Chapter 78:

I feel like I know what youre up to, but what were you trying to do by absorbing the elves life force? Philip asked Mormaro. The situation was so obvious that knowing why Deluan had created this place seemed not necessary.

Well, I dont know for sure, but its obvious what concerns a woman of her age might have. Maybe she just doesnt want to age? The life force Mormaro collected can add vitality just by applying it to the skin.

Philips expression became strange. No matter how much someone disliked aging, could a person be foolish enough to resort to such actions, even at the risk of her own life. Moreover, to become the successor to Joseph Association?

I really dont know about this. Seriously.

Jo-Rums face was turning pale, and he defended himself with a cold sweat.

Thats something you should discuss with the Inquisitor. Im not eager to delve too deeply into this matter.

That was truly Philips sentiment. Whatever Deluan was scheming, Philip didnt want to get heavily involved. He just needed to know that Deluans punishment wouldnt be in the form of a professorship but rather a trial by fire.

For now, you both follow me.

Philip flicked his fingers at Mormaro and Jo-Rum. He intended to take them to the reception room and confront Deluan Joseph face to face.

Marquis will handle it on his own. Oh well.

Nothing is changing. The nobles of Sorondo are still on my side, and even if a trial is held, I will be acquitted. As you know, I am the closest person to Joseph Councils succession. Given the great influence of the Council, such incidents occasionally happen.

Meanwhile, Castler Morrela, who was conversing with Deluan Joseph, began to feel stifled in her chest.

She seems to not fully understand the situation.

Deluan Joseph appeared to be under the misconception that she was living in the same world as the nobles. When it came to matters of honor and lineage, nobles would spare no effort.

According to Castler, just because they could sit together and chat over the same wine or tea didnt mean they were the same people.

This wasnt because he particularly valued status; it was something Castler deduced from his experience as a noble.

If Deluan had a proper understanding of her situation, it would have been appropriate to seek help from the Castler.

Is there any way out of this situation?

He couldnt have come up with that response unless he thought there was a way to escape this situation.

If your situation doesnt change significantly, neither will our relationship. Deluan. The Morrela family wont betray you first, you see.

The Castler reassured Deluan for now.

Well, if you say so, I wont forget the favor of the Morrela Family for the rest of my life.

Deluan gave a faint smile, as if relieved. At that moment, the door to the reception room opened on its own. Deluans expression turned cold in an instant since she had clearly ordered the door to be locked.

I told you not to disturb me, didnt I?

Upon seeing the person who entered, Deluan controlled her expression. It was a young man introduced as Castler Morelas disciple. Of course, his true identity was Philip.

Without even glancing at her, Philip addressed the uncomfortable-looking Castler and Cynthia.

Castler. Cynthia. Youve done well. The work is finished, so lets go back.

Castlers face brightened as he realized that Philip had achieved something. He was genuinely pleased that this pointless time had come to an end.

However, upon seeing the two figures who followed Philip, she could hardly believe her eyes.

There was a bald man and a woman with horns and wings on her head.

We found a single Mormaro in the basement of this trade association building. Moreover, there were about ten kidnapped elves as well. Now that this is over, lets go back.

Somehow, that statement triggered something in Deluan, and she shouted, her face turning red.

If you knew what I know, you wouldnt be able to say that! No one can kill me in this city. Not even Lord Marquis! Ill escape this castle safely as if nothing happened, and you will pay the price.

Oh, whatever.

Philip tugged at the rope that bound Deluan.

Entering the lordship, Philip could immediately meet Marquis Veronche. The Marquis, who had sent Philip to bring evidence, looked surprised and puzzled when Philip brought the culprit himself.

Did I misunderstand something? I asked you to bring evidence for the trial, but it seems unnecessary.

I dont think we need evidence. Even if you were to kill this womans throat here, it wouldnt be a problem.

Philip reported to Marquis Veronche what he had found in the noble society branch. Having heard all the facts, Marquis Veronche was greatly impressed for some reason.

I thought it was odd to involve a marquis in the noble successor competition, but it seems I underestimated your mental state. To kidnap and confine an elven slave along with Mormaro in the noble society building, and even resorting to magic? It seems youre not just crazy.

The Marquis approached Deluan, twisted her hair, and pulled it, causing her scalp to ache. Deluan frowned at the pain of her scalp being pulled, but soon glared at the Marquis with a mixture of disdain and mockery in her eyes.

Your Grace Marquis. Hasnt your wife become more beautiful lately? It feels like shes gained a bit of youthfulness. Where do you think the vitality Ive gathered through Mormaro has been used?

The marquis chuckled and nodded his head.

Capturing Mormaro to gather vitality was a common practice twenty years ago. What good would it do even if they used cosmetics made from bar soap on the faces of plump wealthy ladies? My own wife is included there, isnt she? Of course, it would be quite troublesome if that fact were to spread, but I wonder if the rumors will actually spread. You should come up with a convincing last-minute testament to say at the crucial moment.

Philip nodded at the Marquis words. For nobles, controlling public opinion wasnt as challenging as anything else. One-time events like this could easily be buried, given the nobles power.

Of course, unless Deluan was out of reach, she was already caught in the situation.

Perhaps I will hang her around the day after tomorrow. Youve all done well. If you desire a reward, speak up.

The Marquis reached for the glass of wine on the table as if feeling satisfied and took a sip of grape wine.

A reward is unnecessary.

The Marquis chuckled at Philips reply.

Whether you think of it as compensation for complying with my insistence or as a gift, its fine. Since youve resolved my concerns so quickly, I should give you something for the dignity of a high noble, shouldnt I?

After a brief moment of contemplation, Philip spoke.

In that case, I would like to receive a few comfortable carriages. We have some patients among our group, and stability is needed.

Carriages?

Carriages were certainly quite expensive, but for matters related to the familys honor and as a reward for handling such affairs, it fell a bit short. Marquis Veronche wanted to give something special to this young and humble noble.

It felt like looking at his own younger years when he had lived like a ruffian but later regained his senses.

That would be nice.

The Marquis called the butler who had been waiting.

Give him that.

Since there was only one thing that the Marquis could refer to as that, the old butler was taken aback and inadvertently questioned his masters order with a lack of reverence.

Are you referring to that?

This person is quite surprising as well. From what I can see, hes still young, but considering hes surrounded by many women, it seems he might need it.

Understood.