Interlude: Jan
“Mellow! Is Mellow here?!”
While tending to the flowers in the garden, I heard a frantic shout coming from the entrance of the House of Marquis Ragloi. Could that be my lord? I recall there was no plan for his return today, so something must have happened.
As I made my way from the garden to the entrance, I caught sight of my lord just as he was entering the mansion.
“Welcome back, my lord. I apologize for not being here to greet you.”
“Ah, Jan. Where is Mellow?”
It seems he is searching for his son, Mellow. I wonder if something occurred at the castle?
“He should be in his room.”
“I see. Tell him I have something I want to ask, and he should come to the office.”
“Understood.”
Though it is somewhat daunting to approach the ill-tempered Mellow, this is part of my duties, so I cannot refuse. I ascended the stairs to Mellow’s private chamber on the second floor and knocked on the door.
“…Come in.”
Having received permission to enter in a low voice, I opened the door and stepped inside.
“Pardon my intrusion. Mellow, your father is looking for you.”
“Hmm? Father?”
It appears Mellow is just as unaware of the situation.
“Yes. He mentioned he has something he wishes to ask you and requested you come to the office.”
“I see. Understood.”
I too head toward the office to assist my lord. Mellow’s room is quite close. After knocking on the door, it seems my lord is already inside, as I receive permission to enter along with an invitation to step into the room.
“Father. I heard you called for me, but… weren’t you not supposed to return today?”
Mellow, following closely behind me, questions my lord as soon as he enters. My lord does not respond immediately but instead glares at Mellow with a fierce look.
“…!?”
Mellow seems at a loss for words under the intensity of that gaze. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and I can feel my own heart tighten.
“Mellow. You have been abusing slaves and committing acts of violence, haven’t you?”
“—What?”
Mellow’s expression suggests he is confused about the accusation. I had hoped for him to refrain from such abuse, but I assumed my lord was already aware of the situation.
“There is an adventurer who not only witnessed it but was also asked to clean up after you. They petitioned His Majesty the Emperor to punish you for your slave abuse based on their own eyewitness account.”
“…What!?”
Seeing Mellow’s shocked expression, my lord lets out a heavy sigh.
“Your reaction suggests you have some awareness of this, don’t you?”
“A mere C Rank adventurer… petitioned His Majesty directly?!”
Indeed, those individuals were C Rank adventurers. At least when Mellow had given them the request, they were certainly C Rank. But to petition His Majesty directly? What on earth could have transpired?
“That adventurer is no ordinary C Rank. They are an S Rank adventurer who has slain a Sea Emperor Turtle.”
“Wha—!? An S Rank…?!”
Mellow’s tone slips as he stares at my lord, and I find myself looking up to the heavens, covering my forehead with my hand. The Sea Emperor Turtle was a monster that had been causing quite a stir in the town. If they have slain it and received an audience with His Majesty, it is highly likely that discussions of rewards are underway. And to wish for punishment against Mellow on that occasion…
“His Majesty was lamenting as well…! It was a rare opportunity to keep an S Rank adventurer in the Empire, yet they were disheartened by the sheer corruption of the upper echelons!”
My lord’s voice rises in anger, and I can’t help but wonder if that truly is the reason. It feels hard to believe, but I dare not voice my doubts.
“Is that S Rank adventurer truly the one in question?!”
“Silence! Because of you, the reputation of the House of Marquis Ragloi has plummeted! Get out of this mansion immediately!”
“F-Father!”
“I am returning to the castle! The marquisate will be passed on to the second son, so you need not worry.”
“W-Wait! Father!”
As Mellow tries to cling to him, my lord kicks him aside and storms out of the office.
“Mellow… I am deeply sorry. If only I had been more forceful in stopping the abuse of the slaves…”
I had previously hinted at the need to cease the abuse, but now it is too late for regrets.
“Shut up! Don’t act like you’re not at fault! You are equally guilty!”
Mellow’s words pierce my heart. He is absolutely right, and I have no grounds to argue. However, at this point, I must steel myself.
“Yes. As you say, Mellow, I too share the blame. Therefore, I will follow you. We must leave the mansion quickly, so I will prepare at once.”
“W-What do you mean?! Why must I leave the mansion?!”
If His Majesty has been petitioned directly, the knights will surely come to apprehend Mellow without delay. We must escape before that happens.
“Ugh… I see. Then we must hurry… I leave the preparations to you.”
“Understood. Your last command has been duly noted.”
I bowed deeply to Mellow as I explained the situation, and though he seemed momentarily at a loss for words, he quickly grasped the gravity of the situation and began to act.
Phew… Now that we have reached this point, the future of the House of Marquis Ragloi is likely bleak. I have served for many years, but I can no longer tolerate Mellow’s whims.
I shall feign coincidence and hand Mellow over to the knights, then take my leave from the House of Marquis Ragloi.