ITMWG 121

Chapter 121…

Maybe they should stay apart.

When Nadia came into the room and sat down on the sofa, Anna came up to her, giggling.

“It was really refreshing, Madame! When we stayed at the Vine Mansion, that butler was really mean.”

It was natural that the servants who served the master would have a hard time if their master was not held in high regard.

Since she was a noblewoman, she couldn’t show her anger openly, but she would have complained to Anna or Marie without hesitation.

“You must have had a hard time because of me.”

Seeing Nadia’s shoulders slumped apologetically, Marie quickly grabbed Anna’s arm as if telling her not to spout nonsense further, and smiled at her master.

“That’s right! We never back down!”

Anna also clenched her fists, agreeing with Marie.

It’s hard to imagine the two of them being intimidated by the tyranny of Vine’s servants.

Thinking of the two of them fighting bravely, Nadia couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes, I know you wouldn’t have. But it’s true that you have had a hard time. There’s been a lot of work since we came to the capital, so everyone’s had a hard time.”

When Nadia first set foot in the capital, she didn’t think things would go this way.

All she could think about was promoting the magic stone so it could sell better…

But things took an unexpected direction and brought them here.

She looked around the room with a strange feeling.

Nadia didn’t think that the day would come when she could call this mansion ‘hers’ again.

There were more things to take care of in the future, but for now, she was able to take a breather.

As she relaxed and leaned back comfortably on the sofa, Marie said with a smile.

“First, let’s bring the doctor over.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

She glanced at Blan and he nodded slightly.

Now it was time to clear up the complicated misunderstanding.

❈❈❈

Nadia thought it would take quite a while to go to the annex, but Marie brought Leon over faster than she expected.

When Nadia tilted her head, wondering why she was so quick, Leon stepped forward.

“At the commotion in the mansion, I thought you’d call me soon, so I came to the main building.”

“Was it that noisy?”

“You came boldly through the main gate with a knight with you. Of course it was noisy.”

Leon shrugged his shoulders at the obvious question and began his check-up naturally.

Since it was a routine, it didn’t take long.

“There is nothing serious to worry about. Though, your body is still weak, so you’ll have to take care of it and use some medicine to boost your stamina.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Now that aside, I believe you have something to tell me.”

Leon took a step back, looking at Blan, who was standing by Nadia’s side.

It seemed that he realised that something had changed when he saw that Blan was with her instead of Cain, who had been staying at the mansion.

‘Now, let’s get to the point.’

Nadia took a deep breath and nodded to Marie and Anna.

Marie, who understood that she wanted them to leave, quickly took Anna out.

When the door closed tightly, only Blan, Leon, and Nadia were left.

“Leon, you know that I’ve been wanting to clear up your misunderstandings. That’s why I’ve been investigating……”

She looked at Blan, trailing off, and he stepped forward to continue her words.

“We caught the culprit who killed your parents.”

“……!”

Leon, who had been listening to the story with a calm expression as usual, widened his eyes in surprise.

His eyes, filled with dismay, were noticeably shaking.

Blan continued cautiously.

“He was a mercenary living near Aylesford, but he suddenly solved a big commission and made a lot of money, so he settled in the village and opened a shop.”

“……Is there any evidence that he is the culprit?”

“It was around the same time as the incident, and… he got drunk and told the villagers about how he made a lot of money by killing people…”

Leon clenched his fists at the shameless culprit’s actions.

His trembling hands were so strong that the veins were visible.

“When I questioned him, he confessed to what he did. The person who ordered the murder was traced back to the promissory note paid as payment, but there was a plot conspired with someone who was after the Baron of Aylesford. I can show you the relevant information.”

“If he was after the Baron’s position……what the culprit said at that time…….”

“Our lord has faced many assassins since he was young. There were many candidates who could inherit the title and all of his wealth if he died. The mercenary said he (referring to Leon’s father) must die according to the will of the ‘next Baron of Aylesford’ (not Altair)…… That must have been what he meant.”

Blan sighed deeply, fed up with the past.

“Anyway, the culprit has been caught, so you can meet him if you want. I’ve given him thorough mental training, so if you ask him anything you’re curious about, he’ll answer.”

“…”

Leon was dazed, perhaps because the situation was rather unexpected.

But he quickly came to his senses.

“……I should at least see him for myself. There’s a lot I need to hear with my own ears.”

“Yes. I have guessed as much.”

“But don’t be too surprised. His condition wasn’t very good because I had to do something to make him open his mouth. Well, you’re a doctor, so you’ve probably seen worse.”

In response, Leon nodded firmly.

Seeing Leon tense up more than usual made Nadia feel stiff for no reason.

She was also very shocked when she learned the truth about her parents’ deaths.

She started digging into the truth to bring a talented person like Leon to Aylesford, but seeing him so triggered after facing the truth made her feel a sense of empathy.

Why did so many people have to lose their loved ones over wealth and power?

It was truly bitter.

❈❈❈

The truth about the rumours that had been circulating in the capital was finally revealed, but the courtroom was still in an uproar.

There was still a matter to be determined.

The nobles unanimously concluded that Baroness Nadia of Aylesford was qualified to be the next Marquis of Vine, and the Emperor did not reject it and accepted the nobles’ conclusion.

It was the first time in the history of the Empire that someone taking over a Marquis was a female.

The first case was recorded in history, so today’s event would be talked about hundreds or thousands of years into the future.

Altair returned to the courtroom when the Emperor approved the nobles’ decision.

The nobles who had been noisily talking shut their mouths as they noticed Altair’s appearance.

“Baron Aylesford. Is the Baroness, no, is Marchioness Vine all right?”

Although the title had not yet been officially approved in writing, the Emperor called Nadia the ‘Marchioness of Vine.’

That meant that there had been a solid decision.

And at that, Altair also answered back as if it was natural.

“For now, there’s no big problem, but I think she still needs some rest, so I sent her back to the mansion first. Please be understanding.”

Duke Viosques let out a small laugh at his attitude, as if he had expected that.

“It’s fortunate that there’s no serious problem.”

The Emperor also smiled and looked around at the nobles who were seated.

“I know that there’s always talk in social circles. Everyone idles around talking about other people’s stories, and sometimes, it gets too far.”

The smile that had been hanging on his lips vanished as he slowly looked at their faces.

“I hope that this incident will be an opportunity for everyone to realise the terrifying power of words and become more careful. Instead of idly gossiping, shouldn’t we worry about the future of the country together and work hard to manage the territory?”

The nobles flinched at his stern words. Some coughed in embarrassment.

The Emperor clicked his tongue in disappointment and waved his hand dismissively, then stood up from his seat.

“Anyway, it seems that all the issues that needed to be resolved today have been resolved, so let’s disperse now.”

The nobles followed the Emperor and rose from their seats in a huddle to pay their respects.

As soon as the Emperor left the seat after receiving everyone’s greetings, Duke Viosques approached Altair and grabbed his hand.

“Congratulations, Baron! Things have ended well!”

“It’s all thanks to the Duke’s consideration. Even when ‘strange rumours’ were circulating, you supported us firmly.”

“They were rumours that seemed too intentional. Only fools get swayed by such rumours.”

The faces of several nobles who actively spread rumours turned red as they listened to the conversation between Altair and Duke Viosques.

Duke Viosques snorted as he watched them leave in a hurry, unable to bear the embarrassment.

“Why do people just have to go and spread lies that they can’t handle?”

“Thanks to you, I know exactly who to get close to and who to stay away from, so it was a good opportunity.”

Duke Viosques patted Altair on the shoulder as he coldly stared at the nobles leaving in a hurry.

“Yes. It’s important to distinguish between those. You’ll have to be active in the capital’s social circles from now on anyway. Are you going to stay at Marquis Vine’s residence from today?”

“Yes. I think so. Again, I owe you a favour.”

“What are you talking about? It was a win-win. We’ll see each other often in the future, so let’s continue to help each other.”

“Of course.”

“But what will Aylesford do now that things have come to this?”

Duke Viosques frowned, seeming a bit worried.

“Since your wife has become a machioness, she will have to stay in the capital for a while, but you cannot leave your territory alone. You two may have to live apart.”

Duke Viosques was right.

Vine was a powerful family in the capital with the title of marquis, and Aylesford was a wealthy land with a magic stone mine, so neither could be neglected.

For an ordinary person, it would be difficult to run just one.

Altair simply smiled faintly without saying anything.

Since it was not a bright smile, Duke Viosques quickly raised his voice to lighten the mood.

“Well, of course, you would handle it wisely. If you need help, just tell me. If you want to get rid of the former marquis’ people and bring in new people, you will definitely need my help.”

“Now that you mention ‘people’, I’d like to introduce you to someone.”

Just as the conversation with Duke Viosques was about to end, a familiar voice was suddenly heard from behind.

After confirming the identity of the other person, the Duke greeted him with a big smile.

“Your Highness the Third Prince!”

It was Prince Orca, who had recently been absent.