Chapter 64
Five days later, at the Solobis family estate, someone from the north came after a long period of no contact. He was a man dressed in a neat suit.
“…Who are you?”
The Solobis family had long moved from their townhouse in the central area to a smaller mansion on the outskirts of the capital. The only reason Count Solobis was able to survive was that he was still close to the Emperor. The Emperor kept Count Solobis close because of Charlotte. Charlotte was the Emperor’s pawn planted in the north. He could frame Charlotte for a crime and shift the blame onto the Duke.
In this precarious situation, a visitor from the north had arrived. It was natural for Count Solobis to feel uneasy.
Count Solobis, with his scruffy beard, greeted the man.
“Did Charlotte do something? Did something happen in the north?”
“No, that’s not it. I’ve come to inform you of something important.”
The man bowed his head.
“…Who sent you?”
“I was sent by a loyalist from the north. I cannot reveal who, as my role is only to deliver the news.”
Count Solobis frowned. If something was being kept secret, it usually meant there was much to hide.
“Tell me the news.”
“Are you aware that the Duke and Duchess have improved their relationship lately?”
“…The Duke and Duchess are getting along?”
This was new information. The rumors of their constant discord had spread throughout the social circles in the capital. Count Solobis remembered how Charlotte had supposedly wounded the Duke’s face, and that she had become infertile. These rumors about their troubled relationship had been ongoing. But now, their relationship was improving? For what reason?
“That can’t be. You’re just speaking nonsense. If you’re trying to deceive me for money…”
“That’s not it. It’s true that their relationship has improved. I believe it’s because of Theo Istheria.”
Count Solobis frowned. Theo Istheria? Why would that sickly child from the north have anything to do with it?
When the Duke and Charlotte had married, they were both hopeful. Charlotte had brought a large dowry, and they had witnessed the wealth of the north firsthand. If Charlotte could just bear children, they believed they would gain a lot. But Theo had always been an obstacle. Count Solobis had hoped for his quick death.
“Has he died?”
“No, he’s actually gotten healthier. And it seems that the Duchess was involved in that.”
“…Charlotte learned medicine?”
The man looked around before lowering his head. This caused Count Solobis to lower his head as well. The man spoke in a low voice.
“It’s divine power, my lord. I believe the Duchess has divine power. Though it’s been kept secret, no one dares to speak of it.”
“Divine… power?”
At those words, Count Solobis felt a surge of energy, as if his exhausted body had suddenly awakened. He grabbed the man’s wrist and dragged him inside.
Slamming the door shut, Count Solobis grabbed the man by the shoulder.
“Is this the truth? If it’s a lie, you will pay with your life.”
“My master doesn’t make up lies.”
“Divine power, huh.”
Count Solobis’s eyes sparkled. If that was true, he had sold Charlotte for far too little!
A sly grin appeared on his lips.
Perhaps this could be a new way out for him.
Count Solobis’s eyes shone with excitement.
“If that’s true, then I now have a reason to go to the north.”
The man bowed his head.
“I’ve been wondering how my daughter is doing as well.”
Even if the divine power wasn’t real, if the Duke and Duchess had grown closer, Count Solobis might still receive some support.
Count Solobis smiled slyly.
Meanwhile, a grand meeting of the northern nobles was taking place. Cassius was using his authority as a northern lord to call the nobles to the meeting.
Any noble living in the north had to answer the Duke’s summons, unless they were near death.
Count Mers gritted his teeth. His broken leg still hadn’t healed enough for him to attend the meeting, but he couldn’t miss it.
Count Mers hobbled into the room with a crutch, unable to draw attention.
“Ah, Count Mers!”
“Ah, Baron Lumens.”
Count Mers stopped and greeted Baron Lumens.
“What happened to your leg? It seems you’ve had quite the trouble while I’ve been away!”
“Tch. As I grow older, my eyesight’s failing. I tripped down the stairs.”
Count Mers sighed.
“That’s why Count Mers’s wife hasn’t been out lately.”
“My wife’s been struggling too.”
In reality, Count Mers had been keeping his wife indoors to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
“I’ll walk slowly beside you.”
“Thank you.”
Count Mers and Baron Lumens entered the meeting hall together. Many people had already gathered there.
“It seems the Duke isn’t here yet.”
“He’s a busy man, so he’ll probably arrive late.”
“Ah, Count.”
Baron Lumens helped Count Mers sit down and then leaned in, speaking in a low voice.
“Have you noticed that Janice hasn’t been in touch lately? Tch. What is she up to now?”
“Hmm.”
Count Mers cleared his throat, thinking about Janice, who had visited not long ago. He had always known that she was sly and manipulative.
“She’s probably plotting something again.”
“I hope she has something to gain from it. She’s still not married, and she doesn’t have any significant titles, but she sure knows how to use her head.”
Count Mers didn’t deny it.
As the two continued chatting, more people arrived, and eventually, Cassius made his entrance. The nobles bowed their heads slightly.
“It’s been a while since we’ve all gathered. I hope you’ve all been well.”
“Yes, Your Excellency!”
Cassius smiled slyly.
“I assume everyone is aware that an unexpected disaster has befallen the north.”
“Are you talking about the monsters?”
Cassius nodded gravely.
“They’ve disappeared, but they didn’t cross the gate. They’re definitely still watching us from somewhere. There was a battle between the snow beasts and the monsters, and one of them was killed while others were injured, so they’re likely recovering now.”
“Then shouldn’t we immediately search the forest and eliminate them?”
“Are you going to do that?”
Cassius stared coldly at the man who had spoken. The man didn’t look like he had ever held a sword in his life. The man lowered his head and avoided eye contact.
“The search is ongoing at a manageable pace. I hope everyone will continue to help maintain order in the north and care for the people.”
“Yes, Your Excellency!”
Cassius slowly scanned the room before fixing his gaze on Count Mers.
“Count Mers, you don’t look well.”
“I recently tumbled down some stairs, and my ligament got stretched, so I’m still recovering.”
“I see.”
Cassius squinted his eyes. Count Mers was also on the suspect list for having kidnapped Charlotte.
“I see.”
Cassius’s voice grew colder, but no one noticed.
“Count Mers.”
“Yes?”
When his name was called again, Count Mers looked at Cassius with nervous eyes.
“I apologize for bringing up this matter while you’re recovering.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
At Cassius’s gesture, servants rushed in with piles of documents, soon covering the space around Count Mers.
“What is all this?”
“These are records of the crimes you’ve committed. More specifically, the deeds you’ve done that have been ruining the north, like a rat.”
