We Will Get Divorced: The Perfect Divorce Plan of the Sacrificial Daughter and the Cold-Blooded Soldier - Chapter 17

“Brother, this is difficult to say, but isn’t it rather unreasonable to suspect the master of misconduct based solely on this?”

“What did you say!”

Kevin’s eyes widened as if they might spill out, clearly not expecting his beloved cousin to contradict him.

“First, when tax officials collect taxes temporarily, they always notify us with documents bearing signatures and seals. This is so villages can appeal to the duke if they have complaints. Taxes without such documentation can simply be ignored.”

“Huh?”

“Second, the master has only been stationed at Harrop for two weeks. Could he possibly impose repeated heavy taxes in such a short period?”

“Hmm?”

“Third, why were heavy taxes imposed only on Ruhen village? It pains me to say this, but there’s no reason for the master to specifically target the treasury of this rural village, which can hardly be described as abundant.”

“Hmmm? Wait, so that means… I see!”

Finally understanding, Kevin slapped his palm with his large fist.

“So, the Lich King broke into the treasury and stole it!”

Ah, he didn’t get it. I thought that might be the case.

“I’m saying there’s no reason to do that, and it’s impossible. If anyone could do it, it would be the person managing that treasury. The one who’s been claiming alone that the master imposed heavy taxes—”

“Shut up!”

The man who suddenly shouted no longer had trembling eyes. His gaze was fixed on one point but saw nothing—dangerous eyes.

“Don’t move!”

The village chief shook off Kevin’s arm with unexpected speed and dashed toward the assembly hall window. In his hand was a lit lantern that he must have hidden somewhere.

“I’ve planted explosives in this assembly hall!”

—Huh?

“Don’t move! If you move, I’ll throw this lantern inside!”

“You bastard!”

“Explosives?”

“Stop him!”

It’s a bluff. Amid the spreading shock, I intuitively knew it. The assembly hall should be packed with all the villagers. Kevin and his subordinates were there too. There’s no way anyone could plant explosives without being noticed under such public scrutiny.

“Idiot! Who was managing the explosives?”

“Huh? Wasn’t it you, boss?”

“The boss said he’d do it.”

Oh no, he might actually be able to. Maybe here, miraculously, he could.

“Everyone, back away!”

The village chief shouted again. The intimidated encirclement retreated, and I instinctively stepped back too.

No, should we really back away? But what should we do? The assembly hall should contain all the villagers. If that place blows up… No, calm down. I faced countless crises like this as the duke’s vice-minister. I can handle this alone. I can manage everything by myself.

“…Ah.”

No. That’s not true anymore.

Beside me, there’s no longer…

I looked up beside me, and blue eyes were gazing down at me again. A refreshing blue like an entrance to the sky, a blue that brings comfort enough to make me want to cry.

‘I’m your ally. Rely on me.’

That’s right. I can say these words now. I’m allowed to say them.

…How wonderful.

I opened my mouth to Julian, who had been waiting beside me all this time for my words.

“Master, please help me.”

“That’s good.”

Julian moved swiftly.

“Hey, I said don’t move!”

Before the village chief could finish speaking, Julian closed the distance in one breath and kicked the lantern high into the air. The village chief, instinctively tracking its trajectory and looking up at the sky, was already finished.

“You damn bastard!”

He couldn’t avoid the tackle from Kevin, who had been waiting for an opening. He took the full impact and tumbled to the ground.

Not bad, I thought, casting a glance at Kevin who showed unexpectedly quick reflexes. Julian caught the falling lantern without looking and turned back to me with an infuriatingly composed air.

“I saved you.”