I Became a Slave to the Man I Abandoned Novel (Completed) - Chapter 117

“…What exactly do you want to say?”

“Throughout history, the imperial power in this Empire has been strong, preventing the noble faction from wielding significant influence. The former Crown Prince, who is now deceased, empowered his cronies by undermining imperial authority, which is why the noble faction was able to raise its head at all.”

Nox finished his long explanation and paused to catch his breath. He then took a sip of the bitter tea the maid had brought. Ah, still not to his liking.

“Still don’t understand, Marquis?” Nox looked at the Marquis with chilling eyes. The old Marquis unconsciously swallowed, his throat dry.

“I’m telling you I’m willing to cooperate with you right now.”

At his firm words, the Marquis briefly clenched his fist. Nox Rainerio of the ducal family, now reduced to a mere name after being a plaything for the Emperor and Duke Via. Yet, the presence of the man sitting before him was far from that of a mere figurehead.

“You’d use me as a puppet, you say…”

“It’s not that, but…”

“No, it is. It’s a pipe dream you’re allowed to have. But Marquis, think about it. You could act as the leader of the noble faction because of your immense wealth. Yes, that gold mine. The Andelass family has enjoyed considerable wealth for a long time, haven’t they?”

“…That’s correct. That’s why…”

“That’s why what? Because of that, you’ll act as the leader, with the same wealth from the gold mine? Let me ask you something.” Nox’s eyes fixed chillingly on the old man’s. “How much longer does that gold mine have left? Ten years? No, five years? Is there even one year left?”

The old man’s hand, gripping the sofa armrest, trembled.

“Do you desire fleeting power, Marquis?”

So he was a man of such small ambition. Yes, that’s all he ever was. Nox let out a hollow laugh. The Marquis, who had been quietly listening to Nox, felt a surge of defiance. Even if his family’s gold mine had only a few years left, was it really for a Duke—a man who had lost everything and was now penniless—to say? Yes, a mere former slave, someone who had fallen to the bottom.

“…I understand the Rainerio family’s finances aren’t exactly in good shape either, Your Grace.”

“Ah. Yes, the territory’s taxes won’t come in until next year, and it will take some time for the reclaimed businesses to function properly. But here’s the thing.” Nox leaned forward slightly and whispered, “I have something to gain.”

“What…?”

“A diamond mine.”

The Marquis’s eyes widened. A diamond mine? Surely not.

“Yes.” Nox smiled faintly.

“The one held by the Imperial family.”

***

The Diamond Mine and a Risky Proposal

The discovery of a diamond mine on imperial land was over a decade ago, before the previous Emperor’s death. Every noble in the Empire was on edge. It was natural for them to feel a pang of bitterness as the already sky-high authority of the Imperial family gained even more wealth.

The former Emperor, wisely, began diamond excavation slowly, without relying on any noble family. It was a treasure that, if patiently cultivated, would bring eternal wealth to the Imperial family. That was the reputation of the Imperial Palace’s diamond mine.

“…How do you propose to acquire that mine, Your Grace? His Majesty the current Emperor is not in need, so he would hardly sell it off…”

“I’m not saying I’ll take the entire mine.” Nox pushed the bitter tea cup away, as if he couldn’t drink any more. “I intend to invest in diamond excavation and acquire a certain percentage of shares.”

“But he would never accept that…”

“He will.”

“Pardon?”

“He will,” Nox said with a hint of irritation in his smile. “There’s a man who says he’ll grant all my wishes, you see.”

Nox recalled the Emperor’s words about granting anything. Of course, he didn’t fully believe it himself. He would certainly have to offer some equivalent compensation, and that would likely be quite unpleasant for him. Nox wiggled his toes, looking at Marquis Demetri Andelass.

“I will gather the noble faction again, just as you wished.”

However, I will not be a puppet, and you will not be the leader of the noble faction. The Marquis seized upon this whispered implication.

“How can I trust that you are not the Emperor’s pawn?”

“The Emperor’s pawn, you say…” Nox bared his teeth, a fierce smile. “Marquis, I intend to use one more immunity card here.”

At his words, the Marquis’s face stiffened. Nox had two immunity cards left. As long as he held those, no one would dare to challenge Nox Rainerio.

“…I apologize.”

“That was quite unpleasant,” Nox replied in a leisurely tone. “Whose fault do you think it is that I ended up like this? My fault? Or the former Crown Prince’s, for being foolish enough to be taken advantage of?”

“…”

“No. It’s not.” Nox’s eyes widened. “It was the doing of His Most Exalted Majesty the current Emperor and Duke Via. You wouldn’t know how miserable a time I spent.”

Demetri Andelass couldn’t bring himself to say he knew. A noble slave. The only son of a ducal family, fallen to slavery—that man was enough to incite the excitement of the nobles. That’s why many sought out fragmented news, relying on hearsay. And the reality was even more horrific than the rumors.

“I’m not asking you to decide now. Think it over carefully. I’m also slowly beginning my public activities.”

“What benefit would I gain if I allied with you?”

“Well,” Nox tilted his head, as if asking why he was asking him that. “You wouldn’t have to live holed up in your mansion, just waiting for the day you die, as you are now, would you?”

“…”

Nox stood up, facing the silent Marquis. “You can watch how I proceed and then decide. It’s your job to rally the survivors. You can even talk to those you’re still in contact with.”

“Did you even know that?”

“Of course. I thought those who soared so high wouldn’t simply disappear in an instant.”

“So you came to me knowing that.”

“Precisely.” Nox offered a smile that was neither a sneer nor anything else discernible. “Did you think I was a complete fool?”

Nox exited the reception room, with Esterion, who had been holding his breath, following closely behind him.

Demetri Andelass let out a short, suppressed grunt as he watched them leave. Nox was a tougher opponent than he had anticipated.

Nox’s Public Re-emergence

From that day forward, rumors spread that Duke Nox Rainerio had begun engaging in public activities. People, driven by curiosity, flooded him with invitations. However, these were only for informal gatherings, not important occasions like official engagements, weddings, or birthday celebrations.

Nox let out a hollow laugh at how he was being treated. “Have I really underestimated this much?”

Nox sat at a table, tossing invitations onto the floor one by one. Then he picked one up, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Duke Khalid Via’s mansion… When did this arrive?”

The butler replied, “It just arrived this morning.”

“So he’s desperate, then,” Nox said, looking at the invitation. The time stated on the invitation, which had arrived only that morning, was for that very evening.

Nox subtly glanced at the butler. He’s certainly quick. He scoffed internally. Then, handing the invitation to the butler, he said, “Prepare for it.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Nox decided to accept Khalid’s invitation. He had things to convey, so it seemed best to meet him.

Nox went back up to his study to work, and only began preparing for his outing as the appointed time approached. The appointment was for 5 PM, and he started getting ready at 5 PM. Nox deliberately intended to be late.

Just imagining Khalid waiting, pondering, and growing anxious improved his mood slightly. Yes, it allowed him to escape, if only for a moment, the foul feeling of having to go and meet Khalid Via.

They say time drags when you’re doing something you don’t want to do, but the carriage ride to Duke Via’s mansion felt incredibly short once Nox was inside.

Nox grimaced as he stepped out of the carriage. This time, he hadn’t brought Launder. He had no intention of bringing Esterion Launder to Duke Via’s mansion, almost as if he were hiding something precious. Nox had decided this himself. Khalid wouldn’t be able to stand it every time he showed affection for Esterion. As he stepped out of the carriage:

“Duke Rainerio.”

“You address me quite casually, Duke Via.”

“…”

Khalid Via, he was there, waiting. His hair was slightly disheveled by the wind, as if he had been out there for a long time.

Nox pretended not to notice and approached him. He could see Khalid’s shoulders subtly trembling with each step Nox took. Nox walked past him with an impassive face and said, “A guest cannot enter first. Would you lead the way?”

“We can enter together…”

“Don’t act so unrefined.”

“…”

Khalid fell silent. Nox, having no great expectations, followed him without another word.

They headed not to the reception room, but to the dining hall. Khalid had invited him for dinner.

I’ll probably choke, Nox thought dispassionately, as he entered the dining hall with Khalid.

A lavish banquet was set. The number of dishes was countless. Nox looked down at it with cold eyes.

As the servants naturally pulled out a chair for him, he sat down and gazed at Khalid, who sat opposite him.

“You’ve gone to great lengths.”

“…Why wouldn’t I, with Duke Rainerio gracing us with his presence?”

“Pointlessly,” Nox’s voice was icy. At that, Khalid’s body visibly stiffened.