’That bastard! Who does he think he is? Not only does he refuse to listen to anything we have to say, but he dismisses us without even giving us a reason. Ugh, I want to smash his head in as soon as I can-’
Valary’s anger guided her steps. It was making her see red, and even the walls of the Duke’s castle looked like fragile garbage to her.
Her heart held only a desire for revenge that she wanted to fulfill, and she was ready to throw the first punch when she sensed a familiar presence heading her way.
Kael had followed her out, and his presence acted like a soothing balm on her irritated soul. It forced her to calm down, and she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Miss Valary, are you alright? My brother was too harsh on you. I apologize for his behavior. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with."
Kael told her, and Valary felt a part of herself being soothed.
Finally, someone in this family had some sense and was willing to hear her out.
Valary immediately pretended to cry again, and actual tears stung her eyes. Even if she was acting, her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
"I-I apologize...I did not mean to cry. But my emotions...I cannot control them properly."
Once Valary started crying, there was no way to stop her. Kael looked at a loss for words as well. But he decided to place a hand on her shoulder and speak reassuringly.
"Miss Valary, please calm down. I am here to listen to you and help you out. If you have any troubles, you can talk to me about them."
Kael assured her, and Valary became even more convinced that this naive young master would be the one to help her.
She had heard about the deeds performed by Grand Master Kael, so she had formed the image of a stoic young master in her mind. But the actual person standing before her was rather soft-hearted and easy to use.
Valary threw herself at Kael and decided it was time to act seriously.
"Young Master, your elder brother is too much. I know he does not like our proposal, but did he have to be this rude and merciless? I felt so humiliated-! This is not fair! You agree as well, right?"
Valary slipped a little charm magic into her performance, blending it perfectly with her acting. Even if Grand Master Kael sensed the magic, she doubted he would be able to distinguish it from the ordinary charms she wore.
And as expected, Kael did not bring up her use of magic. Instead, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders a little tighter and looked determined to help her.
"You are right. My brother can be a little too much at times. He should have listened to you more carefully. Should I talk to him for you-"
"No, it’s fine. I don’t think talking to Sir Adrian will resolve anything. I would rather have you listen to us and help us instead."
Valary was sowing the seeds of suspicion in Kael’s mind. With this, she was going to make sure her next suggestion took root.
As expected, Kael nodded in agreement.
"Of course I will help you out. But I am not the Duke-"
"Sir Kael, please become the next Duke! You are the only one who can do this. Please, I believe in you."
Valary grabbed Kael’s hands and pulled them closer to her chest. Her eyes looked at Kael with a glint of determination, urging him to act on her behalf.
Most people would have been flattered, but Kael looked taken aback and a little shy. It almost looked as if he would refuse, which made Valary curse inwardly.
’Darn it! Did I push too hard? I should take it a little easier next time.’
She started to pull back, and Kael decided it was time for his own attack. He tightened his grip around Valary’s hands and looked her in the eyes.
"Miss Valary, I have decided...I will help you out. I think I can do this much. I have not been here for long, but I can already tell that my brother is not fit to rule...So, what are we going to do next?"
Kael asked, and Valary smiled. Her body felt much lighter after hearing those words, and she gave him a determined look.
"Don’t worry! I have the perfect plan to make your elder brother step down. Then you can take over as the next Duke. Please don’t look so worried. I promise it won’t be difficult. With me by your side, I can assure you that you won’t make any mistakes during your rule."
Valary promised before finally pulling away.
Kael gave her a trusting look while feeling like laughing on the inside.
Valary had no idea how thoroughly she was being played by him at that moment. But it would not be long before she got to see his true colors.
"I will call for a meeting. As I said, there are many people who secretly support you, my lord. I will gather them all within two days, and then we can hold a meeting regarding our future."
Valary promised before finally leaving.
Kael sighed as he watched her retreating figure before heading toward Adrian’s office to report what had happened.
As much as he wanted to resolve the situation himself, there were certain boundaries he knew he could not cross without turning himself into a genuine enemy. But all of that could be avoided if he made the Duke his accomplice.
Adrian came to the same conclusion as Kael—that it would be better for Kael to act as bait and draw out all the filth daring to oppose them.
However, his opinion regarding the timing of the operation was different.
Kael wanted to end everything at the meeting, but Adrian did not think that was enough. They needed concrete evidence of Valary and her companions’ crimes, and catching them in the act was the best way to do it.
And what better stage could there be than a rebellion?
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