LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 19
Chapter 19: The Marquess Secures the Next Earl
At my words, Ace clenched his fists, his face filled with determination.
“The Selens Earl House has the Raengeik Mine as its industrial pillar. Now that the mine has been transferred, it may seem like they have lost significant value at first glance.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Is that so?”
Ace seemed taken aback by my response. Indeed, those with only a short-term perspective might not see the appeal of the Selens Earl House.
However, the Selens Earl House has a long history of governing its current territory. The people serving them are indispensable for managing the territory. Especially those involved in mining and related industries—finding replacements would be a hassle, and training them would take years.
“The true wealth of the Selens Earl House lies in its people. Particularly, the talent in mining-related industries is highly valuable.”
“That’s correct.”
“Lord Ace, a mine is just a mountain without skilled technicians to utilize it. The Zafing Territory has no mines. It takes years for amateurs to reach the skill level of experts. In my opinion, the people currently serving the Selens House are the most valuable assets.”
Ace gulped visibly at my words. He had likely prepared to list the advantages of the Selens Earl House, but I had beaten him to it, leaving him speechless.
“From my perspective, selling the minerals from the mine is one thing, but the people who produce them are far more beneficial.”
“……”
“Lord Ace, shall I guess the real reason you came to me?”
At my words, Ace’s face twitched slightly. It was only for a moment, but I didn’t miss it.
“The real reason… you say?”
“Yes. Your true goal is to ensure the future protection of those serving the Selens Earl House, isn’t it?”
“……”
“Silence means agreement.”
At my words, Ace finally spoke.
“As the Marquess of Zafing says, my goal is the safety of those serving the Selens Earl House.”
“What…?”
Behind Ace, the butler looked shocked, and when he met my gaze, he bowed nervously.
“Lord Ace, it seems your goal doesn’t include yourself or your family?”
“Of course, it does. It’s just a matter of priority.”
“I see… So, your vassals come first.”
“Yes.”
At Ace’s immediate response, I closed my eyes. Honestly, at this stage, I have no intention of crushing the Selens Earl House. Marrying Fiona to Leon is more about ensuring I’m not seen as someone who can be taken lightly, rather than destroying the Selens House.
For me, that’s all it is. As long as I’m not underestimated, there’s no problem. Besides, I don’t harbor any romantic feelings for Fiona, so even if she and Leon fall in love, it’s not a big deal.
“I see. I also don’t wish misfortune upon those serving the Selens Earl House.”
“Then…”
At my words, Ace visibly relaxed. In contrast, Lugard’s expression darkened.
Seeing this, I became convinced that discarding Ace would not be wise. If I were to abandon Ace here, gaining control over the Selens Earl House’s vassals would become nearly impossible.
I decided to secure Ace, even if it came at a higher cost. In fact, the conditions I’m about to propose will ensure I don’t lose out.
“Lord Ace, as I mentioned earlier, I don’t wish misfortune upon the vassals of the Selens Earl House. To ensure that, you must come under the Zafing… no, my umbrella.”
“……”
“Don’t look so troubled. For me, securing you alone will allow me to control the Selens Earl House’s vassals. It’s far less effort than discarding you.”
“There must be conditions, right?”
“You’re sharp. Lord Ace, the conditions you proposed aren’t the Earl’s intentions but your own, aren’t they?”
“…Yes.”
“The current Earl wouldn’t think of transferring the Raengeik Mine. No offense, but the Earl is the type to cling to treasure even as he drowns. It’s easy to imagine that this is your own decision.”
“……”
“Unfortunately, the Selens Earl doesn’t seem to understand his position. I can’t share the same aspirations with someone like that.”
Ace nodded slightly at my words. He seemed to grasp the implication—that I intended to exclude the Selens Earl.
“Which craftsmen do you think we need?”
Ace’s voice was tense as he asked. I answered immediately.
“I think a cage will suffice.”
“Thank you for your generosity.”
Ace stood and bowed. Here, “cage” meant confinement. If I had said “coffin,” it would have meant death. Ace had likely expected death as a condition, so he was relieved.
Killing one’s father is a high psychological hurdle. I could do it, but most people can’t, and I don’t look down on them for that.
“Marquess Zafing, what about my sister…?”
“Disinherit her.”
“Disinherit… Thank you for your leniency.”
Disinheritance meant completely erasing Fiona from the Selens Earl House’s registry. In extreme terms, it would be as if Fiona, the young lady of the Selens Earl House, never existed. Even if Leon married her after Gazel’s execution, it would have no connection to the Selens House.
Conversely, it also signaled that I would no longer use Fiona to interfere with the Selens Earl House, implying I had no intention of harming her.
“Of course, while you see this as lenient, others might not. If anyone takes such an attitude, I will respond decisively. I trust you understand what this means.”
“Of course. However, in that case, I will prepare the coffin.”
Ace answered firmly, showing his resolve to get his hands dirty.
“I see… My apologies. I underestimated your resolve, Lord Ace.”
“No…”
“Lord Ace, if you have that much resolve, let’s nullify the transfer of the Raengeik Mine.”
“…That would be most welcome. Thank you for your generosity.”
“Considering I’ve bought your loyalty, it’s a small price.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, let me test your abilities. You have one month.”
“I don’t need a month. One week will suffice.”
Ace’s voice was filled with unwavering determination. He likely thought that taking a month to neutralize the mediocre Earl, his wife, and his sister would diminish his own value.
“I see. Then I promise this contract will take effect when you become the Selens Earl. That concludes this matter.”
“Thank you for your leniency. Words cannot express my gratitude.”
Ace bowed once more and left.
After seeing Ace off, Aisha, who had been standing by, looked like she wanted to say something.
“What is it? Do you have any questions about my decision?”
“Y-Yes.”
Aisha nodded hesitantly.
“Go ahead, speak.”
“Y-Yes. Why did you return the Raengeik Mine to the Selens House? Such a valuable mine would bring significant profits to Lord Giorg…”
“It’s simple. By returning the Raengeik Mine, I can bind Lord Ace.”
“Huh… Bind him?”
“Yes. While I returned the Raengeik Mine, Erde Village remains under the Zafing House. Lord Ace should understand the implications.”
“Is it a message that you won’t tolerate any defiance?”
“Well, something like that. He understands my intentions, so he won’t dare oppose me. I believe he won’t let the vassals of the Selens Earl House fall into ruin. That’s all.”
“I see…”
Aisha nodded in understanding. In truth, I can confidently say Ace would never defy the Zafing Marquess House. Geographically, the Selens Earl Territory’s trade routes depend on passing through Zafing Territory.
If anything, the current Earl, his wife, and Fiona are exceptions in their foolishness.
“The annulment of this engagement ultimately allowed us to bring the Selens Earl House… Lord Ace under our umbrella. That’s the greatest gain.”
I smiled faintly as I spoke. I had always held Ace in high regard, and this negotiation confirmed that my assessment wasn’t wrong.
“Now then… I suppose I’ll meddle a little more.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll write a letter to the Cletomis Earl House.”
“The Cletomis House?”
“Lord Ace was engaged to Lady Myuses, wasn’t he?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“The conflict with the Zafing House has been resolved. There’s no need for concern.”
“Will Lord Ace annul the engagement?”
“Most likely. Until today’s negotiation, I intended to end the Selens Earl House. Lord Ace wouldn’t want to involve his fiancée in such a matter.”
Aisha bowed and began preparing the letter.
I smirked slightly as I watched. To bind someone like Ace, the more people he cares about, the better. If Ace and Myuses marry and have children, the chains binding him will only grow stronger.
The chances of him opposing me are slim, but the future is unpredictable. It’s best to take precautions.
(I really am a monster… or maybe just soft.)
I muttered self-deprecatingly in my heart.
Click the heart to easily show your support. (Login required)
Support
Log in if you have an account
Learn more about the reading experience available on Kakuyomu