Chapter 496: Heavy Steps.
Inside the De Vere Estate, Count Graham and Count Laurence were engaged in conversation with a few other nobles. Although the gathering was small, the attendees were all influential figures - the kind who could shift the tides of power with a single word. Count Graham stood tall, exuding confidence as he greeted his guests, his voice smooth and measured. For him, this was merely an opportunity to forge new alliances. The trial Robert was involved in was a minor distraction, not something that concerned him.
“Caunt Laurence, I must apologize that you had to get involved in this incident, I hope we still can have a chat once all this is over?”
Count Laurence had agreed to serve as an official judge for the duel, making any discussion of the matter off-limits. However, once it was all over, Graham still planned to resume their negotiations. Their previous conversation had been cut short by Roland before it could gain momentum, and Graham was determined to rebuild the trust that had been lost. Once Robert lost the duel, everything would finally return to normal. In a way, it was for the best as once the young man was out of the picture, his daughter would have no more excuses. In Graham’s mind, the duel was perhaps a better solution to this problem that would be resolved in just an hour.
"We will see how things unfold, Count Graham. I trust you'll cooperate if the young man somehow emerges victorious in the bout, yes?"
For a moment, Graham was taken aback by Laurence's insinuation. The idea of someone of a lesser class and level winning such a duel was unprecedented. There was a reason why no one without a higher-tier class and level ever invoked this law as it was practically impossible to win. After a brief pause, his lips curled into a smug smile, and he replied.
"Count Laurence, you have a talent for jesting! But of course, if the young man is somehow victorious, I won’t pursue the matter further. You know I respect the laws of the land. But do tell, do you think the boy stands a chance?"
Graham was a shrewd man, and even he sensed something off about the situation. His suspicions were soon confirmed by Laurence.
"Mmm... Well, don’t you find it strange that they invoked that old law and this quickly? I didn’t even have a chance to listen to any witnesses! While the young man might be naive, that gentleman with him certainly wasn’t. I can’t help but wonder if there’s some kind of plan in motion... How interesting, wouldn’t you agree?"
Count Laurence grasped his protruding belly and let out a jolly laugh as the other nobles around them listened and nodded in agreement. Count Graham chuckled along with the rest of the nobles in an attempt to mask his unease. However, Count Laurence’s words gnawed at the back of his mind. It was true that this man called Wayland was troublesome. Even his well-trained men could not pierce through his magic. Even now he was unable to confirm what they were making in that workshop nor what Robert was given for the duel.