Chapter 26

“What on earth are you doing?”2d4f74dba15caa5a

A chilly voice descended beside 15675c017c me.abf8ca1cfe750846

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

I slowly raised my head, and the radiant sunset glow revealed a pitch-black hair that resembled Edwin’s.7fa7057472fa9d66

“Hmm, Milord…”090299ba58c42a15

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The composed voice, tinged with ef53c6fd91 coldness, reached me.e52e0a5b60b12688

In that moment, something warm 7c0dceae1f welled up within me, breaking afc7072318 through the resistance of my 862bac6a59 hardened heart.769636a9daef16f6

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

I didn’t want to show this side of me.5306c66523f1ebee

Why does it seem be75ba5e3c that only these unpleasant 17bf5f9ea6 scenes keep appearing?07e9375679df10cd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Gasp, Y-Your Grace…!”0ce68395062e0d87

Similarly, the scumbag who had noticed the Duke fumbled and hastily released Edwin’s throat.54f7290b0566cc58

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Thud!412137a0a2821525

“Cough!”47f0401141685b26

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Edwin, who had fallen to e8b8a6ef9b the ground, grasped his throat f9e1ed0db5 and coughed violently.4543c0bcd101bae4

“Are you alright, Young Mas…”38be2feb85f1bcb1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The guy, glancing at the Duke, belatedly pretended to check Edwin’s condition.bfec1c542fac65a4

However…37326a27989beeb6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Thunk!d7476386239bee8d

“Ugh.”1c750f03e9e6516a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Edwin forcefully struck away the guy’s hand that was about to touch his shoulder.9353356da4993611

“Haha, even Young Master…!”976725ad4b4cf629

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The guy retreated 5ae5b0dfda with a reddish-blue 8aa5bd2bb4 face.9f45e6f45864af43

He seemed lacking 013066381e the courage to 4937d430d8 be as brazen 3cecc7b1db as before in 119edcfeeb front of the 398fdf491d Duke.164eadb6c6c2cd3e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Gasp, huk…”3b3e9f8503be620c

Just as Edwin’s breath, which had been agitated, seemed to calm down.93a66a80032098f1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Joliac Sven.”1e8f4c9efdcd717b

The Duke called the scumbag 1cd42a930b with a cold tone.d4e286e2c4bcb372

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“In my eyes, it looks like you were strangling my son just now. Is that correct?”d367bc633fedd3ae

“Y-Yes?! N-No, Your Grace! How could that be possible!”366ef048b5004409

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The guy shook his head 33abf58975 frantically, denying vehemently.d3f99200f2013c53

“Then what were you doing?”b647a20a90eb86a8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“W-Well…”26c5550abd1a56de

As if searching for an 6b74780929 excuse, the guy rolled his 576f248986 shifty eyes continuously.a4f36a1f3b59685e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“That was… Ah!”020dbc01af765d2a

“…”9c34ba9e8d654ee8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I was teaching Young Master self-defense, as Your Grace commanded!”5208c8f8bc657622

“Self-defense?”b42bb9e1d2caa716

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Yes! self-defense! It’s a method to escape when caught by an opponent with a significant strength difference…”aea92c75cc58a30c

“Nonsense!”7d795ee017cce88d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I interrupted the guy’s explanation with a scream, looking directly at the Duke.d9f23a2661cde3f3

“Milord, it’s not self-defense! That wicked man hit Edwin!”168dd6849613d1ea

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You, watch your mouth!”12275affc0066de5

Sven, the scumbag, snapped at dc1583e785 my accusation.b3ad8685057f965a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

However, as the Duke’s cold gaze turned towards him, he immediately stopped speaking and forced a forced smile.12d91a2df672545e

“Kid, you’re the one who’ll get into trouble if you lie. Suddenly jumping in and disrupting the class wasn’t enough, and now you’re making the situation weird?”ebd19b0756a2e3c3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“W-When did I? I didn’t lie!”13ef12212611b605

“Milord, this child is talking nonsense.”2fe07b5c167d3d59

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Ignoring my words, the guy quickly approached the Duke and said, “I’m not sure whose house she’s from, but why exaggerate such trivial matters at her age?”311869db1c3900dd

“…”bf835f0b298861d2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I’m sure Your Grace knows that I would never lie to Young Master. This is all part of the training…”c8dcef9ed37bf207

“Why is your leg like that?”4d1df2ff3a32a125

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The Duke suddenly tapped Sven’s right leg.93445cef1af29dd7

The guy, who 57a02a8fda was approaching with 1f957290a8 a limp, looked 3505ae550a awkward.ec6f22e43e17383b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Oh. Th-This is…”4a7d7472c2e72859

“Belze did it!”c8d002f89a112d2b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

I replied promptly.a51851b73ca35bdf

“Belze?”87a7c5985908ac83

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Yes! That wicked man was trying to hit Edwin, Your Grace! I swear.”198c2457e1f459c2

“T-That’s not true!”85065f3c3d6b6fa2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Edwin’s calves are bruised! That man hit him with a stick!”117cedbd07de2228

“Hey! When did I ever… Your Grace, let me explain first…”e45a1ad412017049

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The guy hurriedly approached bbaa0c0d7d to silence me.ac5d5ea3c23d7909

However, the Duke raised his 3d9edbd8a6 hand, stopping him.9c34e81ab337fd9e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Continue speaking, Belze.”1c4536712b05edd2

He urged me.4c04396165123d49

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Unlike before, the 98ae27099a air felt heavier.c8b950cfc6e298e7

A creepy aura emanated from the Duke’s entire being.218bb54dc67bda3c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Despite having done 38b1c27bc3 nothing wrong, I 33f50fba08 mumbled softly with de6095c65b a sense of 1e0541eb59 discomfort.915a687e8ccd348d

“When… when you hit, it’s not okay. It’s not okay to hit a child.”528dff834f1b5dde

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

At that moment, tears 6f6eefb3d4 welled up as memories 997a70b229 surfaced.c59148d8191d1c40

“Huhu… Why did you tell me that, Milord? Like that, like that…”81f5290ae22156af

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”df56085de12761df

“Like that, you saved me… Huhu.”58683a791435674b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

I couldn’t hold back and cried like a fool.c080ec07d5bdb39f

I had no idea 5c269cfb6c what I was saying.58a65a42540dbe9f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Just.d670b2faa058d589

Perhaps I wanted to say 20f23382ea that I, too, wanted to 1017b18d45 save Edwin from danger like 2e3fa73590 the Duke.bfea151c19ce5b1e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Although I was 942a18c475 not as strong, ae97e6d9ab reckless, or brave 89f3ccb284 as the Duke.f0e5bac1ad68e806

Still…0adad5bb61e68966

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Huhuh, huk.”e2343be07b40ff30

As the tears once shed didn’t easily subside.0fb00f031940df36

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Sob.5c4dbea23607ab7c

Suddenly, the Duke started walking.543b75fdf4c8dc85

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Y-Your Grace.”23bb5c196b94f382

He seemed to be b2e9f11dee heading towards the pale cf91a5f56e and shaken Sven, but d6c3529218 quickly passed by him.24617e1ab52b8682

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Standing in front of the 23b409d984 still prostrate Edwin, the Duke 817f09a578 bent down without saying a 336c010915 word and lifted his son 5d3c7f5ec8 to his feet.49ff24d6364ed8f4

Then, he began examining the child’s pants.8f9e445d02e9ba3e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Edwin bit his lip.fb96ec7bcec3bc31

“…Father.”ae320535567d9fb9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Hush.”8dd6c37f9397180e

After inspecting the ed8469dbad intact left leg, c26180d7bb moving on to 32b3ef9b69 the right leg, 6051a86c7c the distinct bruise 9e4126e5a8 finally revealed itself.a0ed165af20c035d

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Silence befell the Duke 33cb33f38a as he witnessed the 40bbcff605 pitiful condition of the 227f2dd6a1 calf.8d4d31be7bf9f02a

Soon, he lowered the 7a5b8bb575 lifted pants back down.b6fa1f0d0df328f2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Not only that, but he 5a9eac152a also neatly arranged the disheveled 7b55107851 clothes messed up by Sven.42c8bd520cee78d2

Then, he turned around.a07eb6b705f96be2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Quickly returning, the Duke 5ab15ade43 stood in front of 05b1af0cc7 Sven.469914a4f0c5c43b

“Y-Your Grace! Please calm down and listen to me. That, that’s, let me explain.”b6f15a0eeb3b2668

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Sven desperately justified f6facd0939 himself with lively c9a79c0ef5 eyes.c1a8707c2a7a7397

“That kid suddenly jumped out and bit my foot, and somehow, with the sword, I hit Your Grace’s son’s calf…”b863d264257051b3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That kid?”1aa70ed0477bbd6f

“Yes? Oh, no. I mean, that, the child…”8dbda958d9a4be38

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Thud!dbe456955d79b084

In that moment, the Duke swiftly delivered a backhand slap to the man’s cheek without giving him a chance to react.53f9c22dcb9631e6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Ugh!”f36b0a78a9252b99

With a smack, the man’s head turned swiftly.3ea0b560cd82c45e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Looking at the swaying 0d4cd91ca3 man as if about 03edb68553 to collapse, I opened 42b531502f my eyes wide.fd4ea01f08a0a16c

‘…I-It was the back of his hand.’a9e552701e87b52c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Not the palm of the 9539e4ba4c hand, but the back of 6c2fdd0e49 the hand.67ebc897f6325cec

Moreover, it wasn’t swung with full force; rather, it was more like a gentle reminder…24f1254c7ac9e318

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Thud!”f03156fcd75c9cfb

The crying involuntarily stopped.4361b9dba272dc52

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

And a hiccup took ee92b5d292 its place.5815621ee6de860c

“Y-Your Grace.”2dad66dd044da035

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Sven, who barely 2e7bfc53f6 regained his composure, 51a86e950b straightened himself.576b7913bdbaffd7

The slap from 4afb2c2d6f the Duke had 629e918884 already started swelling fc302e8844 into a deep e9ff034173 red.4e14d1a5d44bc6b0

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Realizing belatedly that he was hit with a gloved backhand, the man’s face contorted with shame.1cfba3a2baf14cc7

The Duke silently observed the man’s change for a while before finally speaking.74d2cff16f939573

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Sven Joliac.”ebea5b439f2f0b9a

“Yes, yes!”d311b6c1c079e131

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Did I not instruct you to teach the basics of swordsmanship and simple self-defense techniques to protect your own body?”8afd192c0c238aae

“Yes, you instructed me to teach basic swordsmanship and simple self-defense techniques, Your Grace.”39f0d0c6a155d60c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“That’s right. But why did you go ahead and do something I didn’t ask you to do?”e1e8b338fc849a54

Thud!419be5580a344a4b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Ouch!”aa54fb84ebdbe7cc

Once again, the Duke 7c12a9a331 delivered a backhand to ce578df2d3 the man, this time b3965c36de on the opposite cheek.22a07d696827a8c8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The man, now more visibly c55d509b8f shaken than before, struggled to 7b51b09808 stand upright with his swollen 4a327ad155 face.9417ebc29e4d1f59

“Give me your explanation.”8de182233bba9d46

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The Duke spoke in f59c810e0b a menacing tone that 9975116d62 seemed to allow room 4c6aa2b1b5 for an explanation, but 81e063779f in reality, it was be69537206 quite different.480636fc2e1fa30e

“W-What happened is something all apprentice knights go through!”4d3fce46474d7f3e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Realizing that further lies wouldn’t work, the man hastily responded.9d47637a93687e58

“Even when I was an apprentice, I learned by taking hits from my mentor. That way, when I become a full-fledged knight, I’ll was able accustomed to the weight of armor, and I also learn how to handle myself in difficult situations when dealing with superiors…”9c46675e3b5a7c04

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…”e508a79f18d8d772

“Your Grace, you, too, were raised strictly by the former Duke, were you not…?”02e5cc216e5764c1

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s right.”06b8c481b1a1e6db

The Duke nodded calmly.72782d919a9f6965

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I, too, learned by being beaten like a beast under a strict father.”01c44132232a7d0e

“Y-Yes!”8855f351a47f28c4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A glimmer of hope flickered on Sven’s face.8421dde4f2859b82

“That’s why! With the heart of a strict father, a strict mentor! Never harboring ill intentions…”4dbda9e406a62581

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“So, I wanted my son to learn only the basics.”5f7647cd2e7f8e8f

“Uh… Yes?”6a784a2684b6d3ae

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“If I wanted to make a knight, why would I take someone like you as a mentor? I would have taught him myself.”ed871612c68aa7d8

“Y-Your Grace!”8edc0582a9dd1a06

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Upon the Duke’s cutting words, the man’s pupils shook in bewilderment.b6941ab3fd238019

However, it didn’t end there.8cfc31581b362057

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Discipline? Social skills when dealing with superiors? Why does the heir of a duke need such things?”427baba5b6165f18

“…”62b765d741ef4e09

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“With just a flick of a finger, those who will unsheathe their swords and strike the enemy are plenty.”582bb1cb25ca6cd6

“…”a45c54f1a4c4b9de

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Do you need only a sword? Of course, you would need a shield as well. Jumping in, wielding a sword in place of me, Joliac Sven, facing a sword on behalf of the Duke.”3ff296b020cd1e9b

“Ugh…!”28cee67cd1f85c18

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

In that moment of confusion, 230a48e47d Sven suddenly raised his head.3a0993b66a676c1e

Perhaps because his shortcomings 0097db0853 were exposed.82b8a5f29ae779fd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The man, who 594780d689 until recently had 163edb961a a particularly abject 32013ff81d expression, suddenly glared 5a6c478130 fiercely at the a62aecdf8d Duke.5b97ce34adcdafa0

“…So, that’s how it is.”d5bb1a5d3013245e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Even though I couldn’t understand why such a despicable person became Edwin’s mentor.fefb61fcbfb35205

There was a hidden b56111d208 story like this.b4396656f236dbd4

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Your achievements, among what you’ve accomplished, that was the only thing worthwhile. It’s a pity.”0aa5409555a0e226

“Y-Your Grace!”9d683d53a49938af

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“A man who can’t teach even the basic swordsmanship doesn’t deserve a place in the Duke’s manor.”2cc9d5af08dfa774

The Duke concluded the discussion.748f3c3c9bb8d5c2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I won’t put you in prison out of my last bit of mercy, so pack your things and leave.”639e0575c84ff1c3

“I-It cannot be like this, Your Grace!”7b3c4a31ea62a03a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

With bloodshot eyes, the man 6dc7e91def shouted vehemently.f36ebd983c1d99ca

“Do you not know how loyal I have been to you! I lost my foot to save you and retired!”b9a1e30cc87172f4

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“That’s why I must have given you an opportunity.”a7ef8602959e7144

“Kicking me out just for practicing a little swordplay during class…!”432447b42cd52c67

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Then would you prefer being sent to the court as an accused child abuser and aristocrat assailant?”3c4b8aec71aee44f

“…”f31f54bb237890ed

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The man, who had 53a48c9140 been shouting until now, 8c3c9d5e8c finally shut his mouth.3aef3618496c8ea2

Leaving the man who cbb8de5985 stared defiantly at them, 2387e8c922 the Duke turned around 36642d3d64 without hesitation.d8a9c5d44e0aea7b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Edwin.”62c6c9dafb1f9af4

At the low call, Edwin 460a296bca immediately followed behind his father.078b82e76be4c080

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

They walked towards me, who ebecf94d0c was still lying in an 38eb95f904 unfortunate state.31cae86097e684c1

“Belze.”13cacbdbe7ba3034

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Without hesitation, the Duke d6d06c1e36 bowed and carefully lifted 729b33e5c0 me in his arms.0593322028f67b94

“Seeing such a sight as soon as I bring you home, it’s unbearable.”a747f030a638a05c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

I retorted to those words.9986ba94503027e2

“Oh, no. I’m okay. Really…”9b61d656fc101454

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Thank you.”844f61125a469e51

At the next words, I fe48899afd held my breath.9da0e79e640a6214

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Even though you recently went through a big ordeal and must have been terrified…”e8398f3ef80968b5

“…”f39e21cdecbfa255

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Still, I’m thankful for saving Edwin.”b567529311cf0df8

“…”3f41f562e6af3ccc

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s strange. There always seems to be something to be thankful for to you. Like with Joshua’s matter.”1c7f0f5dceb08741

“Your Grace…”5aa4c21ee042ef29

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Maybe you’re the blessing that the goddess granted our family.”894ede11f7cebfe2

With a faint a64d96b81e smile, the Duke 1e3258a060 murmured like a a942ee5486 joke.7749de93ca65657b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

But to me, those words were something I couldn’t easily accept.403652231bd6467a

“Ugh…”ffa9ccd7a1d9fa5f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The suppressed sob 79c7cf0776 resurfaced at his ac5db67526 words.c2f59fd5a15fd8a4

‘Is that so? Do you really think that 294573ef50 way?’d48f11b78a81626d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

In this life, 84b4aa4973 am I really ca0bb0755b able to be 6f4c96fdff of help to 0bbb594edb these people, even a7b7986a6e a little?8c25e191f962698f

“Oh, no. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”b223d98ec0fa2b4c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The Duke looked at e69fa2582f me with a puzzled 65ea44cd38 expression at my sobbing.f66b3e2d381b88e2

At that moment,b0e0c810acafb58f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Liam Kalios! I became a cripple because of you!”13f2d32de4db60ba

Someone rushed quickly behind be645b1dc5 the Duke.c56bcfabb92a7dda

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Flash.0b04ce84bb2b84e7

A sharp blade gleamed 870cce29c4 like a flash.5b043e8189efec71

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Die—!”ff22ee6052c78cfd