Chapter 88
“Whether it’s positive or negative, the Baron Owen family name will remain on people’s lips. As time goes on, everyone will forget what happened, and all that will remain is the memory of hearing the Baron Owen family name a few times…and that’s not a bad deal for them.”
Laszlo shook his head.
In his opinion, this was all a cowardly tactic, but if these were the rules of the game here,
Lazlo is ready to go into a fight and destroy everything.
"So, does that mean that rumors started spreading from there?"
“Yes, that’s what it looks like. Angela Bliss didn’t come there in person, but there was a woman named Alyssa Kitten who visited the place regularly, and she met Angela Bliss several times. And when they followed the rumors, it seems that Baron Owen’s house is the source.”
"And then what?"
“The amount of compensation Marsha Bohen pays each month has increased. Salaries are usually similar to those of maids or seamstresses, but it seems there is extra money she receives.”
Unfortunately, it was not possible to determine the source of those funds, but it was clear that their source came from a party hostile to Laszlo.
“Okay. Let’s retaliate. We’ll plant someone at the parties attended by those who frequent Baron Owen’s mansion, and let them embarrass those who claim to know rumors about the Crises family.”
"how far?"
“To the point where they would like to confront Marsha Bohen directly.”
"I understand. And what will you do, sir?"
Nathan asked after nodding his head without objection, while Lazlo took his training sword out of its scabbard to inspect its edge.
“Ah, I have some other personal matters to deal with.”
“…Will there be blood?”
“Unfortunately, I cannot kill, but I can make them know their place.”
The sword that Laszlo had been taking care of gleamed sharply.
***
In the hall of the Empress's palace.
While Laszlo and Edmund were resting after having been with Demacros in a meeting with the Empress, some noblemen working in the palace approached them.
Normally, if someone approached, Edmund was the one who spoke first, so he raised his head and smiled automatically.
But these nobles ignored Edmund and went straight to Laszlo.
“Mr. Crisis! The last party was absolutely fantastic, and the news about it has spread far and wide!”
“Can we get invitations next time? Those who attended the party were raving about it unbelievably, and were filled with envy!”
Laszlo responded with a modest smile to their exaggerated comments, while Edmund noticed the complete disregard for him and felt angry.
'What is this...? Is it worth all this praise for just one party?'
Edmund acted uncomfortably when he saw the nobles crowding around Laszlo, asking for invitations.
But the truth is that Laszlo's reputation rose suddenly after the party, which was the opposite of what Edmund had planned.
'Damn. The Milton family always threw amazing parties. This one was nothing in comparison!'
Edmund tried to downplay the Crisis party,
But he knew very well that the level of the party had risen thanks to the gifts that the emperor had given to the guests.
Because he could not object to the emperor, all he could do was feel inner anger.
At least he could count on one thing: that high society, even if it enjoyed ten times the success, wouldn't hesitate to spread rumors if someone made a single mistake. So all he could do was hope that Laszlo would make a serious error in the future, further damaging his reputation.
As he thought about it, Laszlo was inwardly mocking Edmund's harsh expression.
'He wanted to see me humiliated because of the party, but everything backfired on him.'
He must be furious now.
But that wasn't enough for him. Laszlo decided to unsettle Edmund even further in his own way.
“Because of your suggestion to hold the party, my life has become extremely unpleasant lately.
How will you take responsibility for that?
He said this with a slight smile, as if he were joking, and the nobles present laughed, but Edmund's smile became more tense.
But Edmund quickly regained his composure and replied with a forced smile.
“Oh dear, it seems I’ve made a big mistake.”
I have to go around to the people and beg them not to disturb my master.”
“Just imagining Milton going around asking for that sounds really interesting. But if I did that, rumors would spread that I was overburdening my subordinates, so I would politely decline.”
The idea of imagining Edmund going around asking people not to bother Laszlo was ludicrous, but using the word “my subordinates,” even if it was correct, was destroying Edmund’s dignity.
His forced smile faded, and his face was now harsh.
But Laszlo pretended not to notice and said to the nobles around him:
“Since we’re on the subject, there are rumors that Sir Milton’s skills surpass mine,
And that he should take over the position of commander of the Imperial Guard instead of me. When I hear such talk, I feel ashamed even to call him my subordinate.”
Once again, the nobles thought that Laszlo was joking, so they laughed loudly and supported him.
“But in the army, the hierarchy must be clearly maintained. If things get turned upside down, that would be a mutiny, wouldn’t it?”
“The fame of Sid Crisis’s abilities is well known. There is no need to worry about those rumors.”
Laszlo's cunning eyes turned once again towards Edmund, whose face had become stiff and clearly annoyed.
Edmund was someone who knew how to wait patiently for the situation he wanted to come about, but now he seemed hasty.
'Of course, he can be calm when he believes he is in a stronger position.'
Laszlo wanted to show Edmund that he was living in a delusion.
While Edmund, unaware of what was going on in Laszlo's mind, tried to calm himself, he was suppressing his anger inside as he clenched his fist.
'Why is this person acting so strangely today? Does he want to die?'
Normally, Laszlo would keep his reactions brief, even to praise, so he could manipulate public opinion of him as he pleased. But today, it seemed as though Laszlo was trying to lure him into a trap.
Although he knew that, he could not control his temper.
“In any case, it may be unfair for Sir Milton to think this. He became Deputy Commander of the Court Knights at a young age…”
“I… don’t think that’s true.”
“Ah! How about a duel? If you win, you can take the position of Commander of the Guard. Actually, I am not comfortable in this position…”
Upon hearing these words, Edmund's eyes flashed with sparks.
It was the position he had always dreamed of, but Laszlo presented it as something trivial, which was a great insult to him.
The mask that Edmund wore as a 'polite and friendly knight' cracked, and through the cracks, anger seeped out.
“If you give me the chance, I won’t let it slip away.”
Edmund smiled narrowly as he gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, and Laszlo noticed that his plan was beginning to bear fruit.
He had no intention of giving Edmund a chance to regain his composure.
“Indeed, you have a remarkable determination. Nothing is occupying your mind now and you are bored, so let's have a duel. I will do my best to avoid injuries.”
“Is this an insult? I will have to refuse. I hope you will provide me with a good education.”
“Well, if you’re a designer, I’m ready.”
The two men immediately headed to the Imperial Guard training ground, and news of the impending duel between the First Commander and his deputy in the Imperial Guard quickly spread around.
All the members of the Royal Guard who were not occupied with duties, as well as the nobles who were wandering around the Imperial Palace with nothing to do, flocked to follow this exciting battle.
But Edmund was never afraid.
'I will teach this fool who thinks he is strong only because of his muscles and waving his sword what a real duel is like.'
He was confident in his strength, and believing that his swordsmanship skills, which he had learned from a young age at the hands of Imperial Court knights, were far more powerful than the swords used by commoners, he thought this duel could be a real opportunity for him.
“If I lose to one of my subordinates in front of this large audience, I won’t be able to hold my head high in front of anyone; then they will sympathize with me.”
Edmund smiled calmly as he regained his self-confidence, then prepared to fight as he stood opposite Laszlo, taking out his dueling sword.
"Shall we start with three rounds?"
"Will there be three rounds...?"
"What?"
"Nothing. Take your time."
Edmund felt that he had just heard something disturbing, but when Laszlo drew his sword from its scabbard, he shed his thoughts and took up his defensive position.
But Laszlo didn't seem serious at all.
'Will he claim that he didn't use all his strength if he loses?'
Of course, even if this happens, Laszlo's defeat will not change the fact; he will still feel ashamed.
Edmund smiled sarcastically and tightened his grip on his sword.
"Should you start or should I?"
“I cannot be the one to begin, for that is not literature. I wish you would begin, Sir Milton.”
“I will gladly accept your kindness.”
When the words were finished, Edmund rushed towards Laszlo quickly, clearly expressing his true intention to attack.