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?

as a swift kick landed on his behind, sending him

giving him space to fall.

twist on his ear. It was Cox Lane, his

to the mountain.

Lane family had suffered most from the recent misfortunes, and

he hadn’t hesitated to contribute. But to discover that the source of all this trouble was Aleck. “You’re gonna be the death of me. Look at the mess you’ve made. I told you to focus on your business, not waste your days drinking

knew the

11.40

respect for the spirits of the woods, passed down! from the elders, they were always

thought his son

the village for years, and it wouldn’t have been too

title could have meant a

all was

Aleck on the spot, with none of the villagers

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

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,

not entirely

to the Werewolf, the village had benefited from his family’s fortune for years. If it all ended now,

couldn’t just say

were quick to resentment, focusing on losses rather than gains.

village to share the

After all, the family’s roots were still

Cox’s words softened the villagers‘ stance, even

for the whole village. We can’t let your family shoulder this

together they all bowed to

no longer expected its protection, only that

a thrashing from Cox, feeling some of the resentment fade, yet it wasn’t ready

punishment or penalty, whatever it

cunning Werewolf. If it truly sought vengeance,

think

on Winnie from the television crew nearby.