True Tycoon Her Empire, Her Rules

Chapter 199

The villagers stood in stunned silence, feeling the sting of an injustice they couldn’t fathom.

They hadn’t done a thing.

The chief had heard the creature before them, a Werewolf, no less, had been denied some mystical title because of someone’s blunder, and he’d called the culprit an absolute fool, nearly fainting in disbelief.

“My lord, who are you referring to? Who’s this person?” he asked, despite having a sneaking suspicion of the guilty party.

It was likely the descendant of the hunter who once brought wealth to their little hamlet.

Almost reflexively, the chief’s eye’s swept over the crowd of villagers, searching for a particular face among them.

He remembered that family had come to the gathering that day.

Some of the older folks seemed to grasp the situation as well, their gazes falling on a pale–faced young

man.

Aleck Lane, his family was among the wealthiest in the village.

After all, it was the Lane family whose fortunes had spurred the local economy, owning almost half of the mandrake farming contracts.

The Lanes were well–regarded in the village, and Aleck had lived a life of luxury since birth, moving to the city and only returning to his roots during the holidays, carrying with him the airs of a spoiled rich kid.

He was popular with the village youth, loved his liquor, and was known for his drunken rants.

Today, he’d come to the mountain seeking excitement and a glimpse of the rumored Werewolf, never imagining it would all come crashing down on him.

As the accusation sank in, Aleck vaguely remembered something absurd he’d once said, something he’d dismissed as a drunken dream.

He’d never connected it to the odd occurrences plaguing the village.

If only he’d known…

But how could he have confessed?

Aleck was jolted from his thoughts as a swift kick landed on his behind, sending

villagers parted, giving him space to

out, he felt a painful twist on his ear. It was Cox Lane, his father, who’d come

to the mountain.

most from the recent misfortunes, and Cox was determined

death of me. Look at the mess you’ve made. I told you to focus on your business, not waste your

and knew

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deep respect for the spirits of the woods, passed down! from the elders, they were always the main contributors to the village offerings.

would’ve thought his son would ruin everything?

and it wouldn’t have been too much to build a shrine in

its title could have meant a windfall for the Lanes and

now, all

on the spot, with none of the villagers

finished and, half–fearing, half–ashamed, bowed deeply

Aleck that offended you. Whatever punishment you see fit, the Lane family will bear it. Please don’t hold the village accountable. Just say the word, and

entirely selfless, was

for years. If it all ended now, they had no

he couldn’t just say that.

focusing on losses rather than gains.

Cox demanded the village to share the consequences, it would only breed bitterness.

roots were

the villagers‘ stance, even earning the

let your family shoulder this alone. We’ve

agreed, and together they all bowed to the

only that it would spare them further

watched Aleck get a thrashing from Cox, feeling some of the resentment fade, yet

offered punishment or penalty, whatever it

it truly sought vengeance, it

dared not think of it.

on Winnie from