Episode 89. I Will Do My Best to Assist You
The remnants of the Black Order that were dragged to the dock were entrusted to Alleion.
Alleion, who was once part of the Black Order before joining Sirius, is well aware of their mentality.
After proper indoctrination, those deemed useful will be incorporated into the Azure Sword Order and utilized to their full potential.
“My husband was bedridden during our wedding and could not attend. This is the first time we have had a proper conversation.”
“I apologize for not visiting sooner, Lady Titania.”
Sirius bowed before Titania.
It is said that Titania was like a mother to Justitia.
Therefore, he intended to be as respectful as possible in her presence.
“I have heard much about you. You saved the Rigel family from their crisis and have accomplished many feats in the east and south…”
“I was able to achieve these things thanks to the support of many people.”
“Honestly, I was quite surprised. I had heard that Justitia’s husband was a scholar solely interested in academic research.”
“With the world in such turmoil, I could not simply continue my academic pursuits.”
“I see. That is a noble mindset.”
Titania’s expression turned bitter.
“If I had my way, I would have liked to contribute as well. However… there is little I can do with my abilities.”
“Lady Titania…”
“I am sorry that I could not be of more help, Sirius.”
“That is not true.”
Sirius shook his head.
“I have heard that you have been continuously sending financial aid to the Rigel family. It is because of your monetary support that the Rigel family has been able to endure this long.”
“It was not a significant amount. I cannot squander the Grantz family’s wealth… so I sent a portion of my personal funds.”
“That is not the case. Justitia was also very grateful to you.”
Before Sirius’s arrival, the Rigel family was being exploited by the Yuterus family.
It is said that without the aid sent by Titania, the Rigel family would have gone bankrupt.
“Sister, as I mentioned in my previous letter… the Rigel family now has ample funds.”
Sitting nearby, Justitia spoke up.
“It is now our turn to assist you. So please, do not hesitate to ask us for any assistance you may require.”
“Justitia, there is no need for that. You and…”
As he glanced at the troubled Titania, Sirius spoke up again.
“Lady Titania, I conducted an investigation today and it seems that the Grantz family is failing to maintain proper control over this region.”
“……!”
“Are you not facing difficulties due to the Black Guilds?”
The Palamia region is the Grantz family’s sphere of influence.
However, even Galette, a low-ranking member of the Black Guild, had ridiculed the Grantz family.
“I have heard that the Grantz family, despite its wealth, lacks the military strength to match it.”
“That is…”
“I have heard that they constantly walk a dangerous tightrope between the powerful Black Guilds. Is that correct?”
“……”
The Grantz family relies on mercenary groups to protect their assets.
However, mercenary groups are essentially a type of Black Guild… so they inevitably face various difficulties.
“Lady Titania, I intend to begin by organizing Palamia and the surrounding areas. I plan to disband all nearby Black Guild organizations and establish治安治安security maintenance activities with the troops we have brought.”
“……!”
“Therefore, the Grantz family should also clarify its relationships with other factions. And reorganize the entire family.”
In front of Titania, who was holding her breath, Sirius spoke calmly.
“I will do my utmost to assist you.”
* * *
“Thank you, Sirius.”
While Titania was briefly away, Justitia expressed her gratitude to Sirius.
“I never expected you to be so genuine with Sister Titania.”
“That’s going too far. Did you think I would treat your sister disrespectfully?”
“You were certainly curt with Sister Leticia.”
“And you were the same with me.”
“Well, that may be true.”
Their younger sister, Leticia, constantly nagged them about their family planning and other matters.
Because of this, both Sirius and Justitia had a hard time tolerating Leticia’s nagging.
“Anyway… I’m relieved that you’re showing sincerity towards Sister Titania. After all, to me, Sister Titania is like a mother.”
“……”
“To be honest, I was a little happy.”
After saying that, Justitia cleared her throat.
“I apologize. I spoke too frankly.”
“No… I don’t think you need to apologize.”
“W-well, anyway.”
Justitia blushed and looked away.
“Sirius, does that mean you will be primarily operating in Palamia from now on?”
“That’s right.”
Unlike in the Southern Region, I can’t go around here stirring up trouble.
If the Black Iron Alliance or the Federation attacks while Sirius is away, it’ll be troublesome.
“For the time being, I plan to make Paramyia our base and let the Western Black Guilds know about my presence.”
“I see. That’s perfect timing.”
Eustia nodded.
“I’m planning on working with the Granz family to establish a branch of the Cheonlang Kingdom in Paramyia.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, after arriving and looking around, I decided that would be best. We’ll repair the pier and build new warehouses and shops, expanding the Cheonlang Kingdom’s influence around Paramyia.”
After saying that, Eustia glanced at Sirius.
“Thanks to my husband bringing so many men, I think we can get started right away.”
“We’re in sync.”
“That’s right.”
The plan was set.
We would make Paramyia our base, pacify this area, and then respond to any moves by the Black Iron Alliance or the Federation.
Now, even if Sirius sits still, they’ll come running to him.
And starting with the Granz family, we would unite the families of the West… and have them join the new Alliance that Sirius was creating.
“I guess it’s time to come up with a name.”
“Huh?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I can’t use the name Murim Alliance in this world.
Sirius was still thinking about what name to use.
“Sirius, but… there’s a big problem.”
“A big problem?”
“Brother-in-law… It’s Lord Riald’s health.”
Eustia’s expression darkened.
“As we mentioned earlier, he wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t attend our wedding.”
“……”
“I heard he’s been a little better lately… but I just heard that he’s not feeling well again today.”
Riald Granz.
Head of the Granz family and husband to Titania.
He was originally a very ambitious man.
The Granz family had acquired its vast wealth because Riald had earned a great deal of money through business since his youth.
Having earned so much money, Riald married Titania, the eldest daughter of the Rigel family, in order to raise the status of his family.
In his heart, he may have even dreamed of making Titania the next head of the Rigel family.
However, he now refrained from outside activities and lived quietly surrounded by his family.
The reason was that he had been suffering from an illness… for the past several years.
“He used to be different, but ever since he got sick, he’s become very passive. I don’t know if he’ll agree with our plan.”
* * *
After leaving the rest to his subordinates, Sirius and Eustia headed for the Granz family estate.
The Grantz family’s castle was about an hour’s carriage ride from Paramia.
“The castle is quite large and grand.”
“Indeed. It is the Grantz family, after all.”
Ever since Riald had become the head of the family, the Grantz family had been focusing on commerce.
As such, even now, there was a constant stream of wagons coming and going.
“Actually, we had planned to hold a welcoming party today. My husband had been very much looking forward to meeting the both of you.”
As she guided Sirius and Justitia, Titania smiled wryly.
“However… his symptoms suddenly worsened this morning.”
The place Titania led them to was a bedroom located in the depths of the castle.
There… a man with dark skin lay in bed.
He was tall and broad-shouldered, but his complexion was poor.
“Umm… You’ve arrived.”
Supported by a servant, the man raised his body.
And let out a long sigh.
“Justitia, Sirius, thank you for coming all this way. I apologize for having to receive you in bed.”
“Not at all, Lord Riald.”
This man was the head of the Grantz family, Riald.
He used to be healthy, but several years ago, he suddenly began to experience pain all over his body.
It seemed that he was usually fine, but then, without warning, he would be suddenly struck by pain.
Furthermore, it wasn’t as though a specific area hurt; rather, the location of the pain seemed to change each time.
“I had been relieved that my condition had recently improved, but I suddenly became like this today. I am very sorry.”
“You must be in a lot of pain. Are you receiving treatment?”
“I’ve tried taking medicine and even invited a renowned doctor, but… nothing seems to work. I’ve spent a lot of money, too.”
Titania made a sad expression and took Riald’s hand. It was clear that she had been suffering a great deal because of her husband’s illness.
“It seems that it may be an incurable disease. I’ve almost given up at this point.”
As he said that, Riald let out another sigh.
It was a sigh that would make even the listener feel depressed.
With Riald, the person in charge, in this condition, the Grantz family couldn’t help but be disheartened.
That said, there was no one other than Riald who was capable of leading the family…
“Hmm, so that is Sirius, is it?”
Riald, who had been exchanging greetings with Justitia, turned his gaze to Sirius.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve heard much about you.”
“…”
“I heard that you are planning to do something in the West. I would like to help, but my body is in this state… Ugh!”
Riald let out a groan as he spoke.
Titania hurriedly supported her husband as he hunched over in pain.
“My dear, are you alright?”
“I-I’m fine, Titania. I’m used to this much…”
Right then.
Sirius, who had been observing Riald with his mouth shut, opened his mouth.
“Lord Riald.”
Eustia, who was next to him, looked at Sirius in surprise.
However, Sirius did not care and spoke in a serious voice.
“If you don’t mind, may I examine you?”
“Yes……?”
Riald and Titania looked at Sirius with bewildered expressions.
“You want to… examine me?”
Riald asked in a puzzled voice.
However, Sirius did not answer and walked towards Riald.
Then he slowly grabbed Riald’s wrist.
“If my guess is correct.”
Thump, thump.
A taut pulse, as if a bowstring was being pulled.
Feeling it, Sirius opened his mouth.
“I think I can cure it.”
At Sirius’s calm voice, the eyes of the couple who had been suffering for a long time grew bigger.