Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Forty-Six

The Marquess’ Decision

Inside the meeting hall of Marquess Rolfe's mansion...

"It is impossible!" Exclaimed one of the noble presents inside the meeting hall. "You want to divide the forces and rescue the residents outside the city?! Marquess, we are already dealing with the undead inside! We need every force and fighting power that we can get!" It was Baron Simon, a noble residing within the city.

After the attack, Marquess called for every member of the council inside Griselda which consisted of four nobles that are currently living in the city. Three barons, and one viscount. They are also part of the council since they helped assists the city, furthermore, they hold authority and personal forces which became a huge help for Griselda in times of crisis. That is the main reason why Marquess Rolfe chose them as part of the council. Although they do not have a pure reputation, they are not particularly on the side of evil. They are the typical nobles who pursue self-interest. With that basic information about these nobles, why would Marquess Rolfe still include them on the council? Simply because of their influence. As much as he does not like to admit it, these nobles hold not only influence but the resources to help the city. Anyway, regardless of how vast their influence is, the Marquess still stand atop them. Not only in ranks but the means to do so.

"I understand your concern, Baron Simon. But, the nearby small villages are nevertheless part of my territory." The marquess calmly explained. Sitting beside Marquess Rolfe is his daughter, Suri. His wife and the other servants are safely evacuated, now, Marquess Rolfe and Lady Suri can focus on the upcoming battle.

The mages under their family are doing their best to defend the walls that protect the city, thus, they need everyone's cooperation and help to finally eradicate the enemies.

"Marquess, I certainly understand your devotion towards your people, but what you are proposing is simply impossible!" Baron Elias contended, "The city is covered with this unknown barrier, our mages are weakened, some are even dying! We have to set our priorities straight!" There is a hint of a plea in Baron Elias's voice.

"Baron Elias, are you saying that the lives of the villagers outside the city are insignificant compared to the city's people?" Lady Suri suddenly asked sharply.

Baron Elias quickly shakes his head. "No no, that is not what I mean. W-What I'm saying is we need to be practical! You have treated the villagers well, it was their decision to remain outside the city, thus, they should be less of our problem."

Suri's ears rang. She couldn't believe the words that are coming out of the Baron's mouth. Less of their problem? How ridiculous!

"I agree with the Baron, Lady Suri, Marquess Rolfe," Viscount Sabnok interrupted. "We have protected them, helped them to the best of our abilities. I am certain they will understand the decision you have to make."

Suri hates it. She hates how they can easily disregard other people's lives for their own. It would have been possible to protect not only the city but also evacuate the villagers outside the city if these people in front of her were willing to do so! But they wouldn't offer their help despite knowing how large the impact of this disaster will be. Not only the establishments or materials things, right at this very moment, there are still people dying!

Suri knew it will only get worse. Especially since the curse that seems to plague the other mages. She turned her attention to her father who is in a deep thought. He was her father but he is also the marquess. She wanted to save the villagers outside but she also doesn't want to burden her father with her selfish request. She knew too well that despite how the barons and viscount sounded, what they were saying is logical. On a side note, if these three aren't selfish they could have saved everyone!

Suri, unable to restrain herself spoke again. "I take your words as suggesting that we let the villagers be?"

"Y-Yes," It was Baron Simon agreed by Baron Elias through a nod.

"Are you proposing we use them as baits for those marching monsters outside the city to buy time for us?" She bluntly asked.

The two barons flinched while the viscount remained silent. Of course. They wouldn't directly say so but she knew their intention well, she also knew that her father is aware of such purpose.

"B-But we have no choice!" The flustered Baron Elias exclaimed. His cheeks reddened, he is also sweating profusely.

"Choice?" She mumbled to herself. Indeed, they do not have much of a choice. With mages unable to do anything, their strengths are limited. But only if these selfish bastards would... Suri heaved a deep sigh. It was a hopeless thinking.

She knew that, just like what Baron Elias stated, right now, they do not have much of a choice. If only they could announce for them to reveal their artifacts it would have been easier! However, they cannot demand them to provide them their artifacts, it would be too risky not only right now but for what may come next.

Suri sighed. 'I could only pray for the villagers' soul and beg for forgiveness. We have failed to serve them as nobles.'

The room fell silent before the marquess spoke. "Let us end this meet– " before the marquess could finish his words. A glowing scroll suddenly appeared before him.

Suri's eyes widen upon seeing the scroll. Not only does the scroll perfectly functioning despite the interference from the barrier above the city, but its magic energy is also simply unique. She doesn't understand how a communication out of magic is perfectly fine under these circumstances but she can somewhat guess that it's due to its unique magic energy.

Then, the scroll disappeared.

"Haaah," the marquess breathed, then, all of a sudden burst into a chuckle.

Baron Elias, Baron Simon, and Viscount Sabnok stared at each other without saying anything but the expression on their faces are obviously asking ‘what is going on?’, ‘what happened to do the duke?’, and many more.

Baron Simon, unable to contain himself from watching the chuckling marquess, asked. “Marquess Rolfe? What was that scroll? Did something... good happened?” The baron was careful with his words.

Marquess Rolfe ceased his chuckling and then sighed, his face clear of the seriousness he was just seconds ago. It doesn’t look like the marquess is not in a middle of a tense meeting facing a problematic situation that needs his decision. A decision that will either save or kill his people.

Marquess Rolfe looked too carefree for that.

“Indeed. That scroll helped me decide.” The marquess answered.

“Decide?” Baron Elias then repeated.

“Mhm,” the marquess hummed. “It was a sign.”

“... a sign?” Baron Simon asked again. His curiosity grew because of the marquess’ indirect answer.

“Indeed.” Then the marquess smiled. “A sign. I have decided. We will rescue the villagers and protect the city. This is my decision.”

To be continued...

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