Madam, You Wouldn't Want...

"God, why did I have to come to this godforsaken backwater and suffer? It's so boring!"

A hearty complaint rang out from the middle carriage of a three-carriage convoy.

"Weston, be quiet!" Denise shouted from the first carriage, then sighed over her son's childishness.

The clatter of horseshoes changed from crisp to dull. Denise knew they had arrived at Eagle Town.

With a bang, the carriage jolted. Freya, the maid, hurriedly supported her mistress. "Old Ogin, if you can't drive a carriage, there are plenty of people in town who can!"

The coachman hastily explained, "Sorry, the horse's hoof got stuck in the mud! I swear, there wasn't a hole here when we came three months ago!"

Denise stopped Freya's impending complaint with a look, then drew aside the curtain over the carriage door. A foul stench immediately wafted in, while flies and unknown insects buzzed everywhere. "Ogin, stop the carriage."

"Madam..." Realizing what Denise intended to do, Freya's eyes flashed with reluctance. "Why not wait inside for a while?"

Denise ignored her.

"Mom, the ground is filthy! My new calfskin boots will be ruined!" Weston complained loudly.

Supported by Freya, Denise stepped out of the carriage. She glanced back at Weston, and he immediately fell silent.

Though she held up her skirt and tried to walk over the driest patches of road, the hem was inevitably stained with filthy water. The decay of Eagle Town entered her sight in full, worsening her mood by the second.

The houses were low and dilapidated. The gravel-paved roads had become riddled with potholes from neglect. What pooled in the streets was not rainwater, but dirty water left from washing clothes, mixed, naturally, with dry and wet excrement.

That was why flies and mosquitoes were so active.

Most of the townsfolk passing along both sides of the street were ragged and unkempt. Their hair hung in wild tangles like weeds, their worn linen clothes were covered in patches, and many did not even have shoes.

They occasionally looked toward the convoy. There was not even envy or jealousy in their eyes, only profound numbness.

A town without the slightest trace of life or vitality.

Five years ago, Eagle Town had not looked like this. But after the lease agreement took effect, Shining Gold Town had been carved off and given to Viscount Luke. Without the support of trade, Eagle Town had rapidly declined.

Relying solely on a few hundred acres of farmland, it was already difficult to feed the town's more than eight hundred residents, let alone bear the taxes they had to hand over to the barony.

If this town were placed under her management, Denise was confident she could ensure the residents had enough to eat within five years. Within ten, she could put new clothes on every one of them.

She still had that confidence now. All she needed was to deal with one small problem—and that problem had appeared before her.

Raven wore an ill-fitting formal suit, with Gordon and Eric standing behind him. He wore the warm yet false smile unique to nobles. "Oh, my dear aunt, you've finally returned."

He gave a gentlemanly bow, narrowing his eyes as he carefully assessed the shrewd merchant.

She was thirty-four this year, but perhaps wealth had treated her well. She did not look much older than the maid beside her.

She wore a round-topped felt hat that pressed down her black hair. The thin black veil failed to conceal her beauty; instead, it made her smooth, oval face appear even fairer. Her brows were neatly shaped, yet her large, bright eyes always gave off a sharp impression whenever they moved.

Most striking of all were her full lips, their curve astonishing. They blended perfectly with her face, making her seem poised, elegant, and sensual.

If Laxus was an innocent lily untouched by the world, then Denise was a wild rose growing in full bloom, constantly drawing out the deepest desire for conquest in a man's heart.

Ninety points.

Raven was observing Denise, and Denise was observing Raven as well.

He was tall and straight, without appearing overly bulky. His shoulder-length black hair looked neat and dashing. Prominent brow bones, a high nose bridge, and eyes like black crystals formed features that were sharp and sculpted. He truly was the sort of handsome man no woman could refuse.

But that did not make her feel the slightest goodwill toward him. Not only had she long heard of Raven's reputation, he was also the greatest obstacle to her son inheriting the Nobility Title.

No matter how unwilling she was, she still extended her right hand.

Fortunately, Raven did not rudely seize it. Instead, he bent down slightly, held three of her fingers in his palm, and lightly kissed them.

A perfect hand-kiss.

But Denise's brows immediately furrowed, and her breathing became slightly hurried.

Because Raven had not only extended his tongue—his little finger was also lightly tickling her palm.

His methods of flirtation were far too practiced, far too skilled.

Was he really only twenty?

"That's enough, Mr. Raven." Denise withdrew her hand, suppressing her disgust. "Let's get to business."

Raven cursed this body's instincts inwardly, then smiled. "Of course. But before that, shouldn't you change your clothes first?"

"No need." Denise considered all sorts of possibilities before saying, "I don't intend to stay long this time."

"Understood. Please follow me."

Raven led the way, and before long, the group arrived at the reception hall.

The two sat at opposite ends of a long table. Just as Raven was about to speak, there came a creak, and a bloated figure dropped into a chair between them.

Turning to look, Raven saw a ball of flesh at least one meter seventy tall and weighing at least two hundred pounds wedged into the chair. His short black hair, parted down the middle, was oily and stuck flat against his head. His face was as round as a balloon, and his neck had vanished entirely.

If not for the few pimples on his face, Raven would have thought Donald had risen from the dead.

A slit opened in the balloon. "What are you looking at? You rude bastard."

Raven turned to Denise. "And this is...?"

"Weston, your younger brother," Denise said.

"Oh, so this is him." Raven was somewhat shocked.

With a build like that, you're telling me he's thirteen!?

Seeing the stiff expression on Raven's face, Denise felt somewhat embarrassed. "Weston, your mother and elder brother have matters to discuss. Go out and play for a while."

Weston's features twisted together. Though he was not yet an adult, he was still a man, and he greatly disliked the way Raven looked at his mother. "But, Mom..."

"Hm?" Denise turned her head. Weston instantly wilted, pulled himself out of the chair, and stomped out in a huff. Freya hurried after him.

Raven gave Eric a look, and Eric immediately understood, following behind Weston.

A trace of surprise rose in Denise's heart—why was Eric so obedient to Raven?

Before long, only Raven, Denise, and Old Gordon remained in the room.

Denise asked, "How exactly did my poor husband lose his life?"

"It was an unfortunate tragedy." Raven sighed. "Uncle Donald cared far too much about the construction and development of the territory. In order to make Eagle Town great again, he stayed up reading by candlelight and handled documents through the night, ultimately working himself into collapse."

"He had actually noticed that he was unwell, so he invited Miss Laxus, the Priest of Eagle Town, to treat him, but... but..."

Raven clutched two slices of onion in his hand, bringing them close to his eyes as he barely squeezed out a few tears. "But it was still too late. On his deathbed, he held my hand and instructed me to inherit the glory of the Griffith Family and continue managing Eagle Territory!"

Denise's mouth twitched as she listened. At this moment, even she had to admire Raven's acting and storytelling abilities.

Cared about the construction and development of the territory? He cared Eagle Town into this miserable state?

And besides, Eagle Territory had already been almost completely carved up. Even if he wanted to handle affairs, there probably was not much left to handle!

What angered her most was that nonsense about inheriting the glory of the Griffith Family—when had Donald ever cared about such things?

You had only spent three days together!

But Denise would not dwell on such details. Since Raven had produced this explanation, he must have made thorough preparations to ensure the lie could not be exposed.

She decided to strike directly at the heart of the matter.

She merely sniffled, and her eyes immediately reddened. "Oh, my poor Donald... As his wife, being unable to share his burdens and unable to stay by his side in his final moments is my greatest regret!"

"So, to make up for that regret, may I see his body?"

Raven's brow twitched slightly—she really was not an easy opponent.

But he had prepared for this as well. "That may not be convenient... Uncle Donald died suddenly of illness. He left instructions before his death, saying he hoped everyone would remember him as he was in good health and did not wish to leave his sickly appearance to friends and family."

Gordon took out a sheet of Parchment. "This is Lord Donald's will. Please examine it."

Taking the Parchment, Denise's gaze gradually darkened.

The contents were simple.

And absurd.

Aside from what Raven had said, the largest portion consisted of praise for Raven, describing what an upright, kind, fair, brave, and wise young man he was, and how Donald had willingly entrusted his territory to Raven.

Denise was mentioned only once—Raven was to take good care of her and Weston.

A flicker of anger rose in her heart, only to be suppressed by Denise in an instant.

The will had undoubtedly been drafted by Gordon. This old Butler, who had served the Griffith Family for forty years, had completely taken Raven's side.

First Eric, and now Old Gordon.

What method had Raven used to bring these two men under his command in only a few days?

Swish.

The document was lightly tossed onto the table. Gordon showed a trace of displeasure. "Madam, this is...?"

"This will is forged." Denise spoke with absolute certainty. "The one I have is the real one."

She opened her handbag and produced a rolled document.

Another will.

A trace of surprise appeared in Raven's eyes.

The contents of this will were more detailed, and its clauses clearer. At its core, it stated that whether or not other blood relatives were found, Weston would be the first-in-line heir of the Griffith Family.

"Madam, the will in your hand is the forgery!" Gordon adjusted his Monocle. "All documents of the Griffith Family have always been drafted by me."

"There are exceptions to everything." Denise refused to yield an inch. "If Mr. Gordon and Raven still insist that the will in your hands is genuine, then we may as well apply to the Noble Council for an appraisal."

Raven's brow twitched slightly.

A killing move. A sword thrust straight to the throat.

The so-called Noble Council was the Cairns Empire's institution dedicated to handling noble affairs. The inheritance of lower Nobility Titles such as viscounts and barons was also reviewed by this institution.

Raven did not know much about the organization, but from his twenty years of experience drifting through Monen City, there was no problem in this world that gold coins could not solve.

The problem was that Raven had no money, while Denise clearly did—and plenty of it.

Even as Raven felt how troublesome Denise was, he was also glad he had drafted a will beforehand. Otherwise, he would now be in an absolutely passive position!

At least for now, events remained under his control. "Fine. News of Uncle Donald's death was sent to Monen City two days ago. I imagine that within a month at most, someone will come to Eagle Fortress to verify the situation."

"I hope you enjoy your stay at Eagle Fortress during that time."

"Then let us wait and see." Denise put away the will. "Before that, I need to see my husband. Where is his coffin?"

"The will we possess is Uncle Donald's genuine will," Raven said. "He did not wish for his..."

"I only wish to spend a little time with his coffin." Denise leaned forward slightly and spoke forcefully. "As his widow, am I not even allowed to make such a request?"

Denise wore a black formal dress, tightly wrapped and rather conservative. Yet when she leaned forward, her fair neck was immediately revealed, its extended curve making one unable to resist peering at the scenery beyond.

Raven withdrew his gaze. "Of course you have that right. Please follow me."

Donald's coffin was kept in the Prayer Room. Denise refused Raven's offer to accompany her and entered alone.

The doors of the Prayer Room closed. Raven stretched his fingers and felt his palm, slick and cold with sweat.

Monen City was quite far from Eagle Territory, at least half a month's journey. Donald had died two days ago, and Denise had still been on the road at the time. Raven had believed his will would catch Denise off guard, but he had not expected her to have prepared in advance!

Denise must have learned long ago of the secret that the men of the Griffith Family all died young. She had prepared this will early and carried it with her at all times, just in case something happened!

Such foresight far exceeded Raven's expectations.

What a terrifying opponent.

"Lord Raven, Young Master Weston has returned to his room." Eric walked over and asked in a low voice, "Why bring her here now? This doesn't match our plan."

Raven replied quietly, "Denise produced another will."

"What!?" Eric was startled. "Then should we tell her the truth now..."

"Shut up!" Gordon glared at him in displeasure. "Lord Raven's orders are for you to carry out. Nothing more."

Eric said, "But..."

This revealed the difference between Eric and Gordon. No matter how capable he was, Eric had been forced into loyalty, and at such a critical moment, he still wavered.

"Honesty is indeed a fine quality." Raven had no choice but to reassure the only Transcendent in Eagle Fortress. "But it also means placing our future in Denise's mercy."

Seeing that Eric still did not understand, Raven sighed and spoke quietly. "Think about it. If we had not planned ahead and were prepared to speak frankly with Denise, what situation would we face?"

Without waiting for Eric to answer, Raven continued, "She would take out the will and slap it in my face. Whether I acknowledged it would not matter. As long as the Noble Council recognized it, the will would be genuine, and I would lose my inheritance rights."

"Old Gordon has been a Butler for forty years. No matter who manages Eagle Territory, they cannot do without his help. But Eric, you are different."

"You are a Transcendent. You have never earned Denise's trust, and now you stand on my side. If I lose the Nobility Title and Denise takes control of Eagle Fortress, the first thing she will do is remove you."

"Are you, a grown man, going to cry and beg her for a mouthful of food then, begging her not to drive you away?"

Eric's expression changed. He was a typical Nord and had no desire to bow and scrape before a woman. "Lord Raven, what do we do next?"

"Activate the Second Plan," Raven said. "You'll have a hard few nights ahead. Stay alert for my messages at all times."

Eric left. Watching his back, Raven's gaze turned somewhat dark.

"Lord Raven." Gordon spoke in a low voice. "After this matter is settled, should we perhaps deal with him...?"

"Mr. Gordon, you are testing me again." Raven shook his head. "Eric is a good warrior. There is no need to doubt his loyalty or ability. He simply has not yet been completely won over by me."

"The art of commanding people lies in clear rewards and punishments. Right now, I have only a weak stick in my hand, but no sweet carrot. Naturally, I cannot tame this 'beast.' But I believe that once he devotes himself to serving me wholeheartedly, he can become the most reliable weapon in my hand."

Click. The lock opened, and the heavy oak door swung wide. Denise emerged from the Prayer Room.

"Aunt Denise." Raven bowed. "What did you and Uncle Donald talk about?"

A smile touched Denise's lips. "Nothing much. We merely shared some private words between husband and wife."

"After all, I am your aunt. I hope there will be no secrets between us."

Appropriate surprise appeared in Raven's eyes. "Of course."

Denise walked away with graceful steps. Raven entered the Prayer Room, where the scene seemed unchanged.

Donald's coffin still rested there. It was made of oak, with the Crest of the Griffith Family painted upon it—an eagle spreading its wings in flight, battling a dragon.

He crouched down and reached his hand beneath the coffin. A bit of wood dust mixed with dirt stuck to his palm. "Denise, you really did do it."

When Denise returned to her room, Freya was already waiting there. Seeing her mistress, she immediately stood, smoothed the slightly rumpled hem of her skirt with both hands, and took a deep breath in an attempt to conceal the flush on her cheeks.

"Madam!"

Denise frowned slightly. "Weston came by?"

"Young Master Weston made a few little jokes with me..." Freya chose her words carefully. "But please rest assured, Madam. He did nothing improper."

Denise was not surprised by this.

Weston was the only man in the household. Every maid dreamed of climbing into his bed. Even if she could not become the future mistress of the house, another "Denise" could still gain many benefits.

Her gaze fell upon Freya through the reflection in the mirror.

Twenty years old, with slightly messy red hair, smooth and firm skin, sweet Dimples when she smiled, and several cute pale-red Freckles on her cheekbones. She radiated youth and liveliness.

Very few men could resist a woman like that.

Raven certainly could not.

"I know you did not intentionally seduce Weston. You merely wanted to test whether your charm was truly captivating enough."

Denise's voice was calm, yet it made Freya incomparably nervous. She hurriedly lowered her head. "Madam... I..."

"I have a better way for you to test that now." Denise's crimson lips parted softly as she wrapped an arm around Freya's shoulder. Her warm breath brushed Freya's ear, making her face flush even more deeply. "Go seduce Raven. Raven Griffith. Ask nothing, then tell me everything you hear."

Go on, Raven will be the heir of the Griffith Family." Denise stared into her own eyes in the mirror. "If you can bear his child, it will be good for both you and me."

Freya nodded, dazed as she headed outside, but Denise caught her by the arm. "Not so fast. I'll change your clothes."

Fifteen minutes later, Freya left the room with a trace of hope and ambition in her eyes, just as Denise had when she first went to see Fedro.

The difference was that Denise had known exactly what she wanted and what she possessed, while Freya understood nothing.

But that did not matter. If Freya truly resembled her that much, Denise would never have used her for something like this.

The door closed. Denise took off her hat and hung it on the coat rack, then reached up to undo her collar.

Her long dress fell to the floor, and two tender, jade-like feet wrapped in flesh-colored Stockings slipped free.

Denise looked at herself in the mirror, turning slightly as a confident smile curved her lips.

Though she was already thirty-four, her skin remained smooth and firm, and she possessed a mature, sensual fullness no young girl could rival.

This body suited the status of a baron's wife, and she was ready to take over this territory.

Donald's coffin had been empty. Combined with the contents of the will Raven possessed, it was obvious that Donald's death was highly suspicious—and that would be the key to putting the entire territory in her hands.

"Ah..." Her pale fingers brushed over her shoulder and untied a strap, immediately unleashing a surging swell. "A thug is still a thug. Thinking such petty tricks can conceal his guilt—what a disgraceful piece of trash."

She had deliberately hinted to Raven earlier in order to startle the snake in the grass, letting him know that she had discovered the secret of the empty coffin. She believed Raven would certainly make a move next.

And that would be the best time for her to strike.

At this moment, following Denise's instructions, Freya arrived outside Raven's bedroom.

Her feelings were complicated—nervous, excited, and carrying the faintest trace of anticipation.

Denise had sent her to seduce Raven, something she had long looked forward to. Raven was far more handsome than Weston, and he was also the first in line to inherit the barony.

If she could climb into his bed, even bear his child, she might become a Baroness herself.

A proper Baroness! Not a second wife!

The thought of the usually lofty Lady Denise bowing and scraping before her made Freya's heart burn slightly.

Knock, knock, knock.

Hearing the sound, the already-prepared Raven opened the door. Even he, a battle-hardened man, felt his heart stir.

Freya had originally been only around a sixty, but under Denise's styling, she had easily crossed the seventy-point threshold.

The pure white lace dress made her seem even more innocent and sweet. Her exposed arms, tender as lotus roots, and the smooth half of her collarbones stirred the imagination.

Paired with the exquisite bow in her hair, she was practically a gift delivered to his doorstep.

He had expected Denise herself to come, but instead, she had only sent a servant.

It seemed she had not truly considered him an opponent. Still, that was fine—it would make his plans easier to carry out.

"Lord Raven..." Freya held the hem of her skirt in both hands, her gaze lowered. "The lady ordered me to come and serve as your personal maid."

Raven put aside his dissatisfaction, stepped forward, and gently kneaded Freya's small hand in his. "How personal?"

There was no reason not to eat a cake delivered right to his door.

Besides, he had asked his second brother, and his second brother had agreed.

Freya's face reddened like an apple. "...As you wish, my lord."

A full two hours passed.

Raven sprang from the bed, refreshed and invigorated. Looking at Freya, drenched in sweat and asleep, he smiled faintly, buttoning his clothes as he walked into the outer room.

After he left, Freya opened her eyes. The flush on her face had yet to fade. She brushed aside the damp hair stuck to her forehead, then gently lifted the blanket and sat up. That simple motion made her frown deeply and breathe heavily.

It was not her first time, but Raven's ferocity had far exceeded her expectations. He had nearly crushed her apart.

"Damn bastard." Looking at the dried sheep intestines scattered across the floor, Freya spat lightly.

Her ambitions had been blocked by those few thin lengths of sheep intestine.

Barefoot, she stepped onto the carpet and felt her way along the wall to the door. Voices drifted into her ears with the wind.

"Lord Raven, you've finally come out. The pit has been dug, in the Abandoned Mine at the back of the mountain." It was Eric's voice.

"No one saw you, right?" Raven asked.

"Rest assured. Gaul and Link are both loyal lads. They'll never leak a word."

"Good. I'll go myself now. Guard the gate for me. There must not be any tails."

One set of footsteps was light, the other heavy, and they gradually faded away. Once the sounds had disappeared completely, Freya slipped out of the room on tiptoe.

The castle was large, with many passages. Before long, she had returned to Denise's room.

Denise was not surprised by her arrival. "How did it go?"

"He's practically a beast!" Freya deliberately flaunted her charm. "I've never had such a fierce man before. He barely stopped for two whole hours—I thought I was going to die in that bed!"

The heavy scent of hormones clinging to her darkened Denise's face and made her even more displeased.

A woman's body was a fine weapon, but if it was the only weapon a woman possessed, and she took pride in it, then she was pitiful and foolish indeed.

Still, a foolish woman like that was perfectly suited for someone as base as Raven.

"I don't want to know about what happened between you."

"My apologies, my lady." Freya put away her little thoughts, then repeated what she had overheard.

"Heh. What a disgraceful piece of trash." Denise tossed a pair of leather gloves to Freya. "Put them on."

Freya froze. "My lady, this..."

"Put them on," Denise said coldly.

Freya had completed her mission. Next, it was time to make use of what remained.

There was a strong chance that Raven had killed Donald. Such a scandal would disgrace the Griffith Family.

Denise did not want a scandal in her territory. She only needed Raven to renounce his inheritance rights, and then Freya could conveniently serve as a bargaining chip to placate him.

A few minutes later, a rope dropped from the second floor of the castle, hanging beside a carriage. Denise and Freya descended one after the other.

Denise had changed into a Hunting Outfit suited for movement. She sat on the driver's bench, with Freya beside her. At the crisp crack of a whip, the carriage began moving slowly toward the back mountain.

Before long, the silhouette of another carriage appeared before them.

One wheel had flown off and landed in the grass. The carriage had overturned, and a huge sack had rolled onto the ground. Raven stood beside it, seemingly at a loss.

Whoosh—

A torch flared to life in Denise's hand, immediately drawing Raven's attention.

"Oh, it's Aunt Denise." Raven's face was unnaturally pale. "What brings you here so late at night?"

Denise handed the torch to Freya.

In the firelight, Denise's figure was clearly displayed before Raven's eyes.

During the day, she had worn an appropriate formal dress that concealed anything remarkable. But now, this Hunting Outfit perfectly revealed her figure.

A leather half-jacket draped over her shoulders, exposing her clear collarbones. Beneath it was an extremely fitted cotton shirt. Even restrained by clothing, it could not hide that surging fullness.

D+.

Perhaps because of years of restraint, her waist had slimmed to a breathtaking degree. The brown leather pants clearly outlined the curves of her waist and hips, while her full, powerful thighs stretched the fabric taut.

A flicker of pride rose in Denise's heart. It seemed her charm was not something a little girl like Freya could compare to. In her good mood, she said gracefully, "I would rather know why you are here at this hour, and what exactly is inside that sack."

"Just some kitchen waste." Raven shifted sideways without changing expression, blocking Denise's line of sight. "I doubt you would be interested."

With a turn of her wrist, Denise produced a sharp dagger. It was an Enchanted Dagger she had purchased for two hundred gold coins, thin as a leaf but incomparably sharp. She had used it to take down several men with ill intentions, including some stronger than Raven.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa..." Raven spread his hands and slowly retreated to the side. "Playing with blades is not something a lady like you should do."

Denise smiled disdainfully. "A man like you is not qualified to judge me."

She crouched down and caught a faint smell of rot. It was a scent she knew well—the smell of a corpse.

It reminded her of Fedro, her first husband.

In order to inherit his estate intact, she had left that man's corpse on the bed for seventeen full days before placing it in a coffin. The stench back then had been much stronger than this.

But she did not find the smell unpleasant.

Fedro's death had meant that she finally became a true merchant. Donald's corpse would make her a true noble.

A noble's wife might not necessarily be noble, but a noble's mother certainly was.

"Lady Denise." Raven's voice was unusually calm and elegant at that moment. "I advise you to think carefully before acting. Once you see what is inside, it will be too late to back out."

"Is this your final bluff?" A cold smile tugged at Denise's lips.

Without making a sound, the dagger in her hand slit open the sack, and an arm fell out.

The light was dim. Without needing Denise's instruction, Freya brought the torch closer.

In the darkness of night, Denise's widely dilated pupils suddenly shrank to pinpoints.

The sack did indeed contain Donald's corpse. His head was twisted like a doll that had been stomped flat, his body soft as if it had no bones, and most terrifying of all, the skin over his entire body had become semi-transparent. His veins and bones were clearly visible, and the heart in his chest was still vigorously beating!

Evil God! Dark Magic!

Those two words leaped into Denise's mind, making her heart pound as she realized one fact at the same time—she had fallen into a trap!

"Ah—!!!!"

The torch fell to the ground, and Freya's piercing scream echoed through the mountain path.

Lights came on in the previously dark castle.

Denise's brow twitched sharply. She stepped behind Freya and gently put an arm around her shoulders.

As though she had found shelter from the storm, Freya shrank into Denise's embrace, still crying out, "The church... I have to report this to the church... Lady Denise, I—"

Her voice cut off abruptly, leaving only spurting blood and the hissing sound of a severed windpipe.

With a thud, Freya's corpse collapsed to the ground. Denise's face was pale and cold as she lightly wiped the blade against her deerskin gloves.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Raven applauded in a steady rhythm. "Aunt Denise, your decisiveness and composure far exceeded my expectations."

"The feeling is mutual," Denise said. "I never expected a lowly thug like you to possess such cunning."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Aunt Denise. If I were you, I would not be speaking that way right now." Raven walked before Denise and hooked a finger beneath her chin, gently lifting it. "After all, I am the victor now."

Under the moonlight, Denise's face looked especially pale, but her eyes remained defiant. "What do you want?"

"My lady, you wouldn't want the Holy See to learn that your husband colluded with an Evil God, would you?"

Raven placed a hand on Denise's shoulder and moved behind her. He pressed his chin into the hollow of her shoulder, holding her tightly in his arms as he took a deep breath. "If this gets out, you will be the financier of the man who communicated with an Evil God. You and your son will be tied to the stake, and the business you built with such care will be destroyed!"

The two were almost completely pressed together.

"And I will become the great hero who killed an Evil God and exposed a major cult incident!"

Denise's body softened slightly.

She was not a woman without desire; she had simply always been extremely rational.

People's hearts were difficult to predict, and ambition expanded along with status and wealth. Once she had a man, there was no guarantee that the business she had painstakingly built would not fall into another's hands.

Compared to men, she loved wealth more.

So even after marrying Donald, she had deliberately kept her distance.

With all those factors combined, she had kept men at arm's length for more than a decade.

And Raven's technique was simply too practiced and outstanding. He seemed to understand her body better than she did herself.

Denise forced her trembling legs to take two steps forward. Turning around, she asked that question again. "What exactly do you want?"

"Very simple. Just a little compensation." Raven had no intention of letting such tempting prey go. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Denise. "Your husband dragged the future of the entire Griffith Family into the abyss for his own selfish desires. I am merely cleaning up his mess for you."

With a smack, Raven gave her a light pat. Startled by the softness and elasticity beneath his hand, he nearly changed his intended terms, but reason overcame instinct. Facing Denise, he rubbed his fingers together lightly. "I only want a little solid, glittering compensation."

Denise bit her soft lower lip with moist teeth, forcibly suppressing the humiliation and resentment in her eyes as she tried to keep her voice calm. "How much do you want?"

Raven raised one finger. "One Thousand Gold Coins."

"Impossible." Denise refused decisively. "That amount would drain the Fedro Merchant Guild's cash flow. Bankruptcy would be the only thing waiting for me."

Torches had already appeared at the foot of the mountain, illuminating three burly figures: Eric, Gaul, and Link, the castle's only three guards.

"Time is almost up." Raven smiled. "If those three arrive here, then I'm afraid you'll have no choice but to accompany poor Miss Freya."

Denise glanced at Freya, whose eyes remained open in death, and let out a quiet sigh.

She had now roughly guessed Raven's plan—and was deeply shaken by both its madness and meticulousness.

Donald was suspected of communicating with an Evil God. Anyone who saw his corpse could reach that conclusion.

Raven had nothing, and Eagle Fortress did not possess much savings either. He could not possibly hide the matter from the Noble Council's subsequent investigation by himself, and he had originally had no way of inheriting the Nobility Title.

At that point, the best solution would have been to speak frankly with her, demand hush money from her, and give up his claim to the barony.

If she were Raven, she would certainly have done that, because it was the safest method.

But Raven had chosen another way—deliberately exposing flaws, making her believe he had killed Donald, then steadily leading her into discovering Donald's corpse in the wilderness.

The advantage was that it completely removed Raven from the matter and twisted the truth into a different story—

The ignorant country folk had failed to notice Donald's abnormalities. Denise had stolen the corpse in the middle of the night to destroy the evidence, only to be caught red-handed by Raven.

During the process, she had chosen a desperate, mutual-destruction resistance and been "left with no choice" but to be killed on the spot by Raven.

What a reasonable story.

But the plan carried enormous risks as well. If she did not take the bait, then once the Noble Council's investigation arrived, Donald's corpse would be discovered, and Raven and Old Gordon would become Donald's greatest accomplices.

In that case, if Raven did not want to be put on the stake, he would have to voluntarily hand his weakness over to her and become her obedient pet from then on.

But there were no ifs in this world.

Denise admitted that she had underestimated him. She had believed she controlled the entire situation, only to severely underestimate Raven's madness and greed.

Most of all, she had never expected a humble thug to be so obsessed with a Nobility Title!

Now, she had to pay the price for her arrogance.

"Five hundred gold coins," Denise said. "At most, I can give you five hundred gold coins. That is everything I brought back this time. And you must promise me that after inheriting the Nobility Title, you will preserve Weston's inheritance rights!"

"If I kill you, I can still get those five hundred gold coins," Raven said.

As the torchlight drew nearer, Denise instead became increasingly calm. The mistake had already been made. All she could do now was minimize her losses. "If you do that, the Church of Light will confiscate my property. You will not get a single Copper Coin, and there is a very high chance that the Griffith Family's Nobility Title will be stripped away as well."

"Which is more important, five hundred gold coins or the baron's Nobility Title? I think you know the answer." She held the dagger out to Raven, her gaze becoming steadier. "Either kill me, or agree to my conditions."

Raven took the dagger, twirled it once in his hand, then tucked it into his belt.

"I agree to your conditions." Raven took out a parchment document and an ink pad. "Then please leave your fingerprint on this document."

The contents of the document were more or less what Denise had expected. It detailed her support for Donald's "Evil God ritual" and stated that she had shared in the fruits of the ritual with him.

Denise did not hesitate. She pressed her fingerprint onto it directly.

It meant that she and Weston were giving up their claim to the Griffith Family's inheritance from that moment onward.

Raven revealed a satisfied smile. He formed a ring with two fingers, put them into his mouth, and blew a shrill whistle.

The torchlight on the mountain road paused, then turned back.

Raven held out his hand, his eyes filled with undisguised aggression. "I hope the two of us can work together happily from now on."

"After all, we still have troubles to face together, don't we?"

Weariness and disgust showed in Denise's beautiful eyes. "Remember at all times, I am your aunt."

"There's plenty of time." Raven smiled. "If the two of us have frequent in-depth exchanges, perhaps I'll remember."

Denise left without looking back.

The night wind howled past. Raven's gaze fell on Freya's corpse as he brushed the cold sweat from his forehead, lingering fear in his voice. "What a troublesome opponent."

To be honest, Denise's shrewdness and composure had far exceeded his expectations. Especially that will she had prepared long ago—it had caught him completely off guard.

Fortunately, she had underestimated him. Fortunately, he had won Eric over early on.

Otherwise, what right would he have had to make Denise surrender without resistance?

Now, the carefully woven trap had finally paid off. The greatest obstacle on Raven's path to inheriting the Nobility Title had been removed, along with a gift of Five Hundred Gold Coins.

After resting briefly, Raven began cleaning up the scene. He loaded the bodies onto Denise's carriage and headed for the Abandoned Mine.

The pit had already been dug, though not by the servants. Eric had done it himself.

After burying Donald's body, Raven drove the carriage back to the castle.

The moment he returned to his room, a satisfied smile appeared on his face. An exquisite Rosewood Chest sat on his table.

He stepped forward and gently opened it. Its smooth surface reflected the candlelight, filling the entire room with golden radiance!

Inside the chest, gold coins lay quietly in stacks of ten, giving off a deadly allure.

One, two, three, four...

Twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven...

Forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty...

A full fifty stacks—Five Hundred Gold Coins!

Five Hundred Gold Coins!!

That was enough for someone living in Monen City to spend an entire lifetime feasting on fine food and wine, indulging in pleasure every day!

After struggling in Monen City for five years, Raven had only managed to save a dozen or so gold coins.

Even if he neither ate, drank, nor gambled, these Five Hundred Gold Coins would take him two hundred years to earn!

Most importantly, a dose of the God-Given Potion that could awaken a Life Seed and allow someone to advance to Transcendent cost Three Hundred Gold Coins.

Transcendent!

Having mixed in Monen City's underworld, Raven had witnessed too many of the shocking things Transcendents could do. He also knew all too well the gap between Transcendents and ordinary people.

It was a different kind of power from a Nobility Title—power that could inspire fear and decide the life and death of others!

It was said that High-Rank Transcendents could be "worth a nation even at arm's reach!"

This was power Raven had never dared to hope for before, yet now, the opportunity was already in his grasp!

"Uncle Donald, you really did leave me a fine inheritance."

Raven ran both hands over the chest, then snapped it shut with a bang and carried it forcefully onto the bed.

Sleeping while hugging gold coins was simply too comfortable!

They were just a little hard and uncomfortable.

The next morning, before Raven had even woken up, Gordon knocked on his door:

"Lord Raven, Priest Laxus has awakened."