You Want to be My Father-In-Law?

Marquis Algernon was more desperate than Huvel had thought. He arrived at Boswel Castle within a week after the invitation letter was sent. He brought a lot of gifts for Huvel with him. If people see all the valuable gifts the marquis brought, they would think he is going to pledge his loyalty to a duke.

Although people cannot not see what happens in the castle, even commoners could tell that something was going on. A high-ranking noble like Marquis Algernon visiting a newly appointed low-ranking noble while there was no party was very unusual after all.

Nonetheless, Marquis Algernon entered Boswel Castle with a serious face as he wanted to confirm the news he heard. In the castle, he found Alain Boden who was treated like a prisoner. He also had a talk with the lord of Boswel and confirmed that he was not an incompetent man as the rumours said.

The next day, the marquis tried to pry how did Huvel threatened Marquis Boden for him to have to send his very heir to Boswel as a hostage. Although he knew Marquis Boden was also taking bribery to let the slaves pass through his territory, he was not close enough with to ask about the details of what happened with the lord of Boswel.

As for Huvel's side, he had no intention to hide things from Marquis Algernon told him bluntly that he knew the marquises' involvement in slave trading. He did not have the list of slaves that were brought through Marquis Algernon's territory but the marquis was already shaken enough at the mere mention of slave trading.

Marquis Algernon promised to pay tributes without any hesitation. He understood the gravity of his crime very well.

"In addition," said the marquis, "I want to give you something that you might like."

"Hmm... What is it?" Huvel replied nonchalantly.

"Lord Senebres, I hope you remember my third son that I introduced to you yesterday. If you don't mind, I would like to betroth him to you."

Huvel did not reply him but knotted his brows and stared at marquis intensely. The marquis did introduce his son to him. At that time, Huvel did not know why the marquis brought his son with him.

The boy was called Lyle Algernon among the marquis's men. Although he said he was 16 years old, he was quite small. He did not seem to be trained to become a knight. Moreover, he was the third son so it was not surprising that the marquis decided to use him as a bargaining chip. But still, the marquis was quite bold to offer his son instead of his daughters.

As someone who was neglected by his own father, Huvel felt sympathy for Lyle Algernon. However, he was not kind enough to help him out of his way. He still had to negotiate with Marquis Algernon to get the best results.

"Ahem," the marquis cleared his throat to ease the awkward silence and continued, "although the temples will not allow you to get married with a man, having a noble as your consort is not too bad, don't you think so?"

"Hmph!" Huvel snorted; a smirk appeared on his face. "So, the way you thought to save your ass is to sell off your son? How low can you get, Marquis Algernon?"

The marquis's face distorted with anger.

"You are one to talk! If you were not interested only in man, I will gladly betroth you with my second daughter! Do you know how humiliating it is to send off my son for marriage instead of my daughter?!"

"I don't see any difference! Whether be it your son or daughter, you are just using them for your personal gain."

"Marriage between nobles is a good way to build trust. Lord Senebres, you are very smart for your age but you don't seem to understand the political affairs yet!"

Huvel did not want to bother himself to argue with the marquis. He did not say anything but waved a hand to Chance. Chance gave the paper he was holding to Marquis Algernon.

"What is this?" asked the marquis.

"Lord Algernon," Chance replied, "this is the amount of tribute Marquis Boden has agreed to pay to my master over 40 months."

"WHAT?!! THIS MUCH MONEY?!"

The marquis was taken aback. Although he knew Marquis Boden had been taking bribery, he could not believe that he still had that much money in his possession.

"Exactly," Huvel started to speak again, "so, get lost and go prepare to send the money. I will give you 20 months."

"Don't talk nonsense!" the marquis shouted; he was so angry that could not maintain his noble air anymore. "My whole treasury does not have even half of this amount. Do you want to make my territory to fall into poverty?!"

"You, two marquises, both have been taking bribery for a long time. If Marquis Boden promised to give me this much, shouldn't you follow it as well?"

"That… he must have taken more bribery than me! I can only promise 40% of this amount!"

"80%. It can't be less than that!"

"50% is the best I can give. I will even have to sell some of my shops to get that amount. And I will be taking back my son as well."

"Why bother taking back someone you had already abandoned. Fine, take him back. But you have to send 80% in 10 months."

"Lord Senebres! You should admit that you want him. To gather 80% of an amount this big in 10 months is impos…."

"By the way, I just remembered that a knight who was rude to me was your vessel. You should compensate me for the insults he made too. 85%!"

"Fine! Take my son and 60% in 40 months! I really cannot give you anything more than that. As for that foolish knight, just punish him however you want!"

"60% is too low. But I guess I can compromise that much to the man who wanted to become my father-in-law. Fufufu."

"YOU…"

"You can leave whenever you want. There is no need to say farewell to me. Have a safe trip back home, Lord Algernon!"