Volume 6 - CH 7

Chapter 7 – Margrave Stainbolt

In the room the butler guided Eto to, there is a large bed with a canopy in the center, and the scent of air freshening incense spread all over the room. Although there are several candlelights placed in some areas in the room, the room is still dim because of how large it is and the lack of light magic tools used in the room. In the middle of that, Eto approached the bed through the smoke of incense and met Margrave Stainbolt, who raised his upper body.

“Excuse me for dressing like this.”

“Please don’t worry about it.”

Margrave then put a gown on his thin shoulders and turned his emotionless gaze toward Eto. It may be due to his illness, but his face is deeply wrinkled and looks quite old.

However, it didn’t look like he is bedridden all the time. Tightly packed back muscles, white hair combed down on his back, and the neatly trimmed white beard seemed to indicate that Margrave’s spirit was not weakened by illness or old age.

“I’ve heard the rumors about you. The hero who saved the Royal Capital from the Stampede. And one of the key figures who exposed my son’s crime.”

Although Margrave’s facial expression or tone didn’t change even a bit, hearing his words, Eto became even more alert. Eto was, undoubtedly, one of the key figures who cornered the Acting Lord Riesenbolt, the son of Margrave. Because had Eto not requested the re-investigation of Sorano’s case, this matter would never have been known to the Adventurer’s Guild or the Order of the Knights. Also, if the slave trader Kabs was not detained, the evidence of the crime wouldn’t lead to the Acting Lord. That is why, Eto’s actions are indeed the beginning of everything.

However, he only did all of that to restore Sorano’s honor. Because he felt that it is unforgivable that the Acting Lord and the other guilty people are left unchecked while Sorano became a criminal slave for a crime that she might not be done. In addition, Eto’s pursuit of the incident also helped to save eighteen victims who were kidnapped and made into slaves. That is why, although Eto did feel sorry for the Margrave who was in bed, he will never regret his actions.

Eto thought this wasn’t about an apology or an excuse. However, he felt that it was also wrong if he decided to make Margrave take the responsibility for his son’s action. Thus, having decided not to say anything here, Eto silently stared into the eyes of the Margrave.

“You have good eyes.”

After staring at each other for a while, Margrave looked down and muttered. His eyes also seemed to be laughing faintly, but as he raised his face, his face returned to be expressionless.

“Take this.”

Margrave handed a darkened key to Eto.

“What key is this?”

“That’s the key to control the bridge that connects to the fort. There is a small building that looks like a hunter’s hut on the east side of the lake. Go there and check the shelves right in front of you when you enter. It is the only shelf that is integrated with the building, so I’m sure you will know which one is it immediately. Insert the key into the keyhole at the top of that shelf and turn it to the left to raise the connecting bridge. After that, if you push the key in and pull it out, no one should be able to operate the connecting bridge even from inside the fort.”

Margrave seemed to be out of breath as he said that, likely because it was hard for him to talk for a long time.

“I know this is presumptuous, but for the people in this territory, I hope you stick to the justice that you believe.”

Saying that, Margrave stared at Eto with tranquil eyes.

‘Even if it would result in the death of your son?’ Eto asked the Margrave in his heart.

However, there is no need for Eto to say it. Because Eto was sure that Margrave entrusted the key to him with such things included in his mind.

“I will do my best.”

Eto bowed, leaving only those words.

After leaving Margrave’s bedroom, Eto passed the path he had taken previously, guided by the tall butler. Then, he and the white haired butler smoothly passed through the corridor. The butler is likely in his mid-fifties. And from the first time Eto saw him, the presence of the butler was just like that of a military man. Eto can see the sense of spring balance as if pulling a bow to the limit, mixed with the beautiful conduct of serving his master. He is probably able to do martial arts similar to those who are in spy-like professions. Of course, there is no way for Eto to know to what level it was. But Eto wanted to talk a little with this butler.

“I heard that Margrave has been bedridden for a long time, but to what extent?”

Hearing that, the butler stopped and turned to Eto with a flowing movement.

“Good conditions and bad conditions come alternately. Master said that as he was getting old, his old injury started to reawaken. Stainbolt-sama experienced the war against the empire, after all.”

The butler replied with an expressionless expression that was as good as his master.

“War against the empire, huh.”

“Yes, about forty years ago. Since then, Stainbolt-sama has been openly and covertly protecting the Margrave from the pressure of the empire.”

“I see…”

Eto had no more words to the butler’s words.

It is not clear what the end of this kidnapping case will be. Eto didn’t even know if Margrave will be held responsible for the case or not. However, it is inevitable that this incident will be a stain for the Margrave who has been devoting himself to the kingdom for many years. It is easy for people to say ‘take care of your child properly’, but Eto heard that the Acting Lord Riesenbolt is already in his forties, which definitely wasn’t the age where he can ask the parent to be responsible for his child’s sins.

“Even so, it’s been a long time since I saw Stainbolt-sama smiling so happily like that.”

“Is that so? I’m sure he found something interesting.”

“… Stainbolt-sama was smiling when he talked to Eto-sama, you know? I’m sure he liked Eto-sama.”

“Eh, is that true? It doesn’t seem like that… Are you talking about how his eyes were slightly relaxed?”

Eto asked in bewilderment.

“Ee, that’s right. That’s how Stainbolt-sama smiled. He hasn’t been the type who likes to laugh since he was young, so it is hard to understand.”

The butler smiled at Eto, like a child who just did a mischief.

“Well, I wonder. But that was, certainly… a smile. No doubt about it.”

Not knowing how to answer, Eto convinced himself that it was indeed a smile. Hearing that, the butler smiled kindly, before changing his attitude in an instant, as he bowed at Eto deeply.

“After everything is over, please meet Stainbolt-sama again and tell us about the siege battle. Please.”

“Ee. I will definitely return the key. At that time, I will have butler-san pick me up again, okay?”

Saying that, Eto smiled at the butler.