Chapter 26: The Marquis wields his blade in retaliation ④

Translator: Soafp

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　That day, 14 people gathered at the Zafing residence were chatting in a friendly atmosphere.

　There were nine males and five females, ranging in age from around fifty at the top to just over twenty at the bottom.

“Giorg-sama has finally become the Marquis of Zafing.”

“Yes, it’s been a long time. I’ve never felt so helpless to avenge Elphil-sama’s death in front of my eyes as I have now.”

“If it hadn’t been for Giorg-sama’s order, I would have wiped out not only those scum, but their entire family.”

“Dorothea, that’s right.”

“But we all have information that we are curious about, don’t we?

　We all nodded quietly at the words of a man in his mid-forties.

“It’s about that scum’s family, isn’t it?”

“The new leader is too loose with them. Some of my men are getting upset, saying that the new leader is too loose with them.”

“I know for a fact that some of my people are uneasy about Giorg-sama.”

“We’ll see about that, alright?”

　All of them nodded to the man’s words.

　Concon ……

　A butler bows his head when there is a knock at the door. It was Vance, the head butler of the Zafing residence in the territorial capital of Legnos.

　When they saw Vance, they stood up and bowed. Vance is not only the head butler of the Zafing family, but he is also a leader of the group Rubelzeis.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience. The Yakata-sama is coming.”

　As everyone nodded in agreement to Vance’s words, Giorg came in.

　They all bowed in unison to him, and he motioned to them to be seated. Everyone took their seats, following Giorg’s order.

“Welcome. I am Giorg, Marquis of Zafing, and head of Ruberzeis, Giorg-Leom-Zafing.”

“Yes! Congratulations on your new position as leader.”

　A man in his early fifties stood up and congratulated Giorg on his new position. Giorg nodded and the man sat down.

“I’m delighted to hear Elance’s congratulations.”

“Your kind words are much appreciated, sir.”

“Well, the reason I called you here today is to apologize.”

　At Giorg’s words, a momentary look of doubt flashed across the faces of the executives of Rubelzeis

“Giorg-sama, what do you mean by apology ……?”

　Elance asks Giorg on behalf of the group.

“There are two apologies. The first is for the assassination of the previous leader, Elphil, up until today.”

“……”

“It took five years for me to take over after my predecessor was assassinated by those same people. During that time, they were in a precarious situation. I must apologize for putting you in such an uneasy situation due to the mess of Zafing, who is responsible for controlling you.”

　The executives remained silent at Giorg’s words.

“This is undoubtedly the fault of the Zafings. We were only carelessness that allowed such foolish people to join the Zafing family. As the head of Rubelzeis, we are dealing with the intelligence agencies of various countries, the underworld, and there is no way we can be harmed by amateurs.”

“……”

The expressions on the faces of the executives grew tense at Giorg’s words. Giorg’s words were that the Zafings had suffered heavy losses due to carelessness. What about him? He felt as if he were being asked.

“I hereby declare to you, gentlemen. If the Zafings prove to be unworthy of being your masters in the future, you may disown them at any time.”

“Wha …… Giorg-sama, that’s ……”

“It is a necessary step if we are to regain your confidence after this debacle.”

　The executives exchanged glances at Giorg’s assertion and nodded with different expressions.

Rubelzeis, even stained his hands with blood at times. The reason why the members of Rubelzeis look up to the Marquis of Zafing as their leader is not only because of the reward, but more importantly because they respect and give significance to their skills.

　Giorg’s words are a sign of his determination and pride to become a worthy head of Rubelzeis.

　Even if he is a Marquis, the pride of these people will not allow them to not respond to a sixteen-year-old boy who has shown them such determination.

“I understand. I have received your determination, Giorg-sama. We will not be proud of ourselves, and we will work hard on our mission as Rubelzeis.”

　The executives nodded in agreement to Elance’s words.

“Yes. I look forward to working with you.”

　Giorg smiled and replied in a calm tone.

“And now, Giorg-sama, what is the second?”

　There was a senior officer in his mid-forties who asked Giorg.

“The second is to apologize for taking your prey.”

“Our prey? …… No way.”

“I mean Ghazel and Armada.”

His words caused the mood of the executives to waver for a moment. It’s not easy to keep their cool when they hear the name of his mother’s enemy, the former Marquis of Zafing and former head of Rubelzeis.

　This is not only a sign of revenge for the murder of their master, but also a sign that they want to take revenge with their own hands for insulting the Rubelzeis.

“I’ll take care of those two.”

“You mean …… by yourself?”

“Of course. I am the executioner of those two. I have no intention of handing this over to anyone else.”

　The executives gulped at his words.

“And you, gentlemen, have another concern for me, don’t you?”

“……”

“The Viscount Kalmais and the Viscount Edior are already under my control. They have already been replaced by new Viscounts, and since the new Viscount is younger than I am, I have become their guardian.”

“You are their guardian?”

“Yes. An announcement will be made in the near future, and I intend to use it as a cover for the activities for the Rubelzeis.”

　The executives looked at each other at his words. He sensed that their minds were moving, so he decided to keep talking. It is his theory that when the mind is moving, it is better to keep talking.

“Of course, if it comes to that, they’ll be gone immediately.”

“Comes to that?”

“Yes. If they do not approve of my rule and try to escape it. I’ve already made preparations for this in both Viscount families, you know?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, the Viscounts are practically dead. My will takes precedence over all other decisions. That means that as a nobleman, they have no right to make any decisions. But if you don’t believe me, I’ll get rid of the former viscount as early as tomorrow. Which of the two former viscounts would you like to see disappear?”

“……”

　The officers were silent at my suggestion. As for me, I have no intention of disposing of the current Viscount at this time, as I am their guardian. But the former viscount had no use for me, so I had no hesitation in disposing of him.

“What do you want? Either way is fine with me.”

“Giorg-sama, I don’t think it’s necessary to dispose of the former viscount at this time out of consideration for us. What about you guys?”

　They nodded as if to agree with Elance. As for him, he was fine with disposing of him here, but since there was no reason to do so, he decided to accept the opinion of the executives.

“I see. I’ll accept everyone’s opinion. If you ever need to make a compromise, feel free to offer.”

“Yes!!”

　The executives replied in unison with a bow. The former viscount and the others had decided, without their knowledge, that they would no longer be able to live out their lives.

　The meeting ended with me thinking that the decision should be drawn by lot.

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