Chapter 124: Plan (I)

Translator: AdCaelum

Editor: Evelet

QC: Adel

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Thank you Yuki-Snack for the ko-fi! Welcome to the start of the next arc~!

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Six days after Leca’s harvest festival, Gary stood in a corner of the mansion in Nada, facing Duke Erst Lesserhain in his office.

“My lord, what do you think?” Gary asked, nervously watching Erst drink the Leca flower-infused liquor.

“I can see why you insist this is an emergency. What an amazing discovery.” With just one sip, Erst noticed that his mana had instantly recovered. He narrowed his blue eyes and his gaze flickered to Gary. “So… why are you reporting this, and not Violant?”

“My lord! Lord Violant has declared that he plans to report this not to you but the royal family.”

“The royal family?” Erst furrowed his brow. “Is a son not obliged to report this to his father, a reeve to report it to the lord? Yet he would go to the royal family without my acknowledgement? Did he give you his reasoning?”

“He claimed that it would be too much for a lord to handle. And that we must demonstrate our loyalty to the crown.”

“Too much for the greatest lord in Istiah to handle? How ridiculous…” Erst growled and looked outside the window. “From the blessings of the great spirits do countries rise… They have the throne because of the blessing, but true power can come from somewhere else. A source that even the royal family cannot ignore: wealth.”

Erst rang a bell and ordered the summoned servant to call for Rupheus. After some time, Rupheus arrived.

“Father, did you call for me?” Rupheus stepped inside, noticed Gary’s state, and frowned. “Is something the matter?”

“Yeah.” Erst jerked his chin at the desk to tell his son to try the Leca flower-infused liquor.

Although a bit hesitant, Rupheus drank and opened his eyes wide in shock. “This is—!”

“Apparently, Leca flowers and alcohol go well together. Violant planned to report this secret directly to the royal family.”

“What?! To the royal family?! We should monopolize and sell it at a high price as a panacea. I’m certain we can secure greater profits than the king ever could. There is no reason to disclose the secret.”

“I agree.” Erst ordered Rupheus, “Head to Leca with the Ravens. Leave several behind to monitor the town and take the rest to apprehend Violant. Bring him to me, but if he resists, go ahead and kill him.” Rupheus opened his eyes in shock at this. Erst continued, unfazed. “Understand? We must not let this secret leave our land, let alone fall into the king’s hands. Bear that in mind!”

“Yes, Father! I shall depart at once!” Rupheus bowed and quickly left the office, his blue eyes glowing with ferocity.

Gary stood there, having given his report, so Erst ordered him, “Use thoroughbred horses, falcons, anything to inform my retainers to promptly blockade all roads. Inquire if anyone resembling Violant has been spotted on the eastern route in particular as that is the quickest way to the royal capital.”

“My lord, as you wish.”

Gary ran out in a hurry and the mansion was quickly thrown into chaos. Erst stared at the liquor and began running through future plans. Just then, Viola, who had noticed the commotion, rushed over to his office.

“My dear?” she addressed him. “I heard that you ordered for Violant’s arrest? What exactly is going on?”

“According to Gary’s report, that fool betrayed us.”

“Oh my! You would believe a seneschal’s words over your own son’s?” Viola laid bare her anger, but Erst calmly shook his head.

“This time only, I will not heed your wishes.” He called out, “Is there anyone around?”

“My lord, you called?” A knight appeared.

Erst ordered him, “Until I give permission, you must not let Viola or Flora out of their rooms. Take her away. Gently, of course.”

“Dear?! Are you placing me and our daughter under room arrest?!”

Viola turned pale, and Erst kindly explained, “It’s for your safety. I’ll explain more after you’ve calmed down.” He turned to the knight, “Go, take her to her room.”

Although hesitant, the knight escorted Viola out of the office. Viola’s voice calling Erst’s name gradually faded into the distance.

“Viola, I’m sorry. I cannot let the royal family know this secret. I know you will feel frustrated about this… but forgive me.” Erst muttered to himself in the now empty room. He sat down on the sofa by the window and stewed in his thoughts.

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A/N: The start of Arc 5: Leca Liquor and Riot. Enjoy!

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