North x Northwest-Chapter 298

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Venua burst into laughter after he repeated the word love.

As you know, Im impudent, shameless and proud of my origins and how I treat my subjects. On top of that, I have no qualms about loving Liloa. Im amazed that you still act surprised and even get angry by facts that you already know to begin with, it makes me believe that youre in an even worse condition than the Archduke

Since when can such hideous desire for an unrivalled woman be called love? That girl should at least become the mistress of a monarchs family. The reason things went astray to this point was because of her wrong entanglement with the Duke of Mireille! If she had secured a relationship with the imperial family from the very beginning, things wouldnt have gone this far!

The Liloa I know wont be interested in being the mistress of a monarchs family. Better yet, she couldnt care less if she was the damn monarch herself or not.

This time, Venua didnt laugh. Ed was taken aback when his half-joking remark hit the other person right on the head. Paradoxically, Venua seemed to consider the possibility of Lils ascension to the throne more realistic than anyone else.

Ed saw deep-rooted emotions on his stiff face: long-standing anxiety, tension, uncertainty and denial. For a moment, his opponents eyes were distracted, but Venua then quickly turned his head and twisted the topic along.

I know people like you well. Those who campaign as if they are kings just because they have a title to back them up.

Dont be hasty, my real campaign hasnt even started yet.

..?

Venua raised his chin.

First of all, I hope youll ask for forgiveness for doing something unsavoury in my territory.

You are asking to die.

No, Im just trying to give you a chance.

If you dare to humiliate me, I pay you back with death.

Hiding behind immunity is useless when you refuse to disclose your identity.

..?

Ed stood up, walked to the door and opened it, prompting the people, who had been waiting, to enter the drawing room. Among them was a solicitor for probate and a jury representative from Roahn. Ed knew all procedures had to be done properly because if Venua was provided with a rightful excuse, the situation with Lil would become very difficult.

As the Lord of Roahn, I demanded an apology, but it was not provided. Out of respect for the criminal, I tried to persuade him first without your presence, but he refused. Since he moved a private army and even kidnapped someone in Roahns territory, a territory thats been granted with the right of denying entry, his offence will be treated as a felony.

Oh come on

If you want to avoid trial or claim immunity, it is in your best interest to reveal your identity first. From here on out, all interrogations will be recorded and used as evidence for future trials.

Hahahaha! How cute. Were you scared to face me alone? How dare you invite a ragtag group of people to play a so-called game of trial!

However, no one was swayed by Venuas provocation. The solicitor, who raised his glasses, began his questioning.

Who are you, Sir?

Why did you come to Roahn?

Why did you carry out the kidnapping?

Venuas index finger tapped the sofa. His lips trembled at first, but soon he smiled. His fingertips traced his lips as if he was unsure of the nonchalance look he tried to fake.

Kidnapping? Thats nonsense.

Who did you kidnap?

I dont know.

There is an eyewitness who saw this gentlemans private soldiers kidnapping someone. Even if that were not the case, it is already a grave disrespect of you to bring in private soldiers without informing the Lord or Governor.

Venuas eyes looked out the window.

How harsh Roahn must be that I cant travel without being accompanied by a few escorts. All I wanted was to travel quietly, but I wasnt given sufficient leisure time. From my detainment to the trial, Im completely embarrassed about what this is all about.

If you dont want to be misunderstood, then you should reveal your identity. We also dont feel comfortable interrogating the gentleman. However, since citizens of so many different nationalities and origins live in Roahn, and considering the humble number of nobles residing here as well, we put a lot of effort into security. You have no choice but to adhere to the rules here. If an unidentified person causes an incident in the territory, a trial must take place.

Ill just wait for my identity guarantee.

And who would you like to ask?

Ill take care of it.

There isnt much time left before the trial. At this rate, you shall be punished by flogging.

Flogging?

Venua tilted his head like a child who had heard such a word for the first time. The stern solicitor stepped forward to explain the process.

Flogging is a corporal punishment executed by hitting the criminals bare buttocks with a wooden stick. Usually, the criminal loses consciousness after about ten strokes, thats why flogging is carried out parallel with medical treatment and spans over several days

Hahahaha!

Venuas sudden laughter made the solicitor look at Ed, who motioned his chin to ask them to step outside. But regardless of whether the solicitor and the jury went out or not, Venuas laughter dragged on, even going as far as to bang his hand on the armrest. For a while, the living room was filled with the sound of his laughter when he threw his head back and curled his arms around his stomach.

It wasnt until only the two of them were left that Venua, who finally stopped laughing, gritted his teeth.

Youre doing something interesting, Marquess.

Youre about to become the interesting one, Prince Regent. Since youre sentenced to flogging, what could be a bigger spectacle than that? Thinking about all the citizens of Roahn coming to watch, Im already dying of laughter.

You vulgar bastard. Now I understand why the two of you got together.

Ed merely shrugged his shoulders at the insult. Since he had more to say, he continued his momentum.

I must say Im surprised that you would rather risk showing your noble buttocks to the whole of Roahn. You truly must be afraid of it coming to light that youre looking for Liloa.

Why? Why are you so secretive about this?

Its said that the Archduke of Obernyu is in critical condition, and the regent, who hasnt been able to receive the title, is hiding in this far western land during those difficult times

Ed stroked his chin. Unlike Venua, creating this facial expression came quite naturally to him.

Is there anything else other than the topic of succession that would make the noble Prince Regent so impatient?

Shut your mouth, Marquess.

Did the Archduke leave a will stating that he would abdicate the title in favour of Liloa? Well, I cant blame him, theres no one more suitable and worthy for the title of Archduke than she is

Marquess!

Why do you keep shouting for the person whos already in front of you? Its a rather pointless action.

Venua hit the armrest and jumped up from his seat.

That mouth! Ill make sure it can never jest again.

Ed looked at his opponents trembling shoulders before lowering his eyes to the knees that tried so hard to suppress the spasms. It was an outrageous threat to Ed, who had crossed an immeasurable line of fire.

Intimidation is a trick used only when one wants the other person to back down. If someone truly intends to kill his opponent, its more efficient not to have his murderous intent discovered.

In essence, threats are most frightening when theyre done in silence, Prince Regent. You will have to eliminate that clumsy trait of yours if you want to deal with me.

end of flashback

***

Ed rolled his eyes and looked at Lil, whose eyes narrowed as she let out a sigh.

You were so childish

I didnt tell you because thats what I thought you would think.

and timid.

I admit that.

Lil stopped herself from smacking him, considering his condition was comparable to that of a critically ill patient.

I knew I would pay the price for my childish and timid behaviour.

Lil clasped her head and groaned.

But this situation is different from what I expected, now were both suffering I shouldve been more careful

And you realise this only now?

I

As Ed blurted out his words, Lil raised her eyebrows.

I never thought that someone would save me because I was always the one who had to save myself

What on earth were you planning to do? What were you going to do when you fell off your horse like that?

I would try to hold on to the cliff.

But werent you already unconscious when I got there?!

If I had fallen into the sea, I would have come to my senses. It wouldnt have been difficult after that. I would just be washed ashore and find a place to hide

Lil ended up hitting the floor instead of Ed.

Are you going to insist on talking back to me like that?!

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