Chapter 22: The Marquis’ mind is not distracted.

Translator: Soafp

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“As expected of Ace-dono.”

　Looking over the report, I naturally marveled at the fact that the succession of the Count of Serenity had gone off without a hitch.

“He really is an amazing person to take over the Count’s title in a week.”

　Roy must have heard my voice and guessed that Ace had taken over as the Count of Serenity. There is an echo of admiration in his voice, as well as mine.

“I thought he was insane when he changed it to a week when Giorg-sama said a month, but he really did it in a week, that’s a formidable feat.”

“Yeah, I’ve always thought highly of Ace-dono, but I didn’t expect this.”

“The royal residence can be taken over immediately, but how did he do it for the estate?”

“Probably put it off until later.”

“Later?”

“Yes, it’s true that Ace-dono didn’t need to spend a month on it.”

“The marriage of Leon and Fiona?”

　I nodded at Roy’s words.

“I had intended to announce the marriage after Fiona’s expulsion, but I suppose Ace-dono considered the danger of announcing the marriage before the expulsion.”

“I see…The first step is to seize the title. And then, after that, he would take control of the territory.”

“Yes, it is likely that there will be no news of Ace-dono succeeding to the Count’s throne in the realm.”

“And then, when they are completely ready, they will announce it to the people of the estate. …… But is it really okay to do that?”

“In normal circumstances, this would be a bad idea, but the current situation of the Serenity family it’s unusual, so it has to be done.”

“Will this work?”

　When Roy asked, I immediately shook my head. What Roy means by it being useful is whether it can be used as a move to get rid of Ace. For Roy, it is a basic idea to be prepared for various situations.

“No, I don’t think so. There’s no reason for me to oust Ace-dono at this point. Even if he were to antagonize me in the future, it would be pointless because by then I would have complete control of the entire house.”

“Not even an ant hole?”

“Yeah, you should refrain from looking at Ace-dono on the same level as Ghazel. I will win in the end, but great cost.”

“So he is not strong enough to be feared, but weak enough to be underestimated.”

“That’s the way it is.”

“A troublesome man has become the Count. Maybe it would have been better if the previous idiot had stayed as the Count.”

“If it was a hostile force, yes. But if the Serenity family is on our side, that idiot will be a problem for us.”

“It’s true that an incompetent ally is much more trouble than a competent enemy.”

　I nodded at Roy’s reply with a wry smile. As Roy said, incompetent allies are of far worse quality than competent enemies. It’s almost as if they’re sent by the opposing camp to drag you down.

“Excuse me.”

　Aisha then bowed and came into the office. She walked in front of me, bowed again, and gave her report.

“The escort of the two condemned prisoners has been completed.”

“I see. Four days to the territorial capital of Legnos?”

“Yes. They will be executed in one week.”

“Hmm, I’ll be leaving for Legnos in three days. Aisha, I want you to give the heads of the provinces a heads-up.”

“As you wish”

“Also, order the new Viscounts Kalmais and Edior to come to Legnos.”

“As you wish. Afterall…..you want them to see it?”

“Yes, and make sure they never think of disobeying us again.”

“You’re right.”

“You don’t look happy.”

　Aisha looked horrified at my question. Roy is looking at it with a grin on his face. What’s so funny? I wondered, but didn’t mention it.

“No, I was wondering if …… Giorg-sama was overworking yourself….”

　Aisha said to me as if she cared about me.

“I’m fine. I’m maybe related to that man by blood, but other than that, I have nothing to do with him. Rather, I see it as a necessary rite of passage for the rest of my life.”

“Yes. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

“That’s okay. It’s your concern for me that keeps me in line.”

“Your kind words are a waste on me”

　Aisha replies to my words as if she is afraid. At the same time, Roy had a look of boredom on his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“No,…..you’ve struck out once again. …… Whoa!”

　Roy flinched heavily again. Aisha threw a high speed back fist and he ducked it.

“Don’t avoid it. It’s too much troublesome.”

“I’ll break my nose if I didn’t. …… Troublesome?”

“Roy, if you ever say anything you don’t mean, ……”

“I get it, don’t be so short fused, okay?”

“Yeah. There is no rush to kill you. You may be frivolous, but your skills are top-notch.”

“I’m embarrassed by that compliment.”

“That’s a happy thought process. I could learn from you.”

“I’ve never heard such a heartless compliment before.”

　I was almost blown away by their exchange. I’m going to execute my own father. It may be a terrible crime in the normal sense of the word. But for me, my family is the Zafings, the people who support me, and Ghazel is not part of that. That may be unfortunate, but I don’t perceive it as unfortunate because they are all there.

　I can be as ruthless as I want to be to protect my family. The execution of Ghazel had not disturbed me in the least, I confirmed.

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