Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Lord Romandro? Where has Lord Ian gone?

Steward Simon asked with curiosity as he saw Romandro walking alone down the hallway. Romandro waved his hand dismissively as if it was nothing significant and promptly requested some items as he entered.

Bring me parchment, a pen, and ink.

Yes, I understand.

Upon entering the bedroom, a strong smell of blood and thick cigarette smoke hit him. Inside, the sobbing of Dive could be heard continuously, and Countess Lien sat indifferently on the sofa.

Have you arrived? Where is lord Ian?

He had some urgent matters to attend to but will return shortly, Madam.

Romandro looked around and sat opposite her. It was evident that there were things to be discussed, and Countess Lien, too, glanced at Romandro while being mindful of the inner bedroom.

What is it?

Madam, Ian has asked me to convey a message. He suggests that it would be best if you kept the seal once secured.

Ah.

Countess Lien exclaimed in surprise. This was a sign from Ian. If she decided, he was willing to support her in overthrowing the Merellof family.

Romandro quietly muttered while pouring some cooled tea.

I will submit a report, but depending on the discussions above, another investigator might be dispatched. By that time, both I and Ian wont be able to assist you by your side, as we will be on our way to the central region.

I have to do this alone, then.

The detailed plan will be discussed once things are somewhat settled. So, will you continue to keep the seal?

It was a question of whether she intended to become the head of the family.

Countess Lien glanced briefly at the inner bedroom. Dive had come in bluntly, not even bothering to greet her. Considering her a slave-born sister-in-law was degrading enough, but if that man became the next Earl, not only Clarkes safety but also hers could not be guaranteed.

In fact, no matter who it was, the only way to ensure her safety was for her to rise to the top.

Yes. I will manage the seal.

Good. Then, theres one thing you must do. Start by dismissing the knights as your first step.

Dismiss, the three knights?

Didnt Ian mention that?The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.

Earlier, he did say so. Something about cost-effectiveness, saying to fire the knights first when managing the mansion.

At Countess Liens words, Romandro gave a faint smile.

Well, thats not entirely without reason. But procedure is important. If those men die holding the position of knights of the Merellof family, we must report their names to the palace. But if not, theres no need to explicitly mention them.

As a knight of the Merellof family.

Countess Liens greenish eyes sparkled. Romandro was essentially suggesting the elimination of those men.

Ah, I see.

I trust you understand the meaning.

Yes, I completely understand.

Ian was under scrutiny and observation by the royal palace. In such a situation, if it became known that he was involved in the succession by killing Merellofs knights, it would certainly complicate things. Countess Lien nodded and glanced again towards the bedroom. Dives hypocritical sobbing was gradually subsiding.

What about him?

Ian will handle him personally, so you can leave that to him. However, Madam, you must promise the following.

It was a condition that would firmly bind Ian and the Madam.

5,000 gold coins.

Thats no problem. Ill sell land if necessary.

Keep the number of soldiers to less than half of the current number.

It was meant to keep a check on Merellof. A treaty for mutual peace, especially in Ians absence. Naturally, this posed no problem for the countess.

Agreed.

Give Ian the right of first negotiation in all your dealings. Of course, you have the right to reject his proposals.

Survival was key, even if it meant discarding everything again in the future.

Clarke

My Lady?

Yes?

Were you listening?

Oh, sorry, I missed that. What did you say?

Countess Lien smiled faintly, turning to Romandro. Dive seemed displeased even with her demeanor, his clicking of the tongue becoming increasingly obvious.

I asked to announce the matter to the domains people today and requested to arrange the mansion.

Ah, arrange the mansion. Of course.

She understood it as the dismissal of the knights. As the Countess nodded to proceed, Dive interjected with a distinctly displeased expression.

No, theres no need for that.

What do you mean?

Why should someone whos leaving manage the mansion? I will handle it from now on. You should step back and take care of yourself.

The implication in his words, someone whos leaving, was cutting. It was a message not to even think about acting as part of the family, given her slave origins. It was also a worry that she might pilfer the household in her brief tenure.

As Romandro tried to mediate, Countess Lien sharply countered.

Youve been away from the mansion for quite some time, havent you? Even if you start managing now, it seems like you wouldnt know where to begin.

Sister-in-law. Your words are rather presumptuous, arent they?

Are they? Im not sorry if thats how you feel. You seem too eager to claim the title, even before your deceased brothers funeral. I understand you were exiled from the family for following a heretical faith, but theres something called decency.

Each of her sharp words was an attack. Dive raised his hand as if to strike her, but Romandro and the steward, startled, intervened.

What are you doing, sir Dive!

Lord Dive! This is unacceptable!

Even if you were exiled, your Mereloff bloodline is clear. Quick to violence.

Countess Lien, unfazed, delivered another blow. Her venom, as a woman with nothing left to lose, was fierce.

Dive, insulted by being rebuked by someone of slave origin, trembled with rage.

Ignorant and lowly creature!

Exactly. To think that this lowly creature sat as the Countess, your brother must have been out of his mind. Not in his right senses. Just like your bloodline, right? Insanity runs in the family, after all.

Dive, enraged, swung his arms more violently but couldnt overpower both Romandro and the steward. Indeed, the brothers shared a strikingly thin build, as the Countess pointed out.

The Countess then sipped her tea, glancing towards the door.

A knight, alerted by the commotion, peeked inside.

Look here.

At the Countesss call, the knight raised an eyebrow. She gestured towards Dive with an incredulous tone.

Werent you one of the Counts knights? Shouldnt protecting me be part of your duty?

Madam, until the truth about the Counts death is revealed, we cannot protect you.

Clarke is locked in the dungeon, what more truth do you need? If thats your stance, I have no choice.

It was a challenging gaze, questioning their next move.

Lord Romandro has just proven that the responsibility of the mansion lies with me until the funeral. I hereby dismiss all three knights of the Merellof family.

Dismissed?

The knight laughed, seemingly finding the idea of being dismissed amusing. What significance would it have anyway? But in that instant

Boom!

A strange, loud noise erupted from downstairs.

It wasnt an explosion, but more like the sound of something being forcibly bent and crushed.

Puzzled, the knight shifted his gaze towards the end of the hallway. Someone was coming up the stairs with ferocious speed.