Chapter 64

Though Duke Belvar tried to hide it, his breathing began to grow unstable. Their gazes locked, and Daniel could see the subtle trembling in Belvar’s eyes. With that, Daniel was certain: “He’s shaken.” The expression on Belvar’s face wasn’t just unease—it was the look of someone desperately trying to mask their fear. “Good,” Daniel thought to himself. If Belvar had brushed this off with a scoff, it would’ve been Daniel in trouble. “If he’d seen me as just another lowly staff officer, things might’ve gone south.” But no—Belvar genuinely feared Daniel. And Daniel’s hunch that Belvar overestimated him proved correct. “In that case…” Maintaining his composure, Daniel reached into his coat and pulled out a document. Belvar swallowed hard at the sight of it. “This is…” Daniel nodded calmly. “A copy of the records we gathered after dismantling His Highness the Prince’s secret organization, Dawn of the Morning. I’m sure you understand its implications, Your Grace.” With a slight gesture, Daniel handed over the document. As Belvar scanned through it, his hands trembled ever so slightly. The detailed operation timeline left no doubt—it wasn’t fabricated evidence. “Your Grace,” Daniel continued smoothly, “imagine what happens if this leaks. His Highness the Prince’s path to becoming Crown Prince will be far from smooth, and citizens across the Empire will demand justice against the insurrectionists.” Belvar clenched his teeth, knowing full well what Daniel would say next. “We’ll inform the people. Before punishing the rebels, investigations revealed connections to certain noble families… including yours, the Bahartlante family.” Belvar’s eyes widened as he glared at Daniel, the paper trembling between his fingers. How dare an orphan—a mere vagrant—threaten one of the Empire’s most prestigious noble houses? Enraged, Belvar slammed the document onto the table. “You piece of trash! The rumors about you aren’t exaggerated at all. How someone as vulgar and wicked as you can stand by Her Highness the Princess is beyond comprehension!” Though Belvar raised his voice, Daniel merely wore an awkward smile. “I humbly accept whatever judgment you have of me, Your Grace. However, let’s remember that this isn’t a place for criticism but for making choices.” “Choices?! What kind of choice do you expect me to make?!” “Surely, wise Duke Belvar already knows…” Belvar shut his mouth mid-protest, realizing what Daniel implied. “Impossible…” “Yes. That impossible scenario. Should you step aside in the succession struggle, we guarantee absolute secrecy. Your family would remain untainted from all this.” Belvar hesitated, processing the offer. It was tempting—too tempting—but betrayal didn’t sit well with him. “However, given my loyalty to His Highness the Prince…” “Don’t test my patience. There’s no way I’d collude with someone like you.” Despite Belvar’s firm stance, Daniel remained unfazed, even letting out a faint smirk before standing up. “You refuse collaboration. Very well—I respect your decision, though I don’t quite understand why. Did you forget what I said earlier?” Moving gracefully toward the whiskey cabinet, Daniel opened it with a theatrical flourish. “If you reject this, it won’t simply end with your life. Oh, look—a fine whiskey collection here.” Ignoring Belvar’s growing anxiety, Daniel pulled out a bottle of Johnny Walker and continued. “Let me clarify again, shall I? This time, I’ll describe your future instead.” Belvar broke into a cold sweat as Daniel casually summoned a nearby servant to fetch ice. Once the servant returned, Daniel poured himself a drink, then leaned against a shelf, speaking lightly. “I hear your eldest son runs RideSharp Company—a leading enterprise in our Empire’s automotive industry. Pioneering automated assembly lines, they’ve revolutionized mass production, allowing many commoners affordable vehicles. Truly admirable.” He polished a glass with a handkerchief, adding softly, “Perhaps he’s worth a thumb—or rather, the symbol of excellence itself. Don’t you agree?” Without responding, Belvar stared straight ahead, too afraid to turn around. “Even I acknowledge your son’s achievements in the auto industry. Yet whether Her Highness the Princess shares the same view remains questionable.” Daniel sipped his drink thoughtfully. “Should she ascend the throne, I’d advise a thorough investigation of RideSharp Company. After all, its owner belongs to the family of the traitor Belvar.” Belvar gasped audibly. Sensing his distress, Daniel pressed further. “Should evidence emerge linking your son to funding insurgents during the investigation… Well, that’d complicate matters, wouldn’t it? Horrifying even to imagine.” Just as the servant returned with the ice, Daniel gestured for him to pour some into the glass. Pouring himself a drink, Daniel turned back to Belvar, who finally spoke weakly. “…My son has nothing to do with this. I swear it.” Daniel shrugged nonchalantly, raising the glass to his lips. “Hmm. To me, it seems otherwise.” “Stop framing him! Daniel Steiner!” “Ah, my mistake. Not ‘seems’—rather…” Approaching Belvar from behind, Daniel placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “…I’ll ensure there’s a connection.” Belvar’s eyes widened in horror at the chilling tone. Watching Belvar pale, Daniel moved back to his seat. “And don’t count on help from the Security Bureau either—they’ll follow orders from the new Emperor.” Setting the glass down on the table, Daniel added ominously, “Nor will it stop at your eldest son. Your second son in the electrical industry and your third running the oil company—they’ll all get dragged into this mess.” “Th-that’s…” Breathing grew heavier, verging on hyperventilation. Smiling warmly, Daniel delivered the final blow. “Soon enough, three of your fingers will be severed. With only two left, how will anyone want to shake hands with you? They’ll avoid you altogether.” Struggling to breathe, Belvar suddenly squeezed his eyes shut, emitting a near-scream. Rushing over, the servant offered water and medicine, which Belvar hastily consumed. Gradually, his breathing calmed, though his eyes remained closed. Watching silently, Daniel leaned forward and snapped his fingers. The sharp sound startled Belvar awake. Before him stood Daniel, extending a hand. No trace of humanity lingered in Daniel’s smile. “What are you doing?” Daniel wiggled the extended hand gently. “You’ve had your chance to revisit the past. Now, it’s time to make the right choice.” Grab my hand before it’s too late. That’s what Daniel clearly conveyed.