346 - - 344 incorruptible attempts to protect the country.

Whew, it's been three days since I got my watchman to prepare the finest accommodations for me. Now that my body is somewhat rested, it's time to get moving. First we must call Dublin and tell him of our plans.

"Father, you're finally going to defeat your uncle!　We will gather our forces, strike down Uncle Dale, and return home with dignity!"

My beloved son Dublin is in high spirits. Perhaps it is because he has had enough food and women for the past three days that his skin has grown shiny and he seems to have regained his dignity as heir to the Marquise de Galli. But you still need more thought.

"Dublin, Dale has committed no crime in the struggle for the heirship. He is the younger brother of the Marquise de Galli and he has claimed the title as his own. If I return safely, the power will revert to me.

"But father. Your uncle has a lesser claim to the throne than your brothers. It is a crime to stand as head of the house.

Dubliners still do not understand aristocratic society.

"Of course, I, Dublin, Davutos, and Davushin, have a higher claim. But the succession is not absolute. It can be twisted by force if the situation demands it. Dale was in the government of the Marquise. In the emergency of our disappearance, he became acting head of the family and assumed power. It was also a disadvantage to have Davutos and Davosin study at the estate.

"Then how can I punish your uncle?　Yes, it was your uncle who kidnapped us and left us in a foreign country!

Dublin. The glorious Marquise de Galli, which he was to inherit, was about to be snatched away from him. I understand your anger.

"No, you don't. If you were trying to take over the Marquise de Galli, you would surely take our lives. I would not leave them in a foreign land. I could use it as an opportunity to forcefully condemn you, but it would only spread shame among us.

"Then what do you want me to do?　You expect me to forgive my uncles!"

"Dubliner, it is in times like these that a man's strength is tested. Do not cry out in anger but think of how to hunt down and destroy your enemies. It is not enough just to defeat the enemy. Even if they are your own people, or even if they are your own people, you must destroy them thoroughly and show them the horror of the Marquise de Galli. Do you understand?"

I am Dublin, and his expression changes and he thinks deeply. You seem calmer now. I'm also worried about Davutos and Davushin, but I think they'll be fine.

"...... Yes, Father. I had only thought of killing them here in Dublin. Well, on the surface, your uncles have a point, and we have to acknowledge it. But even if we admit it on the surface, he will continue to reduce our power behind our backs, and in the end, he will bring about our ignominious destruction.

That's my son. He reads things from behind the scenes with a hint. The future looks bright for the Marquise de Galli.

That's what I mean. They'll be easy to destroy once I'm back. And Dale and the others know that if I return. They will fight to the death. First we must spread the word of our return safely in King's Landing and regain control. If Dale finds out about us before then, he will assassinate us.

"Well, I'd like to rest my bones a little longer, but I guess it's time to move on."

Yes. I have already made preparations with the merchant. As soon as they are ready, we will move!

First, we must regain control of King's Landing and deal with Dale's family. After that we will capture the fools who kidnapped us. It is also important to teach those who disrespected us during our journey a lesson.

**

"Father, would it not be a disgrace to the Marquise de Galli to return to King's Landing in such a shabby carriage?"

Dublin does not like this shabby carriage. It is true that this carriage is as shabby as a lowly nobleman's. He has every right to be dissatisfied.

"Yes. I'm sorry to say it but I can only provide him with a carriage of this caliber. Well, it's no wonder a merchant can't easily provide us with a carriage worthy of our kind. He may be a lowly man but he knows how to serve a nobleman. It is the duty of a nobleman to be generous.

I see. It is natural that we should serve the highborn, but some of the lowborn do not even understand that. It is Dorneo, isn't it? I cannot say that we serve you to the fullest, but at least we can serve you. When we return, the struggle for the heir will soon be over. And when we do, you will be rewarded.

Thank you very much. I'm sorry we couldn't do more about the carriage. But we have prepared the finest carriages of the Engeus Chamber of Commerce to take you to the place you have ordered. I know that this will not satisfy the noble Marquis de Galli. I ask for your indulgence. ......"

"I understand. But you are sure that my orders are being carried out?

Yes, that's for sure. I am following the Marquis's orders and have arranged for the matter to be handled confidentially.

"Good. But if anything untoward happens, your life will be gone the moment it happens. Be encouraged."

Leave it to me. Dorneo, we will take the utmost care, and we will bring you to your destination.

Well, that's all right. There's a chance he'll sell us to Dale, but a struggling merchant-general in King's Landing is not prepared to lose his life over a prize from me.

**

"Oh, boy, this old man believed you were safe!"

"Mentor. Do you know how long I have been in charge of the Gulli family? Don't treat me like a child.

What are you talking about? The head of the Marquise de Galli is missing both father and son. ...... I'm so sorry to my predecessor that he almost passed away.

I chose you as a man I can absolutely trust. ...... You still treat me like a child. But he was my mentor and my father's follower through all the battles. There is no one in the world I trust more than him. I think you should put up with it.

I'm sorry. "I'm sorry. But I found myself abandoned in a foreign land. There's nothing I can do."

"Well, I didn't get the details from the letter. Could you tell me more?"

"I don't know the details either. Whoever took me will pay, but first we must solve Dale's problem.

"Yes, of course. What are you going to do about Master Dale?

He may be my brother, but he has tried to violate the direct line of the Marquise de Galli. I cannot allow it. We cannot punish him immediately, but he will eventually help spread the horror of the Marquise de Galli.

"Oh, you've said it well. If you had said something opportunistic here, I would have had to re-educate you, but I admire your determination to strictly dispose of even your own relatives. I will do my utmost to support you.

Mm-hmm. I'm counting on you."

Well, he's gone all out... I finally retired him about two years ago, but I guess he'll be coming back to the house every day now. .......

"And this is all you have?　You don't look like you have 50 people?"

"We have not brought many men here because of the proximity to the border, but my grandfather has an army of about five hundred training ahead of us. As soon as the boy joins us, we can leave for King's Landing.

"Does Dale know you're here?"

Don't worry. Master Dale is preoccupied with his quarrel with your children. He is trying to win the army to his side, but he is not paying attention to where they are going. He seems to be completely oblivious to the watchful eye my grandfather has placed on him. It's a shameful thing.

Well, Dale was in charge of running the Galli family, so he must not be concerned about military matters. If only he had known how to behave himself, he could have lived on as a member of the glorious Galli family.

"Well, if that's a problem, fine. Let's go!"

**

Father, we're almost at the capital. It's been a long time.

At last my inconvenience is over and I can return to the life I deserve in King's Landing. No, I will be punished for my Uncle Dale and tortured for those who have been disrespectful to me on this journey. And above all, I must find the fools who left my father and me in that place and make them sorry they are alive. Good grief, I'm a busy man.

"Yes, but here comes the hard part. Be on your guard."

I understand. I will make sure that all the fools who have been attacking the Galli family, along with my uncles, will be punished accordingly.

"Well said. You are the next head of the House of Galli. Dublin, I leave it to you to take care of this. As the next head of the House of Galli, you will take charge. Good."

"I see, a test for the next head of the family!　Father, here in Dublin, I will live up to your expectations and destroy our enemies!"

"You are indeed the successor of the monk. I'll help you, even if I can't help you myself!"

"Don't be overzealous, old man. You have a habit of saying you'll help and then doing everything. That's no way to educate Dublin. Don't worry. I'm sure Dublin can handle this kind of thing easily.

"Is there such a thing?　Well, we've arrived at the gates of King's Landing. Are you ready, Mr. Dublin?

"Of course."

To me, this is no more than a child's play.

"Dublin. If you wish to take command, then mount your horse and lead directly. Let King's Landing know we're back!

"Father, if we make a big show of our return, won't my uncles escape?　Besides, what's the risk of assassination?"

Dublin, you must understand that the situation has changed and with 500 men you will not have to worry about assassination. Dale and his men can't escape with the old man watching. Then return in secret and spread the word of our return to avoid the risk of being assassinated without anyone else knowing. Good."

"...... I see, I was careless in what I did. It no longer makes sense to keep it a secret. Then let's return with a flourish befitting the Galli family."

Geez, I'm leading 500 men at the head of the line. ...... No, it is only natural for me to give orders from the rear and have it all done.

If I were to lead an army directly, it would be more appropriate for me to lead an army of at least 10,000 men, but since it's my family, I'll give you a break. According to my grandfather's information, your uncle and the dame are both in the house. Uncle Dale will tremble with fear when he hears of our return. We could easily capture them and put them under house arrest.

And the lowly people of King's Landing will weep at the return of the glorious head of House Galli. Not a bad stage for the next head of the glorious House of Galli.