Chapter 69. A scammer more than a scammer2020.09.29.
Recently, Duke Javier’s planting has been very uncomfortable. The displeasure stemmed from the deprivation of the title of Count Myteron, who was his right-hand man. The financial situation was not so good because more than half of the business was related to Count Mytheron’s business. They needed funds to operate right away, but all they had was land such as mines or mansions and villas. I tried to sell it, but it was too expensive to sell it. Because of that situation, the atmosphere at Javier’s mansion became more bloody day by day. Its influence was evident on his successor, Enrique Javier.
“Didn’t your father say it was okay because he turned off the urgent fire a while ago? He borrowed a lot of money and said it would be fine for a while.”
I borrowed money from the information guild, but why am I suddenly struggling with finances? The butler sighed and explained.
“I solved that one, but another one broke again. It seems that you are planning to sell the southern villa at a bargain price.”
“I see.”
Although heir to the family, the duke did not like his son to take a keen interest in his affairs. It is because it was regarded as a transgression of power.
‘Heir in name only.’
Enrique laughed at his situation and ended his usual education and training. It was when Enrique had just washed up. The duke called him, put him in a carriage, and headed somewhere. The Duke looked disapprovingly at Enrique’s hair, which was still wet, and clicked his tongue.
“Tsk. What’s that look like? I’ll have to stop by the dressing room first.”
“Where are you going?”
“You don’t know. You just have a good laugh.”
I had a feeling of uneasiness about something. However, if he asked his disgruntled father one more time, it would be a large palm that would fly away, so Enrique just kept his mouth shut. Soon the wagon arrived at Ricavelli Street. Duke Javier went to the dressing room and dressed Enrique in a new outfit. The more he did, the more Enrique’s anxiety grew.
“The preparations are over, but it’s a long way away, so what are you doing standing there? Hurry Enrique.”
“Your father.”
The next destination the Duke took Enrique to was an upscale cafe in Ricabelli Street, not far from the dressing room. Enrique, still not knowing why, sat down in a corner seat with his father. The Duke said to the clerk who had come to take his order.
“I will place the order when the party arrives.”
“all right.”
Enrique sat down beside his father, bowed his head, and stared at the table.
‘I’m choking.’
I don’t know what brought him out, but I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Not long after waiting, Duke Javier greeted someone with a bright smile that he doesn’t normally do. Enrique also stood up and looked at the man approaching them. It was a middle-aged man who was neatly dressed. A man with a fair amount of flesh also greeted the duke with a warm smile.
‘Who is it? It looks familiar…’
It’s definitely a face I’ve never seen before, but it seemed like I’d met him somewhere.
“Thank you for coming out like this.”
“Hehe, it’s just an honor to have you call me.”
“It is an honor. what between us Oh, this is my son. Say hello to Enrique.”
The Duke smiled kindly and stroked Enrique’s hair. Enrique smiled and introduced himself.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Enrique Javier.”
“Oh, this child is Enrique.”
At the words of the man who seemed to know him, Enrique laughed awkwardly.
“Sit down for now.”
At the duke’s invitation, the three of them sat down. Enrique just watched the conversation between the two with the steaming teacup in front of him. Until the end, my father did not introduce himself to who that man was. The content of the conversation was about investment.
“I can lend it to anyone as good as Gong. How much do you need?”
“There is an interesting business recently, so it seems like it will cost quite a bit.”
“Do not worry. I will try my best.”
The atmosphere was very nice. The man’s attitude was positive, and Duke Javier felt good about winning the investment smoothly. However, only Enrique was uncomfortable with this position. I don’t know why my father brought me here. And why is that man…
‘Does he keep glancing at me?’
I was in a bad mood, but if I expressed it, my father’s disapproving order would fall. Enrique sat silently, praying that he would get out of this place quickly.
“Then I’ll send someone soon.”
“Yes, I will be waiting for you.”
It seemed that the conversation had come to an end. When the Duke got up, Enrique tried to stand up as well, but the Duke pressed his son hard on the shoulder.
“Enrique. You will be his companion and come.”
“…yes?”
When he saw the man, he looked at Enrique with a benevolent smile. The anxiety that had creeped up slowly reached its peak.
“Don’t be rude to Baron Caliph. Do you understand?”
The moment Enrique heard his father’s words, he felt all the strength in his body drain. Why did the man I had never seen before feel so familiar? It was because the man was a famous figure in the social world. Baron Caliph. A person who has been expelled from society. The reason was that Baron Calipe’s taste was young aristocratic food. He was famous for having fun taming well-bred aristocratic young children. Are you talking to a guy like that? Enrique’s face went white with shame. No matter how you think about it, this wasn’t it.
“Father, I…”
“Enrique Javier.”
The duke’s low voice made Enrique immobilized. The gaze of Baron Calipe looking at him was unpleasant.
‘How could my father do this to me…’
Enrique’s thoughts stopped. No, my father was such a person. He was a man who would sell anything for the family’s honor and wealth. Even if it’s a son. Born as the eldest son of the Javier family, he had only once refused his father’s orders. An order to trick the baby emperor into becoming a government official. And Enrique was sure he would break the order once more today.
“Sorry, Baron. I don’t think I can be a good horse partner because I’m lacking.”
“Hmm?”
Baron Calipe’s eyebrows narrowed at first glance.
“What do you mean Enrique? Don’t be rude-”
“I’ll just go.”
Enrique cut off the Duke and left the cafe.
“Oh no, that guy?”
As the duke panicked, Baron Calipe straightened his beard with a displeased face.
“Anyway, Enrique-kun and the ball seem to have different ideas.”
“baron. I will bring Enrique right away.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
With a formal smile, Baron Calipe left the cafe after saying hello. Duke Javier was furious. I finally got an investment and escaped the crisis, but I thought that Enrique had ruined everything. The duke gritted his teeth and set out to find Enrique. And I found my son in the alley between shops. slam-! Immediately, a large palm struck Enrique’s white cheek.
“Enrique Javier. How can you disappoint this father so much?”
Enrique gritted his teeth.
“Isn’t Baron Calipe famous for being a sodomy man? Did my father try to sell me to such a person in exchange for an investment?”
“Who sells it? How could even Baron Caliph dare lay a hand on you, a nobleman’s spirit eater? Didn’t I tell you to just smile!”
Enrique sneered. The man who came to sell his son first, but what use is it to a great aristocrat?
“I am not my father’s tool.”
“Shut up!”
A large hand slapped Enrique’s cheek again. My cheeks started to swell. Duke Javier vented his anger on his son for failing to receive the investment money. He didn’t even notice Enrique’s disfigured appearance.
“Useless bastard. You can’t even do that right?!”
It was time to swing my hand to strike again. thud! Something came running and bumped into Duke Javier. The duke stumbled for a moment, then fell ugly.
“Mu-moo-.”
Enrique looked at Duke Javier, who was so flustered that he couldn’t speak properly, and turned his head. There was Mabel, who was on her butt and shedding tears.
“your majesty…?”
I called for Mabel, but she didn’t look at Enrique. He made a cry with a frown on his face and suddenly grabbed the back of his neck.
“Ouch!”
“…?”
“The back goal is pulled! Ouch, the arm is broken!”
Isn’t that why she shed tears sadly? Enrique was startled.
‘I fell down, but why is the back of my neck…?’
To make matters worse, Larimar and the knights who had followed the emperor as an escort rushed to help Mabel.
“Are you okay, Your Majesty?”
“Aww! Prince Javier, Prince Javier…!”
“Why, His Excellency Duke Javier?”
“You hit me! Aaaaaa!”
Duke Javier was taken aback by Mabel’s pointing. It was so unfair. I was still, but it wasn’t me who ran and fell.
“No. His Majesty fell alone.”
“Huh! so painful! Gotta gossip!”
When Mabel started crying as if she was going to run out of breath at any moment, Larimar was taken aback while trying to comfort her. Mabel had been with her since she was born, but she had never cried like this before. Lisandro was well aware of that fact.
‘How dare you hit His Majesty…! There’s no place to hit that little body!’
Lisandro’s eyes widened. I never assumed that Mabel was giving a great performance.
“Immediately take Duke Javier and lock him up for the crime of murdering the imperial family!”
“yes!”
“No. No!”
Duke Javier’s resistance to the knights’ arrest was futile. In an instant, the duke was dragged out of the alley. Suddenly, my father became a red-handed criminal and was taken away. Enrique stood in a daze at what had happened in the blink of an eye. Then I suddenly came to my senses.
“Your Majesty, are you okay?”
“Enrique…”
Mabel, who was embraced by Larimar, wiped away her tears and grabbed Enrique’s hand.
“Bugs are out of business now. So, Enrique, don’t cry.”
“yes?”
I inadvertently touched the corner of my eye, but I couldn’t touch the tears. Mabel’s small hand patted the back of Enrique’s hand.
“Because Enrique is the prettiest when he smiles.”
“…is that so.”
“yes.”
The warmth holding his fingers made Enrique feel strange. It was so terrible that it made me want to die just a few minutes ago, but not now. Only Mabel’s existence pushed Enrique’s despair into light.
***
‘My wonderful Hollywood action act.’
I smiled proudly in my heart. It was an impromptu idea to jump in and act like an insurance fraudster. Just in time, there were knights who would be dragged away as red-handed criminals. Enrique must have been beaten. So, without hesitation, I jumped in.
“A child like a trash can.”
A few years ago, when I was having tea with Enrique, I wondered how swollen my cheeks were. At that time, I just went over to Enrique’s words that I was bitten by insects, but Enrique was probably being assaulted by Duke Javier at that time too. I am still young, but Enrique then was even younger.
“Ten bader…”
I sighed, clenching my fists. In fact, the appearance of Enrique, who was being beaten without even resisting, overlapped with the helpless me of the previous life. So I couldn’t just leave it alone. Returning to the castle, I immediately called Aidan.
“What about Duke Javier borrowing money?”
“Your Majesty, why are you hurt…”
As she acted as an insurance fraudster, she fell to the floor, leaving scratches all over her limbs. I thought this was no big deal, so I put it on for now, but Aidan’s eyes turned upside down.
“Is it Duke Javier’s work?”
“As a result, it is, but…”
“I will kill you.”
“No no no!”
I grabbed the hem of Aidan’s clothes as if he was about to run away at any moment. And he explained the situation earlier.
“…So I went to prison for murdering the imperial family.”
Aidan, who listened to my words and pondered, came with medicine and bandages.
‘Apart from medicine, what are bandages…?’
Aidan, who sat me down on a chair, knelt down on one knee and carefully tended my wounds.
“Thank you.”
“It is not over yet.”
“Ugh?”
It really wasn’t over yet. Aidan wrapped bandages around my forehead, left arm, and right leg. Before long, I was mummified.
“If rumors spread that he was seriously injured, it would be a great blow to the duke.”
“Is that right…?”
Looking at Aidan’s expressionless face as usual, I deeply reflected on myself.
‘…You’re a bigger swindler than me, Aidan.’
Compared to Aidan, my training was still lacking.