Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Use the rumors.

The rumors?

Ian glanced at Molrin. It was as if he was telling him, Listen carefully, Im about to provide the answer you want.

To be precise, we should spread rumors that fulfill desires. For instance, eating it makes the skin smoother, hair shinier and thicker. Or it aids in weight loss or weight gain. If we claim its effective for pregnancy, people will be desperate to consume it. Then, theyll be itching to eat it.

Regardless of gender.

In fact, this was a method often used by the central court. It was a basic yet effective method to shape public opinion and correct market imbalances.

Thats interesting. The citizens of the palace are nimble and clever. A groundless rumor will quickly be extinguished. So whats the next step?

Mack questioned, his voice echoing as he sipped on his sherry.

The mans question wasnt an issue either.

We can set guards. Ian placed his index and middle fingers on the table, mimicking a persons legs, then slowly traced a circle next to the dish. You make a show of guarding it, but you intentionally leave a weak spot. Its human nature to desire something valuable. Theyll steal it, even if whats being guarded is worthless, wondering what it could be that esteemed people guard day and night. When the time comes, they cant stop it even if they want to, and everyone naturally comes into contact. However,

However?

Those are just minor issues. The essential problem is whether an alternative food source will really emerge.

Molrin, Mack, and Dgor felt static in their brains. After all, they were from the Central Court,where the top echelons of the empire congregatedimplying that they had seen countless types of people.

Such answers were expected from those who boasted of their academic prowess, but they had never seen a kid, who had just shed his infancy, answer so astutely. Especially one who had been wandering around the red-light district until recently.

Then the three men recalled the issue they should have considered first.

Should the second-born really cross the border instead of the first-born?

They had overlooked it. No, they had been arrogant. They assumed that the bastard child from the slums would naturally fall behind.

Whether Ian was aware of this or not, he smiled brightly and brought the steak to his mouth.

Its really delicious.

Indeed, it seems the good weather enhances the flavor.

What started as a light luncheon had now transformed its atmosphere. Ian noticed that all eyes were on him.

This is as far as I go concerning the grulla.

Now was the time for the main event. Ian intended to investigate why Dergha had played his hand through a letter and if there was a chance for him to get out of the mansion.

Do you enjoy writing, young master Ian?

The conversation resumed. Mack asked Ian, but his gaze naturally shifted towards the Counts wife and Chel. Even though they had come to see Ian, a conversation too focused on one person was considered rude.

I heard that your wife has a discerning eye for literature. I presume your children are also exceptional.

Oh my. Thats too generous of you. Its just a little bit of scribbling. Isnt it true, Sir Mack, that you have authored two books? I am embarrassed to receive such praise from someone like you.

Dgor butted in as response to her modest tone. Madam, you need not be so humble. In my view, Sir Mac is more proficient at writing letters than books. If anyone receives a letter from him, they cry tears of love and scream out in joy.

Dgor! Thats quite the exaggeration.

Haha! Young master Ian, you should ask Sir Mac for help if you ever need to write a letter. It will be quite useful.

The mans jesting gesture, even winking, seemed incredibly comical. The lady of the house laughed heartily, seeming to enjoy the joke, but Derghas expression was unusually dark. He found the content of their conversation extremely uncomfortable.

But what does it matter? Since Ian had already detected Derghas intentions, if he were to appear before the tribal leader, everything would undoubtedly be exposed.

Well, hes not likely to do that.

The subsequent conversations of little significance were scattered by the wind. Around Mack and Dgor, and the Countess, hearty laughter broke out.

So, Prince Gale, the second Prince, has said, Immediately lock that arrogant child in a pigsty!'

Oh my! Are you serious?

Yes, hes quite the belligerent one.

Ohoho! How terrible!

Suddenly, Ian tilted his head in confusion.

Molrin, Mack, and Dgor were officials dispatched from the central court. All officials follow the Emperor and the official heir in carrying out their duties. Its significant for these people to be away from the capital for several months.

Either they were carrying the trust of the Emperor due to their importance

Or they were distanced from their positions.

Dergha, who was unfamiliar with the capitals affairs, didnt know, but Ian felt a strange hunch.

Why do they keep mentioning the second prince?

The official heir is the first prince, so their lord should naturally be the first prince as well.

Of course, there are followers of other princes too, but they are mostly those who are far from the center of power.

But these three men have consistently spoken of Prince Gale, the second prince.

Young master Ian, what are you thinking about?

No, I was just listening to your conversation, its quite entertaining.

Is that so? I thought I misread you. You look so solemn. Hehe.

Molrin subtly diverted Ians attention. His face was smiling, but his eyes were cold and persistent, scrutinizing the boy. Was the golden eye he saw at their first dinner a mere illusion? He heard that magic users have significantly higher intellectual capabilities than ordinary people. If thats the case, perhaps

Count Dergha. While wiping his mouth with a napkin, Molrin began. As if it were a signal, Mack and Dgor ceased their conversation. Like I felt before, young master Ians scholarship is quite remarkable, it always surprises even me. It must be due to the excellent education policy of the Count and the Countess.

Thats too kind.

Thus, I have a small favor to ask.

At that remark, Dergha took a somewhat anxious sip of his wine.

That cunning old fox. How many times has he caused trouble with his favors?

As Dergha chose his response, a brief silence fell. At this moment, Ian didnt miss his chance.

Would you like to take a tour of my room?

Ian asked with a hint of mischief.

While his speech wasnt very aristocratic, it was a childs playful manners. Pointing out his informal tone would be ungraceful. Countess Mary seemed irritated, glaring at the back of Ians head.

That would be nice, but this time its about something else.

Everyone in the household, including Count Dergha, focused their gaze on Molrins mouth. Only Mack and Dgor appeared composed, as if they already anticipated this.