Chapter 45

# 45

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"Nabia, that child, after all!"

He callously abandoned Nabia.

"Actually, there was something wrong with that child. The dragon that appeared yesterday was actually caused by my son, who was caught up in that child's wicked prank."

Nikan was cutting off his tail.

'Just as that child said.'

A cold aura passed over Shuleman's expression, which had been completely still.

Indeed, that child is dangerous.

Just as he thought this,

"I tried to treat that child like my own daughter and attempted to correct her behavior, but... now that it has come to this, there's nothing I can do."

"Are you saying that this incident was actually the doing of your adopted daughter?"

"Wood is an innocent child. He almost died repeatedly due to Nabia's tricks."

Nikan, with a pained expression, bowed deeply and apologized.

"I sincerely apologize for the trouble my family has caused the House of Eseleth. This should be repaid with the life of the culprit, and I will also provide financial compensation."

The mediocre hired assassins and Wood's chaos could not have harmed a single hair on Eseleth.

So, if Nabia's life and sufficient financial compensation were offered, it would be a matter that could be smoothed over.

Since Nikan was showing a cooperative attitude, it would be excessive to press further.

After all, he had shifted all the blame onto Nabia.

Nikan secretly hoped to see Shuleman's frustration at being powerless despite knowing the truth.

However, Shuleman's expression remained the same as it had been from the moment he appeared.

Only when Nikan seemed to have finished speaking did he finally tap his cane.

"Do you mean to say that Lady Nabia Agnes will be handed over to us?"

"Of course. Such a wicked girl is not worthy of the name Agnes. I will inform His Majesty the Emperor of this today and have her expelled from the family soon."

Shuleman nodded, satisfied with the answer.

"In that case, we will summarize this part and send a messenger to the palace."

Nikan smiled brightly.

Although it was a pity to lose Nabia, he didn't worry too much, as assets sometimes need to be lost in the process of growth.

"Since we understand each other, it would be good to arrange a meeting with Duke Eseleth to formally apologize... Is that possible?"

Nikan, seeing this as an opportunity, decided to try to infiltrate the impenetrable Eseleth mansion.

Shuleman, for the first time, twisted his lips into a smile-like expression.

"Perhaps. If Duke Agnes is truly fine with it, we can invite you."

The meaningful words made Nikan hesitate, unable to speak.

Shuleman continued.

"Then, take Lady Agnes. We will take the bodies of the hired assassins."

Nikan glanced at the pile of bodies with a reluctant look.

'Are there any other issues?'

He forced a smile and nodded, taking care of Wood.

After all, blood was thicker than water.

Shuleman adjusted his hat and said to Nikan.

"Then, when would be a good time to formally report this to His Majesty the Emperor and sign the agreement?"

"I will set a schedule within this week and contact you."

"Very well. I will proceed with that in mind."

As Shuleman got into the carriage, Nikan apologized with a hateful expression.

"I'm sorry about today. Please be careful on your way back."

Soon, the Eseleth carriage slowly turned and began to move through the snow.

Nikan glared at the carriage, then turned his head, annoyed by the falling snow.

"What are you all doing! Check on Wood immediately!"

"Yes, sir."

Nikan, carrying his son on a stretcher, strode into the main hall.

'Just in case, it would be better to deal with Nabia first.'

It was time to call in a professional assassin, not a mediocre hired killer.

"I need to go to the palace."

Nikan, putting on his coat again, suddenly thought of Edward.

"Where is Mr. Spencer?"

"He has been shown to the reception room."

"Please tell him that I will postpone today's dinner."

"Understood."

Nikan thought that while his face might be a little bruised in the process of reversing the plan he had discussed with the Emperor and Empress today, it was nothing compared to the fact that Vivian's illness had been cured and that she would become the Empress and produce the next Emperor.

There might be other ways to swallow Eseleth, even without Nabia.

'Yes, that's settled.'

Nikan set off for the palace.

* * *

Shuleman, upon returning to Eseleth for his business report, headed straight to the third floor.

The thin layer of snow on his black coat had already melted and seeped through.

'Snow in November?'

Snow in November and a mysterious girl from Agnes.

Today was truly an unusual day.

'At least it's a relief that Nikan agreed to let us kill his adopted daughter?'

But that doesn't mean he intends to kill the poor girl.

He only plans to release her from the mansion once her treatment is complete.

One year. What was his lord thinking when he agreed to this?

'It doesn't seem like he helped the girl out of pity... '

Still, he thought it was fair to show some magnanimity in return for the benefits gained from the girl.

"Well... at least it's putting out a pressing fire?"

The House of Eseleth did not employ any servants, which allowed them to keep labor costs low.

The problem, however, was the private army.

'The maintenance of the private army is reaching its limit.'

Until now, the House of Eseleth had maintained its private army by being dispatched to the border and receiving payment from the Empire.

However, that was about to end.

'Since the royal family has decided not to rely on Eseleth anymore...'

There was a high probability that Theorban's influence was behind this.

The private army of Eseleth was not a typical group of mages. They were knights who had grown powerful through Eseleth's magic.

It was dangerous to let such a powerful army fall into the hands of others.

'Especially Theorban.'

If the private army were to engage in a territorial war, most families would be wiped out.

However, Lark was indifferent.

He had cut off all possibilities of 'eternity' as if he were about to die.

No funds to maintain the private army? Then he would order them to be disbanded without hesitation.

Shuleman rubbed his tired eyes.

He wished Lark would develop an attachment to something. He wished he would live like a human. He believed he could.

In fact, this feeling was closer to that of a parent than to his lord.

Perhaps it was because they had been together for 23 years.

He still couldn't forget the dazzling performance of the seven-year-old boy who suddenly appeared and led the war against the alliance to a perfect victory.

While it was known to the public that this unbroken streak was due to Shuleman and Margaret's efforts, the truth was different.

It was Lark's achievement.

"Do you think people will believe that I did it?"

The boy laughed at the suggestion to take credit.

"I don't care about that. The only people I care about are you two."

Lark, sitting with his legs crossed, said arrogantly.

"Swear loyalty to me. You'll do it eventually, so just do it now."

Certainly, even back then, Lark had a living presence, even if not a human one.

When did he change?

'At eight.'

Yes, Lark changed suddenly at eight.

The mansion turned dark, and Lark locked himself inside.

"Why doesn't my lord go outside?"

"Do you know the fairy tale about the prince who turns into a monster and is trapped in a castle?"

"Why bring up a fairy tale suddenly?"

"Just think of it as something similar."

The boy was strange.

He knew everything about the world as if he had the eyes of a mythological '千里眼' (thousand-mile eye).

Those who had sworn neutrality to Lark had a vague idea of his secret.

Their lord was a being beyond human, and perhaps his inability to leave the mansion was related to that.

If Nabia had not been Nikan's adopted daughter, Shuleman would have cherished her.

'I have a reason to protect this mansion.'

This was their home. It was natural to eliminate any threat that could destroy their family.

Knock.

"My lord, I'm coming in."

Shuleman opened the door without waiting for permission, knowing that Lark had no interest in such formalities.

"I have handled it as you instructed. They said they will take over the disposal of the adopted daughter."

Lark, without meeting his gaze, nodded slightly.

"What will you do with the girl now?"

Lark spoke.

"I already said, keep her for a year."

Shuleman's head throbbed.

Is he really going to agree to this ridiculous deal?

"Keeping her will cause more harm than good. The stigma of being Nikan Agnes's adopted daughter can only be removed by death."

In other words, no matter how much Nikan disowns her, if they show any sign of taking Nabia in, he will change his mind as easily as turning his hand over.

This unscrupulous act will happen as naturally as water flowing downhill, with the royal family's approval.

"They will register Nabia in Eseleth and marry her to their son to swallow Eseleth."

The events that would unfold if Nabia stayed here were as clear as day.

Sometimes, one is forced to endure even when they know what will happen.