I'm Trying to End This Possession

* * *

Mark’s POV

Bang! I hit the desk.

 

“Damn it!” I felt like I was going crazy with humiliation.

 

The sudden appearance of Danae Windsor, a direct descendant of the Windsor, was causing turmoil in the territory.

 

Those damn merchants. Chameleon-like creatures. Traitorous scoundrels!

 

They had been loyal to the Kuruz family all this time! But now they were siding with the Windsor direct line just because they appeared!

 

Ignorant peasants. Like pigs and dogs, they wag their tail just because they got some food!

 

The villagers were also detestable. It was the Kuruz family that had protected this territory until now, and yet they were cheering just because they received some free food! Vermin who don’t recognize their master!

 

“T-There is some food stored in the castle’s food warehouse for now…”

 

“Right, we can hold on with that!”

 

“I-Is that okay? There’s only enough meat for two days.”

 

What? No meat? Does that mean no meat in two days?

 

“Fine! Then I’ll go hunting by myself!”

 

But…

 

I bit my lip.

 

What if the castle is taken while he’s out hunting? Hadn’t I already realized how fickle the loyalty of the villagers was? If they were given money or free food, the castle gates could be opened!

 

Trash like b*stards!

 

Besides, the banquet is in a week. For the first time, I had sent out invitations with my name engraved on them, and if no food was served? If only corn or bits of bread were served? My authority will collapse!

 

I paced the room frantically, thinking. Should I make a contract with a new merchant? I can use this opportunity to establish a new supplier!

 

But for that, I would have to go out by myself. I had never left this territory in my life. So, going out was a bit daunting. And there’s not enough time. Even if I find a new supplier, the banquet is in a week…

 

Ahhh! I screamed in frustration, kicking the wall. There was no way out. I admitted the grim reality with a sigh.

 

I’ll have to let Windsor’s direct lineage into the castle.  For now, I’ll pretend to cater to them. And then, get rid of them as quickly as possible!

 

But what excuse should I use? My pride wouldn’t allow me to invite them into the castle now!

 

At that moment, as if reading my thoughts, Priest Morius brought news. “It just so happens that Lady Allice Windsor has arrived.”

 

“Allice Windsor? Is she also a direct descendant?”

 

When I asked curiously, Priest Morius nodded.

 

“So why not use that as an excuse to let Danae Windsor in? Say you’re opening the gates to show kindness to Lady Allice Windsor.”

 

“Good idea!” I clapped my hands. “Send a carriage! Tell them I admire Lady Allice Windsor and am letting the Windsor direct line into the castle for her!”

 

* * *

Dana’s POV

It was really a busy day. But the hardest part was, as always,

 

“Saintess!”

 

Enduring this ridiculous title.

 

Who came up with this nickname? It’s annoying.

 

The most difficult part was enduring the embarrassment that made me want to shrink. And.

 

“Sob, sob, sob.”

 

“…”

 

Why is she here again?

 

Allice had been sniffling continuously since earlier. She had fallen on her butt and gotten a bruise or something.

 

“Sorry, sorry, Allice. It’s my fault.”

 

“Sob, sob, Brother Rumie, I hate you. How could you do this to me?”

 

“There were so many people. I was on edge, not knowing when or how Dana might be attacked.”

 

“I’m, your, sob, sister, sob.”

 

I could go crazy. I felt like gagging Allice to shut her up.

 

Who sent this crybaby here? Viego wouldn’t have sent Allice!

 

Then Carl? No, it wouldn’t be Carl either. That man might be a villain, but he’s not stupid.

 

That gave me a headache.

 

“Allice, listen. This matter is very important for the Windsor family.”

 

Sob, Allice looked at me with red, rabbit-like eyes.

 

“The acting lord of Windsor has rebelled. And it’s more serious than expected. They haven’t let any of Windsor’s direct line into the castle.”

 

“W-What? Really?”

 

“Yes. That’s why we’re staying at this rented house now.”

 

Fortunately, Allice seemed to realize how serious the situation was. So she’s not a complete fool. I was about to breathe a sigh of relief.

 

“A messenger from the castle has arrived!”

 

Priest Morius had come.

 

“The lord invites the Windsor direct line to the castle.” And he added without being asked. “Lord Mark has always admired Lady Allice Windsor. Please grant us the honor of bringing her to the castle.”

 

I saw through the ploy instantly. It’s just an excuse to not hurt his pride. However,

 

“Oh my!”

 

Allice’s eyes sparkled like stars.

 

“M-Me?”

 

“Yes!”

 

At that moment, Allice realized. I solved it.  The castle gates that were firmly closed when Sister Dana came alone. But they opened because of her. With a confession of admiration!

 

“O-Okay. I will—”

 

“Go back.”

 

Just as Allice was about to speak in delight, I cut her off firmly. “We’re not entering the castle. Go back.”

 

“Sister? What are you saying!”

 

Allice was shocked and interrupted. The castle gates had finally opened, and now they weren’t going in?!

 

But I ignored her completely and commanded Priest Morius. “If you really want us to enter, tell Count Kuruz’s heir to come here himself. Until then…”

 

“No, we’ll go in!” Allice hurriedly tugged at my hem and shouted. “We’ll go in, so please wait outside for a moment!”

 

“…”

 

Priest Morius left the mansion with a peculiar expression, no longer persuading.

 

And then.

 

“Sister, why are you doing this?” Allice reproached me. “Are you upset because the gates opened because of me?”

 

“What?”

 

“Sister, this is important, like you said. You should put your emotions aside…”

 

“…”

 

I took a deep breath. Otherwise, I might lose my temper and rip out Allice’s hair.

 

“Allice. Listen carefully. The admiration thing is just an excuse. He wants to preserve his pride now.”

 

“Uh?”

 

“But what’s needed now is to make Mark Kuruz discard his pride himself. We have to make him bow down and surrender completely. He has to come here himself and beg us to enter the castle.”

 

Until then, I planned to cut off all supplies to the castle. Not just luxury goods but even basic necessities, thoroughly isolating them. I hope she understands now.

 

But that was a mistake.

 

“I-I… want to enter the castle.” Allice insisted with a stubborn expression. “They invited us kindly. I don’t want to ignore their goodwill.”

 

“Allice Windsor. Didn’t you understand what I said?”

 

“I understood. But I don’t agree with Sister’s way.”

 

“What?”

 

“I want to resolve this peacefully. Without anyone getting hurt, with smiles on our faces.”

 

“…”

 

“Isn’t this a chance for that? Mark Kuruz extended his hand first.” Allice clasped her hands. “I want to take his hand.”

 

At that moment, Rumie, who had been listening quietly, burst out laughing. “Ahahaha!”

 

“B-Brother?”

 

“Ah, sorry. I just couldn’t help but laugh…”

 

My insides were burning.

 

Right. It’s funny. It can’t help but be funny.

 

Please, stop laughing and say something. She’s your younger sister! I looked at him with such eyes, but Rumie didn’t seem to have any intention of intervening. He was watching with his chin resting on his hand as if enjoying a play!

 

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