Chapter 314 – 31. Strengthen Your Territory (4)
Leonard, a grumpy old butler nearing his 60th birthday, comes from a humble village. The reason why a man whose only job was to record the amount of catch for the month and write it down in a ledger was selected as a butler at one of the most prestigious houses in the country is because of his outstanding ability.
It’s a kind of political insight.
It would be nice to call him a man of honor. As thin as a scarecrow, he had unrivaled wisdom. Even when he was a mercenary with his wife, he stood out so well that he never suffered a single betrayal.
‘If this is the principle of the young lady’s behavior…’
In the same context, it was not that difficult to understand the concept of the Duke’s daughter, whom Butler Leonard had served since childhood. The man who knew all the ups and downs in her life also guessed Marguerite Dior’s love and hatred for power.
‘As expected, it will be the master’s happiness.’
After her kind and kind brother took over as the head of the family, she changed drastically and ostracized her family. She had a personality worthy of being called a ball of light, but overnight she became a ball of gloomy darkness. If you don’t find the reason in power, where can you find it?
‘But that’s right. He misjudges me because I am not honest with my feelings. After all, love is an emotion that cannot be established without selfishness. If you want to shake off his brilliant altruism, you need to admit it first.’
She was imprisoned in an abyss-like monastery and was placed in a situation where she would spend the rest of her life. Even the sons of nobles, who were often admired outside, were no exception. The great abbess of Gaul was born amidst extreme asceticism and barely enough food to sustain her life.
‘Now you need to face why you want to make you so happy, young lady.’
My father didn’t attach much importance to me. She was well-to-do, which ensured that she lived an adequate life, but unlike the attention she showed to her other siblings, she had no human interaction whatsoever. Her mother strictly taught her the manners she should have as a lady. When her accomplishments fell short, she looked down with an overbearing gaze and had her maid take the beating for her.
Still, she didn’t have a very bad home environment. My older brother, who is quite a bit older than me, cared for me a lot, and although we often quarreled with her two younger siblings, we basically got along well.
However, as time passed, changes came. When Arsene, the eldest son who seemed like they would be together forever, ran away from home. Young Charles and Emilian had to undergo rigorous training as successors, and during the process, one of their mischievous but kind-hearted younger brothers changed.
Also, around the time that her eldest brother, whom she had thought would never be seen again, came back, a new member of the household was added to her family. The young and beautiful mistress Catherine. She took her place as her second wife without warning and gave birth to a strong baby boy less than ten months after coming to her house.
To be honest, it was Marguerite who I didn’t like at the time. This is because she poured out her resentment, believing that her sin and the changed state of her family were entirely attributable to the prostitute and her half-child. But as time passed, my youngest brother, who followed me around, soon became an extremely precious being.
‘Master Romuald has always been Lady Marguerite’s only family member. He was a person who unwaveringly showed family love in that demon-like family. To be honest, the couple who hired my wife and I are not very good people…’
The eldest son has changed. His second son was crooked. His third son suddenly disappeared without even knowing about his hardships. Naturally, the youngest was the only one left behind. It is not unusual to have special feelings for family members with whom you have continued to interact even after entering the monastery.
‘You have to admit it. It may not be easy since you are a religious person and value abstinence, but there is no other way. Otherwise, the affection of the young lady wearing a dishonest mask will soon harm you.’
The coat of a heavy Northern-style suit with added lining fluttered in the wind. Meanwhile, I didn’t forget to pay attention every time I walked on an icy road to avoid slipping. After putting in so much effort, Butler Leonard finally entered the entrance of the winter mansion.
“Mr. Leonard.”
“Chief maid.”
By the time he got past the soldier guarding his entrance and entered the large corridor, he came face to face with the woman who had been waiting for him. She was Marion, who asked a vague question with the dignity of an elderly noblewoman.
“How was it?”
“It’s the worst. I’ll tell you as I go.”
“The Baron is waiting in the office.”
Nodding at her, Leonard began to climb the stairs with her. Meanwhile, he elaborated in detail on the message he received from his wife. Although he became a member of the baron, he was not officially declared a butler, so his cooperation was necessary.
“It appears that the group of combat nuns who guided us to the official residence left the place without permission. “There was no particular restriction on going out, but judging from the fact that they went outside, it appears that they were not happy with the surveillance.”
“There was a rumor that someone was hurt. Could it be Anais?”
“I don’t know if I should use the word fortunate, but no. However, it seems like a few people will need to be brought in to resolve the situation. Since I am still just a guest to the people in the mansion, I hope the head maid will help me.”
“I will do that, this way.”
By the time I reached the hallway, I saw an office with the door half open. I could feel the popularity of the baron sitting at the desk there and the women showing off their dizzying beauty. Leonard, who entered her room with one stride, bowed his head like Marion.
“So what happened, Leonard?”
“The Sisters of the Battle of Le Verrier have disappeared from their quarters. This is probably a self-rescue measure to escape our surveillance. Also, two people were injured in the process.”
“Who exactly?”
“This is Fabien Dupuy, a knight of the Lemohan family, and Mr. Antoine, whom you declared to be your confidant at the banquet last night. Both of them had their thigh aorta cut by a blade and are currently receiving treatment thanks to Anais’ actions.”
“… Fabien Dupuy and Antoine?”
Rom’s expression hardened as he rested his chin. Just a little while ago, I was in a good mood while receiving the services of my wives, but the untimely news made me feel very uncomfortable.
“Is Anais safe?”
“He seemed a little angry.”
“That will be enough. I don’t know why those nuns keep going so crazy over the guests who came to my house. “I’m slowly reaching the limits of my patience.”
The veins on the backs of the Baron’s hands were bulging as he spoke politely. It seemed like she was quite angry as she kept clenching her fists. It was natural that Fabien Dupuyer, who played in the duel trial with me, and Antoine, whom he trusted enough to offer him the position of first vassal, was injured.
“Master, I may be presumptuous, but in my opinion, they don’t seem to be moving without any purpose. The same goes for the fact that I didn’t attack him recklessly when I encountered him at the checkpoint. Even though Anais, whose skills may not be known to the public, is watching over her, it seems that she is just looking for the moment when she is away…”
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Not many people know that my nanny was a powerhouse in the snowy plains. The skills of the nuns there don’t seem to be bad, but except for a few special ones, they’re not up to the level of playing on the continent. Of course, it is difficult to believe that he would have recognized the snowfield’s Touregene, who must have hidden his true nature for a long time.”
Above all, they are invited guests. If you think about it in common sense, you wouldn’t come to someone else’s territory and make a fuss like this unless you were harboring a grudge. Not only is that an act of tarnishing the face of the woman who called them, it is also an act that does not guarantee safety.
“It must be my sister.”
“Yes, I am.”
“I thought about what you said earlier. “I didn’t know what it meant at first, but thanks to my wives telling me, I think I understand now.”
Leonard, who had been listening calmly, tilted his head slightly. By her wife, he was obviously referring to Madame Le Moin Orianne, who was standing in one corner of the office. The declaration made about Henrietta during the duel trial in the Duchy of Le Blanc was intentional.
And yet they are wives?
The butler paused for a moment and looked towards the head maid. Seeing how calm she was, unlike me, I looked at the women around her one by one.
“My sister is going crazy because of me.”
Oriane with blonde hair, Lucien with the only difference being her ruby-red eyes, Françoise with her long chestnut hair and voluptuous body, and finally Henrietta with purple hair and apatite eyes.
“All I can say is that it’s amazing, master.”
“Even if you criticize me for being promiscuous, I admit it. But I love every single one of the wives here, and I value you and your wife so much that I would not lose to these precious companions. So, if you allow it, I want you to leave it to me from now on.”
I know about Marguerite Dior’s love affair. I realized it too late, but anyway, I am now facing it properly. The Baron, who had hinted at such intentions, carefully asked Leonard about his intentions.
“Can you give me permission?”
“… Yes, just make her happy. If that’s the case, neither Anais nor I will say anything.”
“Of course.”
Rom stood up from his desk, dragged a chair, and nodded his head at him repeatedly. Then he declared:
“From today, Sister Marguerite will be mine.”
On the other hand, he glanced at his four wives, who were waiting for his orders, and added, In particular, with a smile blooming on his lips, he even pointedly pointed at one person who didn’t know what to do.
“I think the method may be a bit extreme.”
“It’s my turn, right? “It’s my turn, right?”
“Okay, then shall we get an expert’s estimate first?”
I muttered sheepishly.
“I must have been fucking born for this moment!”
This is going to be a very fantastic or amazing day.
