Chapter 8 – Part 3

At tea parties, when Olivia greeted Marsden, he would pass by her as if they were on awkward terms. People who liked to gossip behind their backs speculated that the Duke had lost interest in the Marchioness, who was only good with a sword and not with socializing. But Gael knew better.

‘How amusing. It’s Marsden who circles around Olivia.’

If one truly observed those eyes, they would know Marsden had deeper feelings. But the nobles, only seeing part of the picture, remained unaware.

Gael didn’t know when Marsden would kneel before Olivia. He deliberately held Olivia’s hand or embraced her waist, explaining to people about their relationship and how they would soon have a grand engagement.

Even then, Marsden’s eyes were similar to now, like a predator gauging its prey’s neck before the final bite.

“You seem to have many questions for me.”

“Of course I do.”

Unlike Gael, who tried to force a smile, Marsden didn’t soften his stern expression, as if that was the extent of his mercy.

“Since neither of us enjoys long conversations, let’s confirm only the essential points. Whether to call you back will be decided after discussing with His Majesty.”

As if I didn’t expect that. Gael scoffed inwardly. No one could outdo Marsden in acting tough.

“Let’s start by confirming the basics. The Count of Abyss has been protecting the Kettlelin Forest under the royal order, correct?”

“Yes.”

“And you are aware that the reason for this ‘protection’ is to prevent corrupted sorcerers from using materials from Kettlelin Forest to perform what was once called ‘black magic’?”

“Yes.”

It wasn’t a pleasant feeling to be interrogated by this man of all people.

Hellebore watched the interrogation with interest, seemingly indifferent to Gael’s discomfort.

“It seems you’re aware but not properly fulfilling your duties.”

Marsden threw a bundle of documents tied with a string in front of Gael. A vein throbbed faintly on Gael’s forehead.

“The sorcerer’s name is Buck Rodley. He was the successor of a family that had served the Count of Abyss for decades. Whether your relationship was estranged or not, your families were close.”

“I didn’t know he was practicing magic. Initially, I planned to expel him while reorganizing the estate due to the departure of some landowners, but I only helped temporarily because his circumstances were pitiful.”

“So you’re saying you had no idea this sorcerer, who had been staying on your estate for a long time, was practicing magic. You’ve never seen this wanted poster?”

Marsden pulled out a paper from the documents and pushed it in front of Gael. Gael glanced at the wanted poster with an indifferent expression.

“This is the first time I’ve seen it.”

“It was distributed throughout the Empire, and you never saw it?”

“Lately, I’ve been sending him money without seeing his face, and I told him to find a place to live. Am I guilty of not realizing that Buck was a sorcerer?”

Gael let out a laugh of disbelief, causing Marsden’s expression to grow colder.

“Buck Rodley admitted during interrogation that you had a deep interest in magic and were essentially his patron. A sorcerer confessed this.”

“Betraying my kindness is outrageous. I helped him out of goodwill, and now he accuses me of being an accomplice?”

“Hah.”

Marsden let out a short laugh and pulled out another document from below.

“The sorcerers recorded in great detail when and what materials you gave them, and how much. Are you saying all this is nonsense too?”

“……”

“Count, you must realize that your testimonies lack credibility. If you continue to deny, it will only make your position more difficult.”

The smile faded from Gael’s lips. Marsden was implying that if he kept denying, a formal noble trial would be convened. Gael felt he would have no greater wish than to bring Buck back to life and kill him again. Such an ungrateful worm.

‘I should have disposed of them all.’

Gael reluctantly decided to use a highly unpleasant method. It was a blow to his pride, but it could also spite his opponent.

Gael deliberately kept silent, pretending to be deep in thought.

After about five minutes, he looked at Hellebore.

“Your Majesty, please forgive me.”

“What are you talking about, Count?”

Hellebore asked with a stern face at Gael’s cryptic words. Gael showed a tormented expression, as if feeling deeply ashamed.

“I… lied. I am ashamed to be associated with magic, even out of goodwill, and I dared to lie in front of Your Majesty.”

“Goodwill? I’m not sure what you mean, but go ahead. Depending on the severity of the charges, the punishment for the Count will differ.”

Seeing Marsden’s eyes twitch slightly, Gael felt encouraged to continue.

“Yes, I did provide money and materials needed for magic. But I want to make this clear. The reason I gave those to Buck was actually to stop him.”

Marsden’s face twisted in disbelief.

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

“I was trying to help Buck. When I tried to show him pity, he was already addicted to magic. No matter how much I told him to stop, he wouldn’t listen. So, I gave him materials from the Kettlelin Forest on purpose. Defective ones.”

Gael turned his palms towards Hellebore, pleading.

“Of course, I mixed in some non-defective ones to deceive him. And I told him the money I gave was only for living expenses. If he didn’t use it properly, I would cut off support. He agreed, but I kept records just in case… I pretended not to know, worried he might use the money for bad purposes.”

“So you’re saying you turned a blind eye to the records he kept, claiming it was to protect him?”

“Yes, if you doubt me, check the records. They will support my words.”

There was no need to look. He already memorized the details. Marsden tapped the table.

“So, you’re claiming that instead of participating in magic, you intentionally aided him to prevent it?”

Marsden laughed bitterly, finding the situation ridiculous.

“A landlord who wanted to expel a tenant suddenly felt sympathy, and gave him money and materials… Do you think this makes any sense?”

“I’m sorry if you don’t believe me.”

“So you didn’t report it to the Empire out of sympathy?”

“How could I, with old ties? I couldn’t.”

It was blatant nonsense. Marsden felt an intense desire to slit Gael’s throat.

“Count… do you realize that everything you’re saying sounds nonsensical and false?”

“I just said I regret it.”

“Then how do you explain the cursed stones cultivated in the forest? If you provided the materials, how can you not know this?”

“Why is that implausible?”

Marsden suddenly felt that Gael’s blue eyes were the most opaque of all colors. Gael shrugged slightly.

“The Duke, who even secretly dug tunnels for some unknown purpose, yet I found out later. I have no excuse for my incompetence, but pretending not to know your wrongdoing is also wrong.”

Gael continued with a mocking laugh.

“Yes, it’s true. I failed to manage and protect it properly. But the Count’s resources are limited, and we can’t prevent all the specialized sorcerers sneaking in! Even I can’t know everything about the forest or all the magic used in it. I’m not as skilled in magic as you, Duke.”

Gael’s gestures grew larger as if daring Marsden to refute.

“My only two mistakes in this situation are being too lenient and lacking the ability to carry out my duty properly. If you’re going to punish me for that, I will accept it. But…”

Gael looked at Marsden with an incredulous expression.

“Why am I the only one being suspected?”

“……”

“The one who illegally intruded and damaged the forest is Duke Marsden. Did you think I wouldn’t know? I was appalled when I finally grasped the situation!”

Gael gritted his teeth as if speaking in anger, but inwardly, he felt a surge of satisfaction.

Marsden was a capable swordsman. Sneaking in and killing people was no big deal for him. Therefore, Gael thought if Marsden were to make a move, he would do it skillfully. Upon inspecting the forest later, Gael found his prediction to be correct. Marsden had thoroughly scoured the area with a small team.

‘He doesn’t even realize it’s poison.’

If he couldn’t keep it hidden forever, he could turn his opponent’s strengths into weaknesses and use them against him. The more Marsden secretly schemed, the more Gael vowed to turn it to his advantage.

“I will gladly accept whatever punishment Your Majesty deems fit. However, if I may, I humbly beg Your Majesty to also investigate the charges against Duke Marsden.”

Gael rose from his chair, knelt on one knee before Hellebore, and bowed deeply. Hellebore alternated his gaze between Gael and Marsden.

“…”

Hellebore was secretly impressed by Gael. He couldn’t help but wonder if there was another purpose for the tunnels besides detaining the Marchioness.

“Troy! Stop it!”

“Do not come closer… not even Your Majesty will be spared.”

After all, this was the man who had done such things.

“Duke Marsden.”