Chapter 159: Ryan Meets Patrick

More from Ryan Abbott’s Perspective

I hear applause from inside the mansion.

“Count Abbott’s son is impressive. Nice to meet you, I am Patrick Snake.” Patrick

I’m greeted by a slender man with black hair and black eyes. His face is well-groomed, but I get a twisted feeling from him. Could this be Count Snake?

“Excuse me, I’m Count Abbott’s eldest son, Ryan Abbott.” Ryan replies as he quickly bows his head

Although Count Snake is younger than me, I’m only an heir to a household, so I must be respectful.

Is this seemingly average guy the soldier known as the Bloody Grim Reaper?

I’ve heard reports claiming he’s sent a number of noblemen to their ends. Didn’t he feed some to a snake monster? Perhaps the snake that’s currently staring at me?

Didn’t you turn it into a public spectacle that charged the public to watch? THen you gave the proceeds to my family? Was it some sort of bribe?

Father is worrying me. I couldn’t connect the dots since my information was being controlled, but I think I finally understand the situation.

The Abbott family is good at gathering information, but we have a weak militia. I’ve been putting my time and money behind improvements, but there’s little change. Is my father trying to make up for that by allying with Count Snake?

The Snake house is a house of ill repute, though my family isn’t any different. We’re called the foxes for our proclivity to spy on any and every other family.

Soon, I was led to the drawing room of the mansion where I found myself enjoying alcohol while playing a game of chess. I wasn’t able to win a single game, the inventor is as skilled as you would expect.

Whiskey and Inesh (plum wine) are major contributors to the booming Snake territory economy. The Abbott territory has a trade agreement in place to distribute them, so I can find them, when the dwarves haven’t cleaned out the supply.

“Oh, I just noticed you didn’t bring Conan today?” Patrick

Conan is our family’s top intelligence operative, he’s brought back many astounding reports. Why does Count Snake know his name? Even if he negotiated a trade deal with us, there’s no reason we would divulge our top spy’s name.

“He isn’t fond of visiting your mansion, so he’s out on an assignment right now.” Count Abbott

Why does Conan want to avoid this mansion? It’s true I would dread meeting that snake monster, but this sounds a bit extreme. What happened?

“He really hates me, but I recognize his skills and determination. He managed to endure for a full round.” Patrick

What is a full round? What is Count Snake talking about? I glanced at my father, silently asking for an answer.

“Ryan, Conan was personally captured by Count Snake.” Count Abbott

The Legendary Conan? Personally by the Count?

“After that, I had to interrogate the tight-lipped Conan to figure out his employer.” Patrick

Wait, Count Snake got Conan to spill his secrets? I can’t believe that.

“Well, our interrogations are unique, but I can say that Conan has endured the longest of any I’ve done.” Patrick

I’m a little unnerved by the small smile Count Snake made during that comment. He actually forced Conan to reveal his employer?

“Yesterday, another bandit was caught trying to infiltrate this mansion. He’s currently in an interrogation. Would you like to see it?” Patrick

The Count offered me, I’m pretty curious what their process was.

“I’d love to!” Ryan Abbott stupidly replied

“I will refrain.” Count Abbott

“Has father already seen it?” Ryan Abbott asks

“No, but I’ve heard enough about it. If Ryan is interested, feel free to see it live.” Count Abbott

I was escorted to the basement.

I shouldn’t have said anything…

Conan, I understand your fear of this place!

Translation

Good Job!

Do Better!

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