Read Novel Full Chapter 77, Exceptions
Chapter 77, Exceptions
Translator: Lizz
Nomani and his men made good use of their days off to call the clan together.
It had been more than ten years since the Narciso clan was scattered.
Incidentally, the one who drove them out of their former place of employment was the Chief Justice.
At the time, the Chief Justice had made advances toward the son of the Viscount’s household where the Narciso clan worked. He disliked their probing into the matter, so he wielded his power and rhetoric to have them expelled from the Viscount’s house.
Some managed to rely on their spouse’s relatives or decent work found by chance to make a living, but those were few. Most survived by taking on underground jobs such as information brokering, supporting one another as a clan.
Because most of the Narciso clan held the sense of being a ‘family with strong bonds,’ they preferred to live clustered together.
When the clan heard from Nomani about the prospect of official service, they were overjoyed.
To rise from underground work to a private knightly order was a great promotion. On top of that, they were given properly maintained housing, with facilities that seemed ready for farming or fishing. Even wives who were not of the clan were delighted.
—Yet, there were also those whose sense of belonging was weaker.
Nomani belonged to the family line of the Narciso clan chiefs, and he was the current head.
His father, the previous chief, had worked hard for the clan after being driven out of the Viscount’s house. While searching for places to live and jobs to sustain them, the strain took its toll and he passed away.
The idea of becoming information brokers was Nomani’s.
Since the clan excelled at intelligence work, using that skill meant information brokering was the best fit. Nomani had no regrets about that choice.
Nomani was married and had a son, but he was aware that the poverty had caused hardship, and that working in a profession they could not speak of openly had left his family feeling ashamed.
He also understood the feelings of not being able to respect such a father, and the rebelliousness that came with it.
That was why—
“This person is no good. He cannot live here.”
When Sylvia coldly pointed to Nomani’s son Mariano and declared this, Nomani, more than anything, felt ‘As expected’.
From the start, Mariano’s attitude had been bad.
No matter how much his wife Flora tried to pacify him, Mariano had lashed out with a sulky, defiant manner, even blurting out something outrageous like ‘Are you seriously happy about joining some tiny knightly order in this remote backwater?’ Nomani had silenced him with a slap and apologized to those around them.
Seeing his father apologize to others, Mariano glared at him with contempt, tears in his eyes.
And then, when Sylvia appeared, Mariano was struck dumb for a moment, then showed an attitude of deep disappointment.
Nomani thought Edward might draw his sword, but there was no particular reaction. In fact, it was Beffa who looked more likely to strike.
“I’ve repaid the debt of being saved, and the favor of being introduced has been returned with betrayal. May I cut off his head?”
“Of course not. Besides, one in ten of those who wish to settle here are like this. If you let it bother you every time, you won’t last.”
Edward calmly advised Beffa.
When Sylvia declared that Mariano could not live there, Mariano gaped, his eyes wide open, then flew into a rage.
“What did you say, runt! Say that again!”
Beffa stepped forward, gripping his dagger, and called out to Edward.
“Edward—”
“Beffa, stay your hand. This is another common outburst.”
Edward spoke with a smile, though veins stood out on his temple.
Nomani grabbed his son’s head as he tried to press toward Sylvia and slammed him onto the floor.
“I will accept any punishment.”
Edward, standing upright, turned to Sylvia for confirmation.
“Lady Sylvia, what shall be done?”
“That person cannot live here. He cannot remain.”
Sylvia repeated mechanically, without expression.
Edward nodded and spoke to Nomani.
“So it is. Do you remember what is done when Lady Sylvia says ‘no’ to a prospective resident?”
Nomani bowed his head as he answered.
“They are expelled from this fortress city, and procedures are taken to ensure they can never enter again.”
Edward looked at Nomani and replied.
“Exactly. Then carry out the procedure. He will likely resist, but make sure he does not escape. Handle it with several people.”
“””Yes, sir!”””
The guards on duty responded.
Several men lifted Mariano, who was groaning in pain, and dragged him away.