The Scheme of the Family Head
I’d shown up at the Jenkins household on impulse… but now it was clear who the real mastermind was. The men lying in ambush didn’t seem to realize I’d already sensed them—no change in presence, no shift in their gaze. That alone told me they were amateurs, overconfident thugs at best.
After waiting a little while, an older man approached.
“Thank you for waiting, Sir Justin.”
“… You’re… the head of the Jenkins family…?”
“Indeed. I am Heath Jenkins, head of this household.”
His face wore a pleasant smile, but his eyes—those murky eyes—clearly concealed something. No doubt he was planning something underhanded. I’d have to stay on my guard.
“And what brings you here today, Sir Justin?”
“I imagine you already know, don’t you?”
“Hmph… I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re referring to.”
“Then I’ll make it plain—you're trying to cozy up to the Glaberson family through your son’s marriage and use that connection to dig up dirt on the McCreed family, aren’t you?”
“!?”
For a moment, Heath Jenkins’ eyes flew wide open in shock, clearly caught off guard by my direct accusation.
“As you may be aware, we already have Lowell Glaberson in custody. It’s only a matter of time before your scheme comes to light.”
“… Is that so?”
As expected, he wasn’t about to give up that easily.
If he’d been willing to surrender peacefully, I’d have simply escorted him to the knight’s office without incident—but it wasn’t going to be that simple.
“By the way, I couldn’t help but notice the killing intent coming from your men hidden around the estate… are those mercenaries you’ve hired?”
“Wha…!? … I suppose there’s a reason you hold the title of Holy Knight.”
His tone shifted completely. Guess he’d decided there was no point putting on a polite act anymore.
“You lot, come out.”
At his signal, armed men began pouring out from the side rooms.
Roughly twenty of them in total.
Well-prepared, aren’t they… it’s almost like they knew I’d be showing up.
Could there have been a leak?
Not Gary—he was trustworthy. Which left… Wesley?
No matter. Once I’ve dealt with these hired thugs, I’ll drag the truth out of the Jenkins themselves.
What do you think about this chapter?
