269 Ivanovszki’s Plo (2/2)

”Because of his Blessing, Withering, the count has had a difficult time in having offsprings, and he spent most of his best years in the south, fighting against the south church. Although he married three wives in total, Count Witte only had a son, but his son died before ten,” continued Ivanovszki.

”So?” Lucien asked calmly.

Ivanovszki put down the cup in his hand, ”Mr. Peter, you should know the fact that the count successfully awakening his Blessing was a miracle, a miracle that was made come true by family Vladimir. The count lost his parents because of the war when he was young, and he failed to awaken his Blessing until twenty-five. Before that, his remote relatives gave him a very difficult time because they wanted to take over family Witte's land and title. It was some members from family Vladimir here who once helped him.”

”I know.” Lucien nodded.

”The count has revealed his plan to Carleena. He wants to have one of the male members from family Vladimir to be his stepson and give this stepson his title and wealth. To do this, the stepson must marry a lady from family Witte, who's not closely connected to the core family, leaving the rest of family Witte no hope to touch what he has. Mr. Peter, you're elegant, strong and good-looking, and you have even awakened your Blessing! You can't miss the great opportunity! The count will of course like you!”

Now Lucien understood what they were planning on. The count title and the great fortune equal to half of the wealth of the whole Ural district was beyond alluring to everyone, not to mention a greedy smuggler.

After that, Lucien asked casually, ”So, Carleena's also from family Witte?”

Ivanovszki first was a bit surprised and then laughed, ”Yes, several generations ago. Although it's quite remote, no one can deny. Without Carleena, we would never know what the count likes specifically. She plays an important role here. I mean… marrying a beauty and gaining the title and a great fortune… can anyone say no to this?”

Lucien now understood Sergey's true intention. Sergey was not trying to get his gold or sword, but to control him using the business. So, when both Sergey and Carleena failed, Ivanovszki came to Lucien and tempted him directly.

However, what Lucien did not understand was why the count would be dying so soon twenty or even thirty years earlier before he reached the average life span of a radiant knight. Was it because he was somehow severely injured during the war?

And Lucien was quite sure that no matter who married Carleena and got the title, the person was only going to be another piece of evidence pointing that Carleena truly deserved the name people called her by—Black Widow.

Therefore, Lucien put on a smile and said, ”It's a hard decision, but I'm still saying this. Mr. Ivanovszki, I cannot agree on the plan. I won't work with you guys.”

Although Lucien often craved for money, in Schachran Empire, he could not take any risks, not to mention the fact that he was not even a real family member of Vladimir, as the cardinals would test his blood.

A less greedy person was always smarter.

”What do you mean, Mr. Peter? Literally, you're saying no to a count title, half of the district's wealth, lots of mines and manors…” Ivanovszki could not believe his ears. He did not believe that anyone would reject the offer, not even the emperor in San Ivansburg!

Lucien said to Ivanovszki seriously, ”I cannot give up my surname. My name is the glorious representation of my family. I believe that one day I can become a count myself under the name Vladimir!”

After that, Lucien added, ”I'm proud of my name!”

Ivanovszki looked at Lucien as if he was lunatic, ”I thought those kind of knights who only pursued glory had all disappeared in the empire, but you shocked me, Mr. Peter.”

Then he stood up and bowed to Lucien, ”Mr. Peter, good luck with your faith.”

Although Ivanovszki tried his best to be respectful, Lucien felt that he was not saying what he was really thinking.

”Before the decision is made, I'll keep the secret for you.” Lucien still pretended to be super righteous.

Ivanovszki put on a nice smile, ”I trust you, Mr. Peter, a noble knight. Maybe we can work together in the future.”

Then, he left Lucien's room with his assistant, Matvienko.

”Be careful, my lord.” Leo walked out of his room after Ivanovszki and Matvienko had left, and he reminded Lucien worriedly, ”He's more ruthless than one can imagine, and he does not like any latent troubles.”