This Time, I Became the Fiance of a Duke’s Daughter. But She is Rumored to have Bad Personality, and Ten Years Older – Chapter 205

Karina’s expression darkens.

“More importantly, I’m not sure if I truly kept my promise to Liz.”

Karina says this with a hint of self-deprecation. She had loved and raised Jared as if he were her own child for so long. There were countless nights she read him stories to help him sleep, and she had even slept with him on more than one occasion. The reason she could raise him and Roik without any favoritism wasn’t solely because she kept her promise to Liz. Even if there had been no promise binding her, she would have loved Jared just the same.

Because of her affection, Jared grew up healthy and well. He also shares a close and loving bond with Roik.

“By now, you should understand. All of this was orchestrated by Annette Paggio and the Paggio Viscountcy.”

“That’s a lie! Liz would never say such a thing.”

Johan, unable to hide his shock, was the one who disagreed with Wahash.

“Why do you think that?”

“Because—”

When asked for a reason, Johan glanced at Jared for some unknown cause, then shook his head.

“It’s nothing. Please continue.”

“Hmm. Very well. Viscount Paggio’s plan to seize control of the Daum Barony is still ongoing. By sheer coincidence, the granddaughter of the Daum family and Annette’s son became engaged. It might have been unexpected, but it’s a golden opportunity.”

Just the other day, Rena Daum, Jared’s cousin, and her younger brother, Rex Daum, had suddenly declared their engagement without consulting anyone. Their grandparents and uncle all opposed it, but the couple was completely unyielding. Olivier, who had learned from Yeny that Rena harbored feelings for Jared, understood the engagement was a display of defiance. Nevertheless, he chose to let it be. Meanwhile, Annette initially objected too, but after considering the possibility that her youngest son might not be able to inherit the family estate, she reluctantly agreed.

The Paggio Viscountcy rejoiced at this news.

The Daum Barony lacked a suitable heir. Hugo Daum, Johan’s younger brother and the father of Yeny and Rena, was born sickly and was thus not the intended successor. However, his excellent estate management skills had once put him in contention for the succession. He had withdrawn his candidacy, preferring to serve as an assistant to the successor instead.

Therefore, the Daum Barony had no heir. Johan, the eldest son, had been told from the beginning that he would not inherit the family estate and had instead established his own rising baronial family.

This is how Jared Murphy, unbeknownst to him, had become the designated heir in place of the Paggio’s son. However, that was now becoming difficult. Jared was decided to become a Court Mage, and with it, he would be granted the title of Count.

If the Daum Barony, a noble family with a long history supporting the country since its founding, held a higher aristocratic title, the situation might have been different. However, the past heads of the Daum Barony actively disliked having their titles raised. The reason was that if their titles were elevated, they would no longer be able to fight on the front lines. For the Daum Barony, which had always contributed to the country through battle, being unable to fight would mean losing their very reason for existence.

The current head of the family had also politely refused an offer to have his title promoted from the Alway Ducal Family.

Under these circumstances, if a relative of the Paggio Viscountcy were to become the head of the Daum Barony, they would accept the next offer of a title promotion, thus significantly raising their aristocratic standing. And they were plotting to reap the benefits of this. The Paggio Viscountcy, while not entirely a newly established noble family, had a shallow history. Therefore, they coveted the historical Daum Barony. And eventually, they aimed for the Paggio Viscountcy to rise higher as well—it was a crude, yet not impossible ambition.

“Wait a minute. The Paggio Viscountcy is part of the Alway Ducal Family’s faction. Such an act of usurpation would be an act of hostility. They would be punished. The risk is far too great!”

Johan’s words were not unfounded. The Paggio Viscountcy, like the Daum Barony, was part of the Alway Ducal Family’s faction. It was through this connection that Johan had taken Annette as a consort. More importantly, if the Duke Alway, who trusted and relied on the Daum Barony as his confidant, were to learn of this plot to usurp them, the Paggio Viscountcy would not be left unscathed. The Daum family was that special to the ducal family.

“To be precise, the Paggio Viscountcy was formerly part of the Alway Ducal Family’s faction. Now, they are aligned with the opposing Marquis Family’s faction. Regarding the usurpation, it is a move motivated by the coinciding interests of the Paggio Viscountcy and the Marquis Family.”

With the successive revelations from Wahash, not only Johan but also Olivier and the others found their thoughts struggling to keep up. They had never imagined that the cause of Liz Murphy’s death, as told by her father, would be so profound. Jared, in his arms, sat stunned and speechless, worrying Olivier. What was he thinking and feeling now, in his shock?

“This is all that I know.”

“So, Viscount Paggio originally wanted to usurp Father’s estate, so he married Annette to me. Then, as part of the usurpation, he eliminated Liz, who was an obstacle, and forcibly sent Jared to a facility… is that correct?”

“That is correct. Therefore, I would appreciate it if you did not interfere with my plans.”

“Are you going to kill Annette?”

“Naturally. However, not just Annette Paggio. Including Rex Daum, Claire Daum, and Rena Daum, I will kill everyone involved with the Paggio Viscountcy.”

Wahash’s decision rendered everyone speechless. Even Jared, who had been blankly staring in Olivier’s arms, had his eyes wide open.

“Will you take revenge for Mother with me, Johan?”

“I am not qualified to do such a thing. However, I beg you, please spare the children.”

Johan dropped to his knees, bowing his head. Wahash’s expression, however, darkened. He seemed unconvinced.

“The children are merely caught up in this. As for Rena, she is not even my and Annette’s child. Please.”

“No. Without exception, I will kill everyone involved.”

His father-in-law dismissed his adopted son’s plea. Johan was consumed by despair. He had never openly displayed affection. He had minimal involvement not only with Jared but also with Roik and the other children. Even so, he possessed enough affection for the children to beg on his knees.

“Jared—my grandson, what will you do? Do you not wish to avenge your mother with me?”