Chapter 67: I Declared My Resolve.
《Serios’s Side》
The imposing gates of the Everett Dukedom slowly creaked open. This was my second visit. However, this time was different from the last.
Within my heart, I held resolve.
I came here to show Duke Everett precisely what he sought from me.
“Please come in, Serios von Aegrid-sama.”
Guided by the Dukedom’s Butler, I proceeded into the mansion’s interior. Its lavish decorations spoke volumes of the wealth and power it flaunted.
However, I wasn’t naive enough to be distracted by such things. This time, I hadn’t come as an equal, but to stand one step above.
“We have been expecting you, Aegrid-dono.”
At the far end of the hall, Duke Everett, seated on a dignified chair, greeted me. His eyes were sharp, staring as if to test my resolve.
“Thank you for granting me your time, Duke Everett.”
I spoke while giving a bow. The intimidating aura surrounding the Duke was as potent as ever. But this time, I wouldn’t yield an inch.
“During my previous visit, I was greatly indebted to you. And this time… I have come to speak about the ‘resolve’ your House seeks.”
“…”
The Duke gave a faint smile. That smile was deeply tinged with a testing quality.
“Aegrid-dono, first, let me hear it. The reason you appear before me, tell me that.”
To that question, I met his gaze unflinchingly.
“I’ll be direct. Please allow me to welcome Lady Claris as my wife.”
“Hoh.”
Duke Everett, who had been leaning forward solidly, looking at me, now leaned back, resting his weight against the chair.
“Regarding what Your Grace the Duke has done up to now, and also the clandestine maneuvers to maintain your House’s influence. I had Emma investigate them.”
“Hmm, knowing that, you still wish to take Claris as your wife?”
“Yes!”
“Then speak. What kind of ‘deeds’ do you claim I have committed?”
To that provocation, I answered without any hesitation.
“First, the rumors that your House imposed tyrannical rule within its domain. I’ve judged these to be unfounded. However, regarding the exploitation of resources from my adjacent territory, the domination of trade routes, and the manipulation of legislation within the Kingdom through bribery—for these, there is clear evidence.”
“…”
The Duke remained silent, yet a flicker of interest showed deep within his eyes.
“Furthermore, the exertion of influence through loans to various lords, including members of the Royal Family. This too has been confirmed. It’s clear that many nobles are indebted to your House.”
The Duke smiled, looking amused. That composure, paradoxically, made me feel the unfathomable depth of this man.
“But what of it? Do you intend to complain about my methods?”
“No.”
I answered immediately.
“I didn’t come here to condemn you. Rather, I came to respond regarding the resolve you seek.”
“Resolve, you say?”
“Your Grace the Duke, you intend to use Lady Claris’s broken engagement to reposition her as a new piece on the board, don’t you?”
At that remark, the Duke’s eyes narrowed.
“…Continue.”
“Marrying her off to other influential nobles within the Kingdom, or perhaps to royalty from another country, thereby maintaining the Everett House’s influence. I believe that is your House’s aim.”
The Duke sat up straighter, fixing me with his sharp gaze.
“How does that relate to your ‘resolve’?”
“You asked me, ‘You haven’t shown your resolve.’ The meaning behind that is because what I am aiming for isn’t clear.”
“Hmm…”
These words must be what it means to show resolve.
“I swear here and now. No matter the sacrifice, I will attain the position you desire.”
“Hoh, do you understand the meaning of what you’re saying?”
I took a step forward and looked the Duke straight in the eye.
“Yes, if you tell me to become King, then I shall even become King.”
A silence fell for a moment after my words.
“You understand that your current statement is an act of treason against the Kingdom, and you’re saying it knowingly, are you not?”
“Of course!”
“Why do you show such resolve?”
“It is for Claris.”
I answered immediately.
“At the academy, and during her engagement with royalty, she certainly strove to protect your House’s honor. I was saved by her! And I want to welcome her by my side.”
Silence enveloped the hall. In that stillness, the Duke stared at me for a while.
Then, he slowly opened his mouth.
“Serios von Aegrid…”
His voice was imbued with a profound emotion unlike any I had heard from him before.
“Your words, I have certainly heard them. That resolve, you have shown it to me.”
At the Duke’s words, I swallowed hard.
“I’ll give Claris to you. However, your statement about rebelling against the Royal Family was careless.”
“…”
“But, it’s interesting! You’ll make me the father of a King, won’t you?”
“Yes, if that is what you desire, I will make it happen. Even if it is a path of evil, I am prepared to walk it.”
“Kuku, very well. Then I shall support you. This is a gamble. However, Claris will be disinherited.”
“…”
“It is to show compliance with the Royal Family. I will give Claris to you, but I will have her disinherited. That is the decision. If you cannot accept that, then this discussion is over.”
The Duke’s smile held a softness I had never seen before. I felt it was proof that he acknowledged my resolve.
This battle has only just begun. But I am certain.
If I can get the Duke on my side, a path will surely open.
“Understood. Thank you very much!”
“It has only just begun. More than anything, you have only declared it with your mouth. Nothing has been set in motion. Know that I can cut you loose at any time.”
“I understand.”
I stood up and left the room. My feet carried me swiftly down the corridor, heading towards Claris’s room.
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Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today!
See you tomorrow! I want to reach 5000 stars~ ( ; ; )