Chapter 9: Civil War Period - Raid

Chapter 9: Civil War Period - Raid

Translated by Mara Sov

Civil War Period Raid

The setting sun stained the once-blue sky.

What was once a beautiful visage now seemed as disgusting as a bloodstained canvas.

Indeed, it is remarkable how different the same sight could be perceived depending on ones state of mind.

At least, that was what Christine concluded as she closed the carriage window while sighing tiredly.

A journey that has now become part of her routine as the carriage left the Marquisate of Lafayette and arrived at Aquitaine County.

My Lady. We have arrived.

Taking a small breath, Christine took her escorts hand, Sir Gaston, as stepped down from the carriage.

However, her usual welcome was lacking.

For she could see armed soldiers rushing out and surrounding the carriage. Narrowing her eyes, Christine looked at the maid who was trying to fumble her way out of the carriage.

Just stay in the carriage, Lina.

Pardon, My lady? W-what is

Without waiting for an answer, Christine slammed the carriage door.

Then with a composed pose, she addressed the two nobles who had come out from among the soldiers.

Baron Charon, Baron Duna, may I know what is the meaning of this?

Baron Charon bowed respectfully towards Christine and said.

My apologies, Lady Christine. The Count has been unconscious for several days. I have received the order to bring you

And who issued this order?

Baron Charon closed his mouth with a resounding click at Christines sharp inquiry.

Instead, Baron Duna standing next to him began to speak.

The order came from the Acting Lord, the Countess herself.

Christine looked at the arrogant expression Baron Duna currently had, as he was the Countess elder brother before answering him.

Very well then, lead the way.

However, Baron Duna didnt back down.

Im sorry, but first we must disarm your escort knight.

Since when have I been treated as a criminal in my own home?

Apparently you seem to be rather slow today. Therefore allow me to explain the situation in detail for you. You, Christine Aquitaine, are a suspect in the poisoning of the Count. It would be wise of you to avoid further suspicion and peacefully comply, wouldnt it?

In accordance with Baron Dunas declaration, the soldiers began to hesitantly approach Christine.

Stand Down!

The approaching soldiers all flinched and froze in place at Christines commanding tone.

If you refuse to cooperate, then this will be treated as treason against the Acting Lo-

The Barons words were cut off.

You are standing before the legitimate daughter of Aquitaine! Do you truly believe I would have acted against my own father? I shall go on my own and prove my innocence. And when the time comes, let everyone here be a witness to your actions, as I will never forget them either!

Even Christine herself was surprised to hear the amount of vitriol in her tone.

After a nerve-wracking silence, Baron Charon was the one who spoke.

Sheath your weapons men.

The soldiers sighed in relief as they sheathed their weapons and stepped back.

Forgive us for this transgression, Lady Christine.

Christine gave a nod towards Baron Charon as she looked at the soldiers of Baron Duna.

Those of you who step back now shall be forgiven for this insolence.

What are you doing?! To defy the orders of the Acting Lord is to commit treason against the House itself!

The soldiers flinched, but they didnt step down.

I hope none of you regrets our choice.

As Christine said this, Sir Gaston standing behind her drew his sword

And the doors of the cargo wagon behind them shattered as a group of armed men busted forth.

What! S-Seize them!

With her tone filled with incredulity, Christine said.

To confirm the use of your own poison, what a peculiar situation.

Gaap simply smiled, his expression unchanged.

Ah, but my dear-possible-customer! If its confirmed, how could we advertise the use of our companys products? It may sound a bit arrogant, but the technology involved in our product creation is very advanced! Without using our companys paid verification service, it is impossible to confirm the use of such a marvelous product! Of course, should you resort to the other less developed nations, they might get the wron

So, youre suggesting that I, who knows nothing of this, am being accused of poisoning my father?

Christine interrupted Gaaps spiel, to which Countess Yvonne haughtily lifted her chin and said.

How despicable, you continue to feign your innocence despite the clear evidence of your crimes.

If anything, Christine was awed by the Countess at this moment.

To be able to remain so confident despite knowing that her brother and the soldiers failedPerhaps she must believe that simply framing her in front of these helpless servants would solve everything.

Countess Yvonne slapped Christine with her fan, making a loud smacking noise.

With a look of confusion, Christine stiffened as she saw the woman who had entered the bedroom.

You were Christines maid, werent you? Now tell me. What did your lady order you to do?

Her former maid avoided looking at Christine as she bowed her head and spoke in a shaky tone.

T-The Lady asked me to add the p-powder to the Counts tea, saying it was for his health. II really didnt know what it was! I just did as I was told

Despite shaking like a leaf, seeing an old friend telling such blatant lies made Christine close her eyes tightly.

Initially, she intended to simply banish her from the mansion out of affection for their long-time relationship.

By any chance, this was the power?

Y-Yes, thats the one.

Well, this powder is indeed the Eternal Rest. The distinctive pink glow is unmistakable. And since it dissolves the moment it comes into contact with the water, it never truly breaks down and accumulates in the victims body.

Gasp

Could it really be?

Christine simply closed her eyes, not waiting to take part in this third-rate soap opera happening in front of her.

Do you have any last words? Ill allow you one last chance to plead.

Hearing those words dripping in arrogance, Christine opened her eyes and headed towards a bookshelf in a corner of the room.

While everyone watched with curious eyes, she pulled the books in a familiar sequence to open a small safe.

The Countesss eyes widened at the sight of the documents Christine retrieved from the safe.

To hide a tree, you use a forest.

They might have searched the companys office or Christines room, but it probably never occurred to them to search the Counts resting chambers.

Christine unfolded the documents in front of the vassals and the Countess.

Abyss CorporationEnvy Corp as the supplier. Trader Baron Duna. It is clearly recorded here. I didnt know what those items were, but thanks to your kind words and this wonderful verification service, youve saved me a lot of trouble.

The Countess dropped her fan.

H-howHow is that possible?

Christine sneered. Yvonne had certainly ordered the destruction of these documents.

Yet, she was unaware that the employee tasked with this was Christines own underling.

Turning towards the audience, Christine opened her mouth.

The poison purchased by the Countess family has been used on my father. And the one who called it my doing is the fired maid summoned by the Countess herself.

Before the vassals could say even a word, Christine showed them another piece of paper.

A letter, charred and burnt, pieced together and restored.

Most of it was unrecognizable, but words like Lafayette, Company, Escort, and Attack were clearly visible.

Above all, this letter bore the seal, which despite being burned was clearly recognizable as the Crest of House Lafayette.

Much of this letter is destroyed, but since the author himself has come to visit us, its possible to verify its contents. The House Lafayette warned us about the danger in advance, yet someone ignored it, putting both, a descendant of Aquitaine and the company itself at risk.

Christine slowly turned her gaze around the room, and the vassals naturally followed her eyes.

Countess. Your family acquired the poison used in an assassination attempt on the Count, and by also intentionally ignoring our allys warnings, youve put me in danger. I shall give you one opportunity to convince me this was not an act of direct treason against this House. If you can, that is.

TL note: Mah babby Christineeee

omg

Im in love again, my lady senses tingle at her mere presence!

ImaGINE a cold, calculating wifey, who is secretly warm inside.OMG I have a new type.

/genesisforsaken