Chapter 11 (1/2)

Punishment and Compensation

Confirming that Gold put the ring on, Eagle smirks evilly.

「Do not worry. Even though I’m this old, I learned something from my grandson. To earn people’s complete loyalty, the stick isn’t enough. One also needs to use the carrot.」

「Carrot… what is that about?」

Gold, who was drenched in sweat, tilts his head in wonder.

「That’s right. It’s understandable that you would think that it’s unjustified. That even though you’re supposed to be the heir just a while ago, you lost your standing in a blink of an eye. I believe it’s reasonable that you would attempt to get rid of Ritone.」

「Th-that’s right! There was a reason behind all this…… Sorry!」

In the spur of the moment, Gold blurted out those words, but a single glance from Eagle shut him up.

「Aside from you, there are others who are displeased by the idea of Ritone being the heir to the House. You must gather information about those fellows, and notify me about it. By doing that, you will receive compensation.」

「Compensation… you say?」

「That’s right. If I’m not wrong, you have a daughter. Isn’t Nady her name?」

「Ye-Yes! This year, she will be 12 years old and she’s really cute…… Don’t tell me!-」

Gold realized something in his astonishment.

「It’s exactly that. I’m thinking of making Nady Ritone’s fiancée, combining our families together into one.」

The moment he heard that, Gold was smiling from ear to ear.

「Th-that’s a wonderful idea. My daughter is extremely beautiful, her magic talent is superb, her personality is good, and she is the same age as Ritone-sama. She is perfect as his marriage partner!」

Gold was doing his best to emphasize his daughter’s strong points. At that, Eagle ignores what he said with a wry smile.

「Before thinking about an a.s.sa.s.sination, you should have thought of applying Nady as my grandson’s fiancée. Your lack of ability and foresight to think of such solutions made me reluctant to declare you as the heir. Well, that’s enough. From now on, you will become Ritone’s father-in-law, and protect him from the shadows. The child born between those two will become the subsequent heir to Ritone!」

「Ye-Yes! I will use everything I have to support Ritone-sama.」

Gold, once again, prostrated himself and made an oath.

At breakfast, Eagle talked to Ritone in a cheerful mood.

「Hear me out. I was able to appoint a girl who you called a “Heroine” as your fiancée. She will come to our house sometime soon.」