Chapter 18 (2/2)

“She is an important witness to my resurrection,” Gawain said, trying to hold back the twitching on his face, and he said, trying to look serious, “And don’t you think she would be more likely to ruin things if we put her somewhere else out of our sights?”

Herti nodded contemplatively in agreement.

Just then, Viscount Andrew finally walked into the living room.

The attendant pushed open the large oak door, and a thin, tall man came walking into the room. He wore a slim-fitting, black ceremonial attire. His brownish-black hair was slicked back and kept close to his scalp. The two ends of his meticulous moustache extended out both sides under his nose, and his face though pale had a somewhat abnormal flush to it. This kind of sickly look was actually quite common among the nobles, especially among those who were not endowed with magical or physical talents.

In order to experience supernatural powers beyond their natural talents and greater indulgence in pleasures, they would take large doses of magical drugs to ‘enhance their senses’. The side effects of this magical drug would be seen in their complexions.

They were even proud of it and regarded the paleness of their skin as one of the marks of being a noble.

The descendants of the Cecil family who still followed their ancestral teachings of using honest means, training up their combat or magical skills with hard work had become the weird ones in the aristocratic circles, but this could not be helped since the Cecil Clan had been in decline. Forget the magic drugs that cost more than people wanted to pay for, Rebecca did not even have the money to repair the holes in her clan’s castle, but of course, she had no need to repair those holes now.

“Ah, the beautiful Lady Herti, and likewise, Lady Rebecca, I’m really sorry for my lateness,” Viscount Andrew said in a loud and melodic voice upon entering the room, his face seemed sincerely apologetic. “But I was really too busy. The grievous news that happened in Cecil territory has spread all across my territory. The people are panicking. I had to spend most of my day arranging territorial defenses and listening to reports from those on patrol.”

Gawain immediate got goosebumps and whispered, “Do nobles nowadays have to speak in this expressive melodic manner?”

Rebecca lowered her voice and said, “Lord Ancestor, didn’t the nobility in your time do this as well?”

“We’d usually sit in taverns to drink alcohol, brag about each other’s business, and just talk about stuff.”

“… Then I guess that the customs now are really different from back then. Of course, Viscount Andrew’s way of speaking is really… a little bit more special than others.”

“We understand that you really should be busy now.” Seeing that Rebecca, the rightful heir of the Cecil Clan, was still busy chatting with her Ancestor at this time, completely unaware that she should stand up to receive the Viscount, Herti suddenly and impatiently glared at Rebecca as she stood up. “But I should remind you that you should address Rebecca as Viscount, not Lady as she has inherited the clan’s title since last year. On such occasions, you should address her as Viscount Rebecca or Viscount Cecil.”

Nobles of this world seemed to have less strict rules with regards to addressing someone of nobility. They could address them by their individual name or their clan’s name with the person’s title.

As Herti glared at her, Rebecca finally caught on. She stood up, greeted Viscount Andrew by half-rising out of her chair, which was the respect that nobles of the same level showed each other. The way she carried out the gesture was at least of acceptable standard. “Viscount Andrew, thank you for your hospitality.”

“You’re most welcome. Viscount Cecil.” After Herti’s soft reminder, Andrew recalled the lady’s reputation in the aristocratic circle, so he became less pompous, and chose to address Rebecca with her clan name instead of her own name, which was a more formal way of address. “I’m deeply sorry for what happened to Cecil territory. It’s a real calamity. But I’m glad that you are safe and sound. It seems like the legacy of the Cecil Clan will be preserved.”

What followed after was a series of unconstructive exchanging of pleasantries. One side had to follow strict protocols in showing concern for the other while the other side tried to show their gratitude for receiving this hospitality. Obviously, Rebecca, who was suspected to have a brain injury, was not very good at this type of socializing, so she awkwardly forced the change in topic, “Before the castle fell, Knight Philip led a team to help civilians to break out. They should have fled here. According to the laws established by the founding fathers, they should have received asylum from you. How are they doing now?”

“Of course, the law enacted by the founding fathers are sacred. Although my territory is small, it is more than capable to help a neighbor who is in trouble.” Andrew nodded. “The brave knight was battered with injuries then, and he hasn’t recovered yet. I’ve arranged for him to rest in the church of the Holy Light. They can provide him with the best treatment there. Those loyal soldiers and poor civilians have been arranged to stay in the eastern and southern parts of the city. Until now, not one of them have died from hunger or the cold.”

None of the civilians from the Cecil territory, who fled here, had died from freezing or hunger. They had already shown to have taken good care of the people. Of course, it made sense for Viscount Andrew to be willing to accept those refugees. After all, all these refugees from Cecil Clan that he accommodated would be converted into a debt that Rebecca had to pay for. If Rebecca were to want her clan’s people back, she must pay a ‘monetary reward’ to Viscount Andrew for every headcount.

Just as “One should help his neighbors in distress, and a noble should shelter and protect the neighboring people of other clans in times of crisis.” was written in Anzu’s law, “The party who receives help should pay the necessary reward to the party who provides help” was also clearly written in the statutes. Gawain was very aware of this.

After all, these two laws had been set by both Gawain Cecil and Charlie the First back in the day…

Although Rebecca was not very mature as a noble, she still understood the rules. Upon hearing from Viscount Andrew, she could not help looking slightly grim as she wondered if she was even able to pay off this debt that came so suddenly.

She could not help but glance at Gawain as an audacious thought, deserving of a beating, came to her.

Lord Ancestor… He must be wearing antiques… Why not ask the old man to sell his clothes?