Chapter 77

Marquis Ephekl regarded me with a wary gaze.@@novelbin@@

“…Indeed.”

“She left me a letter,” I said, though I had fabricated that part to maintain the narrative. I had already discussed this with Leshan before coming here.

Given Leshan’s nature, it was only natural that she would want to inform me of the truth. It wouldn’t be strange for her to send me a letter while she was on the run.

I spoke as if I had discovered the truth through this letter.

“She mentioned that you’re after our mine.”

His expression deepened, his gaze growing sharper as he scrutinized me.

“And yet you came here, knowing that? You must have some idea of what I’m capable of.”

His soft voice was a calculated attempt to lower my guard.

“I know at least that you care deeply for Leshan and that you’re a doting grandfather,” I replied, relying on the depiction of him in the novel as Leshan’s doting fool.

If she asked him to stop, he wouldn’t be able to refuse.

“If you need magic stones, I’m willing to offer some from our mine. I don’t know exactly what you’re planning, but I’m asking you to stop, Marquis.”

This was an offer he couldn’t refuse, especially if it meant gaining both the magic stones and maintaining Leshan’s trust.

“You wouldn’t want Lady Leshan to resent you, would you?”

“You’ve read me well.”

Marquis Ephekl laughed, though it sounded somewhat hollow. He glanced at the ceiling briefly before returning his gaze to me.

His lips began to part, and I thought the negotiation was about to succeed.

“But I can’t do that.”

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