Chapter 38: The Black Crow Gets Caught In Its Own Trap

Chapter 38: The Black Crow Gets Caught In Its Own Trap

I havent seen theft as ridiculous as this. He wanted a slave in return for a slave?

He was demanding Cassadin in return for giving me Tuule.

Would Damian have any idea? That he had just been caught in the trap that he had set.

Yes. Your Grace has given me a slave.

I nodded in acknowledgment of Damians claims. When I agreed with him, a victorious smile appeared on Damians face. On the other hand, the Crown Prince tilted his head in confusion.

Why did the Grand Duke give Milady a slave?

.The slave His Grace had given me is not actually mine.

With a smile, I continued to speak.

The slave that His Grace had given me was actually the gift he had prepared for Your Highnesss birthday.

What? But I cant understand that either. Why did the Grand Duke want to give me a slave for my birthday, and why are you in possession of that slave?

See. That was a normal persons reaction. I slowly surveyed the people in the banquet hall. They were all watching us with engrossed expressions.

The things that had happened at this banquet were now going to spread far and wide through their mouths. A single word that would come out of my mouth could change the entire reputation of our family.

And with the objective of completely ruining Damians reputation, I decided to speak the truth.

But before I did so, I needed to obtain the promise of the Crown Prince. So that I would be guaranteed safety even after I say it.

Since a variable always existed, even with Cassadin being there.

Are you curious about why the Grand Duke gave me the slave?

In order to bring out more curiosity within him, I stalled my answer.

Stop stalling and tell me. I must know what this entire situation is about.

It was just what I expected from the Crown Prince and his three-second patience. He was beating his chest, apparently unable to stand the wait.

Before I say anything, I wish to ask Your Highness one favor.

A favor?

The Crown Princes eyes widened, surprised by my sudden request. When I gave him a small nod with a serious expression, the Crown Prince also nodded back in acknowledgment.

I will fulfill whatever you wish for, so go on and tell me what that favor is.

I ask you to guarantee my safety.

Safety?Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Yes. Because the Grand Duke may attempt to harm me for speaking the truth.

Whisper whisper.

The banquet hall was once again swept up in confusion. And in that banquet hall was Damian, who was glaring at me viciously.

Looking at his face, I saw that his previous leisurely attitude was long gone.

Why do you believe that I may potentially harm you, Milady? This is slander toward my name.

I havent asked you to speak, Grand Duke.

When the Crown Prince raised his hand, signaling Damian to stop, his expression darkened even further. Seeing Damians fallen expression, I knew that it wouldnt be long until my plan was complete.

Well, its true that killing someone is childs play for the Grand Duke with his swordsmanship.

I saw Damian grind his teeth at the Princes remark. He must have wanted to keep the last bit of pride that had already been trampled on, as he then forcefully curled up his lips and replied.

Not only have you imprisoned me wrongly for a crime I havent committed, but you are now slandering my name in this public place.

I believe thats your fault for building your reputation in such a way. If your reputation and actions had been different, would the Lady have gone so much, as to ask me a favor to protect herself?

It was a wonderful choice to attract the Crown Princes attention. I didnt think he would oppose Damian that much.

Did the Grand Duke just call Sir Cassadin a slave?

But for some reason, Cassadin merely had a calm smile, even after being provoked by Damian. Cassadin picked up a wine glass that had been sitting on a nearby table, then leisurely opened his mouth.

It seems that Your Grace didnt listen to what I said earlier.

What?

Without responding, he wordlessly smiled and brought the glass to his lips. Cassadins throat moved as the liquid trickled into his mouth.

Everyone who had been observing the situation froze and watched Cassadin drink the wine.

It was unquestionably improper of him to drink the liquor when the host of the banquet, the Crown Prince, didnt offer him the drink, but not a single person spoke up to stop him.

No. At this moment, even the Crown Prince had his gaze fixed on Cassadin.

Forget a slave. Right now, Cassadin looked like a pure-blooded nobleno, royalty.

Every single time Cassadins throat moved to swallow, one could hear the sound of the ladies also swallowing along with him.

When Cassadin emptied the entire glass and placed it down on the table, several gasps and sighs could be heard around us. Not wasting the chance when everyone had their attention on him, Cassadin then spoke,

Your Grace speaks as if you know much about me, but hadnt I already told you earlier that I have no interest in you?

.have

Was that what Cassadin had whispered in Damians ear? And the reason why Damian had asked me permission to converse with Cassadin was because Cassadin didnt show interest in his offer?

Seeing how youve filed a lawsuit against the imperial family and come to the palace like this, Your Grace seems like an incredible person.

I would not have been able to do such a thing.

Saying that, Cassadin smiled. Cassadin was elegantly chipping away at Damians reputation. That action felt so natural that I even found myself gasping in awe.

Someone who had just seen Cassadins words and actions wouldnt think that he was a slave. Even I, who had brought him from the gladiator arena myself, was having a hard time believing it.

And it was at that moment that Damian, unable to control his emotions, collapsed with a hand clenched over his heart.

Your heart disease has finally stirred up. The heart disease that I treated in the past.

Cough!

Face contorted with pain, Damian continued to verbalize his suffering. Even while he was in pain from the heart disease, his sharp green eyes were glaring at me.

Y-Your Grace! Are you alright!

What is happening?!

All the people in the banquet hall brought up their hands to cover their mouths with widened eyes. Finding Damians sudden distress odd, the Crown Prince asked in a bewildered tone,

What is the matter all of a sudden?

Damian bit down on his lower lip and struggled to respond.

It is nothing.

It was clearly not just nothing. The act of just speaking seemed to be a burden on Damian. He gasped for breath as he tightened the fist clamped over his chest. There were beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

I will call a doctor.

When the Crown Prince decided to call on a doctor, Damian vigorously shook his head.

I do not need a doctor.

Youre in this state, and you dont need a doctor?

As the Crown Prince narrowed his eyes in disbelief, Damian grabbed onto the Crown Princes clothes and muttered,

Instead of a doctor, Kindel Call Kindel. Tell them to ask for the butler.

With those final words, Damian fell unconscious.