Chapter 138 – The Day of the Banquet

In the end—without any explanation from Norman, and unable to make any moves himself, Malcolm headed for the Marquis’s domain. It was confirmed that a letter had been sent from Norman as well. If any wrongdoing was confirmed, that letter would likely be seized as evidence over there.

“What… is this…? What is this situation!?”

“F-Father…”

“H-Husband! Please calm yourself!”

“Silence! Silence!”

The Marquis’s banquet proceeded as scheduled.

When the time came, not a single invited guest showed up. Unable to bear the sight of the guests who never arrived and the desolate mansion hall, the Marquis finally flew into a rage.

Well, holding the banquet as planned under these circumstances was also quite something. Since they had distributed invitations far and wide and even received King Melvin’s consideration, they probably had no choice but to hold the banquet.

And this situation… was somewhat expected, but even taking that into account, having no one show up seemed to have dealt a heavy blow to the Marquis.

Rumors had been circulating for some time that the Marquis’s house was struggling. Even when they held dinner parties and balls, only minor figures would gather. Just when they were being widely criticized as being in decline due to their waning influence, the news of an inspection being conducted spread as reliable information, which proved fatal.

Although things had proceeded smoothly on the surface during that meeting, it was only natural that gossipy people would whisper among themselves about whether the Marquis’s house was alright.

Depending on Malcolm’s report, attending the Marquis’s banquet at this time would raise suspicions about one’s relationship with the Marquis and risk incurring the royal family’s displeasure, potentially bringing unnecessary trouble upon oneself. This was the result of everyone keeping their distance, leading to this miserable state.

As for me, of course I didn’t attend. There was no reason I would.

Given that Marquis’s character, I was slightly worried he might suddenly declare Norman his successor by some mistake, so I just sent Caduceus to observe as a precaution. It seems, however, that things have progressed beyond the issue of succession.

“If only you hadn’t pulled such a clever trick!”

The Marquis, ignoring his own faults, slapped Norman’s cheek, and Norman also turned bright red and shouted back.

“Don’t be ridiculous! Even if I’d reported honestly, you would’ve used it all up anyway!”

“Don’t tell me you think you did the right thing!? What exactly did you do for the territory with the money you obtained through deception!?”

If asked what he did, the answer would probably be that he lined his own pockets. Norman, hit where it hurt, was momentarily at a loss for words before defiantly shouting with froth at the corners of his mouth.

“S-Shut up! It would’ve become my money anyway! What’s wrong with using it the same way you did!?”

“What did you say!? How dare you say ‘the same way’!? Do you have any idea how important the connections in Termwills are for this country—!”

“How blind can you be!?”

“You! What is this attitude toward your father from the start!?”

…… It was a terrible argument where both were equally at fault. In the end, the Marquis, red-faced and enraged, grabbed Norman and they started wrestling. They lost their balance and tumbled over along with the table… and just as both of them were nicely doused in food from head to toe, the servants hurriedly intervened and pulled them apart.

…… There didn’t seem to be any need to monitor them further. I decided to have Caduceus withdraw quickly. After having him escape from the mansion, assume his crow form in the shadows of the trees, and take off, I cut the Five Senses Link.

Then I shook my head lightly to dispel the scene I had just witnessed. Frankly, it was a sight unbearable to watch. This is exactly why I don’t want to do reconnaissance on the Marquis’s house. For some reason, it’s more mentally exhausting for me.

Shortly after, a large crow perched by the window. As the bird shape melted away, a black shadow slipped through the window gap, pooled on the floor once, and then took the form of a black cat.

Perhaps realizing that the work over there had ended now that Caduceus had returned, Grace, who had been embroidering until then, asked.

“What happened at the Marquis’s house?”

“…… It seems there won’t be any problems”

I chose my words carefully when telling Grace and the others. I didn’t want them to hear the details of the fight between the Marquis and Norman.

The scene here is quite peaceful. It’s like the difference between heaven and hell. Ashley is quietly reading a textbook from the school, Sheila is brushing Lavigne, and Irmhild’s performance, as always, has a calming melody.

“Even in the Thieves Guild, word has gone around that it’s better not to get involved with the Marquis’s house”

“So that means among the common folk too, right? I wonder if the merchants have also turned their backs”

At Sheila’s words, Irmhild tilted her head.

“Probably. Merchants are the most sensitive to such rumors”

“But Sir Malcolm seems like he’ll have a tough time after this”

Ashley’s expression darkened slightly. She’s recently been able to communicate with Kennel using the communication device, and it seems they’ve been discussing actual territory management policies based on reports. So Malcolm’s affair is probably not something she can treat as someone else’s problem.

That said, the Barony of Silun is progressing smoothly. Since horizontal connections are forming throughout that area from the Marquis’s house down to the baronies, things are becoming even more solid for Ashley.

“I think it will be difficult, but we can expect some cooperation from His Majesty and Father”

“I’ll cooperate too when the time comes”

Ashley placed a hand on her chest and smiled. The highway extends to Ashley’s territory as well. There are many areas where Ashley can be involved, such as preferential treatment when the Marquis’s transport corps passes through her domain.

“Anyway, once Malcolm’s report comes back, the Marquis’s negligence and Norman’s misconduct will come to light. Then King Melvin will pass judgment, and that should settle the matter”

By having Malcolm himself be the accuser, it becomes easier to show leniency toward Malcolm in the verdict. This isn’t being soft.

There’s the benefit that post-processing becomes easier by entrusting the Marquis’s domain to Malcolm. Since there’s also the matter of how to treat the retainers, having a blood relative makes subsequent governance go more smoothly. The royal family also gains more influence over the feudal lords, so it’s probably something they should welcome.

Speaking of post-processing, the southern region seems to have it tougher.

The one newly governing the southern region is the second son of Grand Duke Debonnis’s house, who is a blood relative of the First Queen. This person is King Melvin’s cousin, which would make him the Crown Prince and Roy’s uncle.

The Verdgar royal family has strong royal authority partly due to the Boundary Labyrinth… but when dealing with the highest-ranking nobles like the Grand Duke and Duke houses who are also relatives of the royal family, the situation changes. There seems to be a tug-of-war in power dynamics that makes things difficult.

If I say that, I’m practically like an external relative of the royal family myself… but our household is peaceful.

As for Marlene, perhaps she overdid her Saucer practice and got tired—she’s wrapped in a blanket on the sofa, breathing softly in sleep. Originally, shrine maidens sometimes spend entire days offering prayers, so their ability to maintain concentration is extraordinary. Thanks to that, she’s improving quickly.

“Mmm…”

I ran my fingers through Marlene’s hair and gently stroked it. She smiled and let out a small, adorable sound, as if dreaming of something pleasant. Seraphina is also nestled in Marlene’s arms. Perhaps the inside of the blanket was comfortable—she’s also breathing softly in sleep… it seems brownies also sleep when they’re comfortable.

At the heartwarming sight of Marlene and Seraphina, Grace and Ashley chuckled softly.

“It’s good that Marlene-sama’s throat has healed”

“Before, she couldn’t even make sounds like this”

Ashley also narrowed her eyes and stroked Marlene’s hair.

“…… Since things seem to have settled down with the Marquis’s house, shall we return to the labyrinth tomorrow?”

“That’s right. We need to check the location of the Sealed Door”

…… Thinking about conquering the Great Corruption Lake weighs on my mind… But to avoid any trouble on the day the Sealed Door is opened, we need to get somewhat accustomed to the environment and combat there.

But well, we have the Aerial Combat Gear, so it should be much better than normal exploration. We’ve also properly prepared enough Great Corruption Lake countermeasure equipment for all members.

“Well… let’s not talk about the labyrinth today”

I just managed to push the Marquis’s commotion out of my mind, and if I start thinking about the Great Corruption Lake, it would be like going back to square one.

“That’s right. Let’s rest well today and prepare for the exploration starting tomorrow”

Grace seemed to sense something from my words, smiling softly and nodding in agreement.