Volume 7 Chapter 72: She's The Interim Head

The two entered the room only to find two other people there. And that caused Krystal to frown.

"Hello, Cousin." The boy raised his hand simply. However, that caused the two to frown, "Arnie, what's wrong with your face?" One noticeable thing was the giant bulge on the side of his cheeks.

Arnie's mischievous expression broke; a dark one soon replaced it. And he was not the only one, as it hit a sore spot for the others.

Pff. Keith wanted to laugh. First blood was drawn by Krystal's words.

"Krystal, how have your studies been going?"

"Fine." Are you really asking that after trying to expel me?

"That's great. But don't you think there's more to it than studying? Like starting a family."

"..."

Rodrick sighed deeply, "You heard about what your father did, right?"

"...What are you getting at?"

"We're thinking it's about time for you to get married," Rodrick answered.

"...What?"

"We are losing influence with the Rustchil name being dragged down in the mud. That's why we need to regain that."

"...So you want me to get married."

"Hear us out. With our reputation going down, marriage partners are also affected. We need to have you get married as soon as possible."

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"..." Bargaining chip. That was what they had wanted to do. Krystal was none other than the daughter of the Rustchil head. It was enticing for anyone, to say the least. Their name was still something useful.

"I have already picked out a few candidates for you. Pick one out-"

"Why are you the one making this decision?" A condescending voice interrupted. That caused Rodrick and his family to turn to the black-haired boy.

"You don't have a say in this, young man." Rodrick snorted. He was only a guest.

"I don't think you have a say on who Krystal gets to marry. You're not the interim head any longer." His snort was returned with a scoff.

"What?" Now Krystal was bewildered. Rodrick isn't the interim head any longer? What he said caused the others to be befuddled. Well, the only one who wasn't was Rodrick.

"..." He was silent as a rock.

"That's because Krystal is the interim head." Keith grinned as he placed his hand on Krystal's shoulders.

HUH?! How am I the interim head!

"Child, watch your words." Rodrick frowned.

Keith continued to look calm, unfazed by the threat, "What? Did what I say startled you? For starters, the interim head is chosen based on relations to the head. Krystal's mother, the grand duke's wife, became the interim in this case. Since she's unconscious, the next one should be their kin, their daughter."

AKA Krystal.

It was simple. If there was something wrong with the two, the child would be the one to inherit.

"..."

"You only became head because Krystal wasn't here; you're the only one with the closest relationship in the vicinity. Now that she's home, she decides what to do."

"Nonsense! My father is the grand duke's brother." Arnie called out.

"But he gave up the right once he became a count." Keith retorted. Once he was given another title, he would be below Krystal.

"Now get out of that seat and give it to the true interim head." Keith waved his hand like he was shooing away a dog.

“….” The expression on Rodrick's face turned red.

Krystal was amused by this. Rodrick always had a mocking look, but it was the opposite with Keith here.

"Who do you think you are talking to my father like that?! He's the count." Arnie's expression turned red. Even if Rodrick wasn't the grand duke, he should be respected!

"Ayy. Good job being a count. Do you want me to wave my hands and do a little dance for you?"

"Pff." Krystal chuckled. If the guy did something like that, she would want to record it.

"Krystal, is this really a friend you have picked up from the academy?" Rodrick's wife, Olga, questioned. She found what Keith said to be utterly repulsive.

"Of course, he's a friend I can trust and put my faith in." Krystal nodded.

"You-" Before Rodrick can even say something, Winston burst into the room,

"Winston, what's the matter?"

"The madam is awake!"

"What?" Krystal's eyes widened. And she wasn't the only one as Rodrick and the other's expressions also changed.

Without any hesitation, Krystal raced to her room. And when she opened the door, she saw her mother in bed being assisted by two maids.

"Mom!" Krystal didn't hesitate as she quickly dashed over and hugged her. There were tears in her eyes as she held tightly like a child.

"Dear, there's no need to cry. I'm here." Krystal's mother patted her daughter's head with a smile. But as they did, Keith and Winston stayed by the door out of sight. The two understood; don't ruin the mother and daughter moment.