Chapter 24
“The dead… I mean a corpse. Don’t make that shocked face. I’m not saying you should kill someone alive to bring them. I mean, find someone who just recently died and meets the conditions I mentioned. And of course, do it without the family knowing.”
“Lord, you… what exactly…”
“I know, my request is unreasonable. It’s something you couldn’t do to the family. But to save someone, this is the only way. I’ll make sure to reward the family separately.”
Rian’s explanation was enough to make Alman realize that he hadn’t misheard anything.
“Do you think it’s possible, Alman?”
Rian tried to act nonchalant, but he knew better than anyone how unreasonable his request was. What kind of lunatic would search for a corpse, judging each one by appearance?
He fully understood Alman’s incredulous look.
After some time passed…
“…May I ask why?”
Alman, who had been staring at Rian with a complex, subtle gaze, asked in a serious tone. The way he said it felt like he was demanding the truth, so Rian deliberately replied lightly.
“I just told you. Didn’t you hear?”
“You said it was to save someone?”
“Yes. That’s right. You remembered.”
“Then I’ll ask again. Who is it that you want to save?”
“…Someone important. I can only say this for now.”
If he were to reveal it was Lakia, he couldn’t reasonably explain why he wanted to save him. He couldn’t say that although Lakia is being chased for treason now, he would be cleared and his status restored five years later. And even if he tried, how could he explain that he came from the world fifteen years in the future?
As Rian hesitated, Alman seemed to make up his mind and spoke.
“My lord, forgive me for saying this, but if you’re hiding something, please tell me everything. As your steward, I must know to serve you properly.”
“…I’m not hiding anything.”
“You must be completely honest. Only then can I truly help you.”
“You’ll understand in time. Can’t you just trust me for now?”
“How am I supposed to believe you need a corpse to save someone?”
“Believe it or not, that’s your choice, Alman. But I’m not lying.”
Alman’s voice grew louder, and Rian’s voice naturally rose in response. Alman then poured out his feelings.
“One more thing. Honestly, when the previous lord passed and you took over, I was worried. But as I’ve watched you grow and mature, I’ve been very glad. I realized my previous concerns were unnecessary. But a corpse… this is too much.”
“…”
“Not long ago, when you saved me from a carriage accident, I silently swore to serve you sincerely from now on. Seeing that, please… trust me.”
“Then why not trust me all the way?”
“My lord…”
“I’m making this request because I trust you, Alman. I promise, this isn’t for anything frivolous. In time, you’ll understand.”
Rian spoke sincerely, clearly addressing Alman.
‘Trust…’
Alman’s eyes wavered. He could sense the sincerity in Rian’s voice. Yet, there were so many obstacles. A corpse, of all things… How could he possibly find one?
Alman hesitated, looking at Rian.
Rian met his gaze boldly, without any hint of guilt.
Alman’s resolve began to shift. Perhaps he had been too hasty because the request was so absurd. Maybe it was right to trust his lord completely, as he suggested.
Memories of Rian’s past actions flashed through Alman’s mind: jumping into a carriage to save him, punishing the corrupt steward Flynn, raising the lord’s prestige, improving the servants’ living conditions, and showing unprecedented warmth toward those below him.
Alman’s eyes remained on Rian, sensing both trustworthiness and a gentle aura.
After staring for a while, Alman returned to his usual polite demeanor and asked,
“Age twenty, height 180… gray hair… and what else did you say?”
Alman had accepted Rian’s request. Rian didn’t ask further, feeling genuine gratitude toward Alman. A small smile appeared on his lips.
“Thank you, Alman. It’s difficult, but I’ll ask once more. The eye color is dark blue. But that probably doesn’t matter; once the corpse decomposes, it won’t be visible anyway.”
“Understood. I’ll report once preparations are complete.”
“Yes. Don’t forget, it’s a secret.”
“Rest assured. I don’t keep loose-lipped people around.”
Alman, meticulous as always, would not fail. Rian added one last instruction.
“Oh, and my bedroom… instruct the servants that no one is allowed inside except Madeline.”
“Only Madeline?”
“Yes. It’s a comfortable space, and she seems to clean it the best.”
“Oh, then I’ll make sure to retrain her properly…”
“No need. We’re busy already. Don’t worry; she won’t repeat past mistakes.”
Alman’s expression showed concern at the mention of Madeline. Rian knew it was because of him.
“Speaking of which, I want to compensate the maids I once wronged… would that be alright?”
Though the word ‘mistake’ didn’t fully satisfy Rian, it was the best way to express her intent for now. She wanted to apologize as much as she could.
Alman could hardly believe his ears. He never imagined that the young lord still thought so much about that past incident. The mere fact that he had come to his senses was enough, but now it seemed the young lord had truly changed.
“That would be perfect. They may have grievances, but providing compensation will surely make them happy. My suggestion is to give them what each of them desires.”
“I agree. I want to grant their wishes as much as possible. There’s the imperial knight squad and other tasks, but when time allows, Alman, please take care of it.”
“Yes, my lord. Thank you so much!”
Alman is the steward of the Callista Count family.
A steward’s main duty is to assist the lord, but they also handle various household matters, including supervising the servants. Alman, being caring, treated the servants almost like a father.
Of course, he was strict when it came to tasks, but he always comforted the servants afterward to avoid hurting their feelings.
Alman had been most troubled by how to handle the maids who had suffered under the lord. If it had been another problem, he could have solved it himself, but the lord was involved.
Now, however, the lord had ordered compensation. Alman felt genuine joy. He was excited thinking how happy the maids would be upon hearing this news.
Once again, he solidified his trust in his lord. Someone who thinks this deeply wouldn’t be asking for a corpse frivolously.
“I’ll be on my way now.”
Though he had many tasks for the imperial knight squad, Alman planned to see the maids first. His steps were lighter than usual as he left.
Two days later, the imperial knight squad and the pursuit force arrived at the castle. Despite nearly two hundred people, no complaints arose from the knights or soldiers, thanks to Alman’s thorough preparation.
Even after a brief meeting, Alman seemed to understand the squad’s personality. For those who always desired special treatment, he prepared the castle’s best rooms.
The rooms, exuding elegance, pleased Count Ross and the knights. All the efforts in hiring staff and decorating the rooms had been worth it.
Alman didn’t stop there. Knowing they were exhausted, he summoned ten professional masseurs to the castle, allowing the squad to receive massages whenever they wished.
It had cost a lot, but seeing the squad satisfied, Rian once again praised Alman’s capabilities.
Even for regular soldiers, Alman paid attention. He provided fresh ingredients daily and obtained anything they needed.
The largest problem, given so many people in one place, was bathing. During the scorching summer, Alman opened a small reservoir behind the castle, usually restricted to protect the lord’s farmland, allowing the soldiers to cool off.
Two days after the pursuit squad arrived, posters appeared throughout Rian’s territory. They displayed Lakia’s face and a brief description of his crimes.
Though such posters were uncommon, this was not unprecedented. Crowds gathered, astonished by the rewards and additional benefits.
Lakia Di Rodriguez
Bounty: 100 Gold
Regardless of status—even if a serf—this reward would be granted, and one wish would be fulfilled.
One hundred gold. An unbelievable amount.
For reference, a commoner needed about 10 silver per month to survive. One gold equals 20 silver, meaning 100 gold could cover over ten years without worrying about money.
It was enough to buy a modest house or even a few shops in a prime location.
And on top of that, the emperor personally guaranteed that one wish would be fulfilled. Emperor Carter III’s seal was clearly affixed.
The entire territory buzzed with excitement. Everyone eagerly began searching for Lakia, hoping for a stroke of luck.
People abandoned their work to pursue him, women carried children on their backs, and even slaves tried to escape unnoticed to join the chase.
