Saved Him, Now I'm Obsessed (10 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 29

I had no intention of revealing my true identity to him, but I wanted to check on his condition, so I moved closer.

Elderly-looking nobles were chattering noisily beside Ian. Ian, looking exhausted, was rubbing the corner of his eyes with his fingertips.

“Have you heard the rumors that Baron Parbel secretly took military horses from his domain?”

“Isn’t that just a rumor? Since our territories share a border, it’s only natural that ignorant people occasionally engage in illicit trade, slipping past the lord’s watch. Besides, the horses bred in Parbel’s domain are merely foals at best. You should be careful not to spread words that might cause unnecessary suspicion.”

“There must be some reason for the rumor to spread. And foals? The horses born in Parbel’s domain may be smaller than others, but they’re a hardy breed capable of enduring high-altitude terrain—more than sufficient for use as warhorses. Moreover, isn’t preventing illicit trade with foreign nations precisely the lord’s duty? I seriously question whether Baron Parbel is truly fulfilling his responsibilities if he can’t even manage that.”

Seeing Ian’s exhausted expression filled me with pity. I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to raise their voice in an argument right in front of someone so clearly worn out.

“If there are suspicious circumstances, simply send someone to investigate. I don’t wish to wrongly accuse Baron Parbel of colluding with foreign powers, but since illicit trade is strictly forbidden by the state, a thorough verification seems necessary.”

At Ian’s words, the face of the man with the long, snow-white beard brightened. In contrast, the stout, middle-aged man who had been loudly arguing against him grimaced sharply.

“I know Baron Parbel is related by marriage to Count Ketina. However, even if the baron is at fault, I have no intention of implicating Count Ketina.”

“That goes without saying.”

“And if the investigation finds no evidence of wrongdoing, Baron Chaison—who attempted to tarnish Baron Parbel’s reputation—will be held accountable.”

“Tarnish his reputation?… I merely passed along a rumor.”

“Precisely because it was an unverified rumor that you recklessly spread, you must take responsibility. Then, whose family’s knight do you intend to send to the domain?”

Immediately, they began raising their voices again, each insisting their recommended knight be sent to Parbel’s domain. Those standing nearby also began taking sides, adding their voices to the clamor.

Just watching it all made me feel utterly drained.

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