CH 234

Words : 999 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

After tying up all three men, Wood looked on in despair. Sebastian then entered the room and declared boldly. Though…I couldn’t help but feel that this wouldn’t have happened had he dealt with things more calmly… “Mr. Takumi, can I ask you to go and call the duke and leave this to us?” “Very we-” “That won’t be necessary!” I was just about to answer that I would go to Mr. Kalis’s store, where Mr. Ekenhart was waiting, when the familiar voice rang, and a large man stepped into the building. “Mr. Ekenhart!” “Mr. Takumi, the time that we agreed on has already passed, you know?” “Ah, now that you mention it…” When we had discussed the plan at Mr. Kalis’s store, we agree that once two hours had passed after we left, Mr. Ekenhart would charge into this store. This was because there was a risk that we would be captured. Well, while they did attack us, thanks to the body strengthening herbs, I was able to buy some time. Though, I would not have been able to capture them like Phillip and Johanna. Still, I hadn’t realized that so much time had passed already. Perhaps we had spent too much time looking at the herbs and medicine. “Your Grace, allow me to introduce to you Mr. Wood. He is the one responsible for this place.” “I see. So you are Wood… I suppose you have an idea of what is going to happen now?” “…Wh-what! Who are you! I…I…” “Oh? You take orders from Barsler, but do not recognize my face… Well, Barsler has never been good at playing games, so it cannot be helped.” “Father only thinks about profit.” “What! Lady Anneliese!? Why are you here!?” After Sebastian introduced him, Mr. Ekenhart took a step forward and nodded. Apparently, Mr. Wood didn’t recognize Mr. Ekenhart, but he was clearly intimidated by the large man who had suddenly appeared. Well, it was no surprise… I would be scared as well, if such a large man suddenly appeared in front of me with his guards. Not only that, but Ms. Claire and Ms. Anne had arrived as well. As she was Count Barsler’s daughter, Wood knew her. …However, Ms. Anne really did not seem to think much of her own father… In spite of the fact that some of the blame lay with her as well. “I haven’t seen you in some time, Wood. And since you do not seem to be aware, let me tell you… This is His Grace, Duke Ekenhart.” “The d-duke!? Are you sure about that, Lady Anneliese!?” “Yes, of course, I am. Isn’t that right, Duke Ekenhart?” “Mmm. I am indeed Ekenhart Liebert.” “…I don’t know why you’re acting so confident, Anne…” Ms. Claire, maybe that’s not too important right now? Not that I disagreed entirely, when I saw Ms. Anne talk proudly while standing next to Mr. Ekenhart… “…B-but…” Now that he finally understood what was happening, Wood’s shoulders slumped. If the duke himself was here, there was no hope for him now. There were no more excuses to make. “Wood, was it? I know all about what you’ve been up to. How you bought all the stock of medicine in Ractos and resold weaker versions for profit. You tried to use the fact that people were suffering… Shameful acts for a merchant. …Do you know what will happen next?” “…Bu-but…Count Barsler will surely…” Even if he couldn’t talk his way out of this one, he still thought that the count would protect him. “Unfortunately, Count Barsler is being monitored by the royal family now. I suppose he has been a little too busy lately…” “My father has all but lost his power as a noble.” “Bu-but…” Wood fell to his knees. Then he fell forward and put his hands on the ground. Still… Ms. Anne talked about her father as if he was a stranger. They really must not like each other. “You can expect a harsh punishment. …Take him away!” “Yes!” “Yes!” Mr. Ekenhart called his personal guards. There were three, and two of them made Wood and the tied up men get to their feet. Phillip also helped them. “Mr. Ekenhart, it seems like there are others in the back…?” “I doubt they are customers. So they must be related to this store. Take them away as well.” “Yes!” One of the guards who had been searching the back of the store consulted with Mr. Ekenhart. And he was told to bring everyone related to the store with them. After some time, about ten of Ractos’s guards arrived. Perhaps Phillip or the other guards had sent word. And together, they rounded up the people and escorted them out of the store. “Fine work, Mr. Takumi and Sebastian.” Once the store had been emptied out, it was just me, Sebastian and Ms. Johanna left. And there was Mr. Ekenhart, one guard, Ms. Claire and Ms. Anne. Mr. Ekenhart, Ms. Claire, Ms. Anne and I were sitting at the table. For some reason, we had decided to stay here and talk. Well, I suppose it was too much trouble to move? Apparently, Leo was waiting outside. “I really didn’t do much. It was Sebastian that talked and moved things along.” “I could not forgive them for hurting the people. I only did what was my duty as your servant.” “You are both too modest. But that is fine. Mr. Takumi, I am sorry about this incident.” “Huh? Why are you apologizing?” “Well… Sebastian, you tell him.” “…Very well.” I didn’t understand why Mr. Ekenhart was suddenly apologizing. He hadn’t done anything that disturbed me, as far as I remember? But Mr. Ekenhart looked apologetic as he urged Sebastian to explain. On the other hand, Ms. Claire looked rather angry. I wonder why…?

CH 234

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