NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 17
Episode 17: The Next Earl Takes a Gamble
“…Is this the only way?”
Ace muttered softly in his empty private room. Though he had delivered words that could be interpreted as cutting ties with his family, he couldn’t say that all affection had vanished. He still wished for the Selens Earl House to survive if possible. That much was true to his heart.
Ace stood up and left his private room.
Outside, the butler Lugard bowed respectfully.
“I wish to request an audience with Duke Zarfing. Lugard, please convey this to the Zafing Residence.”
“Understood.”
“The matter is an apology and the future of the Selens House.”
At Ace’s words, Lugard showed a tense expression and bowed again.
“Lugard, as you know, our Selens House has committed an unforgivable folly against Duke Zarfing. While it may never be forgiven, I at least wish to offer an apology.”
“Lord Ace…”
“The rest is up to you all.”
“Us…?”
“Heh, leave that part to me.”
Lugard looked bewildered at Ace’s words, sensing a certain resolve in the atmosphere around him.
“Lord Ace, surely you don’t mean to risk your life…?”
“Yes, I will stake it.”
“…”
“Don’t misunderstand. I’m not throwing it away—I’m betting it. Only by staking my life will Duke Zarfing’s wrath possibly be appeased.”
“Understood. However, when you offer your apology to Duke Zarfing, I wish to accompany you.”
“That’s a thankless role, you know?”
“I am prepared for it.”
Lugard responded with a bow, his expression unchanged. To Lugard, Ace was far more noble-like than the current Earl. While the current Earl was unfit as a lord, Ace had taken over administrative duties and stabilized the territory.
Moreover, Ace was a man of integrity—neither fawning to those above nor harsh to those below, always fair and just. He was the ideal noble that commoners dreamed of.
If Ace were to die, the Selens Earl House would be finished. The current Earl and his wife lacked both power and ambition, content with their superficial noble lives. Their daughter Fiona had inherited their temperament, often looking down on those she deemed inferior.
While Ace had taken his parents’ actions as a lesson in what not to do, Fiona had taken them as a model to follow. Ace had repeatedly told Fiona to “respect others,” but his words had fallen on deaf ears.
(These parasites can only drag Lord Ace down!!)
Lugard cursed the Earl’s family in his heart. To him, Ace was the only true master, and the rest of the Selens family didn’t deserve his loyalty.
Following Ace’s orders, Lugard successfully secured an appointment with the House of Zarfing.
The meeting was set for two days later. When informed, Ace nodded quietly.
* * * * *
On the appointed day, Ace arrived at the Zafing Residence with Lugard in tow.
When he announced himself as the son of the Selens Earl to the gatekeeper, he was met with blatant disdain.
Lugard’s anger flared at the attitude, but Ace stopped him with a gesture, preventing any protest.
“To the Zarfing family, we are unwelcome guests. And I did warn you it would be a thankless role.”
“Ugh… My apologies.”
Lugard felt chastised by Ace’s calm words, as if his resolve had been questioned. But to Lugard, Ace’s honor was far more important than his own.
“Lugard, your presence here alone is a comfort to me. Knowing someone believes in me gives me the strength to avoid showing weakness.”
“Understood.”
Ace smiled softly as he spoke to Lugard.
“This way, please.”
A young butler appeared before them.
(This butler… I believe he’s Cain, who serves Gazel. And the state of the residence shows no signs of chaos. It’s as if nothing has changed… So Lord Giorg has already taken full control as the Zafing Marquess.)
Ace subtly observed the residence, gauging the current state of the Zafing House.
If anything, it seemed to have returned to its proper form.
(It’s only been a few days since he officially inherited the title of Marquess… And despite the major incident of the previous Marquess being assassinated by his predecessor, he’s already in full control… What terrifying skill.)
Ace’s estimation of Giorg was far from low. In fact, he believed Giorg had the potential to surpass him as a lord with further refinement. But it seemed he was mistaken—Giorg was already ahead of him.
Knock knock…
“Enter.”
At Cain’s knock, a voice immediately granted permission to enter.
(His tone has changed…)
When Giorg had been timid under the previous Marquess, Ace had suspected it was an act. Now, he couldn’t help but acknowledge that his suspicion had been correct.
Following Cain’s guidance, Ace entered Giorg’s office.
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