I Decided To Abandon My Family In My Seventh Life (Dropped) - Chapter 04: The Duke

Chapter 04: The Duke of Woodstock 

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hugo, the eldest son of the Glenville Marquess.” 

“Hmm… You, huh…”

One week after the match with Kenneth.

Upon my father broaching the topic of arranging my marriage, the Grand Duke of Woodstock promptly paid a visit to our estate. 

Haha, how desperate must he be for an offering?

Nevertheless, he proposed that a son of the Glenville Marquess marry into the Grand Duke’s family without any specific conditions. 

Given the multitude of unsavory rumors and the lack of suitors for his granddaughter, it was only natural for the Grand Duke to eagerly seize the opportunity.

“Your Excellency, what are your thoughts?” 

“Hmm… His demeanor and conduct truly befit a child of Glenville.”

With those words, the Grand Duke nodded in satisfaction. 

It seemed I had garnered his approval.

“Now then, when shall we arrange for him to meet my granddaughter…?” 

“Hugo, what do you think?”

Both of them turned their gaze toward me… 

Haha, it’s as if they’re urging me to meet the granddaughter immediately.

“I am ready at any time… However, if possible, I would like to meet her as soon as I can.” 

“I see, I see! In that case, let’s say a week from now!” 

“Understood. I’ll make sure Hugo is prepared for that.”

With the conversation settled, my father and I escorted the Grand Duke to the front entrance.

“Ah, and regarding my granddaughter, she resides not in the capital but in the Duchy. You shall use the gate at our mansion in the capital to accompany me there.” 

“Of course, I understand.”

To think they’ve set up a teleportation magic circle gate, which is rarely used even by nobles due to its high cost, exclusively for the Grand Duke… Truly befitting of the Woodstock Grand Duke…

“Hmm… Today was quite a meaningful day indeed!”

With a beaming smile, the Grand Duke boarded his carriage and returned to his mansion.

“…Hugo, you understand, right?” 

“Of course. Leave it to me.” 

“I see. Then, you may go.”

“Yes, thank you. Excuse me.”

With a respectful bow, I returned to my distant mansion.

Then…

“Welcome back, Hugo-sama. Um, well…”

Ellen, who had been waiting at the entrance, approached me with a puzzled expression.

“What’s the matter?” 

“W-Well, you see, the Knight Captain has come to visit…”

The moment I heard that, I knew. 

Probably, they’re still planning to hold a memorial for the late Kenneth…

I guess I’m still not acknowledged by anyone.

“…Alright, I’ll see him.” 

“I-Is that okay?” 

“Yes.”

Guided reluctantly by Ellen, I entered the room where the Knight Captain awaited. 

Inside, besides the Knight Captain, Molly, who had been attending to him, was also present.

“Knight Captain, I assume you have something to discuss with me?”

“Hugo-sama, I have come to request that you honor me with a match.”

There it is, just as I thought.

“…I’ll ask just in case, but has my father already approved of this?”

“…Yes.”

Haha, so he’s even willing to lie just to kill me.

“Hugo-sama, there’s no need for you to accept something like this.”

In a tone quite unlike her usual self, Ellen reprimanded me as if to leave no room for argument. 

Well, she knows about my potential marriage to the Grand Duke’s family. It’s only natural for her to consider the possibility of any potential mishaps.

“Ellen! You should stay silent! The Knight Captain is speaking even knowing that he might face consequences from Lord Glenville!”

Molly interjected, taking sides with the Captain. 

Seeing her side with the Captain like this, it’s evident that they want to eliminate me, who holds the knowledge of their embezzlement scheme, and sweep it under the rug.

“…Knight Captain. I have a commitment with the Woodstock Grand Duke next week under my father’s orders. If, by any chance, I cannot fulfill that commitment due to a duel with you, Knight Captain… no, the Knight Captain’s family and all members of the Knight Order will bear the responsibility… Are you still willing to proceed?”

“!?”

As I delivered this low-spoken statement, the Knight Captain visibly hesitated, taken aback. 

Naturally, Molly, who was nearby, also turned pale. I deliberately baited them. If it comes to that, Molly would be equally guilty since she played a role in this.

“Hugo-sama… Are you satisfied now?”

With a gesture that clearly suggested there was no further need for interaction, Ellen prompted me to leave the room. 

Even through her behavior, it’s evident that she holds a higher rank than someone like Molly.

“Knight Captain, it’s regrettable, but I will take my leave.”

Uttering these flat words, I turned on my heel and left the room, accompanied by Ellen.

And then…

“What on earth were you thinking!”

In an instant, Ellen’s face grew stern, revealing her exasperation. 

Well, from Ellen’s perspective as a spy for my father, it’s only natural that she would be upset, considering I might disrupt my father’s plans.

“Haha… Well, you probably know, but even though it was a match, I ended up killing Kenneth, who was his subordinate…”

“But! The Master has also approved of the outcome! Objecting to that result is an unbecoming act for the Knight Captain!”

Ellen’s anger seemed far from subsiding, but I couldn’t afford to address it at the moment. 

With a wry smile, I returned to my room.