System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1288 Elaineʼs Betrayal?

”This is the dirt on the Ardagan family youʼve requested from me.” Elaine gave him a pack of documents.

”Hmmm? What is this?” He furrowed his eyebrows, staring at the title. ”The laws of the Ardagan family?”

”Yes. In there, you will find something about the meritocracy, a system where people can rise in status through their merit. This is not that uncommon in our kingdom, considering there are a lot of knights that are able to become nobles through this, right?”

He nodded.

”In the Ardagan family, it is different. First of all, the scope itself is extremely wide. Whether you are a farmer or a knight, you will have the same chance. Why do you think I, who have been reduced to a mere prisoner, am able to get this kind of position?

”This is precisely the reason.” Elaine explained.

He tilted his head in confusion. ”I donʼt see why this is a dirt on the Ardagan family.”

”The reason for this meritocracy is not the same as the kingdom. The real reason for Marquis Ardagan to adopt this system is due to his disciple. You should be aware of the true identity of his disciple, right?”

”!!!” He almost forgot about this. That was right. Tristan might have become Noelʼs disciple, but he was formerly a slave. ”Are you telling me that the Ardagan family adopted this system so that he could use the legal power of the Muivell Kingdom to change the status of his disciple from a slave to a noble?”

”Yes. You should understand that slavery is not adopted in our kingdom. On the other hand, the Atracaeca Kingdom is different.

”If you take a look at it, you will realize that he has included that no matter what their status is, they will be subjected to this system. It means that Noel Ardagan has acknowledged the slavery, including his disciple status as a slave.

”While this is a fact, it doesnʼt change the fact that he has gone against the principle of the kingdom. In addition, it will cause a conflict with the Atracaeca Kingdom as well.

”If you manipulate the opinions carefully, you can lower the status of his disciple before striking with this.”

He couldnʼt help but suck a cold breath. It seemed Elaine held a big grudge in her heart.

To think that she would be able to provide something they wanted. First, they sowed the seeds of Noel going against the kingdomʼs principle, especially the human right. This was the biggest weapon if they wanted to take down someone.

Once everything had been established, the opinion about Tristan would change. Without the support of the people, he could then strike with the kingdomʼs principle to question the Ardagan family.

Before he could pick it up from the table, Elaine placed her hand on top of the stack of paper while glaring coldly at him. ”You promised me the minister position.”

”Of course, as long as this is successful, I will make you a minister.” He smiled, thinking, ʼWhat a foolish girl. As if a minister position is that easy to give. Your qualifications, experience, and connections are still not enough to enter the court.ʼ

He stood up and said, ”Donʼt worry. Once everything is over, you will definitely not regret your choice.”

Elaine crossed her arms and snorted. ”Hmph.”

”In that case, please excuse me.” He acted as if he wasnʼt bothered by Elaineʼs attitude, even though he was cursing inside.

Little did they know, their meeting had been observed closely by Sandra. She was actually staring at them from the opposite building, looking through the window.

As soon as she saw the person leave, she immediately headed to the main office, finding Tristan, Dimitri, and Rose.

After becoming a maid here, Sandra had gradually learned how to manage almost everything. She didnʼt only learn household chores but also secret skills such as assassination. In fact, she was equipped with several hidden weapons and rune cards underneath her long maid skirt.

While she still had a hard time understanding the politics and the familyʼs work, she was able to execute her mission properly.

”Report.” Sandra politely bowed. ”Elaine has made contact with that person for the second time. This time, she brought a certain pack of paper. Although Iʼm unable to see the content, itʼs quite thick, like the law book.”

”Good work.” Dimitri nodded.

”Thank you, Teacher.” Sandra paused for a moment. ”Are we going to let Elaine go? She is going to betray the family at this rate.”

”Hmm…” Tristan smiled wryly before glancing at Dimitri and Rose, who had the same expressions.

”You donʼt have to worry about Elaine. Even our lord has told us about her. If this had happened a few months ago, we might have had to watch out for her hidden intentions, but thereʼs no need to do that anymore.

”Her family has been taken care of, and since she is in contact with her family, she probably knows that our lord has been treating her well. If he told her about it, she would think that he was trying to curry favor from her. But because he didnʼt tell her, she would think that our lord is just and kind,” explained Dimitri.

”Is that so?” Sandra nodded. ”Iʼm sorry.”

”Itʼs fine. Youʼre still learning. Just take it to heart and learn so that you donʼt make the same mistake twice.” Dimitri smiled.

”I understand. In that case, I will return to my post.”

”Sandra.”

”En?” Sandra was startled since it was rare for Tristan to suddenly stop her.

Tristan rubbed his cheek embarrassedly, asking, ”Actually, I have been working a lot here, so if you donʼt mind, can you bring me some snacks? Actually, for all of us here.”

From all the mountains of papers in this office alone, she knew he had been working hard. But this was the first time he requested her personally, as she was the one usually giving it to him without him asking.

Hence, she couldnʼt help but smile. ”Yes. Iʼll bring it to you right away.”

Tristanʼs face melted after seeing her smile again.

Although Noel explained it that way, Noel had actually given a list of people that could be trusted completely, even if others were trying to poach them. And this was because of Noelʼs Affinity Medal, which confirmed that they wouldnʼt betray him.

And Elaine was one of the names on that list.