NOVEL WEB Chapter 9
Episode 09: The Marquess Speaks
“Thank you for your hard work.”
As soon as I returned to the office and sat down, Aisha began to speak.
“Ah, dealing with fools is exhausting.”
“I can imagine.”
Aisha responded to my bitter words with a gentle smile.
“Lord Giorg, may I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why did you allow both Viscount Houses to survive?”
“Well, I figured you’d find it strange. Everyone was operating under the assumption that they’d be crushed.”
Here, “operating” refers to the flow of funds to both Viscount Houses. Gazel and the others believed they were sending money to their family homes, the Karmais and Edior Viscount Houses, of their own volition, but in reality, it was different.
Under my orders, I subtly guided them to do so. Though, given their personalities, they probably would’ve sent the money sooner or later anyway.
Both Gazel and Almada were individuals who couldn’t become heads of their families. That sense of inferiority had been cultivated over many years. To overcome it, they sought to satisfy their superiority complex by providing funds to their family homes.
In truth, it was all part of a plan to deal with their families entirely. When someone who never had much suddenly gains the ability to move vast sums of money, they lose all restraint—status be damned. It takes a strong will to resist being controlled by money.
“Yes. That’s why I was surprised you allowed both Viscount Houses to survive.”
Aisha tilted her head as she spoke, trusting me but still unable to fully understand.
“I figured as much. But I never intended to crush those two Viscount Houses in the first place. They make excellent pawns, don’t they?”
“Pawns…?”
“Yes. From the perspective of the Zafing Marquess House’s business, having a few extra lizard tails isn’t a bad thing, is it?”
“Well… you’re not wrong, but…”
Aisha seemed dissatisfied with my words. Her pride was wounded, thinking that we could protect ourselves without relying on such individuals.
“I have no intention of using you all as disposable pawns. That’s precisely why I wanted pawns I wouldn’t mind sacrificing.”
“But…”
“Aisha, self-sacrifice might seem noble at first glance, but in another sense, it’s forcing someone else to bear the weight of your life.”
“Lord Giorg…”
“Don’t look so sad. I’m prepared to bear the burden of all your lives. But that doesn’t mean I’ll throw them away. Aisha, I’m a very weak person.”
“That’s not true!!”
Aisha vehemently denied it, but I could only respond with a bitter smile.
“No, I am weak. No matter what others think, I know my own weakness. That’s why I don’t want to lose any of you.”
“Lord Giorg…”
“When I realized my mother had been killed, I wanted to give in to my rage and slaughter Gazel and the others on the spot. But I couldn’t…”
Aisha quietly watched my self-deprecating expression.
“If I had lost control and killed them all, someone among my retainers would undoubtedly have taken the blame. Sacrificing someone just to satisfy my own emotions… I couldn’t bear that. That’s why I spent five years carefully bringing them to justice.”
I shifted my gaze to Aisha, and our eyes met.
“Are you disappointed?”
In response to my question, Aisha smiled wryly and spoke.
“Yes. I realized how pitiful we are, being protected by you, Lord Giorg.”
“Oh… so that’s how you see it.”
“We, the Darkness Demon Group, take pride in being your pawns. But being pawns who only rely on our master’s protection is something to be ashamed of.”
“I see… I underestimated your resolve.”
At my words, Aisha smiled and bowed slightly. I really can be quite dense sometimes.
“Well, I suppose I’ve been rambling a bit out of exhaustion.”
“Not at all.”
“Anyway, I have to attend court tomorrow, so I should prepare the documents…”
“Understood.”
“Aisha, handle the document preparation.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And Roy…”
“Huh?”
At my words, Roy poked his head through the door.
“Oh, you caught me? I thought I hid my presence pretty well.”
“Roy, you…”
“Hey, I was being careful… whoa!!”
Roy dodged mid-sentence as a knife flew past him. Of course, it was Aisha who threw it. The speed and timing were such that only a true expert could have noticed.
“Hey… you could’ve killed me! If it weren’t for my reflexes, I’d be dead!”
“I thought maybe you’d come back as a better person in your next life, so I was just helping you along.”
“Lord Giorg~ Aisha’s bullying me~”
“Aisha, even if you hit him once, he wouldn’t die. Just avoid the vital spots next time.”
“Got it♪”
“I’m really sorry. I got carried away.”
Roy apologized with a thoroughly cowed demeanor, but he wasn’t being serious. This kind of banter is typical among those who know each other well.
“Honestly… Roy, tomorrow I’ll be reporting the outcome of this matter to His Majesty. Prepare the documents with Aisha.”
“Understood.”
Roy immediately responded to my order. As I watched, I began preparing the documents myself.
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