The Adavancer -III

"Duke of Wyvern is a cautious man," Malver smiled. 

"Everyone knows about Lord Ansel's, um... 'brainwashing' abilities." He made air quotes with his fingers, which drew a cold glare from Nerilia.

Although he didn't finish his sentence, Marlina understood Malver's implication. 

"So... it's not about executing him for his betrayal, but to convince the Grand Duke that the information wasn't deliberately leaked by Mr. Ansel?"

Marlina murmured, shifting her gaze to the other two individuals. 

"Therefore..." Her voice was dry, "this count and his entire family must die."

"Quick thinking," Malver applauded. "But... it's not necessarily required."

"... Not necessarily?"

"Executing the entire family is Ms. Nerilia's opinion," Malver said, crossing his arms. "It's not mine. There are many ways to convince the Grand Duke without resorting to this."

Nerilia's cold, cruel gaze brushed past Marlina's face and landed on Malver.