Since now that he was Gotham’s dragon, there were some things that he couldn’t let others easily slander! Insulting him wasn’t a big deal, he never minded that… but if you insult his two sweethearts, then you’re just asking for it!
Actually, Lin Xiao never minded that pork… oh no, Bacon guy. He knew that he became a Baron at a young age and was spoiled by his father, so it was natural to have a temper, so he didn’t mind him. Since Bacon didn’t know his own identity, what was the big deal of him saying a couple of things? If Lin Xiao got worked up by these kinds of people, he would be overworked.
But having your own identity suspected was quite troublesome, Lin Xiao planned on having a chat with Gerrard and using his own eloquence to win his trust. That’s why he didn’t come on hard, but Bacon saw his concessions as weakness and tried to cross the line multiple times which eventually ended up like this.
That smack didn’t just make Bacon’s face red, but also shattered his dreams. At the same time, everyone stared in shock, even the guards forgot their jobs and just stood there not knowing what to do.
It was the first time they’ve seen such an arrogant liar, not only did he not submit, but he also smacked someone in front of everyone. They didn’t know whether to commend him for being brave, or laugh that he actually tricked himself in thinking he was Gotham’s dragon!
He even said something about helping Claire discipline her retainer… aren’t you getting too into it?
“Y-you stinking kid… How dare you hit me!? Bastard, did you know that my dad has never even hit me! Who the hell do you think you are!?”
“Oh, then just treat me as your dad.”
“What did you say? You shameless…”
Slap!
Just as Bacon was about to curse at him again, another loud slap was heard!
“Apologize!”
Lin Xiao didn’t want to hear any more of his nonsense as he commanded him while raising his hand and slapping him again, leaving another red handprint behind.
Two clear red handprints were left behind, one on each side of his face.
“I… I…”
The second slap didn’t just hurt his face, his legs also went soft and he almost fell over as he stumbled around to regain balance.
He suddenly realized that Lin Xiao was just desperate and he was already cornered! So he endured his anger and turned to holler at Gerrard!
“Gerrard! Did you see this? This liar actually thinks he’s Gotham’s dragon and roughed me up… why aren’t you getting someone to arrest him!?”
He had thought that Gerrard would surely order the guards to arrest Lin Xiao, but to his surprise, Gerrard secretly stopped the guard captain who was about to rush over.
“Gerrard!? Are you deaf?”
“Uh… no… I just… hm, right! You’re right, as a Baron, how could you endure this kind of humiliation? It’s outrageous!”
Gerrard clenched his fists and made a show of it while also secretly giving a look to the guard captain, telling him not to do anything rashly.
Bacon didn’t notice, but Lin Xiao did. He didn’t do anything and just faintly smiled while waiting for Gerrard’s decision.
“Baron Bacon! A-are you hurt?”
“Hmph, don’t worry about me, I’m fine. How could he hurt me? What a joke! I didn’t even feel any pain, none at all! It was just a tickle!”
“Puh, your face is all swollen, how could it not hurt…”
“Gerrard, what did you say?”
“Ah? N-nothing… cough, you’re right! A liar that impersonates someone else must be weak, how could he injure you?”
Gerrard found it funny that Bacon was trying to act tough and almost laughed out loud, he muttered something and held in his laugh while he got back on topic.
“You’re right!” Bacon continued to act tough to protect his dignity, “I’m a fifth-level magician! How could I be attacked so easily? I was just too close earlier and was careless, otherwise, he wouldn’t even be able to touch my sleeves!”
“That’s right! Baron Bacon, you’re already a fifth-level magician at such a young age, a true genius, how could you be on par with a liar like that?”
Gerrard nodded and watched Bacon fall into the hole he dug himself as he spoke the final sentence.
“Baron Bacon, as the deputy manager, I won’t allow someone to insult your dignity!”
“So you’re finally getting someone to arrest him?”
Bacon smiled and thought Gerrard was finally going to order someone to arrest Lin Xiao, but his words were like a bucket of cold water that extinguished his expectations.
“So Baron Bacon, I decided to allow you to personally punish that bastard, for your own dignity!”
“…Hah?”
Baron didn’t understand what he was saying, everyone else was also lost as well and didn’t know where this was going.
“Gerrard, what are you saying? Getting me to personally punish this kid?”
“That’s right! … Guard captain, you, you, and you guys… step back and make some space for Baron Bacon!”
Gerrard chased everyone out and emptied out the room, then he walked to a side and spoke.
“Bacon Baron, you must be angry being insulted by a stinking kid like that and want revenge, right? But you can’t get your own dignity back personally because you’re worried that people would say you’re bullying the weak… okay, if that’s the case, then I’ll make an exception today!”
“Hah?”
“Baron Bacon, if you’re sure he’s a liar, then please personally punish him for his crimes!”
“W-what do you mean?”
“It’s simple… please personally beat him up! We’ll cheer you on!”
“… What!?”
Everyone finally realized Gerrard’s intentions and smiled. It was simple… he was planning on forcing Bacon to fight with Lin Xiao! Even though he couldn’t discern the youth’s true identity, he suddenly remembered something, Lin Xiao was strong, extremely strong, and he apparently easily took care of the traitor Hardy, so naturally, he should be able to beat Baron Bacon!
If he was really Lin Xiao, then he could beat Bacon and prove his identity!
If he couldn’t beat Bacon, then he must be a liar! Then Gerrard would successfully have dealt with this and let Bacon make a show of it and take out his anger, what’s not to like?
There was nothing simpler than this idea… Gerrard regretted not thinking of it earlier.
What was the proof for Gotham’s dragon?
Was it that useless badge?
Or someone’s testimony and trust?
No!
The badge could be forged, or stolen, and trust could be lies and bribed, but there’s one thing that couldn’t be faked!
Strength!
“Baron Bacon, come on, don’t hold back! Even if you kill him, we won’t intervene!”
Now the stage was set and Gerrard just had to add some more firewood to make the fire burn more to welcome the dragon’s descent!
“No one move, don’t cause trouble for the Baron! I’ll take full responsibility if anything happens.”
“He must pay for insulting the Baron!”
“So Baron Bacon… please!!”
Gerrard also silently retreated out of the door and watched along with everyone else.
“Cough… the prelude was a bit long, so, are you still not planning on apologizing?”
Lin Xiao shook his head and ignored everyone else as he stared at Bacon while massaging his palms. He walked over while moving his shoulders like he was warming up for the slaps to come.
“It might be annoying and my hand hurts a bit, but I’m afraid I can only hit you until you apologize!”