Circumstances of a Fallen Lord

Chapter 34

Part 4 A huge misunderstanding and the little truth

At first, the general burst into laughter when he heard what the butler had to say. Why would you say such nonsense? Asking for his bodySir Carlton isnt some neighborhood bandit.

Though he may be called Sir, isnt he still a simple mercenary?

Since the butlers expression was so serious, the general slowly lost any traces of amusement. He asked, Do you have any evidence?

Our servants have heard Carltons men talking amongst themselves. According to themfor recompense.Haah, this is too disgusting to say The butler wetted his lips and could barely continue. In front of all his men, Carlton demanded Luisen bare his body, and our lord knelt down on his knees. Then he chased all of the others out of the room. At first, the man was completely against reinstating rationing, but he completely changed his mind and told everyone that they were allowed to do as they pleased.

Huh! So then the reason for why hes following our lord so closely

Hes bound to have vulgar secret designs on the lord

     He said he was simply conducting surveillance The general gasped.

Its all an excuse. He could have simply ordered his men to do that. Hes acting like that even nowWhat surveillance? Hes using that excuse to stay close and trick our lord.

The general felt a sudden surge of vertigo and grasped the wall.

Luisen, who used to follow him with a short lisp. Luisen, who would fall down all the time and beg for hugs and for the general to carry him everywhere.

He raised this child preciously. He couldnt have possibly loved a blood-related child more. This was the small and young master he raised, unable to discipline him even with a few slaps.

He may have despaired that such upbringing had brought forth a scoundrel and trash of a noble, butbefore his very eyesthat same scoundrel became a wise lord and led the duchy through crises. This old man believed he could die in peace from Luisens newfound dignified poise

The general was suddenly filled with rage. That son of a bitch! How dare he disgrace our lord like this! 1

He grabbed a knife hanging on the kitchen wall.

The startled butler blocked the general with his whole body.

It was ridiculous for a man who, in his twilight years, had done nothing but stand by a desk to pull a knife on someone.

Ah, sir, generalPlease calm down

How could I calm down right now! Could you keep calm when rumors like this are circulating?

Of course Im angry too. Im angry butthese are just rumors.

It wouldnt be wise to blow this up into an even bigger situation. The lord may be ashamed to know that these rumors are even circulating in the first place. The butler had a sensible point. If these rumors were to get too big, it could damage Luisens reputation. The lords perfect existence should never have been stained with Carltons manipulation.

The general took a deep breath and lowered the knife. He knew that he needed to return to his senses in order to properly protect Luisen from Carltons ministrations.

.The lord knows nothing? the general asked.

Yes. It doesnt seem like he knows. Ive ordered the servants to keep quiet for now.

Good job. The rumor should never spread any further than this, the general sighed.

The butler nodded, agreeing with the others words.

The problem is that bastard CarltonWe must never leave him alone with the lord. You, the butler, and I should always stay by the lords side.

Of course. Ill also tell his chief aide, Ruger, to not leave him alone. Although, since he often leaves his post, hes not a very reliable man

Either way, protecting the lord should be our first priority.

Yes.

The general and the butler determinedly locked gazes.

After that, the general waited tenaciously for Luisen to return to the castle. His heart desperately wanted to go down to the village, chase Carlton out of the territory, and safely bring Luisen back into the confines of the castlebut he knew that patience rewarded far more than rash actions.

Soon after sunset, it was finally time for the young lord to return.

The lord has passed through the inner gates.

Good. Ill go to pick him up.

At the words of a knight, the general rushed out the front door. He could see, in the distance, Luisen approaching on a horse. The lords hair glistened orange, his back to the sunset. His figure on a white horse was like an aristocrat out of a minstrels story.

Just as pride swelled in the generals heart, he saw Carlton stuck to Luisens side. Carlton couldnt take his eyes off of Luiseneven the general could understand that all his attention was directed towards the young lord.

Hnn. At least his eyes have taste. The general thought Luisen was superior to all othersyet he lamented his lords ignorance to Carltons innermost insidious thoughts. His lord was courteous, engaging in conversation without guile.

Before he knew it, Luisen and Carltons horses stopped in front of the general.

Have you returned, my lord? Youve worked hard today as well. The general only saw his former ward.

Im here as well? Carlton questioned.

Yes.

The general blatantly ignored Carlton. What brought you here on the back of a horse? I thought you took the cart when you left?

When it was time to return, I couldnt find it again. Since Sir Carlton offered to teach me the proper way to ride, I thought Id challenge myself. Luisen sighed. He felt the weight of his previous experience when he had fallen off in the middle of the village. I cant leave my riding skills like this!

     So he cautiously asked Carlton, an excellent rider, to be his teacher.

I must be crazy! What am I going to learn from him?

Carlton wasnt a particularly good teacher. He naturally knew how to use his body by instinct. The whole way here Carlton nagged, but Luisen still couldnt understand a single thing. Carlton was constantly frustrated and Luisen was dying to throw a tantrum as well.

Its nice to see you trying, the general said, stepping between his lord and the mercenary. Theres something wed like to discuss with the lord, so lets go together.

Despite the natural ease at which the general inserted himself, Carlton was unnaturally good at perceiving others negative feelings for him. He did not miss the hostility the general and butler had so skillfully hidden.

Look at these people, he thought. It was obvious the retainers wanted to separate him and Luisen. Since when did these people ever discuss the territorys logistics with Luisen?

They must have been feeling a sense of urgency due to Luisens soaring popularity. Furthermore, it was obvious the lord was able to move freely thanks to Carltons companyby separating the two, the retainers may be able to drive a wedge between their relationship or coax the young lord to behave once again.

Carlton swore he had no intention of involving himself with the dispute in the dukes inner circle. Luisens circumstances were unfortunate, but, in this day and age where it was every man for himself, who would make the effort to help him? He was definitely only following Luisen around because he was concerned about the mans flushed face as he exerted himself, running here and there.

However, it was very unpleasant to see the others on edgewary of himas if they were a cat and he had trampled on their tail. If someone doesnt like you for no reason, dont you want to properly give them a reason for their hatred?

Carlton chuckled and pulled on the reins of Luisens horsethe horse and rider followed along.

First, you should get off the horse. Can you get down on your own? Carlton asked.

No. No, I cant. After some contemplation, Luisen shook his head. The horses back was too tall for someone like him. In addition, the horse had been snorting and huffing, unhappy with its rider.

Ill hold you as you dismount. Carlton reached out his hand.

As a result, the general could no longer stand still. Please, hold my hand, my lord. The general also extended a hand towards his lord. A tense situation, in which two hands were outstretched to the stranded Luisen, appeared. Carlton and the generalthe two shared a fierce glare.

Between the two of them, Luisen was completely absentminded.

     Dont push yourself too hard, General. You have a bad back, and Sir Carlton is here anyway. Luisen grabbed Carltons hand.

Grasping his steady hands, the lord barely managed to get off the horse. Carlton grabbed and steadied Luisens body, which staggered as soon as he landed on the ground. Though the lords weight must have been considerableespecially for one handCarltons hands stood firm and unshakeable.

As the mercenary held onto Luisens body, he gave a triumphant look.

The general flushed red. This despicable

General, are you alright? Your face is so redare you hurt somewhere?

It must be the hue from the sunset, Carlton said.

Ah, is that right? Luisen peacefully looked up at the sky.

The butlers heart became complicated as he saw his ward so comfortable, without noticing the silent war waging over his well being. No matter how he may have suddenly changed, his apathy and obliviousness to all that surrounded him had not gone away.

The general squeezed in between the two, separating them. Carlton frowned as he automatically let go of the lords hand.

Theres an urgent matter to attend to. My lord, let us leave.

Huh? Really? Then I should go. Luisen complied.

However, Carlton placed a hand on Luisens shoulder. That urgent matter. Im curious as to what it could be.

Its about the duchys internal affairs. Sir Carlton should rest. It must be tiring to follow the lord around all day longyou dont have a reason to escort him at night, right?

Why wouldnt I escort him? It all depends on how you see itafter all, Ive gotten quite close with the duke. Ive a keg of alcohol I brought from the northas he worked hard today, learning to ride a horse, I thought Id offer some as a reward.

Northern liquor!? Luisen exclaimed. Then, after talking with the general, I can share some drinks with Sir Carlton, right? Ill find you in your room.

Unacceptable! the general huffed.

Of course. Carlton grinned. It was a real pleasurealways, whenever and whereverto stake victory over another. He loved winning so much.

TL:

Carlton Im blunt and I dont feel sorry for or any other feelings for this lord

Also Carlton Im going to intentionally aggravate people and flirt with the guy because people dont want me to. Also create a multi-chapter fanfiction about his backstory in my head.

Thanks Areli to the kofi~ This bonus chap is for you >.<

1. The original says treat as if no better than a female dog. Which uhin English would probably better be translated as disgrace. lmao.