The Detestable Dog
Translated by WuXing
Edited by Wook
“That the one you’ve invited was not a man, but me.”
“… Well, if you play your part well, who cares about the gender?”
The Southern Duke frowned and replied with a bitter voice.
It was just like what she had said, he needed support to win. It doesn’t matter if it is a man or a woman. Gender didn’t matter as long as he could win.
But the problem with Rena was not the issue with gender. The Southern Duke brought up the main issue.
“What’s your relationship with Ruber?”
“I’m his daughter.”
“What?”
“If I have to elaborate on it, I am a very troublesome existence to him.”
“The North will not let this go.”
The old man clicked his tongue and muttered to himself.
Bill Alles, Duke of the Southern territories, set Marquis Ruber into a tough position, because he brought an existence he wanted to hide into the palace.
If he said he didn’t know and did nothing about it, he would provoke the North. It would not be good for either of them.
However, the Southern Duke was not angry with Rena who had deceived and used him. He had placed absolute trust in the support given by the mercenary known as the Executioner.
“I’m sure you did not do it recklessly.”
“Of course not.”
“What are you going to do next?”
“I will meet my father as his daughter.”
“Have you considered my position?”
“I hope you can defend me.”
“You want me to pretend to be a witness in front of the North?”
“I hope that you will stand for the weaker party.”
The Duke fell silent after listening to Rena’s suggestion.
Standing for the weaker party, it looked good on the surface.
Additionally, depending on how you use it, it could be a good tool as well.
There were many people in the South who resent the arrogance of the North. It might be a good idea to unite the devastated South by confronting the North.
But this was only possible if the South was able to stand against the North.
“Only the strong can stand for the weak. The weak are just weak.”
The Southern Duke spoke while glaring sharply.
Anyone bravely claiming to fight for justice would only become pitiful when defeated. The only time justice prevails is when it wins.
“Are you able to take responsibility for the consequences?”
Rena smiled gently and nodded when asked by the bitter old man.
Rena had accepted the Southern Duke’s summon because she wanted to meet her father. However she did not intend to break her promises to the Southern Duke.
Just like how the Southern Duke placed his faith in Rena, Rena had placed her faith in him as well.
“There’s only one thing I wish for.”
“The stability of the Southern territories?”
“Yes. As long as I am still protecting this land, I will never hand over the Southern territories to those dogs in the North and East.”
The dogs of the North and East. Rena suddenly thought about Lynn while the Southern Duke ground his teeth.
“I won’t say much. You can use me as long as I continue to use you. But remember, even if I am grateful to you, if you mess up your work, I will not stay still.”
“I will keep that in mind. My victory will be yours as well.”
Lena humbly replied to the Southern Duke’s warning and bowed down. Then the old man’s eyes were covered with anger.
The Executioner, Rena was agile like a leopard on the battlefield. Her movements were always swift, powerful, and precise.
Even with a body like hers, every little movement she made was oddly graceful.
The Southern Duke was surprised by his former comrade, the Executioner’s, appearance. It was until now when he was calm and collected that he asked curiously.
“Is it real?”
“What?”
“Your current appearance, is that how you really look?”
Rena burst into laughter at the unexpected question.
“No.”
“No?”
“It’s not real but it’s not fake either. I will be myself no matter how I look.”
What a cheeky answer.
***
The Southern Duke was rather relieved by Rena’s insolence.
In fact, he preferred her discourtesy. At least a person like her would not hide her true intentions like a poisonous snake.
Like this person.
“It has been a long time since we met, Duke Alles.”
A man with stunningly beautiful silver hair greeted the Southern Duke.
He was dressed in white holy robes. Rather than saying that he looked holy, he was an extravagant man.
His name was Clavis Sirencium Gracia, the former Duke of the Western territories, and was currently the Cardinal of the Imperial Palace after the Western territories were overrun by the dead.
Although he could be considered a distant relative of Bill Alles Gracia, the Southern Duke dislike this sly person.
“Is Plenus not here yet?”
“Of course. The main character always arrives last, right?”
The Southern Duke did not reply but changed the topic and Clavis grinned.
The Southern Duke detested his fox-like behavior. Though Clavis was aware of it, he continued to talk in a friendly manner.
“Then, are you making preparations before Eura arrives?
“Preparations?”
“Our Mr. Eura is working on his preparations. What are you trying to do? Rena Ruber, you clearly know that Ruber is Eura’s man.”
“So, are you warning me?”
“Ahhaha, that’s not it. I’m just saying that you should be careful. There’s no need for any conflicts.”
Clavis grinned and walked away from the Southern Duke’s stern looks.
Normally, the Southern Duke would end the friction with a click of his tongue, but today was different.
He recalled the promise he made with Rena and decided to continue the conversation.
“So if any conflict arises, it will be my fault?”
“Huh?”
“If there’s any disagreement, it will be because of Ruber’s debauchery. I declare that if this unsavory matter is true, then not only Ruber, but that Northern kid will also be held responsible.”
The Southern Duke said casually and right at that moment, the door to the hall opened.
“What responsibility who can’t avoid?”
Followed by a heavy sound. It was a sharp voice.
The Southern Duke and the Cardinal looked up together upon hearing the unhappy voice.
A man stood at the large opened door.
The menacing man wearing a red suit was non-other than the Duke of the Northern territories Eura Plenus.
“Just as expected of a ‘main character’.”
Eura dismissed the knights following him just as the Cardinal was giggling. He sat down and spat without greeting the Southern Duke first.
“You’re too reckless.”
“Reckless?”
“You used a woman just like a lowlife.”
The Southern Duke’s eyes widened at the young man’s provocation. The tiger-like old man was angry but Eura faced him unintimidated.
“You will find out soon enough whether I am reckless or stubborn.”
“Since when has it been important to be right or wrong?”
“What?”
“The South shouldn’t look at what is right or wrong, but whether the North likes it or not.”
“Your arrogance knows no bounds!”
“By Lord’s mercy, you should be more careful. Don’t waste the life you didn’t lose on the battlefield.”
Bang! The Southern Duke slammed his fist onto the round table.
‘This dog!’
The Southern Duke glared fiercely at his nephew, Eura.
Eura glared back with similar intensity as the Southern Duke.
“Calm down, please. The people of the Empire will make fun of us if they knew we are fighting like this.”
At the persistent mediation from the Cardinal, the North and South turned their focus away.
On the surface, it seemed that the old man of the South had lost his cool. However, out of the two men, Eura of the North was the one who was more upset.
The meeting among the Dukes was set up to determine the standing of each Duke. The emotions expressed at this stage were taken into account as well.
That was why the Southern Duke had strongly shown his desire to defend Rena Ruber. To the Northern Duke, his decision was one that was incomprehensible.
Why did he choose this method?
Was he trying to go against the North?
Or, was the old man charmed by the young girl?
Rena Ruber who had suddenly appeared did not worry him at all. He was more curious about why the Southern Duke fueled the conflict using her.
“Though I don’t know what you placed this trust on, the North…”
Eura had wanted to warn him one more time but stopped because there was a commotion outside.
Anticipating trouble ahead, the three Dukes looked toward the door.
It was then, a man rolled onto the ground.
“Urgh…!”
The poor man was the personal guard of the red Cardinal. Maybe it was due to his injuries, he curled up on the ground like an insect that was stepped on and was panting heavily.
The Southern Duke was about to ask what had happened but stopped as he saw the young man next to the door.
Eura gave a colder stare and Clavis grinned.
Clavis muttered silently.
“The real main character has arrived.”
Though the three Dukes reacted differently, the young man did not pay any attention to them.
He stepped gently onto the man who fell onto the ground and spoke while smiling feebly.
“So you are all here.”
It was a very rude voice.
The Southern Duke asked Clavis about the intruder.
“I’ve not heard about this.”
“It’s the first time I heard about it too.”
“So I am not allowed to be here?”
The intruder interrupted their conversation.
The Southern Duke who was offended multiple times burst out.
“If you want to sit at the round table, you should at least show some manners.”
“Manners?”
The young man scoffed.
“How well-mannered it is to secretly band up like rats.”
The young man’s eyes become livid with a murderous glare. The Southern Duke gritted his teeth under the terrifying gaze.
‘The likes of dogs!’
If Eura was an arrogant and misbehaved dog, this fellow would be a rabid dog.
The rabid dog of the East, the dog which bites at anything in his way.
‘The dog Lignan Aetherner!’
The Southern Duke felt a strong disdain against the young man’s background.
The name Lignan Aetherner is a disgrace to the Gracia Empire.
Even though he was born as a slave, he had become the child of the Master of the East.
It was not known how he knew about the meeting but he had somehow shown up.
“Of course, if that is the etiquettes of the Gracia Empire, I will be willing to adhere to it.”
Lynn sat at the round table and he added.
“I don’t want to mistake you for rats and step on you.”
At almost the same time, Eura stood up from his seat and stormed off.
“Please excuse me. Alles, we shall continue our conversations at another time.”
“Yes, I am leaving as well.”
The Southern Duke growled and stood up with his hands shaking as if he had touched something foul.
After the two had left, the red Cardinal muttered by himself with his hand on his chin.
“That’s was such an excellent entry.”
Clavis gave a friendly smile to Lynn but still left his seat.
Lynn was left alone. Though he was completely ignored, he leisurely placed his feet on the table that they left.
***
The Southern Duke who had come out one step earlier than the red Cardinal let his temper go loose in the hallway.
‘That dog was so arrogant that he can’t even read the topic!”
Though he did not want to admit it, the Eastern guy had helped him achieve his goal.
Of course, they couldn’t chase away a Duke that was recognized by the Emperor. Whether he was sitting down or standing up, they would still be put on the same level as that imbecile. That’s why the only option they really have is to walk away.
The Southern Duke strode away in big steps with a sour face. A burst of loud laughter was heard behind him.
Lignan Aetherner’s lowly presence filled the holy grounds as he drowned the place with his maniacal laughter.
The author’s words:
Lynn, 20 years old. A dog.
The Detestable Dog
Translated by WuXing
Edited by Wook
“That the one you’ve invited was not a man, but me.”
“… Well, if you play your part well, who cares about the gender?”
The Southern Duke frowned and replied with a bitter voice.
It was just like what she had said, he needed support to win. It doesn’t matter if it is a man or a woman. Gender didn’t matter as long as he could win.
But the problem with Rena was not the issue with gender. The Southern Duke brought up the main issue.
“What’s your relationship with Ruber?”
“I’m his daughter.”
“What?”
“If I have to elaborate on it, I am a very troublesome existence to him.”
“The North will not let this go.”
The old man clicked his tongue and muttered to himself.
Bill Alles, Duke of the Southern territories, set Marquis Ruber into a tough position, because he brought an existence he wanted to hide into the palace.
If he said he didn’t know and did nothing about it, he would provoke the North. It would not be good for either of them.
However, the Southern Duke was not angry with Rena who had deceived and used him. He had placed absolute trust in the support given by the mercenary known as the Executioner.
“I’m sure you did not do it recklessly.”
“Of course not.”
“What are you going to do next?”
“I will meet my father as his daughter.”
“Have you considered my position?”
“I hope you can defend me.”
“You want me to pretend to be a witness in front of the North?”
“I hope that you will stand for the weaker party.”
The Duke fell silent after listening to Rena’s suggestion.
Standing for the weaker party, it looked good on the surface.
Additionally, depending on how you use it, it could be a good tool as well.
There were many people in the South who resent the arrogance of the North. It might be a good idea to unite the devastated South by confronting the North.
But this was only possible if the South was able to stand against the North.
“Only the strong can stand for the weak. The weak are just weak.”
The Southern Duke spoke while glaring sharply.
Anyone bravely claiming to fight for justice would only become pitiful when defeated. The only time justice prevails is when it wins.
“Are you able to take responsibility for the consequences?”
Rena smiled gently and nodded when asked by the bitter old man.
Rena had accepted the Southern Duke’s summon because she wanted to meet her father. However she did not intend to break her promises to the Southern Duke.
Just like how the Southern Duke placed his faith in Rena, Rena had placed her faith in him as well.
“There’s only one thing I wish for.”
“The stability of the Southern territories?”
“Yes. As long as I am still protecting this land, I will never hand over the Southern territories to those dogs in the North and East.”
The dogs of the North and East. Rena suddenly thought about Lynn while the Southern Duke ground his teeth.
“I won’t say much. You can use me as long as I continue to use you. But remember, even if I am grateful to you, if you mess up your work, I will not stay still.”
“I will keep that in mind. My victory will be yours as well.”
Lena humbly replied to the Southern Duke’s warning and bowed down. Then the old man’s eyes were covered with anger.
The Executioner, Rena was agile like a leopard on the battlefield. Her movements were always swift, powerful, and precise.
Even with a body like hers, every little movement she made was oddly graceful.
The Southern Duke was surprised by his former comrade, the Executioner’s, appearance. It was until now when he was calm and collected that he asked curiously.
“Is it real?”
“What?”
“Your current appearance, is that how you really look?”
Rena burst into laughter at the unexpected question.
“No.”
“No?”
“It’s not real but it’s not fake either. I will be myself no matter how I look.”
What a cheeky answer.
***
The Southern Duke was rather relieved by Rena’s insolence.
In fact, he preferred her discourtesy. At least a person like her would not hide her true intentions like a poisonous snake.
Like this person.
“It has been a long time since we met, Duke Alles.”
A man with stunningly beautiful silver hair greeted the Southern Duke.
He was dressed in white holy robes. Rather than saying that he looked holy, he was an extravagant man.
His name was Clavis Sirencium Gracia, the former Duke of the Western territories, and was currently the Cardinal of the Imperial Palace after the Western territories were overrun by the dead.
Although he could be considered a distant relative of Bill Alles Gracia, the Southern Duke dislike this sly person.
“Is Plenus not here yet?”
“Of course. The main character always arrives last, right?”
The Southern Duke did not reply but changed the topic and Clavis grinned.
The Southern Duke detested his fox-like behavior. Though Clavis was aware of it, he continued to talk in a friendly manner.
“Then, are you making preparations before Eura arrives?
“Preparations?”
“Our Mr. Eura is working on his preparations. What are you trying to do? Rena Ruber, you clearly know that Ruber is Eura’s man.”
“So, are you warning me?”
“Ahhaha, that’s not it. I’m just saying that you should be careful. There’s no need for any conflicts.”
Clavis grinned and walked away from the Southern Duke’s stern looks.
Normally, the Southern Duke would end the friction with a click of his tongue, but today was different.
He recalled the promise he made with Rena and decided to continue the conversation.
“So if any conflict arises, it will be my fault?”
“Huh?”
“If there’s any disagreement, it will be because of Ruber’s debauchery. I declare that if this unsavory matter is true, then not only Ruber, but that Northern kid will also be held responsible.”
The Southern Duke said casually and right at that moment, the door to the hall opened.
“What responsibility who can’t avoid?”
Followed by a heavy sound. It was a sharp voice.
The Southern Duke and the Cardinal looked up together upon hearing the unhappy voice.
A man stood at the large opened door.
The menacing man wearing a red suit was non-other than the Duke of the Northern territories Eura Plenus.
“Just as expected of a ‘main character’.”
Eura dismissed the knights following him just as the Cardinal was giggling. He sat down and spat without greeting the Southern Duke first.
“You’re too reckless.”
“Reckless?”
“You used a woman just like a lowlife.”
The Southern Duke’s eyes widened at the young man’s provocation. The tiger-like old man was angry but Eura faced him unintimidated.
“You will find out soon enough whether I am reckless or stubborn.”
“Since when has it been important to be right or wrong?”
“What?”
“The South shouldn’t look at what is right or wrong, but whether the North likes it or not.”
“Your arrogance knows no bounds!”
“By Lord’s mercy, you should be more careful. Don’t waste the life you didn’t lose on the battlefield.”
Bang! The Southern Duke slammed his fist onto the round table.
‘This dog!’
The Southern Duke glared fiercely at his nephew, Eura.
Eura glared back with similar intensity as the Southern Duke.
“Calm down, please. The people of the Empire will make fun of us if they knew we are fighting like this.”
At the persistent mediation from the Cardinal, the North and South turned their focus away.
On the surface, it seemed that the old man of the South had lost his cool. However, out of the two men, Eura of the North was the one who was more upset.
The meeting among the Dukes was set up to determine the standing of each Duke. The emotions expressed at this stage were taken into account as well.
That was why the Southern Duke had strongly shown his desire to defend Rena Ruber. To the Northern Duke, his decision was one that was incomprehensible.
Why did he choose this method?
Was he trying to go against the North?
Or, was the old man charmed by the young girl?
Rena Ruber who had suddenly appeared did not worry him at all. He was more curious about why the Southern Duke fueled the conflict using her.
“Though I don’t know what you placed this trust on, the North…”
Eura had wanted to warn him one more time but stopped because there was a commotion outside.
Anticipating trouble ahead, the three Dukes looked toward the door.
It was then, a man rolled onto the ground.
“Urgh…!”
The poor man was the personal guard of the red Cardinal. Maybe it was due to his injuries, he curled up on the ground like an insect that was stepped on and was panting heavily.
The Southern Duke was about to ask what had happened but stopped as he saw the young man next to the door.
Eura gave a colder stare and Clavis grinned.
Clavis muttered silently.
“The real main character has arrived.”
Though the three Dukes reacted differently, the young man did not pay any attention to them.
He stepped gently onto the man who fell onto the ground and spoke while smiling feebly.
“So you are all here.”
It was a very rude voice.
The Southern Duke asked Clavis about the intruder.
“I’ve not heard about this.”
“It’s the first time I heard about it too.”
“So I am not allowed to be here?”
The intruder interrupted their conversation.
The Southern Duke who was offended multiple times burst out.
“If you want to sit at the round table, you should at least show some manners.”
“Manners?”
The young man scoffed.
“How well-mannered it is to secretly band up like rats.”
The young man’s eyes become livid with a murderous glare. The Southern Duke gritted his teeth under the terrifying gaze.
‘The likes of dogs!’
If Eura was an arrogant and misbehaved dog, this fellow would be a rabid dog.
The rabid dog of the East, the dog which bites at anything in his way.
‘The dog Lignan Aetherner!’
The Southern Duke felt a strong disdain against the young man’s background.
The name Lignan Aetherner is a disgrace to the Gracia Empire.
Even though he was born as a slave, he had become the child of the Master of the East.
It was not known how he knew about the meeting but he had somehow shown up.
“Of course, if that is the etiquettes of the Gracia Empire, I will be willing to adhere to it.”
Lynn sat at the round table and he added.
“I don’t want to mistake you for rats and step on you.”
At almost the same time, Eura stood up from his seat and stormed off.
“Please excuse me. Alles, we shall continue our conversations at another time.”
“Yes, I am leaving as well.”
The Southern Duke growled and stood up with his hands shaking as if he had touched something foul.
After the two had left, the red Cardinal muttered by himself with his hand on his chin.
“That’s was such an excellent entry.”
Clavis gave a friendly smile to Lynn but still left his seat.
Lynn was left alone. Though he was completely ignored, he leisurely placed his feet on the table that they left.
***
The Southern Duke who had come out one step earlier than the red Cardinal let his temper go loose in the hallway.
‘That dog was so arrogant that he can’t even read the topic!”
Though he did not want to admit it, the Eastern guy had helped him achieve his goal.
Of course, they couldn’t chase away a Duke that was recognized by the Emperor. Whether he was sitting down or standing up, they would still be put on the same level as that imbecile. That’s why the only option they really have is to walk away.
The Southern Duke strode away in big steps with a sour face. A burst of loud laughter was heard behind him.
Lignan Aetherner’s lowly presence filled the holy grounds as he drowned the place with his maniacal laughter.
The author’s words:
Lynn, 20 years old. A dog.
