System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 989 - 291: Blitzkrieg (10K)_2

An air of tension permeated the vicinity, leaving Land momentarily speechless.

Zock continued, his voice sharp, "Because your performance was so exceptional, so much so that I, as the Manor Lord, felt my authority completely undermined!"

"If this were confined strictly within the manor's boundaries, then perhaps it would be one thing."

"But... you even dared to cast a covetous eye upon the manor's military might..."

Upon hearing Zock's accusation, Land's heart pounded with a sudden, intense sense of crisis.

Ignoring the cool dampness of the stone floor in the bathroom, Land immediately dropped to his knees.

He replied with palpable anxiety, "Master, Land admits his wrongdoing."

"I implore you, Master, for the sake of the decades I have diligently served you, please grant Land your forgiveness."

Zock gazed at him with an icy stare, remaining utterly silent.

Land bowed his head lower, quickly performing a kowtow.

"Master, I beg for your forgiveness..."

Thud~ Thud~

The distinct sound of heads striking the floor echoed repeatedly within the confined space of the bathroom.

Despite the searing pain that shot through his forehead and the disorienting dizziness that clouded his senses.

Land dared not cease his actions for a single moment.

Master Zock's words were clearly resolute and final, indicating he had likely gathered irrefutable evidence from other sources.

He realized that any eloquent defense he might offer now would be perceived merely as a futile attempt to deflect blame.

More than the physical torment, his paramount concern was survival.

Observing Land's persistent kowtowing, Zock made no move to halt his penance.

He spoke in a measured tone, "Had it not been for the decades you have devoted to Connelly Manor."

"You would have long since met your end upon the gallows..."

Land's fervent kowtowing did not subside.

Only when he heard Zock utter, "Enough. My estate still requires your management," did Land's actions finally cease.

His hands rested on the damp floor, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

His face was now visibly swollen, marked by clear, overlapping handprints.

His forehead, from the relentless impact of kowtowing, had split open, and blood trickled steadily downwards.

Responding to Zock's directive, Land's entire body trembled, a difficult yet relieved sound escaping him.

"Land... Land thanks Master for his boundless forgiveness..."

Meanwhile, Zock's right hand continued its intimate exploration of the maid's form.

He replied with detached indifference, "Leave."

Land lowered his head in acknowledgment, struggling to rise with great difficulty. He offered a final bow towards Zock in the tub before turning and exiting the bathroom.

The instant Land stepped out of the bathroom and moved to close the large double doors behind Zock.

The sounds of Zock and the maid's intimate activities once again resounded from within the bathroom.

With a soft 'click,' the heavy double wooden doors were gently closed.

Land cast a quick glance around their surroundings.

Likely due to the late hour, the manor mansion appeared deserted, with no sign of anyone.

Only then did he make his way shakily towards the grand staircase.

His hands tightly gripped the banister, suppressing the throbbing pain in his face and forehead as he continued to labor for breath.

Recalling the recent events in the bathroom, a profound sense of fear still lingered.

He understood that had he not relentlessly kowtowed and pleaded with Zock.

His fate might not have been death, but a brutal skinning alive!

He was fortunate to have survived!

Land's mind raced, desperately seeking answers.

Where precisely had he erred, prompting Zock's suspicions?

He had undertaken numerous actions to secure control over the manor's military forces.

He had been utterly convinced that every step he took was flawless and untraceable.

Could Guard Captain Walter possibly be involved?

He was merely a brute, his head filled with muscle rather than thought.

How could such an individual possibly uncover anything?

Had Zock somehow deduced this entirely on his own?

Zock, who seemed to be nothing more than a Manor Lord preoccupied with indulging his desires with women.

If not for his birthright within Connelly Manor and the subsequent inheritance of the lordship.

Land firmly believed Zock's immature disposition would have prevented him from even surviving to adulthood!

After a thorough mental review, Land still could not pinpoint the exact source of his downfall.

However.

Following the recent ordeal, Land came to a stark realization.

Even if he were to continue serving as Zock's loyal butler and manage the manor's daily operations.

It would be exceedingly difficult to regain Zock's genuine trust...

While Zock had chosen to pardon him on this occasion.

Any future unforeseen incident within the manor would undoubtedly lead Zock to suspect him first!

Land's eyes darted about, his mind working furiously.

He knew he needed to formulate an escape strategy!

Suppressing his turbulent thoughts, Land descended the stairs, heading towards the ground floor of the sprawling manor mansion.

Upon reaching the reception hall on the first floor, Land's gaze immediately shifted.

Through the expansive windows of the manor, his eyes fell upon the bonfire blazing outside.

There sat Walter, accompanied by several guards, gathered around the fire, engaged in conversation and laughter.

From time to time, they would lift a wine sack to their lips, drinking with apparent merriment.

At this very moment.

Land's animosity towards Walter surged to an unbearable peak.

Why was Walter able to enjoy such carefree leisure with his guards?

While he himself was burdened with managing every minute detail within the manor mansion for Master Zock?

Every single day, he was forced to rise before dawn to meticulously arrange affairs.

From the crack of dawn until the dead of night, only after Master Zock retired to his chambers could he finally find respite for sleep.

This exhausting routine had been his reality for decades!

Why had Walter emerged unscathed from the very bathroom where Master Zock resided?

While he had narrowly escaped death within its confines.

Why did Walter command Zock's trust and favor?His painstaking efforts spanning decades were just moments ago rendered utterly futile! Outside the grand manor, Walter seemed to detect Land’s simmering resentment piercing through the distance. He casually glanced upwards, his eyes finding Land within the mansion's embrace through the expansive, open window.