The way I was treated by Sub-Baron Ravioli was classic office politics.
It’s no different than a senior executive in a company trying to block a rising talent from advancing too quickly.
“What could I have done to deserve this?”
Chloe, walking beside , echoed my sentint with an earnest nod.
“You’ve done nothing wrong, sir. That sub-baron is being unreasonable.”
Her gaze was filled with concern.
“You even look after the other servants. You’re nothing like those other nobles.”
It’s not that I’m particularly virtuous. I simply haven’t had any reason to do otherwise.
In office politics, being disliked often doesn’t require a reason.
The point is to eliminate soone as a threat before they rise any higher.
“In this world, people don’t need a reason to cause trouble for others.”
At this, Chloe bowed her head slightly, clenching her jaw.
“Don’t worry too much. This fight is already won.”
The mbers of the Tears of the Spider had gathered more information than I anticipated.
The Sub-Baron wouldn’t get away unscathed.
“If he’s hit once, he’d better be ready to bleed for it.”
Chloe’s voice was subdued, with a hint of sadness.
“I just wish I could be of more help.”
“Just by being with , you’re already helping.”
“That’s not enough.”
Truth be told, Chloe’s presence has made this ordeal easier.
It might sound odd, but having her around is like owning an affectionate pet—like a cat with the loyalty of a dog.
Just patting her head sohow dissipates any lingering anger I feel.
But before I could say anything more, the coachman spoke.
“We’ve arrived at Sub-Baron Ravioli’s estate.”
I wanted to reassure Chloe, but business ca first.
He dared to take my bribe and then cross ? I wasn’t going to let this go.
Surprisingly, Sub-Baron Ravioli didn’t seem fazed by my sudden visit.
In fact, he received with a certain warmth.
“Lovely tea, quite fragrant.”
“My butler has a knack for brewing tea.”
He held his shoulders high, with a smug grin stretching ear to ear.
His posture and expression seed to scream, “What can a whelp like you possibly do? Bow down.”
Arrogant and foolish.
“I’d like to spend more ti with you, but I have official duties tomorrow. Let’s get to the point.”
He was practically glowing with self-satisfaction.
Let him bask in it; it’ll be his last mont of joy.
“I know the real reason you denied my guild permit.”
His face imdiately lost its smugness.
He must have assud I’d co to beg, not to threaten.
“You received quite a generous ‘gift’ from the Pachi Guild, didn’t you? To the tune of 250 gold coins.”
I sotis forget how much I make, but 250 gold is still a significant amount.
For the common folk, that’s a year’s living expenses for 750 people—a fortune, even for most nobles.
“And that’s not all. You accepted a total of nearly 1,000 gold. That’s more than the annual inco of so small baronies. This isn’t a gift; it’s a bribe.”
His face, once calm, now showed hints of panic. His leg began to twitch uncontrollably.
“I also hear that your daughter has been seen around town with the heir of the Valliare Barony. Rumor has it that she’s carrying his child.”
The Sub-Baron’s face grew paler as I continued.
“To cover up this little accident, you’ve been scrambling for funds, I see.”
He slamd his fist onto the desk and stood.
“And? Is there a noble in this empire who’s clean?”
If there ever was, they’re long dead. I agree with him on that.
Even in Joseon, Admiral Yi Sun-sin refused to partake in corruption, yet survived and beca a legend.
Here, though, staying clean without the backing of exceptional talent is next to impossible.
“Do you think that’s all I know?”
I spread several docunts in front of him, each one more incriminating than the last.
“The Pachi Guild has officially switched allegiance to the Sforza faction. You must have thought they were still aligned with the Visconti Duke.”
Sub-Baron Ravioli’s eyes widened as he skimd the docunts.
“This... This can’t be. It’s impossible!”
And yet, it was the truth.
“David Pachi, the guild master, is preparing his heir for knighthood and has aligned with the Sforzas. So every favor you did for him? Now it’s treason.”
I could tell he felt trapped. As far as he knew, he was playing the ga like a proper noble.
But his political maneuvering turned out to be aiding a rival faction, which would label him a traitor.
He sank to his knees before .
“Please, spare my family. I’ll do whatever you say. You know I’d never willingly betray the Duke.”
Desperation painted his face. He knew the consequences: disgrace, and the end of his lineage.
“You think begging for rcy will save you? What could I possibly gain from that?”
The longer I succeed, the closer I’ll get to securing a barony for myself.
I have no need for a ruined sub-baron clinging to .
“I’ll show a shred of rcy.”
I didn’t want to waste ti trying to publicly ruin him. I’m no hero, and I don’t care for a ssy scandal.
I have no intention of becoming a whistleblower and facing the likely dire consequences.
The Visconti Duke will hear of this in a few days. He’ll probably send you a final letter.
Consider it your last chance to exit gracefully—before you’re forced to drink poison.
“Make the wise choice.”
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