CH 66.1

Theodore Valentino was the prime example of a normally proper man going crazy.

Zen could do nothing but block the man’s flames. Ventus was not a weak elemental, but Seraphim’s blue flames were far superior amongst many other elementals.

Besides, fire and wind inevitably boosted the other, depending on which of the two was the weaker and stronger. The weaker one would, of course, be pushed back.

Here and now, the weak side was definitely Zen’s Ventus.

‘Absolutely insane…!’

He never thought that Theodore Valentino would act this far. He thought Theodore was a man with common sense. As he was right now though, be it common sense or anything else, Theodore couldn’t see anything because he was out of his mind. He was really intending to subdue Zen by force just to find out where Lily is.

‘Damn it, what should I do?’

Unable to withstand Seraphim’s ferocious flames, Ventus was howling. He wondered if it could last for five minutes at most. It was clear that he wouldn’t be able to defeat Theodore by force, so he would have to persuade him with words…

The problem was whether the words would reach him or not.

‘…I don’t know. Let’s at least give it a try.’

After making that decision, Zen hurriedly opened his mouth.

“Duke Valentino! If you continue to act like this, I will tell my father what happened today! Of course, I won’t forget it either! Are you thinking of turning Delacroix into an enemy?! At this point where we need one more ally against Everett?!”

Then Theodore flinched a little. He finally responded.

All right, all right! Zen was deeply moved and continued his words again.

“Do you not value your family and land?! Was the heart that cared for Valentino and Veronis so lousy that it could be broken by a momentary urge like this!”

“…….”

The flame that seemed to burn forever faltered immediately. Theodore’s eyes showed confusion. Zen sensed his victory and clenched his fists. And he spoke as a last point.

“Isn’t the Valentino family what your brother entrusted to you? Think of your brother… Please stop. Then I will forget about this. I won’t say anything to my father either. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that no one will talk about this matter at all… Really, let us stop now, Duke Valentino. I swear, the Duchess is not here.”

Zen’s strategy worked well. The deep blue flame gradually faded, and Theodore finally put his elemental to rest. Soon the flames dissipated, and his face, which was clearly revealed, was full of shame.

‘Haa… fortunately. It seems he’s finally come to his senses.’

What Theodore Valentino valued more than his own life was his family and land. Zen knew that all too well, and he was able to use it to turn the situation to his advantage… Although it stings his conscience a little.

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‘Because at the end of the day, it’s true that I’m hiding Lily.’

But what can he do? He had already promised to help her. Unbeknownst to her, Zen believed that Lily had a good reason to escape. Otherwise, there would have been no reason for a weak person like her to go on such an arduous journey.

Zen moderately soothed the troubled Ventus and put it to sleep. Then he cleared his throat and moved cautiously toward Theodore.

Theodore, who stared into space with his mouth tightly shut, had a face filled with regrets… However, it seemed that these regrets were directed at not only Zen for attacking him.

Because he looked terribly distressed, like a sinner for life.

…Maybe those regrets were towards Lily. Zen guessed inwardly, and brought his words out in a whisper.

“…The parlor is a mess, thanks to you.”

“…….”

Seraphim’s fire did not burn anything, but the winds created by Ventus in response toppled and turned furniture and ornaments.

Because of that, the antique parlor turned into a complete mess. No, it would be believable even if it was a garbage dump. Besides, it was very expensive garbage.

“…I’m sorry. The Valentino family will compensate you.”

Theodore said in a sincere voice. It seemed that he had come to his senses, judging from the fact that his eyes were clearer than before…

Zen was not certain how long Duke Valentino would stay sane. Zen shuddered as he remembered Theodore’s berserk eyes.

“Ahh, that’s all right. What compensation… This is fine. Your Excellency knows that Delacroix has enough.”

“…….”

It seemed that there was a hint of sarcasm at the bottom of it, saying, “You almost messed with Delacroix.”