Chapter 61

"Milord, I have dirtied the garden, and there is no excuse for my actions. Please impose any punishment you see fit."

Marius bowed his head to the marquis. Although the ground here is soil and can be easily replaced, this matter would not end so simply. However, the marquis did not get angry. Despite the grim scene, he smiled and said,

"No, there's no need to worry. Indeed, your sword skills were remarkable in defeating the 'thief,' my lord."

He called Marius 'my lord' instead of 'sir,' which meant the marquis had recognized him as a baron. By referring to Karel as a 'thief,' the marquis had effectively excluded him from the Aimur family.

"However, I have brought shame to our house. If anything should happen in the future, please do not hesitate to let me know."

"Hmm. If you say so, I will remember it. Hey, you two over there."

The marquis nodded at Marius, who was bowing his head again, and called out to the two men Karel had brought.

"Y-Yes."

"W-What is it?"

The two men seemed completely at a loss as to what had happened. Unlike us, who had anticipated this to some extent, they were completely caught off guard.

"What happened here is to be kept secret. If you leak it... you understand, don't you?"

The marquis threatened them with a particularly menacing voice. As expected, the two men nodded vigorously, trembling with fear. Poor them.

"Alright. Hey, someone!"

The marquis called a servant to take the two men away. It would be better for them as well. We left the courtyard and returned to the room we had been in. The servants of the marquis's household would clean up afterward.

Marius's brief, sad look at Karel, who was left behind, was particularly striking.

Back in the room, the marquis and Marius began discussing the future plans. We could have left, and the marquis seemed to want us to, but Marius insisted,

"I cannot say much to you, Milord, and it pains me greatly, but they have the right to know everything that has happened."

The marquis agreed, and we ended up staying.

First, Marius would inherit the Aimur family and the baron's title. This would happen within a week. Although there would be no grand ceremony, there would be a private celebration, so I would need to send Diana home soon. I would have to discuss the details with Marius and Camillo later.

Next, regarding Karel's disposition. His body would be secretly buried in the Aimur family tomb, but officially, he would be said to have gained wisdom and would travel to various countries to assist Marius in the future. This would be done to gain the unreserved support of the townspeople, and his identity would be kept hidden, so no special treatment or prying would be necessary. Normally, a baron's family member visiting another country would require appropriate hospitality, but this would not be necessary, and he would not be a spy, so they could rest assured.

These were the summarized conclusions, and the Aimur family's troubles would be settled with this.

"Then, I leave it in your hands, Milord."

"Indeed. I leave it to you as well."

Marius and the marquis stood up and shook hands. The meeting, which had taken some time, was now over. I stood up, feeling relieved but not showing it on my face. The marquis then called out to me.

"By the way, does your guest have any knowledge of swordsmanship?"

He asked, looking at me with a piercing gaze.

"No, not particularly."

I answered, my heart racing. I really didn't want this after everything was over.

"Just now, you were the first to react to that one's movements. I thought you might have some skill, so I asked."

"Hmm... I can swing a sword for self-defense, but it's far from what could be called swordsmanship."

As I said this, the marquis's eyes narrowed, and his presence became more intimidating.

"Well, let's leave it at that. If there's ever an opportunity, I would like to spar with you."

"No, no, my skills are far too poor for that. Please spare me..."

I bowed my head, sweating profusely. The marquis laughed and left the room.

"Wow, Aizou, you're amazing."

After the marquis left, Marius spoke to me, completely different from his formal demeanor earlier, as if talking to a friend.

"What do you mean?"

I didn't understand what was so impressive. I had just been flustered.

"During the last part, the marquis was exerting a lot of pressure, but you handled it smoothly, didn't you?"

"Really?"

Yes, I had felt some pressure, but...

"That's something most people couldn't even speak under."

"Even I, standing next to you, felt it quite strongly, yet you answered normally without any sign of it."

Camilo chimed in, agreeing with Marius. That was such a big deal?

"The marquis is a man of martial prowess. He has led the extermination of great demons and even led the charge himself. So, he was pressuring you to gauge your skill. He's quite a sly one."

"That's... quite something."

"Don't worry, he's not a bad person. I'll also pass you off as a guest in disguise."

"I really appreciate that."

I couldn't bear the thought of attracting more troublesome people. I sincerely hoped Marius would do well.