Episode 21.6 (2/2)
In the end, the present House of Douga is suffering because the previous earl desired for the position of an earl rather than a viscount. His people must be suffering from that since he must have imposed the taxes on them back then.
Tomaj said the government officials responsible reported the dungeon was on the level of an earldom on their own, but the previous earl definitely had hands in making those officials do that.
It's greed.
A greed for ranks, unique to nobles, tormenting the people.
Compared to that, the previous lord of Vouka is worthy of praise. He probably desired for rank as well, being a noble and all, but he chose to develop his territory the steady way instead. Town of Vouka was said to be a poor town back then, but it's gotten comparatively affluent now. It's currently on a steady yet reasonable pace toward prosperity.
However, everyone could only keep fighting on in the situation they're thrust in.
The current earl of Golbul, and his sons have no way of changing their starting line of Golbul being an earldom. They're struggling hard to improve their situation even a bit more. He can't blame them for that.
In any case, even though it's a matter Lecan is unfamiliar with, the line of thinking that they could obtain Viscountcy as long as they have <Dagger of Harut> seems way too simplistic and old-fashioned.
The people of Golbul House could only come to that conclusion because in their mind, everything taken out of Dungeon Golbul is theirs.
After going through many sessions of mental gymnastics, they absolutely can't bear the thought of Lecan 'snatching' <Dagger of Harut> from Dungeon Golbul. It's unforgivable. It's probably something that goes beyond logic, unquenchable until the dagger falls into their possession.
However, dungeons are not like farmlands. Nor are they like silver or gold mines. The stuff produced in a dungeon isn't necessarily the landlord to take just because it's located in their territory.
Lecan will never concede that point for as long as he's adventurer.
If they're going to try to deprive him of <Dagger of Harut> he won over in the dungeon by shedding blood, he will fight back tooth and nail. No mercy.
Lecan's resolve in it grew stronger after listening to Tomaj Douga.
”Lecan. The duel won't end until one of the participants died. But, I'd like you to give up if you could. I'll take responsibility and end the duel myself if you do. I don't want to kill you.”
Tomaj said that with sincere eyes.
Tomaj might be surprisingly sportsmanlike, considering this and the feast last time. He didn't smell too much like a schemer either from what Lecan saw today. He's probably being honest at not wanting to kill Lecan. Lecan can't help but to think of him as a good man, at least for this one.
”Knights take pride in their honors. Adventurers have their obstinacy to boast. The moment this duel is decided, the only outcome is live or die. I won't hold a grudge even if I die. I expect you to not hold a grudge if your proxy dies either.”
Tomaj's face cramped as he nodded.
”I swear.”