Perval opened his jaw slightly, as if to argue, but he knew better than that.
Arguing would only an that Justinian would twist his words against him; right now, he was at a disadvantage.
Even if he stord out of the manor and pleaded with the citizens, none would help; it doesn’t matter what happens to him as long as Matthias replaces his position.
Justinian’s rcy is the only thing that can keep him alive.
"W-what do y-you want to know, my lord?"
Justinian smiled at his obedience; it ant his job would be much easier than having to find creative ways to make him talk.
"Your servants, where are they?"
Justinian asked that question first, because it didn’t add up to him, if Perval fled, but then returned due to mistaking Ryhne’s n for his, then where are his servants?
"..."
"I left them in a rush..."
Justinian raised a brow. He didn’t expect such a simple answer; he expected so sort of master plan or cruel tactic, but it was actually just Perval saving his own skin.
"I see, then let’s get straight to the point."
Justinian inched his sword closer, close enough that one slight movent could draw blood from Perval’s neck.
"Go outside and tell them you were embezzling money."
Perval was now sweating buckets, hesitant at the order; the crowd would eat him alive before a court trial could happen if he did that.
"My lord! The peasants will eat alive!"
Justinian sighed. He still had energy to argue?
"Would you rather I slice your head open then?"
After all the events that had transpired, Justinian was now confident against Perval; he didn’t seem like the type to be cunning or villainous.
More like just a careless, greedy official who can’t think straight when under pressure.
That ant he had the advantage.
And that ans even Justinian’s threat, which usually would be a dumb choice, would be highly effective here.
"I need an answer, Perval."
Justinian repeated, twisting his sword to emphasize his words.
"V-very well..."
Justinian laughed, backing away slightly before pointing at the exit. "Chop chop then, can’t keep our citizens waiting, can we?"
[The Book of War Responds]
15 Prestige
’Another one...?’
’Again... I’ll leave that for later.’
Justinian tapped his foot once, urging Perval to speed things up, curiosity driving Justinian to finish this job quickly so he could figure out what prestige ant.
Perval groaned, standing up hesitantly before heading towards the exit, all the while Justinian was behind him, monitoring his every move.
CREAK.
The mont they exited the manor, the crowd outside began shouting, with Javier making sure no one entered the gates.
"My lord! You have returned."
"Yes, yes, and I’ve brought along the culprit with . Care to tell them what you told ?"
Justinian looked at Perval and winked, his crimson eyes burning straight to his skull at its mocking gaze.
Perval looked at the crowd, his entire body stiff, ready to get ganged up on.
"I... I’ve embezzled... taxes."
Perval said in a murmur.
"Louder, Perval, not all of us have superhearing."
Justinian said, kicking Perval in the back and forcing him out of the safety of his gates, and just ters away from the mob.
"I-I..."
He looked behind him briefly, seeing Justinian look at him with a cruel smile, sothing Justinian himself wasn’t even aware that he was doing.
It seed like the old lord’s mories were embedded deeper than he thought.
"I embezzled taxes for my own benefit! Are you happy?!"
Perval yelled out, his entire face red with sha, and his eyes glazed with fear.
Justinian smiled wider at the admission, then finally looked at the crowd.
"Citizens, consider this my gift to you all, raid his manor for riches like how he used your own money for his own benefit."
"Go wild."
Justinian declared, clapping his hands once as the entire crowd cheered.
This alone should be enough to increase his reputation. Citizens might love Matthias, but what they love more? money, and even more so if that money cos from a noble who wronged them.
’Normally, this would be a horrible choice... but since all my nobles hate anyway, I’d care not if they consider this as an act of war.’
[The Book of War Responds]
15 Prestige
’I guess it’s ti I check this out...’
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