Chapter 45
Indeed, since the highest disciplinary committee proceeds similarly to a trial, they must have been witnesses intended to be used there.
Soon, the identities of those who entered the prepared seats were as follows.
First, those guys’ group, who were in the same gang and claimed to be victims of this incident, the Bayan group, came out one by one and asserted their grievances.
‘We followed Lord Bayan and ended up suffering damage!’
…The more I think about it, the more ridiculous these guys are?
Hey, you guys are now claiming you got beaten up by a three-year-old child.
You trash-like bastards.
‘Isn’t she Lord Pierre’s daughter?’
However, the repeated phrase “Pierre’s daughter” that they kept insisting on was being used almost like a panacea for this situation.
It seemed as though no one found it strange.
And the door opened, and others entered.
“That person is the attendant of my close friend who was there that day.”
He was the attendant of that group who had been nearby that day.
He did not get involved in the fight, but he witnessed everything.
The attendant looked pale as if frozen, but hurriedly spoke in a stammer.
The content was no different from Bayan’s claim.
“Uh… everything, just like Lord Bayan said, the young lady severely insulted him… and I, only testify to what I saw… yes. Lord Bayan’s words were correct. Truly… it was such harsh abuse that one could not keep their eyes open and listen to it.”
The way he trembled and stammered seemed suspicious.
However, it could be overlooked as the pressure and tension of participating as a witness in an important 자리.
Everything was going just as that guy had prepared.
‘If such words were said in the disciplinary committee, they probably wouldn’t have worked one hundred percent….’
Where does the power that makes people believe words come from?
It comes from authority.
In the highest disciplinary committee, at least my father was the highest-ranking person.
So, it would have been somewhat balanced and proceeded fairly.
‘But the 분위기 is shifting.’
As soon as the last attendant’s testimony ended, the conference hall became quiet again.
I could even feel that the retainers were listening with utmost focus.
‘This isn’t good.’
As expected, in this silence, the ruler of this space who had been listening all along.
Grandmother opened her mouth.
“So… the conclusion.”
The short words cut through the air.
“You are not guilty?”
“Yes, that is correct! Grandmother.”
The unified claims that flowed smoothly, and the testimony of the witness that, though hesitant, had no gaps.
Bayan nodded confidently like a lively fish.
“Is that so? Then I didn’t need to bring this matter to my council in the first place, did I?”
“That’s right!”
“……”
You stupid bastard.
‘As expected, that guy is the type to kick away his own luck. He’s not fit for anything.’
When Grandmother asked that, it meant, ‘So are you saying I brought something without any guilt to this council for no reason, you little fish bastard?’
Bayan answered loudly, then seemed to quickly realize that something was off.
“N-no. I was nervous and answered incorrectly…! What do you mean unnecessarily? How could bringing this matter to this council be considered wrong? It was an extremely unpleasant incident, enough to convene the highest disciplinary committee. It is naturally something that can be seriously considered.”
However, Bayan, though dull, showed that he wasn’t in this position for nothing as he smoothly twisted his tongue.
His skill in quickly changing his words is A-class on its own.
“It must be that Grandmother had her intentions.”
A glance turned toward me. Soon, a cruel light flashed in his eyes.
“Rather, since Grandmother must not have known the true nature of that cousin younger sister, I think it is unfortunate yet fortunate that I can tell you directly here. What good is being the daughter of the great Lord Pierre, when she lacks dignity.”
Oh, at this point, I should reevaluate that guy.
His skill in subtly insulting is quite high-level, this fish head?
“Ah, perhaps even her education was wrong from the start.”
Father! Did you hear that? He’s insulting you too!
I looked at Father with expectation, but.
‘…Yeah, expectation canceled. No, I didn’t even expect anything.’
Father had an indifferent expression, as if wondering whether some whale in the sea was crying.
No, he even seemed to be looking at him as ridiculous. No. Was it contempt?
“I see. In the end, a tiny loach that hasn’t even received proper education has disturbed the discipline of my family. That must be it. And such a tiny thing is already quite skilled at insulting parents.”
“Yes, exactly that!”
Grandmother stroked her chin.
“So that’s how it is… Something not even recognized here under my rule… dared to challenge one of the heirs.”
Grandmother’s dark bluish gaze slowly rolled toward me.
“So you didn’t even know your place and rampaged like a fearless seal. …How impudent.”
Thud!
‘Ah, damn.’
Is this the power of the current head of the family?
The power of water that Grandmother possessed tightened like a snake.
‘I, I can’t breathe.’
The pressure climbing up my shoulders made my hands tremble instinctively.
I must not shrink here.
This is a battle of momentum!
It was the moment I gritted my teeth and endured.
Tap, I felt something casually rest on my shoulder.
At the same time…
‘I can breathe easier…!’
What came onto my shoulder was Father’s hand.
The temperature of his hand was cool. No, slightly cold.
“How on earth did you raise this child? Without even teaching what forms the foundation of this orca society.”
“……”
“To let her run wild like a savage.”
Ironically, Grandmother did not even speak to me.
As if I was not worth speaking to.
It was a deliberate and thorough disregard.
“There’s a limit to letting loose something weak.”
Instead, the words continued as if meant only for Father to hear.
My fists clenched on their own.
‘If Father says here that he didn’t raise me, it’s over.’
Then all my lies so far will be exposed.
From then on, no matter what I do, it will be difficult to remove the stigma imprinted here.
No matter how strong I become, it won’t be easy to make up for it.
Perhaps this was… the moment I could know what Father truly thinks of me.
‘If Father found my act displeasing, there is no better opportunity than now.’
With just one word, my situation would fall into the abyss.
I tightly grabbed my skirt.
“……”
The clothes that the herring sisters had painstakingly made overnight.
If I fall into the abyss here, what will happen to those children?
The people I’ve only just grown attached to. It surely wouldn’t have no effect on them.
“I only raised her according to my rules.”
At that moment.
At the slow but powerful voice, I was startled and raised my head.
In front of my eyes, I saw a sharp jawline that seemed gaunt.
“Rules?”
“Yes. I told her to always win if she fights.”
A clear gaze contrasting with slightly dark circles.
My father, who even today looked tired and somewhat decadent, just like usual.
Spoke casually.
“Without getting hurt.”
The last words sounded as if he was scolding me.
If you fight, then win; if you win, then win without getting hurt.
But why didn’t it feel like just a scolding?
‘Father, what on earth are you thinking?’
Why are you taking my side here?
It brings you no benefit at all.
“She did get hurt, but that is something to question another, not my daughter.”
“Hm? Interesting.”
“It must be interesting for you, Mother.”
“……”
Grandmother, who had been smiling, slightly stiffened, and her gaze sharpened.
“Indeed, you are certainly not the son I once knew. In all my life, to see you, who acted so self-willed and arrogant, defending another being.”
“Since you’ve seen that, see more. I have something I’m curious about—when is this side’s turn?”
“Turn?”
“Yes, since that side’s nonsense has ended.”
Father continued speaking without concern.
“Listening to this side as well—isn’t that the role of the chair of this disciplinary committee that you volunteered for, Mother?”
“……”
Grandmother’s face became expressionless. Soon, she nodded.
“Yes, it is something worth hearing. Fine. Speak.”
“Yes, listen.”
“You yourself—”
“To my daughter.”
My eyes sparkled.
“……!!”
What, an opportunity like this comes? Really?
Just like with Bayan, Grandmother fell silent once more.
That meant to speak!
When I glanced to the opposite side, Bayan had a face like he’d swallowed something unpleasant.
Soon, he smirked.
A triumphant expression as if thinking, what could someone like her possibly do?
‘Fine, just five minutes is enough.’
The time for you to regret it.
“Grandmother.”
As my clear pronunciation echoed, I could feel several people being surprised.
Even though they had already seen me when I entered, they seemed surprised again.
“I want to ask just one thing.”
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