The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 96
Seeing his desperate struggle, it seemed Rodite had captured him.
From afar, he looked like a madman.
The Marquis of Shepherd, who had been pleading with Shaelock, turned his gaze to Esban.
“You…”
Staring at Esban with a perplexed expression, he suddenly became furious.
Though his hands were tied behind his back, his struggling intensified significantly.
“Y-You came here in what state of mind? Didn’t the Cairoze family say they would support us!”
Esban narrowed his eyes and replied.
“There are limits.”
“Limits? That’s laughable.”
The Marquis of Shepherd, who had been at a loss with Shaelock, scoffed at Esban.
“You should know how to take care of your fellow nobles! That bloodline of yours has nowhere to go. I should speak directly with the head of the Cairoze family―”
“It’s useless. My father said he would never see you again. You know well that once he makes a decision, he doesn’t change it easily.”
Esban interrupted, not feeling it was worth letting him finish his sentence.
It was somewhat remarkable how he continued to speak with such restraint, not uttering a single vulgar word in front of someone who belittled him so.
“This was all sanctioned by Cairoze!”
Of course, Esban firmly shook his head at this nonsense.
“That never happened.”
“No, I must speak with Lord Cayden Cairoze! This isn’t solely my fault!”
“Once again, you’re trying to manipulate the situation to your advantage. It’s very pathetic.”
Esban couldn’t hide his disgust as he muttered.
Watching their conversation with keen interest, Shaelock let out a chuckle.
“Well, it’s the final request of a man whose life is already over. Shall we grant it?”
“Excuse me?”
“Cayden Cairoze is already on his way here.”
At Shaelock’s reply, Esban’s eyes widened.
“…Is Cayden Cairoze under suspicion?”
Esban asked in a heavy voice.
“I just thought he might want to clear his name in front of someone who keeps tarnishing the Cairoze family’s honor.”
“…That’s true. Because this geezer dared to drag the Cairoze family’s name through the mud.”
“W-What do you mean, this geezer!”
“Be quiet. I’m showing as much courtesy as I can right now.”
The Marquis of Shepherd shrank under Esban’s fierce gaze.
Seeing the fire in Esban’s eyes, he must have realized his life was genuinely in danger now.
It was a wise realization, even from my perspective.
With Cayden Cairoze’s name invoked, it was clear that Esban was truly furious.
Knock, knock.
Just then, a knocking sound echoed through the room.
“They’ve arrived.”
Shaelock rose from her seat and turned the doorknob.
“Your Highness.”
As expected, standing there was Cayden Cairoze.
A man far more imposing and upright than Robert, his presence was striking.
He was also the man I had seen at the gambling den, with an equally impressive aura.
After greeting Shaelock, Cayden Cairoze locked eyes with Esban.
“…Father.”
The one word Esban managed to utter after a moment of silence.
“Her Highness’s call was a wise decision. Do not be too angry about it.”
Cayden’s calm and measured response showed he understood Esban’s anger all too well.
If I were dragged before the princess simply because the Marquis of Shepherd mentioned my name, I would feel wronged too.
“W-We talked, Did we not!? That evening…”
“Our family’s promise to ensure the Marquis of Shepherd’s power wouldn’t diminish was not a promise to support illegal activities.”
“T-That’s true. However! But you knew, didn’t you! You knew I owned this gambling den! And yet you said you’d support me, which clearly means you condoned and agreed to help!”
The Marquis of Shepherd’s argument was flimsy, even to my ears.
His logic was full of holes.
“…It wasn’t condoning. It was advice to confess the current situation to Her Highness before I had to intervene. You shouldn’t twist words like that.”
Cayden Cairoze explained calmly, without blinking an eye. He seemed more like a teacher in that moment.
“Marquis, is that all you have to say?”
“I truly…”
At Shaelock’s words, the Marquis of Shepherd gritted his teeth and began to sob.
“I’ve been more than merciful.”
Shaelock’s smile was sinister, making her seem even more intimidating.
“Enough excuses. It’s time to leave.”
“The device has been retrieved.”
At Cayden’s words from the side, Shaelock nodded.
“So, Marquis, who helped you produce the counterfeit money?”
The interrogation continued from there.