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?

a grumble, Aleck was jolted from his thoughts as a swift kick landed

giving him space

twist on his

to the mountain.

from the recent misfortunes,

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 and gambling with your fair–weather friends. See the trouble you’ve brought on everyone?”

and knew the value of hard–won happiness.

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

his son

wouldn’t have been too much to build

could have meant a windfall for the

all

to discipline Aleck on the spot, with none of the villagers

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

it. Please don’t hold the village accountable. Just say the word, and we’ll do whatever we

not entirely selfless, was

the village had benefited from his family’s fortune for years. If it all

he couldn’t just say

were quick to resentment, focusing

the consequences, it would only breed bitterness.

were still in the village, and

Cox’s words softened the villagers‘ stance, even earning the chief’s approval, who

village. We can’t let your family shoulder this alone. We’ve all prospered thanks to you.”

all bowed to the Werewolf, asking how they could make

expected its protection, only that it would spare them further misery.

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

whatever it wished, but he was secretly terrified.

it truly

not think

hopes on Winnie from the television