Chapter 61: Manipulation
Zachary lowered his head, gently sipping wine as a glint of calculation flashed in his eyes.
He sighed with feigned helplessness: "Perhaps. After all, this Tudor seems not to understand respecting others. If it were me, I’d definitely come personally in advance to pay respects to your lordship."
Earl Foss frowned deeply, anger beginning to surface on his face.
The banquet’s clamor seemed drawn to these words, the atmosphere growing somewhat heavy.
Earl Foss was silent momentarily, then slapped the table: "This Tudor needs a lesson. Make him know the Northern Province isn’t a lawless place."
"In the coming operation, I’ll send him to the most dangerous places, charging at the front!" Earl Foss thought, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Plan successful.
Zachary allowed himself the smallest of satisfied smiles, though he was careful to keep it subtle enough to pass for mere sympathy with his lord’s righteous anger. Deep within his chest, his heart swelled with a twisted, intoxicating pleasure that coursed through his veins like the finest wine. This delicious sensation of manipulation bearing fruit, of watching his carefully laid words reshape reality according to his will, filled him with an almost euphoric sense of power and control.
Earl Foss’ decision was exactly the result of his careful scheming.
Ever since Vaerik had embarrassed him at the banquet, Zachary’s heart had accumulated anger.
Especially Vaerik’s disdainful look, which severely wounded his self-esteem.