LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 23
Episode 23: The Marquess Wields the Blade of Revenge (Part 1)
“Lord Giorg… no, Your Grace, welcome back.”
With those words, Vance, the head butler managing the mansion in Regnos, the capital of Zarfing Territory, bows deeply.
Following Vance’s lead, the other servants also bow in unison. The flawless coordination reaffirms the high quality of those serving the House of Zarfing.
By the way, “Your Grace” is an honorific title for Duke Zarfing. Among the retainers, some call me by my name, Giorg, while others use “Your Grace,” so there’s no strict distinction.
“Thank you all for the warm welcome. It’s good to see everyone in good health.”
“Your words are too kind. We are truly delighted that you have successfully inherited the title of Marquess Zarfing.”
“Thank you, Vance. I’ll continue to rely on you from now on.”
“Your words are too generous.”
Vance bows again. As he raises his head, he glances at the butlers and maids standing behind me and smiles gently.
“You all did well protecting His Grace from the Royal Capital. You must be exhausted, so leave His Grace’s care to us today and take some rest. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes, that’s fine. Everyone, take it easy.”
I immediately approve Vance’s suggestion. Today, I plan to take it easy with lighter tasks.
The servants I brought from the Royal Capital bow in unison and begin carrying my luggage. However, since this is also my residence, there isn’t much to carry.
I head straight to the office and start approving documents. The documents are prioritized, so I handle the most important ones first. After finishing the approvals in about an hour, Vance approaches.
“Your Grace, you’ve worked hard.”
“Ah, but being called ‘Your Grace’ by you feels quite fresh.”
“Hehe, I considered continuing to call you Lord Giorg, but I thought it was time to draw a line and decided to address you as Your Grace.”
“Being called that makes me feel more focused.”
“You jest, Your Grace. You’ve been vigilant ever since the passing of the previous lord.”
“You understand why, don’t you?”
“Of course. How many times have we wanted to deal with those who disrespected Your Grace?”
“Stopping you all was the hardest part.”
I respond to Vance with a bitter smile. Over the past five years, seeing how Gazel and others treated me, many of my subordinates wanted to kill them. I had to stop them each time, which took considerable effort.
Of course, I stopped them for my own revenge and to show everyone my resolve as a person.
“Only four more days now.”
“Yes. Some of us still feel the urge to act out when we see those two.”
“That’s understandable. They trampled on your loyalty. But it’s commendable that you’ve followed my orders faithfully.”
“Thank you. Hearing that from Your Grace is rewarding.”
“Ah, by the way, how are those two doing?”
At my question, Vance briefly shows a displeased expression, so fleeting that most wouldn’t notice.
“They’re living as usual.”
“I see… how foolish.”
“Indeed.”
Vance responds respectfully and bows. His words about them “living as usual” likely mean Gazel and Almada are still pleading for release, acting as if they’re still in power.
“Hmm… well, they only have four days left. I’ll have Leon handle them.”
“That boy?”
“If Leon tells them he’s negotiating with me, they might cling to hope a little longer.”
“You’re quite considerate.”
“Everyone tends to be kind to death row prisoners.”
“I see… Shall I call Leon now?”
“Yes. Let them have a parent-child conversation, even if it’s just for four days.”
“Understood.”
Vance bows and leaves the office.
After a while, Vance returns with Leon. Leon’s expression is tense, and he looks pale.
“Leon, thank you for coming.”
“…Yes.”
I speak to Leon in a calm tone, but his expression remains stiff.
“Oh, it seems you’ve gained some wisdom.”
I smirk at Leon, and he visibly flinches.
If Leon had let his guard down due to my calm demeanor, Vance would have disciplined him. It seems Leon has finally learned some survival skills.
“Leon, Gazel and Almada are causing a ruckus in their cell. Go and calm them down.”
“Eh… is that really okay?”
“Yes, it’s fine. Listen to them carefully.”
“Y-Yes.”
“Depending on their attitude, we might reconsider their treatment.”
At my words, Leon bows his head.
Seeing this, Leon seems to have gained hope that Gazel and Almada might be spared.
Well, that’s not going to happen, but it’s up to Leon and Gazel to believe what they want.
“Now, Leon, that’s all. Go and ease their worries.”
Leon bows and leaves with unusually light steps.
“Is this really okay?”
At Vance’s question, I smirk sarcastically.
“As I said earlier, everyone tends to be kind to death row prisoners.”
Vance silently bows.
Click the heart to easily show your support. (Login required)
Support
Login if you have an account
Learn more about the reading experience available on Kakuyomu.