One week has passed since the capture of Waalthe’s leader, Wahash, along with Viscount Paggio and Annette, the main culprits behind his mother’s death.
It was a hot summer day in the seventh month, with the sun beating down mercilessly. Jared, accompanied by Olivier and Yeny, visited his grandfather Niklas Daum’s mansion. Upon being shown to the reception room, they found a group already assembled: his father Johan and stepmother Karina, his brother Roik, Duke Harald Alway, and–Wahash, the father of Jared’s mother, Liz Murphy. Those involved in the incident from the previous week were all present.
Though the Alway Ducal Family, holding the highest position, was the most logical place for such a gathering, it was not feasible to invite the leader of the continent’s most formidable assassination organization so casually. While Wahash could easily infiltrate the Ducal Family’s security, being invited was a different matter. Thus, Niklas’s mansion, where Wahash was a familiar face, was chosen.
“Now that everyone is here, I will announce the conclusion of this matter,” Niklas began, his voice calm, having confirmed everyone’s presence.
“Though he did not directly carry out the act, he ordered the murder of Former Court Mage Liz Murphy, driving her to suicide. Furthermore, the kidnapping of Jared Murphy, his attempt to seize control of the Daum Barony, and his plot to murder Jared, who is destined to become a Court Mage, along with his fiancée and the Alway Ducal Family’s eldest daughter, Olivier Alway, are deemed offenses of grave magnitude. As a result–Viscount Paggio has been sentenced to death.”
Death. Just as Jared had suspected, Viscount Paggio would meet his demise, even without Wahash’s direct involvement. Having met him only a few times, Jared felt no particular sentiment towards him, other than a wish that he would spend his remaining time in remorse and self-awareness.
“Annette Paggio has been sentenced to imprisonment. While some argued for the death penalty due to her attempt to murder a respected Former Court Mage, others advocated for leniency, citing the inability to leave her two children motherless. Therefore, though the final decision is not yet confirmed, she is expected to face a life of suffering in prison.”
Annette, upon her capture, had maintained her innocence. However, upon learning of the possibility of a death sentence, her demeanor changed completely. She confessed everything she knew, not through coercion but to seek leniency, filling in the gaps left by her father’s silence. In the process, it was revealed that Rex’s father was not Johan, and her true illicit partner was also identified. This individual, implicated in multiple crimes, has also been arrested and imprisoned.
–Perhaps death would have been a kinder fate.
Jared recalled Cornelia Alway, who had been apprehended recently. Due to her family’s internal handling of the matter, she was placed under house arrest within the Ducal Family, confined to a single room. Though this was not imprisonment, her treatment was more favorable than being thrown into a cell.
Annette’s situation was different. Arrested by the Knights and subject to trial, she would undoubtedly be sent to a prison. In such a place, there was no distinction between nobles and commoners. In fact, it was said that noblewomen often suffered severe abuse from commoner inmates. This was particularly true for women. For Annette, who had so casually considered taking lives while meticulously planning for her own comfort, prison was sure to be a living hell.
“The true instigator, Marquis Skinner, has also been sentenced to death for his plot to destroy the Ducal Family, responsible for the capital’s defense, and for the various other crimes that came to light in the process. The Skinner Marquis Family, along with the Paggio Viscountcy, will be henceforth abolished.”
Wahash and Harald aside, everyone drew in a sharp breath. While the abolition of a Viscountcy was understandable, the dismantling of an entire Marquis Family showed a decisive stance by the Royal Palace. The Marquis, also a commander of the Knights, had attempted to destroy a Ducal Family, an act that could be construed as rebellion. The decision to not only execute the head of the family but to also abolish the entire Marquis Family indicated the gravity of the situation and perhaps served as a deterrent against future foolishness.
“Father, what has happened to Rex and Claire?”
“They will not be imprisoned. With the abolition of the Paggio Viscountcy, Annette’s mother will take Rex and Claire back to her family.”
Johan visibly relaxed. Regardless of Rex not being his biological son, he had lived with him for twelve years, considering him his own. Claire, of course, was his flesh and blood. It was only natural for a parent to wish for a favorable outcome. Nevertheless, Johan could not bring himself to take them in. While not solely his fault, Rex and Claire, influenced by Annette, had long tormented Karina and Roik. Annette had even threatened to kill Roik.
Karina harbored no desire for revenge and was not the type of person to enact it. However, Johan himself could not conceive of bringing the two children into his household. After Liz’s death, Karina had comforted and supported him. In stark contrast, Annette had done nothing. The difference was significant. The deciding factor was the confrontation a week prior. The children had learned of Annette’s wickedness and, with that knowledge, had intended to kill everyone, including Johan. Even as their father, accepting them was exceedingly difficult.
“Upon reaching adulthood, neither will be permitted to claim aristocratic titles. Claire’s situation may change if she marries. She has shown deep remorse, tearfully expressing her confusion and inability to act upon learning of her mother’s crimes. This is an act of clemency. However, Rex is forbidden from marrying into nobility. Furthermore, he is barred from any position involving national affairs; violation will result in imprisonment.”
Jared felt a complex mixture of emotions regarding the fate of his sister and brother. He was not alone in this sentiment; Johan, Karina, and Roik felt the same. Claire’s outcome was, in Jared’s opinion, appropriate. Her future was hers to shape. His grandfather had mentioned sending her to a convent, but her grandmother pledged to take responsibility, thus the lenient sentence. Though it seemed she might have been involved in her mother’s affairs, she claimed confusion upon learning the truth and felt she had no choice but to follow along.
Rex’s situation, however, was different. Even after learning the truth about his mother, he had looked down upon his siblings, unwavering in his belief that he would become the head of the family. While the revelation of his illegitimate birth did seem to shock him, it was irrelevant. He had made the conscious decision to try and kill Johan, the man he believed to be his father. His crime was too grave. Even so, his youth was taken into consideration.
He is currently deemed mentally unstable, and in the worst-case scenario, he may be sent to a containment facility for the children of nobles. In either case, upon reaching adulthood, he will no longer be considered a noble. Whether his grandmother would continue to care for him after he reached adulthood was unknown to Jared. Like Claire, Rex’s future would depend entirely on his own actions.
Upon hearing the conclusion of Annette and her cohort’s fates, Jared felt a sense of closure.
“Wahash, do not kill Annette.”
“What is this sudden request?”
Niklas cautioned Wahash.
“I fear you might be displeased that Annette is still alive.”
“There is no need for concern on that matter. For a woman like her, imprisonment and a life of suffering would be a greater punishment. More importantly–”
Wahash paused, then looked at Jared.
“She admitted defeat to my grandson. If I were to kill Annette now, I would be breaking my promise.”
“Then I shall trust you.”
Niklas nodded in understanding, and Jared interjected.
“So, what part of this was actually scripted?”
“Everything, except your abilities.”
“–You bastard.”
Jared clenched his fist involuntarily at Wahash’s cavalier attitude.
“Calm yourself. I utilized Waalthe’s entire network to meticulously gather and piece together information. This was only possible because Dolf Ein disappeared. You created the opportunity to defeat that man—I thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to avenge Liz.”
Wahash offered his words of gratitude not as the leader of an organization, but as a father. Jared unfurled his clenched fist and crossed his arms petulantly. Olivier, sitting beside him, watched Jared’s rare display of childlike behavior with amusement. Aware of her gaze, Jared felt a slight unease, his already poor emotional control becoming even more fragile in Wahash’s presence.
“Now, we need to discuss future matters. I have invited Duke Harald for this very reason,” Niklas stated, commencing the next phase of the discussion.
“First, the Daum Barony–you, Johan, are my successor.”
“F-Father?”
“Furthermore, Roik will be designated as Johan’s successor. This has already been decided and acknowledged by other relatives. No objections will be permitted.”
It wasn’t just Johan who was surprised; Karina and Roik also widened their eyes, clearly not expecting to be chosen as successors.
“Johan, I had believed you to be a foolish man. Disappointed by your disregard for your children, your neglect of your wife, and your indifference to your family. Yet, I failed to see your true heart. I was a failure as a father. Now that I understand your sorrow, your love for Liz, and your feelings for Jared, I can entrust everything to you with peace of mind.”
“Me– no, am I truly alright?”
“It is precisely you. Nothing will change until I retire; you will continue as you have. However, if possible, please return to the main family residence. And you, Roik and Karina.”
“Y-yes!”
“Father-in-law.”
Niklas bowed his head gently to the visibly nervous pair.
“Despite the distance between us, Johan, I can only apologize for not treating you better over the years. I am truly sorry. If you allow me, I wish to atone for my past actions. And please, accept us as your successors.”
“Please raise your head, Father-in-law. Thank you for your consideration. However, are you truly certain that Roik is acceptable as my husband’s successor?”
“Of course. Perhaps you are concerned about Jared, but he will become a Court Mage and receive an Earl’s title. Karina, as his grandfather, I am deeply grateful for your love and care for Jared as if he were your own son. However, for now, I ask that you prioritize Roik.”
“I understand. I humbly accept your offer. Please, guide Roik to be a suitable head of the Daum Barony.”
Karina lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes. Roik quickly followed suit. For her, her son becoming the patriarch had seemed unlikely. Although Roik was next in line after Jared declined, Annette’s presence made it difficult. As a form of resistance, she had hoped Jared, the rightful heir, would inherit the Daum Barony. To have Roik, through a circuitous route, chosen as her husband’s successor was beyond her expectation.
Tentatively, she glanced at her other beloved son. He was rejoicing as if it were his own good fortune. And his fiancée, too. Tears that had gathered in her eyes flowed freely. Karina offered her gratitude to everyone present, and to Liz, her beloved sister figure, who was not there. Thus, after enduring so much suffering for so long, Karina was finally liberated.
