NOVEL WEB Chapter 26
Chapter 26: The Marquess Wields the Blade of Revenge (4)
That day, fourteen people gathered at the Zafing Residence, chatting and laughing in a relaxed atmosphere.
There were nine men and five women, ranging in age from around fifty to just twenty years old.
“Lord Giorg has finally become the Duke of Zafing.”
“Indeed, it’s been a long time. These years, unable to avenge Lady Elphil’s death, felt longer than ever.”
“If it weren’t for Lord Giorg’s orders, I would have wiped out not just those scum but their entire families.”
“Lady Dorothea is right.”
“But I’m sure we all have the same concern, don’t we?”
At the words of the man in his mid-forties, everyone nodded silently.
“You mean the matter of those scum’s families?”
“Some of our subordinates are getting restless. They say the new leader is too lenient.”
“It’s true, some in my circle are also uneasy about Lord Giorg.”
“Let’s verify the truth of that soon, shall we?”
Everyone nodded at one man’s words.
Knock knock…
As the door was knocked, a butler bowed his head. It was Vance, the head butler managing the Zafing Residence in the capital city of Regnos. Seeing Vance, everyone stood up and bowed. Vance was not only the head butler of the Zafing family but also a high-ranking member of the Darkness Demon Group.
“Everyone, thank you for waiting. The master will be here shortly.”
As Vance spoke, Giorg entered the room.
Everyone bowed to Giorg, who gestured for them to sit. Following his lead, they all took their seats.
“Thank you for coming. I am Giorg Leomus Zafing, the Duke of Zafing and the leader of the Darkness Demon Group.”
“Congratulations on your ascension, Leader!”
A man in his early fifties stood up and congratulated Giorg. Giorg nodded, and the man sat down.
“I appreciate the congratulations from Elans.”
“You honor us with your words.”
“Now, the reason I called you here today is to apologize.”
At Giorg’s words, the expressions of the Darkness Demon Group’s executives flickered with confusion.
“Lord Giorg, what do you mean by apologize…?”
Elans spoke up on behalf of the group.
“There are two apologies. First, for the period from the assassination of the former leader, Elphil, until today.”
“…”
“It took five years for me to succeed after the former leader was assassinated by those scum. During that time, you were left in an unstable situation. I must apologize for the chaos caused by the Zafing family’s internal issues, which left you in uncertainty.”
The executives remained silent at Giorg’s words.
“This is undoubtedly the Zafing family’s fault. Allowing such fools into the family was pure negligence. As the leader of the Darkness Demon Group, we deal with national intelligence agencies and shadow organizations. To think we could be harmed by amateurs is unthinkable.”
“…”
The executives’ expressions grew tense. Giorg’s words felt like a challenge: the Zafing family suffered greatly due to negligence. What about you?
“I declare to you all now: if the Zafing family ever proves unworthy of being your leader, you are free to abandon us at any time.”
“W-what… Lord Giorg, that’s…”
“This is a necessary measure to regain your trust after this failure.”
Giorg’s firm declaration made the executives exchange glances and nod in agreement.
The Darkness Demon Group sometimes stains their hands with blood. The members have long revered the Zafing family as their leaders, not just for rewards but for the respect and purpose they provide. Giorg’s words showed his resolve and pride as the leader of the Darkness Demon Group.
Even as a marquess, seeing a sixteen-year-old boy display such determination made it impossible for them to refuse. Their pride wouldn’t allow it.
“Understood, Lord Giorg. We accept your resolve. We will strive to fulfill our duties as the Darkness Demon Group without complacency.”
At Elans’ words, the executives nodded in agreement.
“Good. I’m counting on you.”
Giorg smiled and replied in a calm tone.
“Now, Lord Giorg, what is the second apology?”
A mid-forties executive asked.
“The second is an apology for taking your prey.”
“Our prey? Surely not…”
“Gazel and Almada.”
At my words, the atmosphere among the executives shifted. Just hearing the names of the former Duke of Zafing and the former leader of the Darkness Demon Group, my mother’s killers, made it hard to stay calm.
This wasn’t just about avenging their leader’s death but also about punishing those who insulted the Darkness Demon Group. They wanted to deliver the retribution themselves.
“I will handle those two myself.”
“Surely… you yourself?”
“Of course. I am their executioner. I have no intention of letting anyone else take this from me.”
At my words, the executives gulped.
“And I’m sure you have another concern about me, don’t you?”
“…”
“Viscount Karmais and Viscount Edior have already joined my faction. Both families have new viscounts, younger than me, so I have become their guardian.”
“Their guardian?”
“Yes. It will be announced soon, and I plan to use them as a cover for the Darkness Demon Group’s activities.”
At my words, the executives exchanged glances. Sensing their hesitation, I decided to continue. When their hearts are wavering, it’s best to press on.
“Of course, if necessary, they can be disposed of immediately.”
“If necessary?”
“Yes. If they refuse to accept my rule and try to escape it. You all know I’ve already prepared for that, right?”
“Yes.”
“Exactly. Both viscount families are effectively destroyed. My will takes precedence in all decisions. They have no authority as nobles. But if you don’t trust me, I can dispose of the former viscounts tomorrow. Which one should I eliminate first?”
“…”
The executives fell silent at my proposal. As their guardian, I have no intention of disposing of the current viscounts yet. But the former viscounts have no use, so I have no hesitation in eliminating them.
“What’s wrong? Either is fine.”
“Lord Giorg, if it’s for our sake, I don’t think it’s necessary to dispose of the former viscounts at this time. What do you all think?”
Elans asked the group, and the executives nodded in agreement. While I was fine with disposing of them now, there was no urgent reason to do so, so I decided to accept their opinion.
“Very well. I’ll accept your opinion. If the need arises, don’t hesitate to let me know.”
“Understood!”
The executives bowed in unison. The former viscounts’ fates were sealed without their knowledge.
I considered drawing lots to decide the order, and with that, the meeting ended.
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