Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Thinking that Raymonds clipped answer was funny, the marquis laughed.

That doesnt mean I dont like you though. You dont have to be so wary. I loathe how a mere peddler dares to sneak into the sacred Assembly Hall. Hes nothing but a blood-sucking insect that deliberately incites conflict.

Thats a harsh assessment, Marquis. And Im even more curious why youve called me here.

I want to give you a better option. Its to express my sympathies after the tragedy that befell Baron Saytes.

Youre acquainted with my brother?

Somewhat.

Its my first time hearing this.

The marquis set down his cup and waved his hand. The music around them resonated louder.

Actually, were not very close. But the thing is, I dont quite like Verdic Evans. Thats all.

I see.

Cautious until the end, hm? I understand that you dont want to make enemies, but staying that way would make it hard for you to make friends, too. You should think about my suggestion, even just once.

And, the marquis beckoned another student right after that.

He was done talking to Raymond.

Later, when Raymond was about to leave, an attendant handed him a bottle of wine.

Inside that bottle were documents containing information about Verdic Evans. A lot of it.

* * *

Lord Raymond, its been a while.

Whos this?

Raymond had to scan through his memories for a moment before he finally recognized the young woman in front of him.

Ah, right. Fiance. Verdic Evans daughter. Met all but three times in the last five years.

Father told me to pick you up because you didnt come, Lord Raymond.

This young woman was almost completely buried in her fancy clothes. She raised her head with a haughty air to her, but for the tall Raymond, all he could see was a childs mimicry of an adult. And really, Raymond didnt even look at her properly. Because he was looking at something else.

The letter that Marquis Penceir had sent to him.

I see. You didnt have to.

But what has caused you to be late?

Its because your father is a villain.

However, Raymond could not utter these words.

However, Raymond couldnt ask that. Instead, the marquis saw Raymonds sidelong glance, and he asked the younger man.

Why do you think Im fond of you?

Raymond was curious about that as well. Was it because the marquis wanted to take Verdic down through Raymond? But why did he have to use such a roundabout method of doing so. Was it more worth it if it was through him? Because of his value as a stallion? But the marquis did not have a daughter to give him to.

Raymond gave up on thinking about this. Its not the time to calculate, but to receive.

I am not sure. But I dont want to disappoint you, Marquis.

What a fine student.

At Raymonds reply, the marquis laughed and hit him on the shoulder.

Ill tell you something important. You have to keep your purpose. It will be your strongest weapon.

In the age of telegrams, Raymond did not know that carrier birds were still so widely used. Invitations and recommendations came and went in this way, avoiding Verdics eyes. Raymond began to find a way to live without having to rely on Verdic.

People are still too zealous about values of the days gone past. More people have entered the House of Representatives, and Verdic has more wealth to his name compared to a respectable Count. But tell me, why do you think hes trying so hard to become a nobleman?

Raymond thought, was it now because most rich people turn out to be aristocrats anyway?

If you have money, then the next thing youll want is honor and history.

Im not so sure, Marquis. Just because you want honor doesnt mean youll get it.

Again, the marquis shook his head.

No, Raymond. Honor is manufactured. You know well enough how peopleso to speak, the righteous oneshave saved and developed the country, yet fell to ruin without stamping their names into history books. No one remembers who invented scissors.

But you cant create something out of nothing.

Right, but you see, Verdic bought you to get the honor he so craves.

I have no honor.

Raymond knew himself. All he had right now were his grades, and something like that was relevant only inside the academy. Apart from that, his looks, but that was all. His household had fallen, and the debts his family had incurred with Verdic were sky high.

Youre insulting your ancestors right now. All the first household heads of the kingdom have received their estates and peerages through great effort. So, how could you not hold any glory and history? All the Evans family has is notoriety.

My mistake.

Its not good to apologize too often.

Yes, sir.

No, just stay quiet and say nothing. But when you need to find the right time to apologize at the end. Good grief. I cant believe I have to teach you even something like this. No, no, dont apologize. Do it later.

Raymond closed his mouth.

Then, the marquis pointed towards the portraits behind him, hanging on one wall of the room.

What Verdic Evans wants is history. Right, to put it simply, honor is not something like a piece of jewelry that could be bought. But what he wants is power. A stable foundation. You know that the Evans family hails from a country beyond the White Mountain Range, correct?

Yes.

Thats why their foundation is cash, gold and jewelry. Those things are nothing compared to a solid ground. By law, they need a foundation that hails from this land. Its for this reason that marriage is essential for them.