Chapter 11: Marquis’ pride

Translator: Soafp

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“Pride?”

　The third reason I gave was met with a dubious look from the three of them.

“Yes. My mother’s treatment towards Ghazel and the others was a bit weak for The Rubelzeis. But if you put it another way, it was a polite thing to do, and I don’t think I should blame her for that. In fact, I’m rather proud of it.

　The three of them did not interrupt my words.

“Do you think I can forgive Ghazel and Armada for betraying my mother’s trust? And do you think I can leave it to someone else?”

“I see. …… The Marquis has made his point.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

　When I thanked him, the Duke Fizier opened his mouth.

“But I don’t like the idea of disturbing the order of the law.”

　I narrowed my eyes at Duke Fizier’s words.

“You don’t need to be impressed, sir. My actions may be said to have disturbed the law and order, but my actions have never been seen as such a problem.”

“Hoo, are you saying that the Marquis of Zafing disdains the law and order

“No, I’m saying that there’s no breakdown in law and order.”

“What do you mean?”

　Duke Fizier gives a stern look at my words.

“I told you that it was three years ago that I became aware that Ghazel had poisoned the former Marquis, but there is no disturbance to the law and order if I explain I had no proof.”

“But you did say that in front of us, didn’t you? Are you saying that you’re lying to the king and the Crown Prince?”

“Yes, what about it?”

“Wha…..Does Sir know what you are talking about?”

　I can feel the anger in Duke Fizier’s voice, but for me it is nothing to be concerned about.

“What harm can come to the King, the Crown Prince, if I say it is not true?”

“?”

“Nothing.”

“……”

　None of the three responded to my assertion. As long as there is no harm done, there is no need to worry about it.

　Nevertheless, I see that the Duke Fizier has a desire to maintain a superior relationship with me in the future.

“In fact, it would be a great loss to the country if I let the state dispose of Ghazel”

“…… What do you mean?”

“I would have lost the trust of the RubelZeis and the others. “The new Leader is so powerless that he would be forced to hand over his mother’s murderer to the state. ……”Is what they would say”

Duke Fizier is silent again at my words.

“As I said earlier, to lead the Rubelzeis, one must have absolute power. And to lead them, you need to have the pride of a leader. With all due respect, Duke Fizier does not understand this point.”

“……”

“Three years ago, I realized that I hadn’t reported this to the government, which prevented me from taking control of Rubelzeis, which would have negatively impacted my mission. I think that’s more important than the country bringing the little bastards to justice.”

“……”

“In addition, I have followed the formal procedure of judging the commoners of my domain on the authority as a lord. That’s all there is to it. What exactly is the problem?”

　I glanced at Arzais. I didn’t miss the slight slackening of Arzais’ mouth when he caught my gaze.

“I understand what the Marquis of Zafing has to say. But how do you excuse making false reports to the royals?”

“As long as no harm was done, there is no need to excuse it. Or do you prefer a hellish world where lies are unforgivable……?”

“…….”

　Alzais was silent at my words. Lying is said to be a bad thing, but it can also be a form of kindness, something that is necessary for the smooth running of human relations.

　He knows it’s just sophistry, but there’s no doubt that this kind of sophistry is surprisingly effective against smart people. Stupidity is the opposite of indisputable.

“Or do you want to get rid of me and create an organization from scratch to replace the Rubelzeis? Or would you like to expand the size of the Dark Ministry under the direct control of the royal family to replace the Rubelzeis?”

“I don’t have the time for that kind of hassle.”

“The loyalty of my House, Zafing, to the Crown will remain unchanged. If you doubt that, I’m afraid I’ll have to …….”

“Marquis of Zafing, that’s enough.”

　He raised one hand to block my words and continued.

“I have no intention of punishing Marquis of Zafing. It’s a small price to pay if he can keep his loyalty by simply cutting off his father and stepmother. …… No, it’s pointless to even consider it.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Ilzam, Prime Minister, do you have any objections?

“I have no objection”

“I also have no objection.”

Ilzam and Duke Fizier agreed with Alzais. I guess he didn’t intend to take it so seriously in the first place.

“You are not as blindly obedient as your predecessors, are you, Marquis of Zafing?”

“What my people needs from me is not just a puppet to be followed blindly.”

“Indeed. You can say that the Zafings have earned the trust of the people because they do not follow blindly. I approve of the execution of the second marquis and his wife. The matter of the new Viscount’s guardianship and the matter with the Countess of Serenity can be done as the Marquis wishes.”

“Thank you, sir.”

　I bowed and walked toward the door. As far as I’m concerned, now that I have permission, my business is done.

　I thought I had conveyed in my speech that my trust in royalty does not mean blind obedience, and I believe that His Majesties received my intention.

“Well, first things first, I’ve got to get rid of them.”

　I left the castle with a smile on my face.

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