Chapter 186
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
No, the sins committed are too heinous to end with a swift death. It would have to take a long time for the pain to reach the point where he might beg for his life to be taken. Only then, after prolonged suffering, might this frustration be eased, if even a little.
But even that wouldn’t be complete vengeance. Taking the life of such a vile creature won’t bring his mother back.
Cain forced down the rising flames of anger and slowly opened his mouth.
“This is not the Count’s domain, is it?”
His voice that had been deliberately lowered to suppress his fury, sounded deceptively calm. The Count, after hearing Cain speak, seemed almost delighted.
“It seems you don’t know, Your Grace. This entire area is my property.”
“How so?”
“Among the small nobles of the southwest, there’s no one who doesn’t owe me money. It’s due to the famine that lasted for years after the conquest wars ended. They couldn’t repay their debts, so they had to give up their land. In showing a bit of mercy to those noble families with no assets left, I ended up acquiring a huge amount of land.”
It was a blatant lie, one that Cain could see through easily. Mercy? The Count had deliberately burdened the people with ridiculous interest rates, taking their land in the process.
“Still, I’m glad you found me while I happened to be staying here. I have dozens of houses in the southwest. It’s a good thing that a person as hard to meet as you showed up. I’ve been in Pahel for a few days, and it seems it was fate that the Marquis arrived.”
Cain had already investigated Count Schuck thoroughly. He had every bit of information, even the smallest details, about him. It was for the sake of revenge that he had gathered this intel, but also to free the many who had suffered under the Count’s greed.
Through usury, the Count had exploited land from many, using the profits to build countless estates and villas.
“Now that I’ve answered Your Grace’s question, may I ask one of my own?”
It seemed the Count was still a bit taken aback at the unexpected encounter with such a high-ranking noble. Despite the warning from Lehman, the Count went ahead and asked an unauthorized question, showing his poor manners.
“I’ve heard nothing of the Marquis traveling to the south, so today’s events were quite a surprise. What brings Your Grace to the secretive port of this small town?”
He looked anxious. While hiding his dirty dealings, of course he would fear the arrival of a noble who didn’t belong here. Perhaps he was worried about being caught for the countless crimes he couldn’t even remember.
“I don’t believe the Count’s understanding is necessary when it comes to my business.”
The words were a thinly veiled version of “Who do you think you are, daring to ask me anything about my intentions?” The Count’s face turned red as he understood the hidden meaning behind the remark.
“Could it be… that you’ve come under imperial orders?”
His tone was much more cautious now. Given that the Marquis had the Emperor’s favor and carried out his direct commands, it would be understandable that Count should be fearful. Especially when the Marquis was showing hostility towards him while withholding the reasons for his actions.
Cain coldly mocked him.
“If I have come by imperial command, then I have even less to say to you.”
The Count’s face stiffened. It was hard to understand how a man who could so easily reveal his true feelings with just a few words had become the wealthiest man in the south.
“Yes. I apologize for my rudeness. Please forgive me, Your Grace.”
By now, beads of sweat had appeared on the Count’s forehead. It seemed even breathing was becoming difficult for him.
At that moment, one of the servants from the Count’s household hurriedly approached them. After apologizing for interrupting the conversation, the servant whispered something into the Count’s ear.
Cain silently observed the exchange. The Count’s face changed drastically after hearing the news. It was either very good news or the complete opposite.
“Show them in. Quickly!”
The Count fumbled for his cane, which was leaning beside his chair, and got up from his seat. Even his cane was decorated with gold trim. How far does this pretense of grandeur go?
Frowning, Cain stopped his thoughts when he saw the person who entered the parlor. It was none other than a tall knight with dark hair and a prominent beard—Karon.
Cain hurriedly rose to his feet. The fact that Karon was here could only mean one thing…
A tightness began to form in his chest. Following Karon were two other knights, and behind them was a petite woman, being helped along by someone.
Her bright blonde hair and snow-white skin captured the attention of everyone in the room.
Her face, a bit rounder than before, now looked far more graceful. As she walked steadily into the room, her eyes met Cain’s. She stopped her steps.
She, too, seemed startled by the unexpected situation before her.
The knights and Karon, following the woman, all turned their gazes toward Cain. Their faces were as surprised as the woman.
An unbearable tension and silence settled between them. The sudden situation felt distant and overwhelming.
Cain whispered the woman’s name in shock.
My Madam. My wife. My…
“Agatha.”
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