Published at 30th of October 2020 08:40:35 PM
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
The old mansion of the Zenat family was quiet . Most likely because those who knew Gael Von Zenat’s temper wouldn’t dare to run around unless they wanted to taste The Duke’s agitation .
The Duke of Zenat was a decent nobleman, but he wouldn’t hesitate to give out severe punishment to those who failed to retain their courtesy .
The Duke who governs both the land and the sea has often been away from the mansion, but there are no servants who dared to be rude to him . Those who acted carelessly will have their eyes gouged out, their tongue cut, and then either sent to prison or kicked out from the mansion .
That was Gael Von Zenat’s notorious conception across the land . This young ruler will turn 20 this year . He’s the one who beheaded all the vassals who wanted to covet his place and took over the dukedom .
He’s the one who remains unnerved with the blood-spilling slaughter, and now his figure was seen looking out the window . He fixed his eyes on the distant sea as if he was longing for his real home that was set in the middle of the ocean .
“Archel De Leire . ” There’s no way he heard that name for the first time . He’s certainly done studying the state of each noble family around him . Not long ago, Leire County had an obituary and he knew that it wasn’t long after the funeral .
If he estimated the time when she arrived, he knows that she came here as soon as the funeral ended in order to talk with him . Not to mention, they came without servants . If so, it means that Lady Leire already knows the situation around Leire County well .
“…”
He squinted his eyes . If Lady Leire was outstanding, there’s no way he didn’t know . It was his priority to banish those who might bring trouble for his ‘family business’ around the Zenat estate .
But until a few years ago, he never heard the talks about Lady Leire’s excellency . She was an ordinary young lady and her relatives preyed on her innocence, joined hands with each other to covet the property and legacy of the Leire family .
Of course, there’s no need for Zenat to interfere . Instead, he accepts the deal . Since Leire was the strongest family around here and the one with the most disruptive sea territory, naturally this division was beneficial for Zenat .
“You need our sea and I need a strong shield to protect me and my brother . Is there any perfect deal more than this?” Archel De Leira spoke so confidently .
It was certain that Leire’s water territory was the most irritating obstacle for Zenat’s family business, which is piracy . Just like a huge block of reefs that was emerging in the middle of the sea, it was the number one contributor to making things troublesome .
Nevertheless, the pirates could not invade Leire’s sea and become the enemy of the empire, nor could The Duke of Zenat waging a battle against Leire County without any particular reason . So he had no choice but to stay still, even if he lost a lot of money…
“It’s a deal . ”
‘Did she say that she wanted to divorce?’ Gael silently lifted the corner of his lip . She said she’ll give everything she had in exchange to ensure their safety as well as her little brother’s enrollment into the academy until he graduates .
‘Michael, you say?’ He didn’t seem to be so well-versed in magic .
‘Have you ever used magic?’
‘No . ’ The child who was speaking so confidently, even went as far as to glare at him .
It was like the eyes of a young beast and Gael could sense a murderous look from him . It wasn’t the energy that was supposed to come out from a 13-years-old . He was convinced that the child has a knack for swordsmanship rather than magic .
However, as for now, he was just a child with a leash attached in his sister’s hand . As he bared his teeth, it’s obvious that he would protect his sister, no, his master at any cost .
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“…”
It will certainly be amusing if he really becomes a wizard . That way, Leire’s property wouldn’t be easily seized and became Zenat’s property . It was also the biggest stumbling block in Leire’s sea, and nothing else became a threat to Leire .
But it was meaningless antagonizing over a loser, rather, it was better to be invested in the future enemy . If that Leire kid who graduated from Temila Academy could become an excellent wizard, he might be a good opponent . That was all he had in mind for Michael .
“Your Grace, Michael De Leire is ready to go to the academy . ”
It was faster than he thought . Gael looked at his knight who just entered the Oval Office . Even his most devoted right-hand knight possessed an appearance that was close to a pirate rather than a knight .
A knight and a pirate . He was one of a few who held the privilege to visit both Zenat’s mansion and Zenat’s island .
“Proceed to send him off . ” Gael beckoned right away .
If the order was finished, it would have been good to leave . But the knight hesitated,
“Elaha, you look like you have something to say . ” Eventually, Gael looked back at his devoted knight, and the knight bowed his body deeply .
“…it wasn’t my purpose to question your noble intention, Your Highness . However, are you really going to marry Archel De Leire?”
‘That’s what he wants to ask?’ Gael smiled silently .
All his devoted knights who would be traveling between Zenat’s mansion and the island seemed to be uncomfortable with Archel De Leire . It’s only natural, because the moment someone becomes the Duchess, she naturally learns various internal circumstances of the family, whether she likes it or not .
Particularly, because the Duchess was in charge of household finances and she had no choice but to know about the wealth-income that came from a pirate job . How do you explain to her about the Zenat family’s income that was several times higher than what was reported to the imperial household? Moreover, a noble lady? It was annoying because you can’t just cut off her throat and shut her mouth .
“I’ve promised her a marriage, so I should do it,” Gael answered calmly .
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*Thud* Then Elaha kneeled in front of him and bowed his head .
“Please reconsider, Your Highness!” He knew it without a doubt that Elaha was asking him to reconsider . Gael then gave Elaha a side-eye .
“If it’s because of the sea, you don’t have to worry . ”
“… . But, Your Grace,” Elaha hesitated . He was a prudent man who served the family for so long and willing to throw himself away for the sake of Gael’s safety .
“I was informed that the lady seemed to know a little about the sea . ”
“Yes, she did,” Gael answered casually . Elaha bowed his head deeper .
“I’ve already checked through numerous informants, but there’s no way that Lady Archel De Leire could know about the sea . And most of The Duke has a secret, perhaps Lady Leire…”
In short, he wanted to tell that maybe Archel was just spouting out nonsense . But Gael shook his head .
“I don’t think she’ll speak without strong belief . More than that . . ” He took a few steps closer to Elaha . As his master approached him, Elaha stopped breathing and became nervous . Gael leaned over him .
“Why should I reject those who know my secrets?”
“…Pardon?” Elaha’s body stiffened and Gael laughed, “Why should I be afraid of Lady Archel? If she’s willing to marry me even though she knows my secret, shouldn’t I welcome her?”
“That’s…” Elaha stuttered, but he managed to pour out his words, “But it’s a secret that shouldn’t come out from the mouth of an outsider . Besides, don’t you come into agreement to divorce? Then surely one day, she’ll be part of another family . That way the secret will…”
“Elaha . ” Gael shook his head . His straight gaze and faded smile overwhelm his opponent instantly .
“If she opens her mouth recklessly, I’ll shut her up . Then how do you think inland people would know about what is happening in the sea? And,”
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At last, Gael tilted his head slightly . “Do you think I will lose the fight in my own territory?”
This sea was his territory and not even The Emperor could invade it .
“…No . It’s my false judgment . ” Elaha slowly bowed his head . It’s understandable that he would be worried, but Gael was so confident .
Besides, wouldn’t it better to keep someone who claimed to know the secret in the territory rather than let them run loose outside? When it comes to fighting, he can’t lose . Because he’s the owner of this sea .
Gael smiled clearly . He recalled Lady Archel who looked confident .
The woman who looked unfamiliar with the sea . The woman who flinched at the small waves tickling her feet . But despite that, she’s still come to him . She was able to finish what she had to say even though her voice trembled . She claimed to know the secret, but it didn’t feel like a threat at all .
‘Did she really know about Zenat?’
The serobbery, or a pirate, was Zenat family business which should be done discreetly . The moment it was revealed to the public, it will become a crime of having unreported troops besides the regular knights, and in extreme cases, it could be regarded as treason . Moreover, the reported income is heavily manipulated which makes the crime more severe .
‘But she knows about it . ’ The moment he heard it, rather than feeling agitated, he felt intrigued that she would keep his secret .
‘Do you really know about me? Will you boldly approach me and the runaway in fear later?’
Her eyes trembled when he spoke . It is clear that the lady is not used to seeing blood at all, for some reason was so confident to visit him in person .
‘If you really knew me, if you knew my secret, you would know it would be a deathwish to suddenly approach me like that . ’
Gael laughed . She was such a strange woman . It was so strange, so it bothers him so much .
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