapped Leon’s neck lightly with the sword as I spoke. At that moment, sweat poured from Leon’s entire body.
“Well, there’s nothing more to discuss. You’ve all worked hard today. You may leave.”
With that, I exited the Reception Room.
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