Chapter 256 - Uninvited Guest

“Another cup of tea for me please, Derrick.” A man sat in the drawing room, elegantly sipping on his tea. I sighed—no wonder it wasn’t Derrick who had called me, even though he usually did for urgent businesses. Given who the guest was, he couldn’t help but attend to the man. Noticing me, his expression brightened. “Lady Floyen!” he called. I was afraid that Max might leave my room out of worry for me, so I decided to deal with this quickly.

“Welcome. I was told that you have pressing news to discuss with me.”

The man of intelligent appearance smiled warmly. “Long time no see. How have you been?” he asked.

“Lord Elios,” I sighed.

He paid no heed to my urging, however, and showed a charming smile. “I’m sure I’ve asked you to call me ‘Fred.’”

Knitting my brow, I pointed out, “I’m sure you haven’t interrupted me from my rest just to say hello and remind me what I should call you.”

“Ah,” he nodded. “It’s nothing but that some criminals in our territory have fled to the village of Aden—the one under His Grace’s authority.”

Criminals? Taken aback, I asked for clarification. “What kind of criminals are they?”

His demeanor remained relatively calm compared to mine—to the point it made me bear spite toward him. “A group of thieves who have committed murder and robbery,” he explained. “Most of them have been arrested, but the head of the group as well as some infamous ones have made it out.”

“How many are there?”

“Ten.”

Aden was a small town with a population of less than 50 when counted last year. If only healthy adult men who could fight were counted, there would be only about 15. It would be a different story if only one criminal had fled—but with 10 of them, there could be an attempt to attack the village.

‘Why did such a serious matter have to arise while Dad is away…’ I was lost in thought when Lord Elios began pressing me for an answer.

“Our family has organized a squad to subjugate the outlaws, but we are unable to enter your territory due to the non-aggression pact. Therefore, we will need your cooperation.”

I clenched my fists. Was it okay for me to make a grave decision like this? I hesitated for a moment, then I remembered what Merilyn once told me—“My lady, please keep in mind that you must lead the family in the absence of His Grace.” I glanced at Derrick—he was watching me without a word as if waiting for my decision. I suddenly felt the weight of my position as the duke’s only child.

‘Everything I’m enjoying—it’s thanks to the people who trust and follow this family,’ I remembered. Rights came from duties, and I bore the responsibility to use my best judgment at a time like this.

“Fine. I will allow your squad to enter my territory.” He smiled, then opened his mouth to say something. However, I stopped him to say, “Just so you know, this is on the premise that you can guarantee the safety of our residents.” The smile disappeared from his face, and I could tell why. His original intention was likely to receive my permission to be excused from attacking not only the criminals, but also the villagers in our territory who might be cajoled into joining the bandits.

“If you’re talking about compensation for any losses, we will make sure to—”

“No. As I said, the safety of our residents comes first. I don’t care about compensation.”

He frowned at my firm stance, seeming bothered. “I don’t understand. To be obsessed with the safety of useless civilians in a small town who do not significantly help with the finances of your territory…”