Chapter 5: TBSL

Chapter 5

“Should I just deny everything and act like nothing happened?”

If I act a bit, lower my voice, and put on a serious face, maybe the Marquis will let it slide out of respect for my effort…

“There’s no way that works. This body is basically a frontal-lobe failure right now.”

More than anything, he was a man who valued honor.

That was exactly why he chose Kim Yuhyeon over his own son—and why he ended up not dying at his son’s hands.

On top of that, he might already have a rough idea of what kind of things the original Sion Clauzen had been doing.

Even if he didn’t know about today’s incident, he might have already placed people in secret to watch Sion’s movements. If that were the case, the Marquis would likely already know that his son had been bringing women and attempting disgraceful acts.

Cheap tricks wouldn’t work.

Just like he had fooled Kim Yuhyeon and Lucia, he had to come up with the best possible explanation that would satisfy the Marquis as well.

“Trying to survive this world is seriously frying my brain…”

It felt like going through back-to-back, even triple job interviews.

The only difference was that this wasn’t an interview for employment—it felt like an interview deciding life and death.

“Father.”

The moment those words came out of Sion’s mouth, the Marquis’s eyes trembled slightly.

Sion, unaware of that change, continued speaking.

“I will speak honestly, as I believe you already know everything. The truth is, I used excessive methods in order to personally select my direct maid servants.”

“Direct maid servants?”

“Yes.”

In this world, maids were not mere slaves.

They were professionals who served nobles closely and handled various duties. Not just anyone could become one, and nobles did not assign the role lightly.

Some might wonder if they also served at night, but if a child were to be born, it would create serious complications and weaknesses in noble society. Thus, maids were essentially highly trained professionals.

“I need a bit more explanation,” the Marquis said.

“I wanted to choose women who would not bend their will in any situation. Not just those who act confident with words, but those whose confidence is real—proven through action.”

“….”

The Marquis pressed his temples, trying to decide how to respond to his son’s absurd explanation.

Normally, selecting maids was the job of the head maid, with final approval by the family head.

However, “direct maids” referred to those who served only one person directly. They could be appointed without the head maid’s recommendation if they proved their skills and character personally.

But such a position could only be granted by the family head or the heir.

“So you’re saying you created an atmosphere where women were forcibly brought in and nearly assaulted in order to select direct maids?”

“That wording is quite troubling and inappropriate,” the Marquis said coldly.

Of course he knows.

If I had denied it, I would’ve been screwed.

Sion internally sighed in relief and quickly continued.

“I fully acknowledge my wrongdoing and I regret it. I intend to personally visit them, explain the truth, and if they wish, appoint them as direct maids. If not, I will provide proper compensation. And I will also apologize personally, as the heir of the Clauzen Marquisate.”

Direct maids, personal apologies—he emphasized his position as heir.

The Marquis internally sighed.

Until now, Sion had never emphasized his position as heir in front of him.

It wasn’t humility—it was entitlement. As if it was already his by right.

But now, he was speaking of responsibilities and duties tied to succession.

“From now on, do not do such things again. This is both as your father and as the lord of this territory. If you disgrace the family name again, I will personally punish you. Do you understand?”

“I will remember it.”

Sion obediently accepted the warning. In his current situation, this wasn’t something that could be brushed off.

The Marquis was slightly surprised by how easily he accepted it.

After a short pause, he asked again.

“Then you planned to bring in four direct maids?”

“No, three.”

“And you went out today for that purpose?”

“Well…”

He almost said he had gone to meet Lucia, the daughter of Raido.

But then he stopped.

Wait… did the original Sion even know Lucia was Raido’s daughter?

A chill ran down his spine.

At this time, only the Marquis knew Raido’s identity. Even others in the territory only knew him as a strange mage or so-called “sage.”

If Sion suddenly acted like he knew all of that…

That would be suspicious.

Extremely suspicious.

‘Wait… I already said Raido’s name in front of Lucia.’

Sion froze.

His scalp tingled.

Something was wrong. Very wrong.

“…That happened?”

“Yes, Father.”

Lucia answered calmly.

A middle-aged man, now closer to being an old man, stroked his beard in deep thought.

Kim Yuhyeon suddenly spoke.

“Master, have you ever revealed your identity or location to anyone other than the Marquis?”

“What do you take me for? A senile old man who can’t handle his own work?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Even most in the royal palace don’t know I’m here. At best, only the king, that useless prince, and a few bald ministers know.”

“Then perhaps the Marquis accidentally—”

“No.”

The old man shook his head firmly.

“I know Richten Clauzen. He would never do that. Even if a blade were at his neck, he would rather bite his tongue and die than betray a promise. He’s stubborn to that degree.”

He chuckled while sipping tea.

Then—

“FATHER!!”

“Pff—! W-what is it, Lucia?”

“Please stop talking like that!”

“Like what?”

“How long are you going to keep using such vulgar speech?! You used to be a royal court mage!”

“It’s just a habit…”

“Not acceptable!”

Lucia scolded him fiercely, then stormed out of the room.

SLAM!

Silence filled the room.

“….”

“….”

After a few minutes, the old man finally spoke.

“So… the one who mentioned my name, and the bastard who tried to harm my daughter, are the same person?”

“Yes.”

“And that person is the Marquis’s son?”

“That’s correct.”

“Hm.”

He folded his arms.

He wanted to tear that man apart immediately.

But Lucia had already warned him.

“If you hurt Sion, I won’t speak to you again.”

So he had promised not to act rashly.

Still…

“It seems I should go see him.”

“Master, if Lucia finds out—”

“Relax. I’m just going to take a look. I want to see what kind of brat is secretly doing all this behind his father’s back.”

And—

He also wanted to see for himself.

The bastard who had stolen his daughter’s attention.