Volume 5 Chapter 16 (1/2)
Editor: Starbuck11
On that day, modest knockings resounded throughout Earl Salzberg's mansion located in the middle of fortress-city Epiroz.
”Dear. I'm sorry for disturbing you but, may I have a little bit of your time ?”
Yuria Salzberg called out the lord of the room while listening to a girl moan in broad daylight.
Hearing her voice. The woman's moans and the sound of squeaking stopped for a moment, then the voice of a frustrated man could be heard from the inside.
”What is it, Yuria? Currently, I'm in a good part. If it's not important, can we talk later ?”
His voice was filled with arrogance and confidence as if he was talking to his servants, not his wife.
Despite being called by his wife while in the middle of his affairs with a young maid, Thomas Salzberg didn't sound guilty at all.
If those who knew the Earl heard what he said, they might doubt their ears. Because between the Earl and his wife, many people thought that she was the one leading the two.
Besides, even among n.o.blemen, Earl Salzberg's behavior right now can be regarded as abnormal. They might question whether or not the Earl see Yuria as his wife.
In the modern world, this kind of treatment would be regarded as emotional abuse.
If one were to have a decent mind, it was natural for the woman to think about divorce or at least live in a separate house.
However, Yuria had no options to choose from.
(I only work for this man like a slave. Divorce aside, there's even no way for us to live separately… That is something I could not hope for… But…)
Yuria herself personally didn't care about the details.
If her husband wanted a concubine, she herself had the generosity to grant such wish. If asked more, she was even fine to hand over the seat of the legal wife.
In the first place, Yuria was only the daughter of an influential merchant in Epiroz city. Judging from the cla.s.s system, even though economically wealthy, the merchants were only commoners.
Certainly, there was those who were called business magnates. People who could influence the movements of a certain country.
Even if they were commoners, if one could become such merchant, then even a king would pay some respect accordingly. However, n.o.body even know how many such merchants exist in the entire world.
Yet, despite not being one, Yuria had become an Earl's wife.
But looking at his manners, one could see what kind of existence Yuria was for the Earl. Even though formally she was his wife, in his eyes, she was essentially the same as servants.
Even though she was prepared for this kind of situation from the beginning, her heart still screams every time she see her husband's mindless att.i.tude.
Disgust, anger, and deep sorrow mixed into one. While suppressing the feelings of wanting to cry out, Yuria continues speaking…
”A letter has come from Baron Mikos.h.i.+ba.”
She heard that he was clicking his tongue inside the room.
Although he was in the middle of having fun, it seems he still managed to judge the situation properly.
”I see… Wait a bit, let me wear my clothes.”
Hearing his words, Yuria sighed.
The current Earl Salzberg's debauchery just started recently.
It was the result of being tired by the strict frugal lifestyle. He ousted his father and didn't hesitate to release his suppressed desires from the day he sat down as the head of the Salzberg household. Lavish foods and women occupy most of his mind. While it was his wife, Yuria, who was the one who did the job as a lord.
In the Earl's eyes, Yuria, who was not from a n.o.ble family, was like a gardener who took care of his garden. His garden named Epiroz. If her value disappeared, he would just hand her over to someone else…
Yuria herself understands that as well.
Although it was an unwanted marriage akin to human sacrifice, Yuria herself had made an effort to love her husband, in fact, she had been doing her best for the past decade.
The result of her hard work, Earl Salzberg's fame and popularity had increased thanks to stable governance for many years.
And he became the most influential aristocrat who leads Rozeria northern n.o.bles.
In order to support those, Yuria had taken over the economy of the city. Her achievements are by no means light.
However, the reality was heartless.
(I'm just a tool in the eyes of this person…)
From the surrounding people, they saw her as the strong woman who controls the Earl's household from behind the scene, but in reality, she only amounts to this much.
The moment the door was opened, Yuria turned her head to the side, away from the fishy smell that entered her nose.
”What are you doing? If you have a business then get in…”
It was a cold voice. His voice sounded displeased because his fun was being disturbed.
Yuria who stood at the entrance was ordered by Earl Salzberg to enter.
The moment she heard him, Yuria's heart was set.
”You should leave. Also, n.o.body should approach this room until I call.”
After giving such order to the maid who opened the door, Yuria set her foot inside the room.
”A letter from that youngster? What happened ?”
Earl Salzberg extended his hand towards Yuria while looking suspicious.
”It's firmly sealed with wax… He's really stiff…”
The design of a double-headed snake entwining a sword on the sealing wax indicated that the sender was Baron Mikos.h.i.+ba.
Earl Salzberg took a knife and opened the letter.
”Let's see… Just what is that youngster going to say exactly ?”
The Earl's eyes slowly traced over the letter.
Earl Salzberg who eventually finished reading the letter slowly folded the paper.
After a brief silence, his laughter echoed inside the room.
”Khukhu…HAHAHAHAHA ! Magnificent. This is going to be fun.”
His figure who laughed while covering his face with his right hand was an evidence that he was making light of his opponent.
”What is written inside ?”