Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Why Did I Piss Him Off?

For many nobles, including Dalian, they have had everything from the moment they were born.

A privileged family background, a good education, the power to treat the common folk like animals, and equally positioned friends. Undoubtedly, this is a wonderful situation.

So wonderful that even small flaws can be easily overlooked.

However, even so, despite being born into a life that others dream of, their lives are still not entirely up to them.

Because there are rules to follow.

These rules are not laws of the Saint Roland Empire, but rather invisible and intangible rules that exist among the nobility.

For instance, always leave a line for retreat.

At least, one must appear to do so.

Even the Mosgra Family, after persecuting the Bartleyon Family so brutally, chose to spare Lynn’s life, simply letting him be exiled to the outskirts.

The subsequent attempts on his life were actually orchestrated in secret by a small faction within the family.

Being influenced by this, Dalian gradually ingrained the rules of nobility into his very bones.

He has always adhered to them.

Until today.

The moment the gunshot rang out, Dalian felt as if someone had delivered a heavy blow to his chest, staggering a few steps back.

Then came the overwhelming, searing pain.

A hint of disbelief flickered in his eyes.

He… dared to shoot? He dared to shoot?!

He dared to publicly gun down an heir of the Mosgra Family?!

Until the moment he collapsed to the ground, powerless, he couldn’t discern illusion from reality, thinking he was merely experiencing a nightmare.

But when he peered through the crow mask and saw Lynn’s calm eyes, he finally realized something.

I… am going to die.

As one of the most likely heirs of the future Mosgra, without having had a chance to truly enjoy life, he was about to die in such a damnable manner at a rural banquet.

There would be no adoring crowds, nor petals raining down.

All of it, simply because he had provoked a madman a few times.

Dalian’s consciousness began to fade.

In the final moments of life, the emotion lingering in his chest was not hatred.

But regret.

Damn it.

If I had known he was a madman, why did I provoke him? Why did I provoke him? Dalian’s vision went dark, his head tipping to the side.

In his last moments, his eyes fell upon the still-warm body of the butler, Sherlock, not far away.

The one he regarded as something akin to vermin.

Turns out, in the eyes of this madman, we aren’t any different.

“Bastard!” The instant the gunshot rang out, Duke Tilius’s furious roar echoed throughout the hall, “What do you think you’re doing?!”

Accompanied by this yell, the surrounding space seemed to ripple and twist.

Everyone was stunned into silence by the sudden scene before them.

They never expected that this boy would be so audacious.

Killing a butler wasn’t enough; he even dared to try and assassinate an heir of the Mosgra Family right before their eyes!

Feeling the Duke’s fury, Lynn looked down.

The revolver he had once held was now, somehow, as heavy as a thousand-pound iron block, crashing down to the floor.

This was the manipulation of gravity, executed with exquisite skill, without leaving even a scratch on his palm.

Unfortunately.

Since Lynn had acted in an instant, not even Duke Tilius had time to respond.

After all, he had just shot a butler.

Who could have imagined he wouldn’t stop there, but would actually publicly shoot an heir of the Mosgra Family?!

In an instant, Duke Tilius was engulfed by a wave of unparalleled rage.

His earlier liking and goodwill towards Lynn vanished completely, replaced by an impulse to tear him apart.

Dalian could die.

He could even leave here to be bitten to death by wild dogs in the gutter.

That would be no problem.

But above all, he could never die at a banquet hosted by him.

Regardless of the Duke’s stance, once such an event occurred, he could no longer wash his hands of it.

It wasn’t out of fear for a rising star among the nobility.

It was simply unnecessary to create another enemy for no reason.

After all, the Mosgra Family had a deep bond with the Church of Heavenly Justice and a complex relationship with the second prince, and that was quite troublesome for him.

Moreover, the reason he came this time was to collect taxes.

He hadn’t even had a chance to hear what the Mosgra Family had to offer, and now their envoy was so easily killed.

Even if Duke Tilius himself had no such intention, the other party would consider it a signal of a falling out.

In an instant, powerful transcendent power surged through him, the violent energy cracking the marble floor beneath him! Duke Tilius’s eyes widened as he raised his right hand, prepared to suppress this assailant on the spot.

In the nick of time, Lynn suddenly called out, “Duke, I know you’re angry… but regardless, a person is already dead!”

It seemed to have some effect, causing Duke Tilius’s gaze to freeze, his hand freezing momentarily.

Yet in the end, anger outweighed reason.

An unseen tidal force of gravity descended from above, sweeping towards Lynn!

Sigh.

Why can’t you just listen?

Even faced with such a dire situation, Lynn showed no fear, merely sighing softly.

He seemed to be waiting for something.

The next second, a crisp sound of footsteps echoed, and a graceful figure wrapped in a red dress unexpectedly stood before him.

“Uncle Tilius, this is the last time I’ll call you that.” Ivyst’s expression was cold, her dark hair gently swaying, the entire figure shrouded by a powerful crimson field, “Please think carefully about whether you want to lay a hand on my subordinate.”

Her voice was chillingly devoid of any emotion.

Yet the aura radiating from her was overwhelmingly potent.

It was as if the moment Duke Tilius took a step closer, she would instantly take his head.

Majesty of Her Highness!

Looking at the stunning figure blocking him, Lynn silently gave a thumbs up in his mind.

The atmosphere immediately became tense.

Only the astute could see that, in the brief clash of their transcendent powers, it was the seemingly robust Duke Tilius who found himself at a disadvantage, his face paling slightly.

And the slender woman in red remained unyielding, effortlessly suppressing him.

“.”

A look of surprise surfaced in Duke Tilius’s eyes as he gazed intently at Ivyst.

She had gotten stronger? Sensing the faint threat of death, Duke Tilius coldly snorted.

“Are you going to strike at me for a mere subordinate?”

“You can certainly try,” Ivyst casually replied.

“I didn’t expect the Princess to care for her subordinates so much.” Though a bit choked up, Duke Tilius still spoke coldly, “But I wonder if this care only applies to”

“Shut up.”

Ivyst instinctively interrupted him.

“.”

Though Ivyst’s words were somewhat offensive, Duke Tilius seemed unfazed by it.

Instead, that kid, who managed to easily break through his many years of stoic composure, was quite the talent.

Looking over at the crow-masked youth standing nearby, Duke Tilius’s anger gradually subsided.

It wasn’t that he forgave Lynn, but rather because he recognized the truth in what he said.

The deed was done, and someone was already dead.

Instead of feeling anger over the irreversible mistake, it was better to think about how to make amends after the fact.

After a moment of silence, Duke Tilius suddenly raised his hand, dissipating the surrounding transcendent energy.

Then he looked at the cracked ground caused by the clash of powers and the guests who had retreated far from the scene.

“I apologize; some unexpected developments occurred tonight,” Duke Tilius coughed lightly, “The banquet is over, everyone, please be careful on your way home.”

With the host’s permission, the nobles present felt as if they had been given a pardon, expressing their gratitude as they hurriedly left the hall.

It was evident that what had transpired tonight would surpass anything they’d experienced in their lifetimes.

Before long, the news would spread throughout Orlen City.

As the guests began to disperse, Duke Tilius issued another order to his subordinates: “You lot, take care to properly handle his body.”

“Yes, sir!”

The guards carried Dalian’s corpse away from the scene.

After all this, Duke Tilius finally closed his eyes slowly.

Simultaneously, he began contemplating the events of the evening.

The first half had proceeded quite smoothly, establishing his stance, and he had pressured the local nobility and the Church.

But then, due to Mozell causing chaos, the entire situation began to shift dramatically.

And the true mastermind was none other than this seemingly mad yet rational kid.

Only now did he vaguely understand Lynn’s intentions.

If he guessed correctly, this guy had actually never been angered by Dalian’s clumsy tactics from the very start.

It wasn’t an impulsive act at all; it was premeditated.

“A reckless little brat… fine, come with me, let’s talk in the study.” He sneered, then glanced at Ivyst not far away, “So, Princess, are you feeling calmer now? If you are, please join us for a discussion.”

Chapter 68: The Third Hypnosis (4k Word Chapter)

After leaving Duke Tilius’s residence, Mozell wiped the cold sweat from his forehead while being assisted by his subordinates, quickly making his way to the carriage.

What a bunch of lunatics!

Even now, he was still immersed in the atmosphere of what had just transpired, unable to recover for a long time.

First, escaping narrowly from that madwoman, then witnessing a member of the Mosgra Family, who was aligned with the Church of Heavenly Justice, receive death threats and get executed right there by that lunatic.

Finally, it escalated to Duke Tilius himself stepping in but being unable to do anything to the other party!

That rumored third princess was unexpectedly this powerful?!

Could it be…

In no time, Mozell’s expression shifted between shades of anger and uncertainty.

Back in the carriage, his heart, which had been racing, finally settled slightly.

Feeling the wheels turning slowly, Mozell’s heart was filled with mixed emotions.

“Bishop, should we do something about Duke Tilius…”

“He has already rejected our goodwill and wants to take the entire cake for himself, but that’s impossible,” Mozell gritted his teeth, “From here on out, we can only fight it out; it will be a death match.”

“Damn Tilius!!”

Mozell slammed his fist against the carriage wall.

His subordinates immediately fell silent, not daring to utter a word.

After a long while, Mozell’s emotions finally stabilized.

“Have the Church keep a close eye on the situation.” He fixed his gaze outside at the bustling streets illuminated by lights, “They’ll likely be on high alert, looking for any opportunity to snatch a piece of us.”

“Don’t let them find an opportunity.”

“Yes!”

Guided by a maid, Lynn headed in the direction Duke Tilius had departed.

Moments later, accompanied by a familiar rose fragrance, he felt a new presence beside him.

“Why were you so impulsive just now?” She didn’t look at Lynn, staring calmly ahead, “I told you long ago, I will avenge you.”

Lynn shook his head. “It wasn’t impulsive—quite the opposite, I was incredibly rational at that moment.”

There was no way he’d let himself get riled up by such a stupid provocation.

That was simply impossible.

Hearing this, Ivyst frowned slightly. “What was your reasoning?”

“Of course, it was for you.” Lynn glanced at her and found that she was actually slightly taller than him in her high heels, feeling a bit disheartened, “The arrival of someone from the Mosgra Family means something quite serious, and I believe, Your Highness, you should understand that.”

“If he gets to Tilius first, you’ll have no chance whatsoever.”

“After all, you should be able to guess what kind of tempting offer they would make to win him over.”

“Thus, the only path forward was to eliminate Dalian on the spot, winning Duke Tilius’s friendship and respect before the second prince’s men showed up again.”

“At that point, the Duke and Your Highness would form a powerful alliance, and even the Mosgra Family wouldn’t make a fuss over a mere heir.”

As for the killer, Lynn believed Ivyst wouldn’t abandon him.

But under pressure, he could easily orchestrate a fake death scene.

And after that, Lynn could fully step back into the shadows.

This would also provide more convenience for his escape plan—two birds with one stone.

Unfortunately, Ivyst was unaware of his current thoughts.

Seeing this, Lynn thought she still seemed worried, so he reassured her, “Your Highness needn’t worry; I considered all consequences before doing this.”

“What I meant isn’t that…” Ivyst seemed to hesitate, but with her profile obscured by the mask, her expression was hard to read, “…never mind, I’ll talk about it later.”

Strange woman.

Although Lynn was puzzled, he deemed it best not to pry further.

“Here we are.”

After leading them to the door of Duke Tilius’s study, the servant departed.

Ivyst pushed the door open.

At that moment, they saw that the Duke, who had just been impeccably dressed, had removed his military jacket at some point and was now puffing away on a pipe.

When the two entered the study, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

Nevertheless, he remained composed on the surface.

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Finally, he slowly opened his mouth, “Did you think that by taking such actions, you could pull me onto your pirate ship?”

“Not at all.” Lynn shook his head, “In fact, if you, Duke, were determined to sever ties with us, that would be easy. After all, there were so many eyes witnessing the whole thing tonight.”

Duke Tilius looked puzzled: “Then why did you take such a risk?”

“I wanted to give Her Highness an opportunity.”

“An opportunity?” Duke Tilius digested this sentence, then laughed, “Yet I feel like the Princess isn’t particularly keen on this opportunity?”

Looking at the icy gaze Ivyst directed at him, Duke Tilius shook his head.

“If tonight’s events serve as an evaluation, do you know how you would be rated, Princess?”

“Full marks.”

Ivyst answered without hesitation.

“Zero marks!” Duke Tilius suddenly slammed the table, “I have never seen a single royal candidate act as absurdly as you just did!”

“In my opinion, you don’t want to be Emperor and don’t have the temperament for it!”

“Did you want to kill everyone who looks down on you tonight? Hmm?”

“I’ll tell you, if you dare to kill someone at a banquet, tomorrow you’ll be pushing the Empire’s citizens into an irrecoverable abyss!”

“This kind of foolish act will earn you no support or assistance from any wise person in this world!”

Duke Tilius seemed to be venting his frustration, passionately expressing this lengthy tirade.

Then, as though he suddenly recalled something, he shot a cold smile at Lynn, who was standing aside, “Of course, except you.”

“Uh, thanks for the compliment?”

Lynn was at a loss for words, only managing to respond awkwardly.

In his view, Duke Tilius’s outburst was actually a good thing.

If he were to act all about business, it would be harder to handle.

Yet, it seemed his and Ivyst’s relationship was not as distant as he had assumed?

Noticing his questioning gaze, Duke Tilius took a deep puff on his pipe, “I’ve known Her Highness’s mother since childhood.”

Oh damn.

What a juicy piece of gossip.

Lynn’s expression was a struggle to contain, so he abruptly changed the subject, “By the way, Duke, I noticed you seemed to utilize the Church of Heavenly Justice’s gravity manipulation ability earlier?”

“Indeed.” Duke Tilius did not hide it, “I am an unbeliever but underwent the first batch of divine factor transplant surgery over a decade ago without experiencing notable rejection.”

As he spoke, he clenched his fist.

An unbeliever?

Lynn couldn’t help but recall this setting from the original work, suddenly realizing something.

After all, technically, Her Highness was also an unbeliever, disbelieving in any deity.

It’s just that her source of power was different and more enigmatic compared to others.

Even the original work mentioned little about it, only that it was related to some ancient and terrifying existence from the chaotic era.

Since she wasn’t the protagonist, little ink was spilled on her description.

It seemed the secrets behind it needed to be unraveled by him personally, Lynn thought silently.

Gazing at the silent duo, Duke Tilius eventually spoke, “Alright, back to the main topic.”

“I know you two caused such a ruckus tonight for a reason.”

“However, on one account or another, my friendship with your mother is unrelated to this matter.” He said lightly, “To be frank, I don’t think highly of you, and for the sake of Tilius House, I won’t board a sinking ship.”

“By comparison, the second prince is the most likely to ascend the throne.”

Upon hearing this, Ivyst’s expression, which had just slightly softened, turned cold again.

Yet due to the other party’s identity, she held her anger in.

“Unless you can present something substantial that sways me.” Duke Tilius shifted his tone, “We’re all adults here; we understand that only interests matter.”

“Tell me, compared to the Mosgra Family and the second prince, what can you offer me?”

His gaze settled upon Lynn.

!

Even Ivyst raised her eyes, looking at him with a strangely curious expression.

Not that they’re both staring at me, Lynn internally cursed but replied honestly: “We can let you make money while standing.”

This line left Duke Tilius momentarily speechless.

“Make money while standing?”

He repeated the phrase.

“Do you mean I’m now begging on my knees?” Duke Tilius found it somewhat absurd, “Kid, clarify your meaning; otherwise, I’ll make you suffer.”

In response, Lynn chuckled lightly: “Whether it’s recognizing your current state of affairs, you should already know deep down.”

“Taxation is the foundation of a nation’s operation and the primary source of finances, while this bunch of parasites in Orlen City has effectively severed the Empire’s economic lifeline… perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but it’s essentially true.”

Duke Tilius instinctively took his pipe back, continuing to blow smoke.

Lynn pressed on, “You came to collect taxes; logically, it should have been smooth sailing, yet, what’s actually happening? You’ve been thwarted at every turn by the local nobility and the Church.”

“What should naturally be your right has instead devolved into you being seen as a nuisance by them; you had to throw a charity banquet to test the waters.”

“If the higher-ups among the noble families and churches didn’t give the green light, they wouldn’t be able to pull off such antics.”

“And you’re left without options, having to let them slice up the cake, while you get a few crumbs in return.”

“Tell me, does that not feel a bit like begging on your knees?”

Duke Tilius’s expression stiffened, instinctively wanting to retort: “I could never…”

“If you could have done it, you would have long since sent your army to eradicate them.” Lynn interrupted, “It’s not that you’re weak; it’s just that the forces behind them have banded together too strongly.”

This statement left Duke Tilius in silence.

Even he had to admit that this kid made some valid points.

Ever since arriving in Orlen City, he had felt oppressed at every turn.

Moreover, in the adjacent border cities, his people had faced equally formidable challenges.

Could he really end up begging?

No, that’s just not possible.

Duke Tilius instinctively rejected this idea.

On the issue of tax collection, he represented Saint Roland the Sixth.

If he chose to submit, it would mean admitting that imperial authority was weaker than that of the nobility.

That was why, even after tonight’s events unfolded, he hadn’t lost his temper and acted irrationally but had instead brought Lynn and Ivyst to his study to initiate further discussion.

If he were to accept the terms offered by the Mosgra Family and conspire with the Church, the anger building inside him wouldn’t pass, nor would he be able to report to the Emperor.

In that moment, Duke Tilius’s expression flickered between uncertainty.

“I can offer a military pledge.” Seizing the moment, Lynn pressed forward with another bombshell, “In ten days, you’ll not only be standing but also earn a fortune.”

“If I don’t deliver, punish me according to military law!”

Looking at him in his earnest state, a flicker of curiosity glimmered in Ivyst’s eyes.

She was unaware that this was actually an order from the future Sorceress of the End, requiring him to undermine the Church of Heavenly Justice’s influence.

However, seeing him working so hard for her sake, this feeling wasn’t entirely displeasing to Ivyst.

She silently assessed.

“This is your own proclamation.”

After a moment of silence, Duke Tilius suddenly snorted coldly.

“Of course, I always keep my word.”

Seeing this expression on him, Lynn finally relaxed.

The first step had been achieved.

Now onto the second step.

While thinking about the plan that had already formed in his heart, Lynn also fell into contemplation.

“Well then, since we’ve laid the groundwork, you can leave now.” Duke Tilius suddenly waved his hand, sounding somewhat impatient, “I have more to discuss with the Princess.”

Not buddy, are you dismissing me now?!

Returning to his senses, Lynn was taken aback.

But sensing Ivyst’s eyes urging him to leave, he had no choice but to give Duke Tilius a somewhat displeased glance and exit the study.

The room fell silent again.

Once Lynn left, Duke Tilius’s earlier expression completely vanished, replaced by an unprecedented gravity.

Having concluded private matters, it was now time for business.

“Regarding the Sealed Item the Emperor mentioned earlier, my men seem to have found the location where the Creation Sect concealed it.”

“However, the current state of that object is somewhat peculiar.”

Upon hearing this, Ivyst’s pupils contracted.

After many days, she once again heard news about that Sealed Item.

And this was indeed the very reason she had come to Orlen City.

Back in the carriage, Lynn idly gazed out the window.

Though he was somewhat curious about what Duke Tilius wanted to discuss with Her Highness, they seemed to want to keep it from him.

A few minutes later, as the carriage door swung open, the familiar scent of roses wafted into the air.

After a brief discussion, Ivyst returned to the carriage, looking preoccupied.

Seeing that her mood seemed somewhat low, Lynn did not want to provoke her, so he quietly sat to the side.

Yet sometimes, the more you try to avoid trouble, the more it comes knocking.

“Look up.”

Ivyst’s icy, melodious voice suddenly reached Lynn’s ears.

He instinctively complied.

Then, he saw her palm glowing with green light, the mark of the Eye of the Mind pointed at him.

Oh boy!