Looking at Alaric’s face, Lucas muttered. “Let’s discuss this in my study.”
Alaric nodded in understanding.
He then looked at his mother, squeezed her hand, and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m alright, mom. These are just minor cuts.”
Maria exhaled a long sigh. “Let’s go to your father’s study. I’d like to hear the situation as well.”
“Alright.” Alaric nodded. Letting her know what had happened wouldn’t be an issue. She was also smarter than both him and his father combined so she might offer a better solution.
Elena quietly followed them.
She could sense that something big was about to happen, but she tactfully remained silent.
A moment later, they arrived at the study room.
Alaric and Maria entered, while Elena remained outside.
Lucas saw his wife entering with Alaric, but he didn’t say anything.
He eyed his son and pointed at the chair in front of his desk. “Sit down.”
Alaric obediently took his seat, while Maria sat next to him.
With a deep look, Lucas muttered. “What happened?”
Alaric furrowed his eyebrows as he recounted the whole situation.
“When we were about to leave Ryvaad, Sir Warrick sensed…”
“…We deliberately led them to an open area to force them to come out…”
“…I don’t want to see anyone get killed so I decided to use an isolation tactic by forming a defensive formation centered around Sir Chulmo and Sir Bernard while Sir Warrick and I would deal with the stronger mercenaries…”
“…In the end, we successfully eliminated the mercenaries and we even managed to get evidence that helped us identify the person who hired the mercenary group.”
When he mentioned this, Lucas narrowed his eyes. “Who is it?” He asked in a flat tone.
Alaric took out the parchment paper he had kept and handed it to his father. “This is a document signed by the leader of the mercenary group and the person who hired them. You will see his name right there.”
Lucas grabbed the parchment and began reading the contents.
When he saw the name of the client, his eyebrows shot upwards in surprise.
Maria saw this and immediately asked. “Who is it?”
“I can’t believe it,” Lucas muttered as he handed the parchment to his wife.
While Maria was reading the contents of the paper, Lucas stared at his son. “Do you think it was really done by him?” He asked in a low voice.
Alaric nodded without hesitation. “I’m a hundred percent convinced that it was him. The guy seemed to be unusually attracted to his sister and he acted suspiciously every time I saw him.” Annoyance was evident in his voice.
“Liam Paxley…” Lucas had an impression of that guy. He was a lively kid who always wore a smile on his face.
Lucas thought that he was a good kid, but from the looks of it, there was something dark about him.
Maria put down the parchment.
“He probably likes his younger sister. He must have sent those mercenaries to come for you out of jealousy. What a sickening thing!” She had a disgusted look on her face.
Hearing this, Lucas nodded in agreement. “That seems to be the case.”
“I never thought that Nathan’s second son is actually an abominable bastard…” Lucas muttered as he leaned on his chair and rubbed his temples.
The matter could lead to a serious conflict between both households.
“Father, I can’t let this matter slide. How dare that bastard hurt me and our people?!” What Alaric hated the most were traitors. Not to mention that Liam had improper thoughts towards Hershey. Just thinking about it made him furious.
Just how did that bastard die in my past life?
In his past life, Liam died right after Hershey was engaged to Alaric. No one knows the true cause of his death and House Paxley was strangely silent about the incident. It was as if they had intentionally concealed the truth.
“What do you want to do?” Lucas didn’t want to offend House Paxley, but this was a matter that concerned his son’s life and the honor of House Silversword. He couldn’t just leave it be.
“I’ll send someone to assassinate-“
Alaric’s words were suddenly cut off by his mother.
“Hold on!”
The father and son turned their gazes to her.
Maria shook her head and said. “There is no need to assassinate him.”
“But mom!” Alaric frowned at her words.
“Listen to me first.” Maria gave him a look.
Alaric took a deep breath and decided to hear her out.
“The first thing we need to do is go to Ryvaad and show this document to Baron Nathan. Once he learns the truth, we will have a justified reason to ask for compensation for the damages his son has caused and Liam won’t be able to reject if we demand for a trial by combat!” Maria’s words stunned both father and son.
“That’s a sound plan, but what if Liam would deny the accusations and reject the trial?” Alaric was fairly certain that Liam wouldn’t admit his crimes that easily.
“He might do that, but Baron Nathan is not a foolish man. I know what kind of person he is. This document alone is enough to convict his son so he would definitely agree to our demands.” Maria replied.
“Yes, you’re right, but this could still damage the relationship between our households.” Lucas scrunched his eyebrows.
Maria nodded. “That’s true, but…”
She suddenly smiled and said.
“There is a way to strengthen our alliance even after this incident.”
Lucas and Alaric stared deeply at her.
“They mentioned that their daughter is interested in our son. Why don’t we send them a marriage proposal? Of course only on the premise that they agree to our demands.” Maria snorted.
Alaric stared at his mother in admiration. She had actually come up with that plan in just a short amount of time.
“Alright. Let’s do as you say. So what should we do first?” Lucas was also impressed with her idea.