Chapter 39

“I can’t just leave everything to the Duke.”

Yes. The Duke was furious that I had been sued.

It made sense. A minor border lord dared to challenge the ruler of the North. Anger was expected.

But I couldn’t be sure he would help me until the very end.

‘What if he tells me to handle it then suddenly pulls out midway…’

No. It would be best if I handled this myself. I’d feel safer that way.

“How can I live quietly and peacefully locked inside my bedroom forever…”

The best outcome was for Count Alnor to withdraw the lawsuit on his own.

That way there would be no trial at all.

But that was easier said than done. Too many interests were tangled in this case.

From minor issues like contract penalties to major ones like the futures of two noble families.

Count Alnor had no choice but to put everything on the line.

“But I have no intention of sparing Viscount Clayton or paying any penalty.”

If you commit a crime you should pay for it.

I carefully read through the documents Ramon prepared.

From the Count’s petition to detailed records of Alnor’s administration and finances.

“This is a total disaster.”

Sure, a small border territory like Alnor couldn’t hire elite officials like Lombard, yet even with that in mind the state was appalling.

I let out a short laugh then froze on one page.

The Count’s full name was written there.

[Douglas Coco La Alnor]

“What the… Marquis Taobalt is Count Alnor?!”

A name no one could forget once heard.

A first name like a warrior and a middle name like a three year old girl’s nickname.

He was definitely someone from my previous life. I simply failed to recognize him until now because I remembered him by his new surname.

He later bribed the Emperor with immense political funds and received the surname Taobalt as a reward.

But since he was still called Count Alnor here… he hadn’t donated that money yet.

“Oh, I love two for the price of one.”

Exactly what my current situation was offering.

A meaningful smile formed on my lips.

* * *

Count Alnor and his entourage were currently heading toward Lombard Castle.

They received an invitation stamped with Lombard’s authority requesting that they visit the castle as soon as possible.

It was technically a polite invitation without force, but those four words made the message clear.

Drop everything and come now.

“It must be some move by that Duchess.”

“Most likely.”

“Damn it, I have never been so humiliated in my life. That f*cking woman from the Capital!”

For the plaintiff to personally travel to the defendant was utterly disgraceful. But the opponent was Lombard.

His pride was crushed, yet the Count was still forced into the carriage.

“How is the Duke reacting?”

“According to our information he is extremely enraged.”

“But the one being sued is the Duchess. Why would he be that furious Did you investigate wrong?”

“That possibility exists but…”

Alnor had no ability to place spies inside Lombard.

The Count was too incompetent and no one would risk crossing Lombard just to serve him.

Viscount Clayton once handled such roles but now they were reduced to relying on rumors like everyone else.

The Count remained blissfully unaware of this reality.

“We can’t say anything for certain yet but our entire territory is under immense pressure. I submitted reports did I not”

“I can’t read so how would I know”

“I… also explained it out loud…”

The adviser clicked his tongue.

Customs taxes imposed on Alnor had suddenly skyrocketed.

Marquis Lokskron, head judge of the council, was also applying pressure to withdraw the lawsuit.

When even a moderate like him was in a panic, the severity was obvious.

Servants who did not know the inside story begged the Count every day to drop the lawsuit but he refused.

‘All this is because of that woman. If only that Capital wench didn’t interfere!!’

They had done nothing wrong.

Clayton secured the contract with Lombard then Alnor gave him a portion of the profits as thanks. Mutual benefit.

Then suddenly this so-called Duchess barged in, canceled the contract, and ignored all rightful claims.

Their main source of income was cut overnight. Total emergency.

Even the firewood brought to the Count’s own bedroom was now low grade coal that filled the air with choking fumes.

Just thinking about it made his temper explode.

“I thought the Duke hated the Duchess…”

“He tried every means to stop the marriage then threw an uproar. Everyone knows that story.”

“Then why on earth…?”

“No matter the past the Duchess is now Lombard. If we attack only her we thought we could win but a great noble is still a great noble.”

The adviser’s words made the Count uneasy again.

Clayton still held his silence believing he would be rescued but if he gave up and opened his mouth Alnor would be finished.

If the lawsuit was dropped Clayton would assume abandonment and spill everything.

If the lawsuit continued the Duke’s retaliation would intensify.

The Count tore at his hair and muttered.

“Maybe it’s better to withdraw now…”

“It is too late. You already kicked the beehive. Do hornets just leave if you stop They will chase until you die.”

“Then what do you expect me to do?”

“There is only one path. You must throw away your pride and bow to the Duke.”

The Count’s face twisted.

He was the emperor within his small land. None dared defy him.

He had never bowed to anyone.

“The Duke is angry because he considers this an affront to Lombard’s authority. You must soothe that.”

“But still!!”

“The Duke’s side is handling the case entirely. If he takes his hands off… what will happen to the Duchess?”

The whisper sounded convincing.

The Count’s anger subsided.

“If we get him to pull away from her she will have no way to defend herself.”

“Exactly. The Duke must want to teach that arrogant Duchess a lesson at least once.”

“Indeed.”

The Count nodded slowly.

“In the Capital she was treated like a princess but this is the North. The North is my land.”

“Precisely.”

“You are right. I will persuade the Duke to step back.”

“If the Duchess stands alone we can destroy her however we wish.”

She would be crushed under financial punishment. Her reputation ruined. No noble would even look at her again.

Losing all support she would yield to any demand afterward.

“Heh. Excellent!”

They would show that pampered Capital woman what the true northern winds were like.

The Count’s lips curled in satisfaction.