READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 18
Episode 18: The Duke Discusses with the Next Earl
“Lord Ace, welcome. Please, have a seat.”
I smiled warmly and gestured for Ace to sit. This Ace fellow is a man of both character and capability.
Reports have come in that as soon as my position in House Zarfing became clear, Fiona started looking down on me, but Ace has been quick to reprimand her.
“Thank you for your consideration, Duke Zarfing.”
Ace expressed his gratitude and took a seat, with his butler standing protectively behind him.
“Now, your business here is to apologize and discuss the future of House Selens, correct?”
At my words, Ace stood up and bowed deeply.
“I have come to apologize for the disrespect shown to Duke Zarfing by House Selens.”
“Hmm… I accept your apology.”
“Thank you.”
“And… about the future?”
At my question, Ace smiled wryly and shook his head.
“Duke Zarfing, you are quite hasty.”
“Oh? What do you mean?”
“Our family’s apology is not yet complete.”
“…”
I understood what Ace was implying. Unlike those fools, Ace must have accurately grasped the significance of transferring Erde Village. So, I thought, he must be offering compensation in place of Erde Village.
“In addition to Erde Village, we will transfer ownership of the Raengeik Mine to you.”
At Ace’s words, I was truly at a loss for words. The transfer of Erde Village was indeed aimed at reducing the profits from the Raengeik Mine. But for Ace to offer the mine itself? It’s hard not to be shocked.
“Lord Ace, do you understand what you’re saying?”
“Of course.”
“Indeed, I ordered the transfer of Erde Village to reduce the profits from the Raengeik Mine and damage the economic situation of House Selens.”
“I am aware.”
Ace responded immediately to my ruthless words without flinching. There was no trace of emotion in his demeanor. He must have anticipated this attack on his family.
“If we lose control of Erde Village, the Raengeik Mine will only become a burden to House Selens, so we judged it better to cut our losses.”
“I see… And you plan to sell the know-how of mine operations?”
“No. What I desire is for the miners to continue working as before.”
“Oh…”
“Of course, I will ensure that the miners work diligently without any ill will toward House Zarfing.”
“Hmm… That offer is indeed appreciated.”
“Then the transfer of the Raengeik Mine is settled.”
“However, I didn’t expect you to offer such favorable terms.”
“There is no other way for House Selens to survive, so we cannot afford to hold back.”
“I see.”
I responded succinctly to Ace’s words. The current situation of House Selens is dire. The marriage between Leon and Fiona is set to take place after the execution of Gazel and the others. Marrying the son of the former Duke Zarfing’s assassin means House Selens is opposing House Zarfing, and marrying a would-be usurper is a scandal no noble family should entertain.
“Lord Ace, let me make one thing clear. I have no intention of retracting the marriage between Leon and Fiona.”
“Of course not.”
“Oh? Are you not transferring the Raengeik Mine to ensure House Selens’ survival?”
“No, as I mentioned earlier, the transfer of the mine is a gesture of sincerity for our family’s foolish actions. I believed that offering anything less would not satisfy Duke Zarfing, hence the transfer of the Raengeik Mine.”
“I see. That’s good. I had no intention of retracting their marriage as a condition.”
“Indeed. As nobles, once disrespected, we must never show leniency.”
“Hmm…”
“Now that the apology has been accepted, let’s discuss the future of House Selens.”
The tension emanating from Ace noticeably increased.
It seems the real negotiation is about to begin. Even Giorg, who is in a far more advantageous position, knows that nothing is absolute.
Moreover, Ace is not someone to be taken lightly.
“To be blunt, would you consider purchasing House Selens?”
“Sure.”
“Huh?”
“What’s wrong? Isn’t this what you proposed?”
My response seemed to catch Ace off guard.
Well, that should curb Ace’s momentum. I can’t afford to give him the upper hand.
“So, how much do you value House Selens?”
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