READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 10
Episode 10: Reporting to the King
Giorg stands in front of the King’s office in the Royal Castle. He had arranged an audience with the King yesterday and just arrived, asking the guarding knights for permission to enter.
“Marquess Zafing, you may enter.”
The knight who relayed the message informs Giorg.
“Thank you.”
I thank the knight and enter the office.
(The Prime Minister… and even His Highness the Crown Prince…)
As I enter, I see two figures standing on either side of King Alzeis. On the right is Prime Minister Duke Fizir, and on the left is Crown Prince Ilzam.
“Thank you very much for taking the time to see me today, despite your busy schedules.”
I first bow to King Alzeis and offer my greetings.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, and Your Excellency the Prime Minister, thank you for your time as well.”
I then bow to the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, and they both nod quietly.
“Hmm, Marquess Zafing, it’s good to see you.”
“Your words are too kind.”
I respond humbly to King Alzeis’s words of appreciation.
“So, Marquess Zafing, as per your report, you intend to execute the acting Marquess and his wife, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm, I have no objections to that. What about you two?”
In response to Alzeis’s question, Crown Prince Ilzam and Prime Minister Duke Fizir also bow.
“Considering the assassination of the former Marquess Zafing, it seems like a necessary measure.”
“In fact, not executing them would be more problematic.”
Ilzam and Duke Fizir respond immediately.
“However, the crime is equivalent to treason. Why didn’t you bring this to the state for judgment?”
Duke Fizir continues. Indeed, considering the gravity of the matter, it would have been more appropriate to leave it to the state’s judgment.
In this country, nobles hold certain judicial powers. For matters within their territory, the state doesn’t usually intervene.
“With all due respect, Gazel recently lost his position as acting Marquess. At the same time as I inherited the title of Marquess, I submitted a request to remove Gazel and his family from the noble registry. In other words, Gazel and his family are now commoners. As commoners, they fall under my jurisdiction, and there’s no need to trouble the state.”
At my response, Duke Fizir makes a slightly bitter face. He probably remembers that I had submitted the request to remove Gazel and his family from the noble registry three years ago when I inherited the title.
“Indeed, that’s true. I do recall Marquess Zafing submitting that notice three years ago.”
At Ilzam’s words, Alzeis also nods.
“…So, at the very least, Marquess Zafing, you knew three years ago that the acting Marquess had assassinated the former Marquess Zafing?”
Alzeis narrows his eyes as he speaks.
“Of course.”
At my immediate response, the atmosphere in the room becomes tense. The pressure from the country’s leaders is immense, but I remain calm.
“Hoh… Marquess Zafing. That would mean you shielded a national criminal. I assume you have a satisfactory explanation prepared?”
“Of course.”
I respond calmly to Alzeis’s question. If I falter here, I will undoubtedly face punishment.
“There are three reasons.”
“Hoh.”
At my words, the three of them look at me as if to say, “Let’s hear it.” Their expressions are like teachers evaluating a poor student.
“The first is to make the Darkness Demon Group recognize my power.”
“What do you mean? The Darkness Demon Group serves the Marquess Zafing. Why would you need to do such a thing?”
I look straight at Alzeis and answer.
“The Darkness Demon Group is not a blindly obedient group. If they were the type to follow simply because of the title ‘Marquess Zafing,’ I would have left the judgment to the state.”
“Hmm… Indeed, it’s impossible to control that group with status alone.”
“Yes. Considering the future, I judged that this would be more beneficial for our country.”
“Well, that’s fine. What’s next?”
“The second is to secure time for preparation.”
“The guardianship of the new Viscount and the transfer of Erde Village from the Selens Earl House, is that it?”
“The Erde Village matter was fortunate, but the guardianship of the new Viscount was something I had planned. Both Viscount Houses have high utility.”
At my response, the three of them look thoughtful.
“As you know, the Darkness Demon Group requires various disguises during their missions. Both Viscount Houses are perfect for that. By conducting the Darkness Demon Group’s missions through the Viscount Houses, we can buy time before it reaches the Marquess Zafing House.”
“So, you’re using that time to dispose of evidence?”
At Ilzam’s question, I grin and nod. It seems he and I are of the same kind, understanding immediately.
“Yes. Or to buy time to prepare another move.”
“Hmm. And the last reason?”
At Alzeis’s words, I grin again and say,
“For my own pride.”
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