Chapter 10

Consultation...

"I... accepted it," Arthur answered, looking down.

"What was the content of the consultation?"

Sil asked.

"......"

"? Lord Arthur?"

Arthur clenched the fist on his knee tightly and answered in a weak voice.

"I... didn't listen."

Oh, oh, oh.

In Sil's eyes, a clear look of contempt was visible.

"I see. It seems that Lord Arthur did not manage to build a good relationship with his fiancée."

"Arthur... you..."

Rodry growled in a low, ground-hugging voice.

"That... Is Olivia... Is she... Is she alright? With her body weakened by a serious illness, going into the forest..."

Only now did Arthur worry about Olivia's safety.

"Lady Olivia is not ill. If she appeared to be, it was because she was not given proper meals," Sil continued expressionlessly.

"Without knowing this, Lord Arthur apparently scolded Lady Olivia, saying that because of her illness, she couldn't bear an heir and was not suitable for him," Sil said, folding his hands and smiling.

The interrogation by Shiro and Kuro went surprisingly well. Although there were a few injuries, the servants, out of self-preservation, talked freely like thin paper, explaining in detail Olivia's situation and relationships to the two. Of course, this did not mean their sins would be forgiven.

Arthur's mind went blank.

"..."

In anger, Rodry's right hand gripped the hilt of his sword.

"Well, I can imagine who told you about the illness..."

Sil exhaled slowly.

"Understand this. Lady Olivia is the head of the Sipherd family. Whether in terms of finances or upbringing, if it is the head's will, it is all correct. Why do you, of another family, criticize it? No matter how unjust, the Sipherd territory is governed by the direct line of the Sipherd family. This is recognized by His Majesty the King. To foolishly, just a stud, do such a ridiculous thing..."

Sil threw a bundle of papers in front of the two with a bang.

"Such things have come to light."

Despite the smile, Sil's clearly angry appearance made even Rodry swallow hard. What was written on these papers?

Rodry hesitantly reached for the bundle of papers.

"Half the forest's development, the sale of trees, the construction of a noble-only summer resort, the attraction of merchants, and so on."

Sil calmly announced the contents.

It was a copy of the draft of the forest development project that Arthur had enthusiastically explained to Anna.

Rodry hastily began to read through the materials. After reading for a while, he suddenly shuddered and then stood up, striking Arthur forcefully with the bundle of papers.

"You! Fool!! Fool that you are!!"

"Fa... Father?"

Surprised by the unprecedented outburst, Arthur tried to defend himself with both hands, but Rodry's hand did not stop. Struck repeatedly, the papers in his hand tore and scattered around. Then, letting go of the papers, Rodry punched Arthur's face with all his might.

"Ugh!!"

Arthur collapsed from the sofa, rolling on the floor and hitting his face. His lips were cut, and blood dripped from his nose onto the floor.

"This is beyond the pale. If he wrote this seriously, he is an incredible fool."

Despite the chaos unfolding before him, Sil spoke calmly.

"Such a person! He is not my son! Exile him! No, I will kill him right now!!"

Drawing his sword from his waist, he pointed the tip at Arthur's throat.

"Ah...!!"

Terrified by his father's unprecedented appearance, Arthur lost his words and trembled, sitting back and retreating.

"Now, now, both of you, take your seats."

Clapping his hands, Sil calmly urged the two to sit as if nothing had happened.

"Lord, sheathe your sword. We are not done talking yet."

Gritting his teeth, Rodry exhaled loudly and swung his sword once before sheathing it. Arthur, still reeling from the blows, managed to sit on the sofa, but blood still flowed from his nose and mouth.

"Now, let's continue with the questions. Lord Arthur, do you recognize this ribbon?"

Sil placed a white ribbon in front of the two.

"Anna said she received this from Lord Arthur."

"Huh...?"

Arthur took it and examined it closely. A white ribbon with small flowers and two crowned dragons embroidered in silver thread. It was beautifully artistic, but honestly, Arthur didn't recognize it. He had indeed given many gifts to Anna, but he didn't remember each one precisely. Especially the patterns on women's accessories were indistinguishable to him.

"Indeed, I did give her several gifts... but this... I don't..."

He wasn't sure if he should be honest and glanced at Sil's expression.

"I see. So Lord Arthur gives gifts to his fiancée's sister."

Sil smiled at his gaze.

"Shut... up..."

"Arthur, you, remember this when you get home. Lord Sil, I will take my leave here."

Rodry stood up, unable to hear any more. However,

"You cannot leave until this is confirmed."

Sil said in an unusually stern tone.

"What do you mean by such a ribbon...?"

Rodry snatched the ribbon from Arthur's hand. But the next moment, he froze, eyes wide open.

"Th... This is..."

Sil answered to Rodry's strained voice.

"This ribbon was worn by Anna. A gift from Lord Arthur. Do you understand the meaning of this?"

With a pale face, Rodry grabbed Arthur by the collar and pulled him up.

"You!! What did you do!! How did you get this!!"

"Huh?"

Confused, Arthur stared blankly. Sil pondered, "Hmm, it seems to be Anna's trick. Lord Arthur doesn't seem to recognize it."

Hearing this, Rodry released Arthur and sank deeply into the sofa. Arthur, unable to understand what was happening, sat in a daze.

"That's enough about this. However, Lord Arthur doesn't seem to understand the current situation. Please escort him to Lady Olivia's room."

Sil called to the knight waiting by the door and instructed him to take Arthur to the attic room.

"Ah, and Lord Arthur. Despite your enthusiasm in creating the business plan, the forest will disappear without any action. Make sure to explain this to His Majesty the King."

As Arthur was half-dragged out by the knight, Sil said to him.

"Huh...?"

Arthur looked back at Sil, not understanding.

"Could it be that you didn't teach him the history of Sipherd?"

Sil narrowed his eyes and stared at Rodry.

"Of course not! I've read it to him hundreds of times!!"

He raised his voice in panic.

The neighboring Nolundi Marquis, whose territory was also affected, had always studied the history of Sipherd thoroughly and accurately grasped the current situation.

"Is that so?"

Sil turned his gaze back to Arthur.

"Ah, history...? The legend of Sipherd... the fairy tale... I know..."

The fairy tale he was obligated to read countless times since childhood. Arthur answered with a cut lip.

"I see. A legend, a fairy tale."

Sil raised the corners of his mouth and turned to Rodry.

"Since we're at it, let's include him in Lady Olivia's search party. It will be good for him to see the consequences of his actions. After that, we will take him to the capital."

Rodry nodded silently at his words.

"Kill him...?"

Such a simple solution...

"Indeed, it is a noble solution, but it would be unwise this time. We need to make use of him in the future."

"?"

"The King has already started selecting new candidates for Lady Olivia's engagement. They will want information about her former fiancé, Lord Arthur. Therefore, Arthur will be kept alive. Lord Nolundi, please ensure he does not act foolishly."

"Understood."

"Killing him...?"

Such a simple solution would never be allowed by that person. Show him the shame of living.

The latter part of Sil's whisper did not reach Rodry's ears, which were hanging down.

"The Sipherd territory will be returned to the royal family. It will have a significant impact on your territory, but the aid from the country will be strict, considering the feelings of other nobles. Please endure."

"......"

Rodry nodded silently.

"Who would have thought that the blessing of the spirits, which has lasted for over 200 years, would end in my generation..."

Rodry looked out the window at the forest, regretfully. The trees, which had been lush and green just a moment ago, were already changing color like autumn leaves.

Meanwhile, when Arthur was led to Olivia's room, he was speechless at the scene of the tragedy and the conditions she had been in, tormented by an overwhelming sense of regret.