novelzi Chapter 146
Chapter 146
Chapter 146 – Marquis Laksir (4)
Upon my return to Milon’s mansion,
“You met him but came back empty-handed!?”
Nella let out a sharp shout the moment she heard what transpired.
“Just why?”
“It’s not like I could threaten him in broad daylight and have him hand the person over.”
“Where is he? Where is that guy now!?”
“Why? Are you going to go after him yourself?”
“Of course! Ugh, I didn’t think you were this soft......!”
Nella shot a resentful glare in my direction.
“I should just go and kidnap him myself......”
“Why are you so impatient all of a sudden?”
“Impatient? How could I not be!? What if the Marquis hides him away or he escapes!?”
Without the slightest hesitation, I shook my head.
“That won’t happen. I’m sure of it.”
“What?”
Nella’s expression immediately twisted into a frown.
“You’re certain? Based on what?”
“Because now even Marquis Laksir knows that I’m targeting that old man.”
“What does that even mean?”
“Think about it from the Marquis’ perspective.”
I calmly continued explaining.
“He wants something from me. He’s particularly curious about what I saw in Black Swan and how things are operating internally there.”
“And?”
“However, he knows I wouldn’t share that information willingly, right? That’s why he probably spouted nonsense about making me his vassal or whatever.”
“......!”
At some point, Nella had started paying full attention to my words.
“He’s probably been thinking hard about it—what he needs to offer to make me agree, or at least to get me to the negotiating table. But then, surprise! He suddenly found out what I wanted.”
“......!”
“In that situation, if you were the Marquis, would you just let that old man run away?”
Nella’s eyes widened gradually.
“Of course not, right?”
“You...... Did you even anticipate this?”
I nodded silently.
“Knowing what the opponent wants and folding immediately is the act of a fool, especially for a seasoned high noble like the Marquis. He’s more likely to use that guy as a pawn to increase his chances of victory.”
Above all, this assumption solidified into certainty after I learned about Marquis Laksir’s hobbies.
“Do you know how to fish?”
“......What? Why bring up fishing all of a sudden?”
Nella’s aggressive energy faltered slightly, and she frowned again.
“Marquis Laksir is fishing right now.”
“What do you mean?”
“The moment he realized what I wanted, he retreated without hesitation despite his pride taking a hit.”
All of the Marquis’ knights had been thoroughly beaten by me. Moreover, there were plenty of onlookers.
“In other words, he decided the bait was set well enough.”
“So...... you’re saying Marquis Laksir is fishing for you right now?”
I nodded again.
“If you pull the line too quickly when you get a bite, the fish might just escape.”
“You could’ve just explained it plainly instead of using this fishing analogy.”
“Fishing is Marquis Laksir’s hobby.”
“You even found out something trivial like that?”
This wasn’t trivial—it was essential.
Know your enemy and know yourself, and you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
If you know yourself but not your enemy, you’ll win one and lose one.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you’ll be in danger in every battle.
“To devise an infallible strategy, you must know the person thoroughly.”
“Did it seem that way to you?”
“It did.”
Marquis Laksir fixed his sharp gaze on me.
“With your temper, it wouldn’t have been surprising if you had beheaded all my knights...... Yet, you restrained yourself.”
To be honest, yes, I restrained myself quite a bit.
“At first, I suspected you had the backing of the Meeke Principality.”
“The Meeke Principality? All of a sudden?”
“Why else would Marquis Foltaine, Duke Herman, or Duke Serin have any reason to support you?”
Marquis Laksir’s once-calm eyes now gleamed with intensity.
“But...... Now, I’ve changed my mind.”
“Should I take that as a good sign?”
“Of course. I find myself deeply intrigued by you and even desirous.”
Whether he was bluffing or not, the mood had shifted for the better, making it easier to approach my main point.
“In that case, I’d like it if you handed over just one person as a gift.”
“And in return, you’ll become my vassal?”
“Are you married, my lord?”
“Huh?”
Marquis Laksir looked puzzled but soon nodded.
“At my age? Of course, I married long ago.”
“When courting your wife, you didn’t propose on the first day with a gift, did you?”
“......”
Marquis Laksir fell silent, understanding my point.
“Treat me as you would a prospective partner. If I end up falling for you, who knows? I might seriously consider becoming your vassal.”
“Hahaha, sounds like you’re planning to take everything I have. That must be my imagination, right?”
Marquis Laksir burst into laughter.
“Still, it’s impossible. Managing the fish I’ve already caught is just as important as pursuing the ones I haven’t.”
“Then, shall we make a bet?”
“A bet......?”
I stepped closer, stopping not far from Marquis Laksir.
“Lend me a spare fishing rod.”
“......!”
I challenged him in his strongest domain.
“If you lose, you’ll grant my request.”
“So...... You want to settle this with a fishing contest?”
I nodded.
“You choose the rules, my lord. Should we compete to catch the first fish or the largest one?”
“......”
Marquis Laksir’s previously rigid lips curved into a smile.
Then.
“Bwahahaha!”
He erupted in the loudest laughter I’d heard from him.
“Unbelievable...... To think someone would challenge me to a fishing contest.”
“I’m confident.”
“I feel guilty about how unfair it feels. You set the terms. Largest fish or the most fish—it’s your call.”
Marquis Laksir turned to look at me, and continued with a smile.
“Personally, the latter sounds more enjoyable. I’d like to talk with you a bit longer.”
We’ll see about that.
“Sounds good. Then let’s go with the most fish caught.”
“You there! Bring my fishing rods immediately!”
Marquis Laksir shouted, as if worried that I might change my mind.
“Oh, by the way. What’s at stake? If I lose, I’ll hand over Abidal, that old man, as you asked...... But if I win, what do I get? Will you skip the dating phase and accept my proposal outright?”
“No.”
I offered him the best gift I could.
“At the very least, I’ll let you live.”
* * *
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