Chapter 5: Uncle
Chapter 5: Uncle
"Uncle!" Karl pushed open the door and stepped out, greeting the stout Gerald with a squint.
His gaze shifted to the young girl beside him, and his voice softened, "Inney, you're here too."
"Cousin," Inney, his cousin, responded with her usual shyness.
Today, she was dressed in an elaborate gown adorned with lace, ribbons, and satin flowers. It was beautiful, but perhaps a bit over the top for a girl her age.
Their landlord's daughter, Jenny, was also present, greeting the father and daughter. Upon seeing Karl, she quickly made an excuse and retreated to her room.
"Karl," Gerald took a step forward, his small eyes welling up as he grasped Karl's hands. "I heard about your father... I never expected this. Let the past be the past!"
"Are you going to claim your title today?"
"Yes," Karl replied expressionlessly. "Uncle, your timing is impeccable."
His father had passed away some time ago, and Gerald's visit, neither early nor late, was perfectly timed.
Indeed, the timing was impeccable!
"Hehe..." Gerald chuckled, rubbing his hands together. "Karl, there's something I'm not sure if you're aware of. Your father once mentioned your marriage to me, and I agreed to it."
"He wanted you to marry Inney, and I consented," he said, nudging Inney, who blushed and looked away shyly. "Say something, Inney."
"Cousin Karl," Inney spoke softly, her head bowed, fingers fidgeting with her dress. Her voice was barely audible.
"That's just her nature," Gerald smiled. "You know her, Karl. But it's no issue. Once you're married and get to know each other, everything will be fine."
"Uncle!" Karl furrowed his brows, realizing why Inney was dressed so elaborately. It was a marriage proposal. He then spoke, "I went to claim my title today, but the priest didn't approve."
"What?"
A surprised exclamation followed.
One of worry, the other of astonishment.
"The priest didn't approve?" Gerald instinctively pulled his daughter closer, his small eyes glinting. "Why?"
Technically, there was no legal requirement for inheritance among the Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts, and Barons, but for centuries, it had been a tradition for fathers to pass their titles to their sons.
Unless there was a special reason.
If Karl couldn't claim the barony, he couldn't let his daughter marry him.
"I was just about to find you, Uncle," Karl took a deep breath, his expression anxious. "The priest demands thirty gold coins as proof of the Bergman Clan's devotion to the divine. I don't have that much, but can you lend me some?"
"Ah!" Gerald's face changed at the mention of lending money. He pulled his daughter back again and asked, "How much do you need?"
"I only have one gold coin," Karl smiled wryly. "I'm relying on you for the rest, but don't worry. Once I inherit the barony, I'll earn money and repay you."
"Twenty-nine gold coins!" Gerald was flustered and pointed at Karl. "I'd have to be crazy to lend you that much!"
"You won't lend it?" Karl's expression darkened. "Without the money, I can't claim the title, and without the title, I won't be able to afford the wedding with my cousin."
"Hmph!" Gerald scoffed. "No money, no title, and you still want to marry my daughter?"
"Um..."
Karl's eyes flickered, and he suddenly spoke, "But if you want money, it's not impossible."
Hmm? Karl raised an eyebrow.
He was well aware of his uncle's stingy nature, comparable to that of Grandet. Yet, instead of being scared off, his uncle had offered a solution, which was completely unexpected.
"Karl," Gerald leaned in and whispered, "You have no money and no way to get the barony. Rather than waste it, why not sell the title to me?"
"Uncle!"
Karl was speechless.
"Are titles for sale?" he asked.
Gerald's voice rose, "Why not? I'll offer fifty... forty gold coins. I'll use thirty to buy the title and the rest is yours."
"The rest?" Karl's face twisted in sarcasm. "Dear Uncle, you're actually willing to leave me ten gold coins. How generous of you."
"Of course," Gerald chuckled. "You inherit the title first, then marry Inney. After the marriage, transfer the title to my daughter."
"And finally, transfer it back to me."
Karl was taken aback.
Well...
This plan might actually be feasible.
The Kingdom of Gando has had female rulers, and it's not uncommon for women, including daughters, wives, and even parents, to inherit titles.
"Hmm..."
Karl sighed and shook his head, feeling a sense of helplessness.
Dealing with this uncle of his was more exhausting than facing half-dead creatures.
"Just leave. I'm not selling the title."
"No, please!" Gerald pleaded. "If you think the price is not right, we can negotiate. If forty coins aren't enough, I'll offer fifty."
"Get out!"
Karl suddenly roared, his voice like a thunderclap.
The sound startled Gerald, who stumbled backward. Seeing Karl's ferocious expression, he felt a chill run down his spine.
The scars from the fire seemed to twist on Karl's face like centipedes, making Gerald's heart race.
Karl's robust physique added to the sense of intimidation.
"Just go! Why are you shouting?"
Taking a step back, Gerald avoided Karl's gaze and pulled Inney, who seemed reluctant to leave.
"You're just like your father, unable to inherit the title. I wonder how you'll manage your life now," he muttered.
"..."
Karl's face darkened until the side door closed, and Gerald's figure disappeared from view. He exhaled a breath of turbid air.
"Creak..."
A side door opened a crack, revealing Jenny's worried expression. "Karl, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Karl shook his head, regaining his composure. "I might need to go out again today. If anyone else comes looking for me, just turn them down."
"Okay."
Jenny nodded, opening her mouth as if to ask something but ultimately staying silent.
No inheritance of the title?
How would Karl manage his life from now on?
On the street, Karl was about to hail a carriage when a familiar figure rushed towards him.
"Inney?"
"Cousin Karl," she panted, her forehead glistening with sweat. Her skirt was covered in dirt, indicating her haste.
She glanced back and then pushed a jade pendant into Karl's hand, lowering her head as she whispered, "I don't have anything else. This is my father's birthday gift to me, and it's said to be quite valuable."
"Inney," Karl was taken aback. "There's no need..."
"I have to go. I can't let my father find out," Inney interrupted, waving her hands. "See you later, Cousin Karl."
She must have sneaked out to deliver the gift, and now she was leaving.
Karl watched her go, shaking his head gently. Her gesture was thoughtful, but the item itself wasn't of much value.
Gerald was stingy even with his own daughter.
The jade pendant was not only of poor quality but also crudely carved, like a beginner's practice piece.
Karl wiped off the dust and carefully tucked the pendant into his chest, then hailed a carriage.
"To Rouen Boulevard!"
"Four pennies."
Please collect!
(End of Chapter)
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