“If you want to confirm sincerity….”

Marquis Humphrey, noticing the change in Gilbert’s expression, cautiously responded with a careful tone.

Gilbert, after briefly dismissing those who had come with him to inspect the magic stone mine, spoke.

“Some nobles think of Gatoruk as an insignificant family and try to exploit us.”

“That’s not right.”

Although Marquis Humphrey responded reflexively, he felt ashamed inwardly. He had thought that, except for being Lady Huangbi’s close relative, the Earl’s family had nothing else to boast about.

However, in the urgent situation where Gatoruk’s help was crucial, the Marquis wanted to somehow gain recognition for his loyalty towards Gilbert and his family.

‘If the huge magic stone in the territory is discovered, it will likely be taken away by the Huang family or other families. It might be better to form an exclusive alliance with the Huangbi family.’

If he was going to choose, it would be better to ally with Huangbi, who would wield significant power in the future.

He had considered contacting the Duke of Lexion, but there were so many influential figures in the aristocracy that he felt he would get an unfairly small share.

Therefore, Marquis Humphrey spoke politely to Gilbert.

“With the honor of House Humphrey at stake, we will prove our loyalty to Gatoruk and Lady Huangbi, no matter what test you have in mind.”

“Since the Marquis says so, I’m pleased.”

Gilbert smiled meaningfully and rose from the sofa. Then, he walked over to the map of the Marquisate left in the Marquis’s office.

“Where was the magic stone mine located?”

“It’s from here to here. The amount of deposits here is said to be unparalleled in the Empire.”

Marquis Humphrey, pointing at the map, spoke with a prideful voice. Gilbert was silently mocking him.

‘Dull. To not recognize that the entire mountain range nearby is a magic stone mine.’

The magic stone mine known to Marquis Humphrey was only an extremely small part of the deposits.

Gatoruk, having sent its own magician to investigate, found out that there was an enormous amount of magic stone buried in about half of the mountain range in the territory. It was at a level where it would not be jealous of gold mines.

Moreover, the fact that such a quantity of magic stones was buried meant that magic could be applied to the mountain range itself.

‘A perfect place for staging an accident to kill people while remaining hidden.’

Having made a judgment, Gilbert pointed to a part of the map.

“Make up any excuse and bring the Marquis to this place. I will instruct my magician to make the rocks in this area tumble down.”

“….!”

Marquis Humphrey momentarily froze. To inflict significant harm on the Duke of Lexion, of all people.

However, facing Gilbert, who was looking at him with a cool gaze, confirming loyalty, it was difficult to refuse such a request.
However, he had already received a lot from Gatoruk. Everything, including the ability to push his way into the capital’s social circle without any connections, was all thanks to their efforts.

‘If it’s not an assassination but just staging an accident…’

Moreover, the Marquis believed that Lexion would consider Humphrey, who was about to become a close aide to Lady Huangbi, as a thorn in his side.

Although Lexion didn’t pay much attention to the actions of a family like Humphrey, who was moving at the level of Humphrey, who had recently entered the capital’s social circle, didn’t yet know his place.

Since there was no other way to resist Gatoruk’s order, the Marquis hesitated but came to a conclusion.

“As it is, wild beasts are swarming in that area. We could go hunting together. It would be difficult to refuse if you ask for help from a neighboring territory.”

“I’ll be so glad to accompany the Marquis.”

Gilbert gave a satisfied smile and patted Marquis Humphrey on the arm. In his mind, he was already thinking about the significant reward Lady Huangbi would give him once he successfully dealt with the Marquis and monopolized the magic stone mine.

“It seems like everyone from the neighboring territories attended. There are so many people in Lop Berry.”

As the carriage entered the square, Edit showed a hint of excitement. Just seeing the baskets full of fruits from a distance made her mouth water.

Balter, looking at Edit with a twinkle in his eye while she stared at the food, chuckled. It was undoubtedly the little one in her belly that faithfully increased Edit’s appetite.

Swallowing the saliva that had gathered in her mouth, she, even with a wig covering her head and a different impression than usual, still looked consistently adorable.

“I’ll buy you some verified ones to taste, but don’t eat those that are offered. They’re not edible.”

“I’ll endure it even if you buy them later.”

Edit responded jokingly, and then pouted, but Balter felt more worried than amused by her response.