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?

his thoughts as a swift kick landed on his behind, sending him tumbling to

villagers parted, giving him space to fall.

twist on his ear. It was Cox Lane, his father, who’d come with

to the mountain.

from the recent misfortunes,

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

and knew

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with a deep respect for the spirits of the woods, passed down! from the elders, they were always the main contributors to the

thought his son would ruin

years, and it wouldn’t have been too much to build a shrine in its honor.

a windfall for

now, all was

discipline Aleck on the

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

of 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 we’ll do whatever we can to make

though not entirely selfless, was practical.

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

he couldn’t just

to resentment, focusing on losses rather

the

earn their gratitude. After all, the family’s roots were still in the village, and he had no

stance, even earning the chief’s approval, who

your family

together they all bowed to the Werewolf, asking how they could make amends.

its protection, only that it

of the resentment fade,

penalty, whatever it wished, but he was secretly terrified.

cunning Werewolf. If it truly sought vengeance,

dared not think

hopes on Winnie