The Reasons for Alphonse

Chapter 80 The Reasons for Alphonse

Alphonse leisurely surveyed the room. "Ah, what a coincidence that everyone's gathered here today. I heard this meeting was convened specifically to target me?"

Count Mujik was already furious. Alphonse, that country bumpkin! What was he doing here?!

"I'm also very curious. What bad things did Count Mujik say about me behind my back after gathering everyone here?" Alphonse pointed at Count Mujik and said arrogantly, "You tell me yourself, how about it, Count Mujik?"

Count Mujik's anger intensified, and he gritted his teeth.

This greenhorn, a mere baron, dares to disregard the difference in our status and speak to me like that!

He slammed his hand on the table, making a loud "bang".

"It seems you are ignorant of noble etiquette because of your humble origins! Then I will personally teach you!" Count Mujik roared angrily. "You have interfered in our family's territorial war with the Swood family without any reason. Such a thing is absolutely unacceptable in the Kingdom of Bastian! The reason we declared the start of the territorial war is in accordance with noble etiquette! And it has also been approved by the Council of Elders!"

"Do you think we nobles are foolish enough to need these steps—setting a date before starting a war? It's all to protect our honor! You don't understand, but I'll teach you now!"

Count Mujik slammed his hand on the table again, pointing an enraged finger at Alphonse, and roared, "Now you know how foolish a mistake you've made! Do you know that your actions have brought shame upon the Tartarus family? You have tarnished the honor of the nobility! You will inevitably face the condemnation of the nobles!"

"Are you finished?" Alphonse smiled warmly instead of getting angry. "Well then, it's my turn to explain to everyone."

Alphonse himself didn't know much about the etiquette among nobles, but he had Mia by his side, who could recite even the noble laws.

If you nitpick the wording, there are just too many loopholes to exploit.

"As everyone knows, the Tartarus family and the Swood family were engaged long ago, and Monica has long been my woman. But why break off the engagement? Is it just because of my bad reputation?"

Alphonse countered with a question, his gaze sweeping over the counts sitting at the table. "My reputation was indeed somewhat tarnished in the past, but there was a reason for it. The Swood family proposed to dissolve the engagement because they were under immense pressure from the Mujik family. At that time, my father had unfortunately passed away, and Baron Swood, being a kind-hearted man, couldn't bear to drag me into the war between the two sides in order to protect me when I was young."

As he spoke, his face turned cold, and he glared at Count Mujik. "Moreover, during that time, I was also persecuted by your eldest son, Feren, Count Mujik. He approached me under the guise of befriending me, but behind my back, he got me addicted to hallucinogenic drugs, which led me to do a series of irrational things!"

Upon hearing this, the counts present fell silent. Absurd behavior was not uncommon in aristocratic circles, and using hallucinogenic drugs to enhance the atmosphere was a common practice.

As for whether it is addictive, that often depends on the extent of drug use.

If, as Alphonse claims, he was persecuted and thus acted strangely, then this is a matter that requires careful consideration.

"That's impossible! Do you think I'd believe your nonsense?" Count Mujik stood up abruptly and roared, "Feron clearly treated you sincerely and considered you a friend! Everyone here knows how worthless your past is, and yet you dare to spout such nonsense here—it's utterly disgusting!"

"Is that so?" Alphonse chuckled coldly. "I knew you'd say that. This is clearly a vicious trap set to sow discord between our family and the Swood family! If you're unwilling to admit it, I have another piece of evidence that I find unbearable!"

Alphonse paused, a sorrowful expression on his face. "Ferren went too far! He actually made advances toward Monica, who was my fiancée at the time. Monica was deeply affected by this and agreed to break off the engagement. This matter was related to Monica's reputation, and I didn't want to say it out loud."

He paused, then glanced at everyone present, "If you still don't believe me, you can ask Monica Swood yourselves!"

Monica is currently in Coldwind Territory; getting her to give any testimony would be a piece of cake.

Mia's face was taut, revealing no expression whatsoever.

Monica knew perfectly well when she arrived in Coldwind Territory and what her attitude towards Alphonse had been.

Listening to Alphonse's distorted and convincing words, I really had a lot to say but could only hold it in.

How could we undermine the lord at this time?

But I couldn't help but give Alphonse a thumbs up in my heart; his acting was truly superb!

Several counts whispered among themselves, all showing expressions of sympathy for Alphonse.

Although the aristocratic circles were decadent, they wouldn't openly admit it and still cared a lot about their reputation. Monica's reputation was damaged after this incident, and it was impossible for her to become the Baroness of the Tartarus family.

If he hadn't been treated this way, Alphonse wouldn't have dared to say such a disgraceful thing in front of everyone.

Count Mujik was speechless for a moment. He knew his son well. On the surface, he maintained a noble demeanor, but in secret he was a womanizer with many lovers. He even had an affair with his cousin, Amelanda, which resulted in Amelanda becoming pregnant.

The most troublesome thing is that he is currently unconscious, so there is no way to get him to stand up and defend himself.

Alphonse was certain of this. The Xuanmo Sect's unique skill, the Moon-Eating Soul-Floating Hand, was not so easy to catch. Even with the protection of his magical armor, it was a miracle that Feren's internal organs hadn't shattered into a mess on the spot after being struck in the chest. How could he possibly defend himself?

Ha ha!

Though a cold laugh sang inwardly, his face betrayed growing grief and indignation. "I participated in this territorial war to help the Swood family because I wanted revenge for Monica! And that's the only thing I could do for her! I would like to ask Earl Mujik and everyone present, do you really think I have no reason to interfere?"

The counts fell silent again.

At this moment, Count Wolf spoke up, "In that case, Count Mujik's accusations against you are unfounded."

The counts present were all taken aback. Did Count Wolf mean that he agreed with Alphonse's words?

Judging from his tone, he seemed to have sided with Alphonse.

This attitude is a bit off.

It's almost the end of the month, so if any of you readers have extra votes, please give me some. I would be extremely grateful!

(End of this chapter)