Page 361 of The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen

Late Night.

A loud voice reverberated in the darkness of Shartia’s office.

"That idiot...!"

Shartia’s voice, laden with fury, filled the room. It was rare for her to express anger openly, but this was not a matter to be taken lightly.

"Why is he so interested in the west...!"

Shartia was furious. She had received news that the Crown Prince had met with Wolfgang.

"Of all people, he chose to show interest in that power-hungry maniac..."

Wolfgang 'Rui' was a man obsessed with power, a noble willing to do anything to achieve it.

Every N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t noble had a "line."

Even Desmund danced on that line, and the Empire’s sword, Histania, would never cross it.

The "line" that preserved dignity, served the Empire, and upheld noble honor. However, the Marquis Wolfgang’s family did not respect this line. They would do anything for power.

The history of the Marquis Wolfgang family was unique.

The Wolfgang name began as a merchant, purchasing a title from a fallen noble and slowly expanding influence, reaching the rank of marquis over generations.

Compared to other noble families, they lacked history and tradition. The Wolfgang family, steeped in such a past, was naturally starved for power, often living with the humiliation of being called "fake nobles" by other aristocrats.

-Clench.

Therefore, it was a family willing to do anything for power, even killing their own blood if it proved their ambition...

-Bang!

Shartia clenched her fist, gritting her teeth as the image of the Crown Prince crossed her mind.

"That idiot..."

"..."

"Really joined hands with Wolfgang..."

"..."

"Sigh..."

"Do not waver, Your Highness."

The subordinate who had delivered the news bowed his head, a black hood pulled down low, covering his figure down to his legs.

"We’ve received information that the Crown Prince’s confidant met with Wolfgang Rui in secret."

"In the west?"

"Yes."

"I don’t even need to see the reason."

Interrupting her subordinate’s report, Shartia muttered her thoughts aloud, "He must’ve promised to exterminate the beast in exchange for support."

The subordinate nodded in response.

"They say Wolfgang was pleased."

"Of course he would be. The Crown Prince extended his hand first."

"...How could he not be delighted? He finally found breathing room amidst his troubles with Desmund."

A fool who might not distinguish dung from chocolate...

What use were discerning eyes if he couldn’t recognize people hiding behind masks?

Lost in complicated thoughts, Shartia cleared her parched throat.

"...Damn it."

She should have noticed he wasn’t fit even before he started roaming around.

"No matter how much he despises Desmund, Wolfgang is the worst choice. There are so many other noble families he could turn to."

"Which is exactly why you must become Emperor, Your Highness."

"And after becoming Emperor, you want me to strengthen the information guild?"

"...Haha. Just knowing Your Highness’s name is an honor for us, especially with the generous pay you always provide."

"...Just make sure to keep your mouths shut."

"Of course."

Shartia could not understand the Crown Prince’s reasoning in reaching out to the most gossiped-about family among the nobles. If he lacked connections, he could have turned to Histania instead.

The thought of the Crown Prince carelessly attending the academy while he dragged Wolfgang into the capital, oblivious to the risks, only added to her frustration.

"Sigh..."

That’s how it was in the west.

The disappearances of high-ranking nobles and unsettling incidents like assassinations were all linked to the Wolfgang family.

Moreover...

Even drugs and slaves—matters no noble should touch—were involved.

Shartia rubbed her tired eyes and swiftly approached her desk. She rummaged through numerous documents on the shelf, searching for information on Wolfgang.

[Regarding the Western Region.]

[Relationship Map of Western Figures.]

[The History and True Face of the Wolfgang Family.]

[Empire’s Noble Connections.]

"...Where is it?"

One of the documents slipped out from among the others, brushing past Shartia’s arm as it fluttered to the floor, catching her eye as it went.

"...Ah."

[The Record of Wolfgang Rui’s Deeds.]

"Found it."

-Clop. Clop.

A golden carriage rolled along, heading toward the capital.

The enormous carriage, decorated in gold, drew many eyes with its grandeur, giving the illusion that it might carry royalty.

"Heeyah...!"

The horse leading the carriage was a magnificent steed with a beautifully grown black mane, and the coachman, too, wore the finest attire, befitting the Empire’s nobility.

Inside, a man with his arms crossed asked the coachman in a cold voice,

"How much longer until we reach the palace?"

"About twenty minutes, sir."

"Then let’s go a little slower. I’d like to take in the capital’s sights."

"Understood, my lord."

Hearing the respectful response, the man drew back the curtain and gazed out at the scenery.

"...Imposing."

He wasn’t referring to the height of buildings.

His eyes were fixed on the towering royal palace, as if that were his desired destination. Smiling meaningfully, he let out a deep breath.

"Butler."

"Yes, my lord."

"I heard something disgraceful happened in the capital recently."

"...Indeed."

"There was a clash with Desmund."

The butler, acknowledging his question, bowed silently. It was more than enough for him to understand the severity of tarnishing the family name, especially in conflict with the great Duke Desmund.

"I apologize."

Even if his family’s honor fell to the ground because of his son, a duke remained a duke. Besides, the name Desmund was not one to be taken lightly.

For a lowly servant, the only words he could offer were an apology.

The man frowned slightly, gazing out the window.

"Because of this, Desmund has begun to pressure our family."

"..."

"Numerous merchant guilds allied with Wolfgang have also deserted us."

"I apologize. I have no excuse."

Without sparing a glance at the butler, the man calmly expressed his thoughts.

"I hope you understand the significance of allowing you to sit beside me."

"...I consider it an immense honor. To be granted a seat beside the head of the Empire’s esteemed Wolfgang family, it is beyond measure."

"I’m pleased with that answer. Were it not for that mouth, you wouldn’t be here."

The butler bowed, remaining silent. If his answer had been unsatisfactory, he knew he wouldn’t be standing there alive.

The butler placed a hand over his heart, responding with the utmost care not to offend his master.

"...It is an honor that my humble mouth could bring you joy, my lord."

Wolfgang Rui nodded in satisfaction, a pleased smile on his face.

"I’ll overlook this incident in light of your long service to the family."

"Thank you! I, Lud...! I will work tirelessly to uphold the illustrious name of Wolfgang."

"Good... good... Now then..."

The man looked out the window at a massive mansion in the distance, smiling faintly.

"There is a task I want you to handle."

The mansion, extravagant to an excessive degree, displayed the family’s prestige boldly, occupying an extensive area that no ordinary noble would own in the capital. The man sighed coldly, speaking in a low voice.

"Bring Desmund’s butler before me."

"That...!"

"Why?"

"...It is surely within your power. The backing behind that butler isn’t all that formidable."

"But my lord...! That man...!"

"What is it?"

"That man has served the Duke’s daughter for many years."

"Are you afraid of Desmund?"

"No...!"

"Does Wolfgang’s name feel heavier than Desmund’s?"

"N-No!"

Wolfgang Rui gripped the trembling butler’s shoulder with a cold gaze.

"The family’s honor was tarnished."

"..."

"We must repay the humiliation dealt to us by a mere commoner—an orphaned commoner, no less."

"...I shall carry out your orders."

Satisfied, Rui leaned back in his seat, smiling.

"I’ll be expecting it, butler."

Someday, he would bring down that mansion. Gazing out at the Desmund estate beyond the window, he made that vow.

And in that moment—

-Neigh!!!

-Rumble!!

The carriage jolted violently, causing Rui to sway. Annoyed by the sudden impact, he furrowed his brow, looking toward the coachman’s seat.

"What’s going on?"

Ahead of the coachman sat a man and a woman, blocking the carriage’s path.

"I apologize, my lord. Someone has blocked the way... I’ll handle it immediately."

"...Hmm."

Judging by their attire, they appeared to be nobles. Although their faces were obscured, their clothing was far above the level of commoners.

"This is displeasing."

The coachman, now clearly irritated, shouted at the pair blocking the road.

"Move aside!"

The shout twisted Rui’s expression, finding it lacking in noble decorum.

"Butler."

"Yes."

"Find a new coachman as soon as we arrive."

"Understood."

Replacing him would be no issue.

As the delay wore on, Rui’s irritation grew.

"Father."

A chill ran down Rui’s spine.

"..."

It was as if he had unwittingly provoked someone he should never have crossed. Trembling, he looked toward the coachman’s seat.

"Wait..."

White hair.

A middle-aged man holding a staff.

And this place...

"Damn...!"

In front of the Desmund estate.

Wolfgang Rui realized—

Things had taken a serious turn for the worse.

Standing in his way was the one family in the Empire with absolutely nothing to lose.