Chapter 489: New Plan.
‘That’s quite the sum, not something you’d offer to just anyone. Could the Count be desperate to resolve this quietly? or does he just wish to build a new bridge to the institute?’Roland stood before his current enemy, Count Graham De Vere. What he saw was unexpected but not unusual. Bribery from nobles was nothing new; it was just part of how they operated. However, even though the stack of royal coins was there, Roland didn't expect to receive any of them directly. Graham was a shrewd man and was likely just testing the waters. They were there to provide him with a taste of what could be gained if he cooperated.
Count Graham De Vere's sharp eyes studied Roland as he stood in the grand hall, surrounded by layers of protection and wealth. The silence between them was thick, only broken by the faint crackle of the knights' armor. Graham picked up one of the royal coins and started playing around with it and finally began to speak."You understand, Professor Wayland, that situations like these can be... delicate, but they can be resolved through other means. I apologize for the rude welcome and for what you saw in my dungeon but… I think we can resolve this issue, without the institute getting involved any further.”
Roland's eyes flicked to the coins, but his gaze went unnoticed thanks to the mithril helmet he wore. He was less interested in the wealth the man possessed and more focused on the layers of magical defenses. The enchantments were expertly crafted, similar to those he had studied at the institute. He knew he could break through them if he wanted, but with all the knights gathered around, he would likely be stopped before he could act. "I'm aware of the complexities, but I’m not sure what you are getting at. Do you wish me to retreat after seeing that young man be mistreated without a proper trial?”He replied in a somewhat neutral tone while trying to keep up his righteous professor persona. To these people, most of their problems would go away if he wasn’t here. Normally, they would probably remove him with force, but this option was risky due to the Arch-Magus ties.
"You must understand, Professor Wayland." Graham began, his voice sounding smooth yet calculated. "This is not about bypassing justice, but rather about maintaining the stability of my city and my lands. I can not show leniency even when children of nobles are involved. He tried to abduct my own daughter and this is something I can never forgive!”“Your daughter? Lucille De Vere correct?”“Yes, that is her name. If it wasn’t for Commander Leopold and his men, who intercepted the abduction in time, my daughter could have been taken away by that criminal. Professor Wayland, surely you can see the gravity of this offense?"“Criminal… abduction? Is that really what happened? Could I speak to the young lady to confirm this matter?”It seemed that the count was going down this route without caring much for the truth of the matter. Lucille would definitely go against the notion that Robert tried to abduct her without her consent. This meant that Graham was not planning to let his daughter testify on this event and he confirmed this with his next statement. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Professor. My daughter is still recovering from the shock of the incident, and I would not subject her to further distress by dragging her into this unpleasant business. I trust you understand a father’s concern.”Count Graham De Vere’s face hardened slightly at Roland’s request, though he kept his tone controlled. It was clear that he wouldn’t be getting any direct statements from his daughter but luckily he had already recorded her side of the story. Presenting the evidence during the trial would be hard as he did break a few rules to get it. This was not the institute and the mages here could lie about his magic being nothing but an illusion. “Is that so? Won’t you reconsider, from what I have gathered, the young lady and Robert Arden had an extensive relationship dating to the times she attended the institute…”While he couldn’t force him to give her up, he could at least present him as being unreasonable. Count Graham's expression hardened even more as Roland mentioned the relationship between Lucille and Robert. He was certainly not expecting anyone to know about his daughter’s past to such an extent. Graham took a moment but eventually replied with a sharp tone."That is irrelevant, Professor, whatever relationship they had, it does not excuse his actions. He overstepped, and now he must face the consequences."Roland remained silent for a moment, studying the Count. It was clear that Graham was desperate to maintain control of the narrative, even if it meant bending the truth. The longer they talked, the less appealing the man became, and it quickly became evident that Roland's cooperation couldn't be bought. If Roland had played along, the Count would likely have shifted the conversation toward investing in the institute, but it never reached that point."Count Graham, I understand your concerns as a father, but I must point out that justice cannot be one-sided. If Robert Arden is to stand trial for his alleged crimes, then all evidence must be presented, including testimonies that may challenge your version of events.""You overstep your bounds, Professo." Graham rebutted the claims while slamming his fist onto the desk. The knights around them shifted slightly as if waiting for their leader to order them to attack."You forget whose city this is, whose lands these are. I have the power to make this very difficult for you, should you continue to insist on meddling in affairs that do not concern you."Roland didn’t move, nor did his visor turn away from the man’s intense gaze. It was clear that this was as far as the count was willing to go in their negotiation. There was no reason to pry in further, the man was unwilling to budge on this issue at all. He was on dangerous ground, and pushing too hard could result in severe consequences not just for him but for Robert as well. “I understand the position you’re in, Count Graham, but remember, justice is not served by silencing dissent. The truth must come to light for the benefit of all parties involved.”“Your idealism is admirable, Professor, but it is not practical in the real world. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. I suggest you consider your next steps carefully.”Graham waved his words off as some kind of nonsense. Roland didn’t believe it fully either but his persona needed to be established. He needed to show the count that he would not relent on this issue which he saw as something unjust.