Chapter 40

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter Title: No Mercy - Chapter 40

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"This is absurd. How could this happen!"

The moment Chelano entered the room, he couldn't contain his anger.

The calm demeanor he'd shown until now was gone, replaced by frustration and shock.

Chelano paced the room restlessly, sitting and standing repeatedly, before finally collapsing into a chair and pressing a hand to his forehead.

"This is ridiculous. How could the Mormond Marquis side with those greedy bastards? The man who's always stayed neutral, never getting involved in anything—why? There has to be some lobbying going on."

It was a sensitive claim without evidence, but since I shared the same suspicion, I simply nodded without a word.

I knew a fair bit about the Mormond Marquis.

His personality, his family's history.

And the fact that he had little interest in this conference.

The Mormond Marquis was the epitome of an old-school noble.

He viewed merchants who made money as lowly scum.

He'd even criticized nobles who dabbled in business as vulgar.

For a man like that to join a military supply conference and vote for tax cuts—it had to be lobbying.

"Oxiad Count. It has to be him. He must've offered or promised something to get the Mormond Marquis to budge."

"Chelano Knight, I get where you're coming from, but I doubt it. The Mormond Marquis is an upright soldier who doesn't take bribes. He might bend to power, but not for a few coins. He despises anyone lesser trying to use him."

"So you're saying the Mormond Marquis agreed to that amendment on his own?"

No way.

I leaned back in my chair, resting my chin on my hand.

The people who could move the Mormond Marquis were few and far between.

Those with higher authority, steeped in history and tradition.

In the Empire, such families could be counted on one hand.

……The Imperial Family, Bozbon, and Pallieva.

Pallieva opposed the amendment, and the Imperial Family showed no interest, so that left Bozbon.

Other families might exert some influence, but only those three could sway him that much.

Bellieta……

In the end, it all pointed to Bellieta's involvement.

Why, though? Did she want Brilloxen to suffer long-term?

Or was it just to torment me by passing something I opposed?

Childish as it was, it could be revenge for the last incident.

"All that's left is the chairman's vote."

"It's a vote in name only—they're all former military men. Even with the Pallieva Duke's family, they won't defy the Mormond Marquis."

Unanimous passage was all but certain.

Just one vote against would stop it, but that was the problem.

Military officers couldn't ignore the Mormond family's watchful eye.

The family had produced commanders for centuries; everyone was tied by connections.

"The only real shot is Chairman Dario. He's ex-military, but fair and principled. I called him over, so he should be here soon."

I nodded at Chelano's words.

Sure enough, as time passed, Chairman Dario appeared.

One look and you knew he was a retired soldier—sharp eyes full of life.

"What is it?"

"Have a seat and talk. Right here."

I gestured to the seat across from me for the standing chairman. Dario approached slowly, sat, and straightened his back.

Despite his age, his ramrod posture and impeccable form stood out.

"Sorry to call you so suddenly. I know it's rude, but I wanted your opinion."

"Speak."

"What do you think of the tax amendment that just passed the provisional vote?"

Time was short.

The full conference would start soon, followed by the chairmen's vote.

Dario met my direct question with an impassive face, his steady gaze locking onto mine.

His unwavering eyes and firmly set lips reflected his heavy personality.

Dario slowly shifted his gaze to Chelano standing beside me, then back.

"I'm against it."

"Then……!"

"But I'll vote in favor."

The flicker of hope died unspoken in my throat.

As I furrowed my brow slightly, Dario stood.

"I can guess why you called me. Pointless as it is, most chairmen, including me, oppose the tax amendment. But that doesn't mean we'll vote against the Mormond Marquis."

"Why not? You're retired military now—no reason to bow to orders anymore."

"My children are officers in the army."

"……."

"I won't ruin their futures over my beliefs or actions. And it's not just me—everyone feels the same. So asking my opinion changes nothing. Nor will any restrictions you impose. Remember, the military is so insular and corrupt that success without connections is impossible. Excuse me."

Dario turned as if done talking.

I bit my lip watching his retreating back, then stood.

"Chairman."

Dario paused and looked back.

Meeting his blank eyes, I steadied my breath and spoke calmly.

"If your child gets hurt because of today's decision, what will you do?"

"……."

"If the law you pass leads to weapons being exported, sparking a war where those same weapons—approved by your law—kill your children, will you still say the same?"

"Lady Sierra……."

"I've been taught to think of the future, to consider how my choices affect it. I hope you do the same, Chairman."

Like Dario's words about not blocking his children's paths, no proposal would work as long as the Mormond Marquis held firm.

Blunt words were all I had.

Even offering a fortune to guarantee their retirement and lives wouldn't sway him.

No chance.

The principled ex-soldier stared at me dryly before turning away.

"Rest well."

With that single phrase, Dario left the room.

I followed his back with my eyes, sighed, and slumped back down.

"……What now?"

Chelano's weary voice echoed.

I leaned back in the chair, sighed, pondered briefly, then spoke slowly.

"The vote will pass unanimously. We can't stop it, so best to block the amendment from clearing the full council or slash the tax cut rate to almost nothing. Kestian opposes it too, so team up with the Pallieva Duke's family."

I never thought they'd back down this easily.

If talk could fix it, we wouldn't be here.

Impressive, really.

I muttered to myself, a slow smile creeping in.

I'd always known, but to move the Mormond Marquis himself just to indulge his daughter's whims.

I didn't know what he'd gain, but the Bozbon Duke's love for his daughter was something else.

"We'll step back this time, but we haven't lost. There must be strings attached to moving the Mormond Marquis. He wouldn't budge without pressure, and that pressure came from a deal to advance hidden agendas."

"The Oxiad Count?"

"Or his cronies. Dig there, and we could scrap the bill or punish them together."

That would drag the Bozbon Duke, pulling strings from the shadows, into the light.

Bellieta, your petty move will become the noose around your neck.

The Bozbon Duke will blame himself then for spoiling you rotten.

"Let's go. Conference starts now."

I stood and headed to the hall.

We arrived at the conference hall a bit late; most were already seated.

I scanned the smirking Oxiad Count eyeing the room and the impassive Mormond Marquis, then took my seat.

As a few nobles and Count Ricardo entered last, the doors closed firmly.

Count Ricardo stepped to the center, examined the passed bill, and slowly spoke.

"We now begin the chairmen's vote on the passed amendment."

Count Ricardo paused, gauging the dissatisfied atmosphere.

I crossed my arms leisurely, glancing at the Oxiad Count, who had raised his hand in favor.

They clutched their dreams of instant riches, chuckling inwardly.

Hard to believe this unanimous vote could make or break it—they were far too relaxed.

Strutting like they'd already won, it was nauseating.

Could people who wrecked the core internal market to fill their pockets, leaking weapons abroad and threatening security, even be here?

I sighed deeply and turned away, spotting Kestian tilting his head crookedly, looking pained.

He had no answers either, showing no real action.

Sensing my gaze as he looked elsewhere, Kestian glanced over, shrugged with a weak smile.

I nodded and shifted my eyes, catching the Mormond Marquis staring right at me.

He glared openly.

His eyes burned with hostility; I narrowed mine slightly, and his lips twisted.

A clear sneer.

I felt my fists clench and bit my lip.

Go ahead and laugh.

I'll make you regret tying yourself to Bellieta later.

"We now vote. Raise hands for approval."