My Villains Episode 154
39. Uninvited Guest (3)
Doyle, who was sitting at the table looking over, burst into laughter as Hepin the lion kicked his ass.
“haha-! Too bad!”
He quenched his throat with a drink and nodded.
“Yeah, even if I think about it, this is a bit too much. Even if you ignore your opponent, you’re still oily.
Judging by the way he spoke and his expression, he knew that Hepin’s deceit would not work.
…You’re getting more and more angry.
“Sir Killian. Get rid of that bastard.”
“Yes, Confucius.”
Sir Killian didn’t even look at me or Dionea. Just following Doyle’s orders, he dragged the half-fainted lion Hepin out of the hall.
“Sir Eselda. Now it’s your turn.”
The middle-aged female knight stood silently and gave no answer. He was just walking forward.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Ethelda Horton, a knight of Count Tristan.”
“…It is an honor for me to meet such a famous knight.”
“Your husband was a good commander. If I had been lucky, I would have left my name in history.”
It was an unexpected mourning.
Even at first glance, Sir Eselda seemed far from being a civil servant, so Dionea had a slightly puzzled look on her face.
“Did you know the baron?”
“Of course, madam. Since we have fought together seven times, it is safe to call them comrades.”
Dionea nodded quietly, but her face was still filled with wariness.
“…I see. Thank you very much. However, it will be difficult for you and me to remember the baron because something happened just now.”
“I didn’t mean it that way either.”
The female knight with a stern look showed almost no change in her expression.
“I will tell you the main point. Count Tristan is interested in the future of Longville.”
Dionea came out with a puzzled face and glanced at her retainers at the quick and unpredictable movement.
I made eye contact with her, and Dionea cleared her throat and then asked in an upright posture.
“I don’t know what you are talking about. If it’s about a contract, as you just saw
.”
“…inheritance?”
“As far as I know at Multingham, Baron Mallory has no children, no brothers, no cousins. Is that correct?”
While Sir Esselda was talking, I quickly approached Veldin and whispered to him.
“Beldin.”
“Sir Phoenix’?”
“Go get the code.”
“Is there a code of law?”
“Bring me the code that contains the laws of inheritance in the kingdom. Right Now.”
“…ah.”
Dionea nodded heavily as the young scribe quietly left the hall.
“As far as I know, yes.”
“If there is no successor within a blood relative, the territory without an owner will be returned to the lord who granted it. Do you know?”
“that.”
Dionea looked at her retainers in disbelief. Then Herald Toll Rummy stepped forward with a firm expression.
“It is true that such a provision exists. However, it is absurd to discuss the inheritance in a situation where the death of the baron has not been confirmed.”
“Hehe, the old man is making fun of his mouth again.”
Doyle, who was grinning, touched his glass and continued.
“Think calmly, everyone. Baron Mallory has gone missing in the mountains where the Anupards roam. To confirm his death, you will have to rummage through the feces of the mountains and fields.”
“…I dare-!”
Tolamee’s wrinkled face turned red. But he never really took action. It was the same with other vassals.
In fact, Doyle is a difficult guy to deal with because he is the son of a count and somehow seems clever. He must be worried that he might become embroiled in his intentions by arguing for nothing.
…Well, these are all excuses. Everyone was just scared. I could tell from the way she slapped Sir Eselda.
The insult of ‘Lord Neg was a bitch’ was enough to anger Kim Seung-soo’s common sense. But do those so-called vassals put up with this? Everyone has no value?
I glanced sideways at the drill captain Chester, who was shaking his fists, and whispered softly.
“Are you going to stay still?”
“…What would I do, sir? That man is a nobleman, and I am a mere soldier.” “I still have pride, that-”
“Pride protects nothing.”
It’s frustrating.
I sighed and began examining the code that Veldin had brought. The major book was ridiculously large and thick, but the bookmarks were well organized, so the section on inheritance law was easy to find.
“You don’t have to work in vain, Sir Phoenix. There won’t be a ‘low-quality scam’ that distorts the text of the law.”
“…There is nothing more irritating than falling for the same trick twice. I’m just making the comparison.”
“Ha, you are meticulous. Not like a knight.”
Doyle with a smile on his face crossed his arms and looked back at Dionea.
“In the event of the lord’s death, his or her spouse or designated vassal may act as the lord until a legitimate successor within the family is found. However, after 500 days, it must find a new owner. Even if they are not family members or blood relatives.”
What Doyle recited was exactly the same as what I was just skimming through.
“500 days will be hellish years, madam. A huge amount of gold and silver will have to be spent on debt repayment, and even if it succeeds, after 500 or 480 days, you will have to step down from the throne. How painful is this?”
“…a family member I don’t know may appear.”
“Of course it could be.”
Doyle’s eyes were still sharp, even after several drinks. He put aside his bullying attitude for a while and imitated the face of a sincere advisor.
“But why should your wife go through such pain?”
“As the wife of former Baron Mallory.”
“Oh- please, madam.”
Doyle sighed and knocked on the table as if feeling sorry for him.
“Everyone in the Marba region does not know that you were not a very good husband. I have heard several rumors that he often beats his wife for not being able to function properly as a man.”
Dionea made no reply. He just kept his mouth shut and clutched at the hem of his clothes.
“Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for someone like that? Answer me, ma’am. Has your wife ever made you laugh?”
Dionea closed her eyes tightly. Doyle drank and moistened his lips and continued talking quietly.
“If you proceed with the inheritance process immediately, we will forgive all of the interest and half of the principal amount of the debt owed to your wife. Go find happiness, madam.” I, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward, covering the code without income.
“Go in search of happiness? You speak fluently, but in the end, doesn’t that mean that you have to pay back half of that huge amount without a land map?”
“Sir Phoenix seems to focus on something completely different from me.”
Doyle shrugged and twirled.
“If you distort such a benevolent offer to cancel half of a huge amount of debt, then write it.”
“To put it bluntly, you don’t mean to be merciful.”
“…huh what do you mean?”
“It means that they will use gold and silver to buy 500 days, and in addition to that, prevent the risk of the wrong heir appearing and stealing the estate. Isn’t it?”
Doyle smiled quietly and showed both palms.
“You might think so. I respect your opinion. However, it is a proposal that takes into account the situation of the wife, so I hope you understand.”
“What do you mean by considering circumstances?” “You have some very attractive options.”
An attractive option?
Doyle whispered to Dionea, whose eyes were still closed.
“Go back to Northernshire, madam.”
Northernshire? What is this again?
I was still frowning, but scribe Veldin raised his tiptoe and spoke in my ear.
“This is where your wife’s parents’ house is.”
“.’…Are you a parent?” “The Bennet family is an influential county in the north.”
“It’s the first time I’ve heard of being a count.
“I don’t get along very well with my wife. You came to Longville, almost abandoned.”
Doyle’s persuasion continued.
“Earl Jay-Lee passed away this spring. Count Shay has become the new owner of Northernshire.”
“It means that a cousin who loved his wife is waiting for him in his hometown. If it’s Count Shay, he’ll be happy to pay off even a few pennies.” As Dionea continued her silence, Doyle, who had glanced at her, licked her lower lip.
“Isn’t the Perth River in winter so beautiful? I have heard that the world seems insignificant when you look at the frozen river that stretches between the snow-capped mountains.”
“You must have seen that scenery in your childhood too, right?”
“I”
Dionea opened her eyes slowly. Dark green eyes were dyed in the light, becoming a scarlet color.
“I hated snow.”
“…well, you did. Then”
“I am Dionea Anig. Not all Ionea Bennett.”
She was a weak yet strong person. Dionea took the sense of duty or guilt that might not be a big deal to others.
“I have a duty to protect the estate and family.”
Doyle’s smile hardened.
“I’m sorry, Confucius Doyle. I cannot accept your offer.”
In response to Dionea’s determined words, Doyle swears in silence.
“Hmm. I’ve often heard of your goodness, but I never thought you’d be so… stubborn.”
He sighed heavily and looked back at the nudes who were holding their breath on one side of the hall.
“In the end, I have to write this way.”
As Doyle looked at them, the faces of the two elderly nudes brightened.
“Del Otto.”
“Yes, Gongja. I was waiting for you.”
One of the elders turned to Atalanta and winked.
When Atalanta didn’t respond, an elder called Del Otto came over and frowned.
“Attilia!”
At the slight scolding, Atalanta glanced at me and gnashed her teeth. Then, on the table in the hall, he overturned some sacks and put out the contents.
Tuduk.
It was a pair of rotten heads. The head of a troll you hunted in the forest under Graduil a while ago…
“This?”
When Dionea frowned and questioned at the terrible stench, Atalanta reluctantly opened her mouth.
“It is the result of hunting.”
“…The hunting festival is over.”
“As you can see by their condition, these trolls were hunted two weeks ago, and they are the result of the hunting festival.” As if realizing something, Dionea remained silent for a moment. Then, with a cautious expression, he opened his mouth.
“…do you have any proof that it wasn’t something you bought from abroad?”
“There is no evidence.”
“okay. It’s a pity then”
“Instead… there is a witness.”
Atalanta quietly looked back at me. I took turns looking at her and Doyle, then I noticed the situation and opened my mouth.
“Attilia you…
“I’m sorry Nix. I didn’t mean to trick you.”
“No, why the hell is this?”
A melancholy light flashed in Atalanta’s amber eyes.
“It is impossible for a nudein to become a lord.”
“…about the clan’s settlement? Was it a lie?”
“no. It’s just that such a small and crowded estate can’t accept all of our clan,” the
elder Del O’To cut off her words with a screeching roar.
“Attilia! Qiam baelmik!”
“Feqot antizr!”
As Atalanta answered with a frown, a couple of words were exchanged that he couldn’t understand.
Del Otto, his face flushed red, took out a pendant from the inside of his collar. Then, as he gripped it and growled, Atalanta closed his mouth, clenching his fists.
“…Attilia?”
She gritted her teeth, then looked around and lowered her head.
“I’m sorry ma’am. And Gongja. I was unintentionally showing ugliness.”
Atalanta took a moment to catch her breath before continuing.
“These trolls are the ones we found at the foot of Graduil Mountain. If left unattended, it would always do harm to Longville.”
Amber eyes turned to me.
“Sir Phoenix here will prove this. We were together at the time.”
Following Atalanta, others also gathered. She whispered to me who swallowed a laugh.
“Please answer me, Nix.”
“Attilia.”
“If you answer, we get the right to buy a manor near Multingham.”
I stared at Atalanta. Eyes full of longing.
Eventually, I nodded.
“…yes. I am a witness.”
Atalanta closed her eyes.
Looking back at the vassals who didn’t understand the situation, I smiled bitterly.
“These are the ones I caught at the foot of Graduil Mountain.”
As soon as I finished my words, the steward Edith opened her mouth.
“My wife’s estate can’t afford to pay any more bounties.”
“I don’t need money.”
It was Del Otto, a Nudane elder, who interrupted Editta.
“Give me points.”
“…Uh uh.”
Beldin looked around and noticed Pizza del Otto, looking up at Dionea and speaking forcefully.
“We’re not asking for a favor, we’re making a legitimate request, ma’am.”
“…a legitimate request?”
“yes. To keep the peace in Longville, we, the Al-Qadari clan, have lost a warrior to fever pitch. It is a natural right to ask for honey in return.”
Dionea looked at me, but I couldn’t say anything.
Atalanta and I made a deal and helped her win the Hunt Festival. I never imagined things would work out this way, but their request was justified anyway.
Del Otto looked back at Doyle and lowered his head while I and the vassals were silent.
“Gongja. Those who become Count Tristan’s servants are swearing and trying to commit injustice. Would you like to just watch?”
Doyle made a pitiful expression at Del Otto’s question.
“I can’t do that. If injustice is committed within your estate, my father will gladly roll up his sleeves.
I bet you.”
“Thank you, Gongja. I will definitely repay this favor someday.”
Noticing the clear implications of the obvious play, Dionea turned to Veldin.
“…what happens when that nudein warrior gets points, Veldin?”
“Wait a minute, ma’am.”
Scribe Veldin took out the scorecard from his chest and sighed.
“That’s 867 points.”
“What is your rank?”
“…a win.”
” ah.”
When Dionea touched her forehead, Elder Del Otto smiled.
“Attilia.”
“Qiam tha.”
Atalanta, who had been standing still for a while, slowly opened her eyes and pointed at Doyle.
“…As the winner of the hunting festival, Prince Doyle Mullin is nominated as the adopted son of Baron Mallory.”
It was only then that Herald Toller Mee, who grasped the situation, shouted loudly.
“What nonsense!”
Other vassals also raised their voices, and the elder Del Otto smiled.
“under! What are you dissatisfied with when you nominate a young and handsome scion instead of the Danes you hate!”
“It is absurd that the count’s son is adopted by the baron!”
“There was no mention of it in the conditions that Baron Heung Mallory had made while he was alive. You’re going to say something belatedly!”
“For Confucius Doil to become the adopted son of the baron also means to be the adopted son of the baroness, but does this make sense?”
“What’s not going to happen?”
“Confucius Toil is not twenty-five this year! You are two years older than your wife!”
“Why? This is not often the case among the aristocratic families of Milan!”
In the middle of a noisy argument, Doyle burst into laughter.
“ha ha ha-!” When the hall became quiet due to laughter that continued for a long time, he abruptly stood up.
“To think that a new last name wasn’t enough, and a young and beautiful mother was also acquired.”
Hehe, somehow the sorrowful laughter disappeared in an instant.
“Funny. It’s fun.”
Doyle looked at Ionea with a cold, frozen face.
“Looks like this should be enough.”
“Leave to Northernshire or take me as a son. That is the end of your options.”
Doyle’s cold gaze scanned the vassals.
“No, no. There is a third option.”
“…the third option?”
Doil’s eyes were fixed on Beldin who muttered involuntarily.
“You will be miserably trampled by the troops that will arrive in 15 days.”
“The army, what is that?”
“Twenty knights will come with more than a thousand soldiers. The brutal saboteurs are a bonus.”
Leaving the frozen people behind, Doyle turned around, flapping the hem of his coat.
“Come on, Sir Eselda. You have to give them time to think about it.”
When Doyle and Sir Eselda left the hall, the elders of the Nudans followed them.
“Nyx…
“Attilia.” Atalanta smiled wryly at my complicated expression. Biting her lower lip white for a moment, she moved on, avoiding dragging her feet.
Shortly after the uninvited guests left, troll heads tumbled under the table. A terrible silence ensued.
I sighed quietly.
…I’m twisted, really.
