Chapter 32: Heilon (1)
Abel had detailed Jen’s gambling debt in his letter.
Heilon Duchy wasn’t just about hunting monsters; it had numerous business dealings. Since Abel was well-connected, it was easy for him to obtain information about Jen’s gambling debts. Moreover, he had taken control of the situation and granted me the authority to handle it. He had done this long before I requested information about the Count’s weaknesses. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
What a terrifying foresight. I promised myself again not to make an enemy of Abel.
I looked at the door in front of me and opened it without knocking. As I entered, Jen looked at me with a confused expression.
“What are you doing here?”
Despite his reaction, I kept my expression neutral.
“Third older brother, I came to discuss the issue of the family’s successor.”
Jen’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. He responded warily, “The issue of successors? You don’t have the authority to interfere in that.”
“Yes, of course. How could I interfere with such serious matters? I just wanted to offer my opinion that… it would be beneficial if you were to take over the title of Count.”
Jen raised an eyebrow, questioning, “What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
I opened my mouth with a sad expression. “The Green family is a mage family. I believe it is only right that the most talented mage in the family should inherit the title, rather than the eldest son simply because of his birth order.”
I continued slowly, “But until now, Eldest Brother Caindel has assumed the position of successor as if it were his by right just because he is the eldest son. Don’t you think that’s unfair?”
As I spoke in a sincere tone, Jen’s expression softened slightly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Of course, I think so,” Jen muttered, sounding somewhat irritated. “You’re right. The Green family is a historic mage family. It doesn’t make sense for him to take over the family just because he was born the eldest son, especially when he lacks the necessary talent.”
I nodded slowly. “I agree, Third Older Brother. Even though I am only half-blooded, I have a deep affection for our family. That’s why I wanted to share my opinion. I believe that someone like you, who is a great mage, should take over the family.”
I smiled inwardly. Let’s emphasize the word ‘best.’
Jen seemed to feel better and spoke with a relaxed expression. “You are more intelligent than I thought.”
I laughed softly. “It’s an honor to hear that.”
“But there are a lot of problems right now. You don’t know, but things don’t go easily. After all, Eldest Brother has been in the position of successor for a long time,” Jen said, as if trying to teach me.
It seemed Jen viewed me as just a girl who had recently come of age and lacked an understanding of the real world. He spoke without realizing it, which was beneficial for me. If he considered me a naive and careless girl, I was grateful. It would make everything easier. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
At his words, I feigned hesitation and fear. “Yes, I think so too. But… actually, I came here to discuss something I discovered about Eldest Brother. I really don’t know what to do about this, so I thought, since you have such great talent, I should consult with you.”
I then locked the door and closed the window, acting as if I were genuinely scared.
At this sudden shift in my demeanor, Jen’s expression turned serious.
“What are you talking about?”
I took a small pouch, about the size of three fingers, from my sleeve and handed it to Jen.
“This… do you know what it is?”
Jen carefully opened the pouch, and his eyes widened. “This is a drug. Where did you get this?”
I shrugged and replied cautiously, “Actually, yesterday, a maid found it in Eldest Brother’s room. Fortunately, I took it quickly when I saw it. I kept quiet, but…”
“Indeed.”
“I just don’t know what to do, so I came to you, Older Brother. You’re an excellent mage and know a lot about these matters, so I thought you would handle this better than I could.”
I continued to speak as if still in shock. “Oh my god, Eldest Brother, the heir to the family, is involved with drugs…,” then I added naturally, “I wonder if Big Brother could take over the family.”
Jen nodded in agreement with my reaction. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“So did you. You were a gambler yourself,” I thought, laughing inwardly at Jen. Still, I continued to act genuinely shocked.
“It’s because of this that I thought Older Brother should take over the family.” Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Jen muttered, clenching the pouch tightly in his hand. “Yes, he doesn’t deserve it.”
During this time, I gave a very sweet smile. “I’m so glad there’s someone like you, Brother, in this family.”
Jen smiled contentedly and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You’ve found something very important, Fiona. Thanks to you, things will work out. By the way, who is the maid who found the drug in Eldest Brother’s room?”
It was the flow I expected. Jen would use Caindel’s weakness to try to overthrow him from the position of successor. But before I told him everything, I had something to say. So, I spoke carefully. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“I can tell you anything, but… before that, I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“If Older Brother inherits the family, please remove me from the family register.”
“What did you say?”
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