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?

grumble, Aleck was jolted from his thoughts as a swift kick landed on his behind, sending him tumbling to the

parted, giving him space to

his ear. It was Cox

to the mountain.

most from the recent misfortunes, and Cox was determined to see

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

knew the value of hard–won

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

son would ruin

for years, and it wouldn’t have

its title could have meant a windfall for

now, all

fit of rage, Cox didn’t hesitate to discipline Aleck on the spot, with none of

silent until Cox finished and, half–fearing, half–ashamed,

was the ignorance of Aleck that offended you. Whatever punishment you see fit, the Lane family will bear it. Please don’t hold the village accountable.

entirely

his family’s fortune for years. If it all ended now, they had no

he couldn’t just say

were quick to resentment, focusing on losses

the consequences,

earn their gratitude. After all, the family’s roots were still in the

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

is a matter for the whole village. We can’t let your family shoulder this alone. We’ve all prospered thanks to you.”

and together they all bowed to the Werewolf,

protection, only that

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

had offered punishment or penalty, whatever it wished, but he

a cunning Werewolf. If it truly sought vengeance, it could claim his son’s

not think of

pinned his hopes on Winnie from the