"Such foolish acts, it's not just me, I fear no wise person in this world would choose to support you, to assist you!"
Duke Tierus, as if infuriated by non-resistance, went on at length.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he glanced at Lynn, who was pretending to be a quail at his side, and revealed a cold smile, "Of course, you're an exception."
"Uh... thanks for the compliment?"
Lynn didn't know what else to say and could only reply dryly.
In his view, Duke Tierus's burst of anger was actually a good thing.
It would have been tougher to deal with him if he had maintained a strictly official attitude.
Only... his relationship with Ivyst didn't seem as estranged as he had imagined?
Noticing his puzzled gaze, Duke Tierus sighed deeply while smoking, "The Princess's mother and I were childhood friends."
This gossip is crunchy, fragrant, and sweet all at once.
Lynn couldn't quite keep his expression under control and awkwardly changed the subject, "By the way, Duke Sir, it seemed you were using the Heavenly Principle Church's Gravity system powers just now?"
"Correct," Duke Tierus did not hide it, "I myself am an Unbeliever, but I underwent the first transplant surgery of the Divine-given factor over a decade ago, and I didn't experience severe rejection."
Saying so, he clenched his fist.
Lynn recalled this minor detail from the original story and suddenly understood.
Strictly speaking, the Princess was also an Unbeliever, not worshiping any deity.
However, her power source was different, more mysterious and secretive.
Even the original story didn't reveal much, only that it was related to an ancient and terrifying entity from the era of chaos.
After all, she was not the main character; little was written about her.
It seemed he had to uncover these secrets himself.
Lynn thought silently.
Looking at the two silent individuals, Duke Tierus suddenly spoke up, "Let's get back to the point."
"I know why you two made such a scene tonight."
"But to put things into perspective, my friendship with your mother has nothing to do with this," he stated coolly, "Honestly, I don't think highly of you, and for the sake of the Tierus family, I won't board a ship destined to sink."
"Compared to you, the Second Prince is the one most likely to ascend to the throne."
Hearing this, Ivyst's expression, which had eased slightly, turned cold again.
Yet, due to his status, she refrained from reacting.
"Unless... you can present something that can persuade me," Duke Tierus shifted his tone, "We're all adults here; we should understand that only interests matter."
"Tell me, what can you offer compared to the Mosgla family and the Second Prince?"
His gaze rested upon Lynn.
Even Ivyst raised her eyes, watching him with a peculiar look.
Why is everyone looking at me... Lynn thought damn it, but still he honestly answered, "We can let you make money while standing."
His words silenced Duke Tierus.
"Make money while standing?"
He repeated the phrase.
"Do you mean to imply that I'm now begging on my knees?" Duke Tierus found it somewhat absurd, "Young man, clarify your statement, or you're in for it."
Hearing this, Lynn chuckled, "Whether you're begging on your knees, you know better yourself."
"Tax revenue is the backbone of a country's operation and its primary source of finance. The actions of the leeches in Orn City are equivalent to severing the Empire's economic lifeline... perhaps this is an exaggeration, but it certainly feels that way."
Duke Tierus subconsciously lit his pipe and continued puffing away.
Lynn continued, "You came here to collect taxes, which should have been smooth sailing, but what about the reality? You were hindered at every turn by local nobles and the church."
"What should have been a rightful act has now become a hassle you've created for them, and you even had to host a charity event to test the waters."
"If not for the silent approval of the nobility and the high ranks of several major churches, they couldn't have gone this far."
"Yet you can't deal with them and can only share a piece of the pie when they are dividing it up."
"Tell me, isn't this begging on your knees?"
Duke Tierus's demeanor turned serious, and he instinctively wanted to retort, "How could I possibly…"
"If it were within your capability, you would have had the military flatten them by now," Lynn interrupted him, "It's not that you are weak, but rather the collective power of those behind the scenes is too strong."
These words plunged Duke Tierus into complete silence.
Even he had to admit that the kid made some sense.
Ever since he had arrived in Orn City, he had encountered adversity at every turn.
Not only that, but in the several other neighboring border cities, his men also faced extremely strong resistance.
Did he really need to kneel down and beg for food?
Duke Tierus subconsciously denied the thought.
When it came to collecting taxes, he served as the spokesperson for Saint Laurent VI.
If he chose to capitulate, it would be tantamount to acknowledging that the imperial power was weaker than the nobility.
That's why, after all the events of tonight, Duke Tierus had not lost his wits with anger but instead had brought Lynn and Ivyst to his study to continue the discussion.
If he truly accepted the conditions from the Mosgla family and colluded with the Heavenly Principle Church, the frustration inside him would not dissipate, nor could he explain himself to His Majesty.
For a moment, Duke Tierus's expression fluctuated.
"I can issue a military decree," Lynn seized the moment to throw his next bombshell, "Ten days. In ten days, you will stand not only victorious but also profoundly enriched."
"If I fail, military law will handle me!"
Observing his eager demeanor, a hint of doubt flickered in Ivyst's eyes.
She did not know that this was actually a directive from the future Doomsday Witch compelling Lynn to weaken the faith of the Heavenly Principle Church.
However, seeing him hustle about fervently for her cause stirred within her a feeling... not altogether displeasing.
Ivyst thought silently.
"That's your own claim."
After a long silence, Duke Tierus suddenly snorted coldly.
"Of course, I always act on my words."
Seeing this expression, Lynn finally relaxed.
The first step was thus achieved.
Now it was time for the second step.
As he pondered the plan that had already formed in his mind, Lynn fell into a deep contemplation.
"Alright, since we've tentatively agreed, you may leave now." Duke Tierus suddenly waved his hand, somewhat impatiently adding, "I have things to discuss with Her Highness."
Not cool, man, dropping him like a hot potato!
Lynn was stunned when he came to his senses.
Noticing a signaling glance from Ivyst, he refrained from saying more, only casting a slightly annoyed look at Duke Tierus before leaving the study.
The room plunged back into silence.
After Lynn left, the expression that had just been on Duke Tierus's face completely disappeared, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.
With the private matters settled, it was now time for official business.
"Regarding the Sealed Object that His Majesty mentioned earlier, my men seem to have located where the Creationist School has hidden it."
"However... the current state of that object is somewhat strange."
Hearing this, Ivyst's pupils contracted.
After many days, she once again heard news about that Sealed Object.
That was also the real reason she had come to Orn City.
Back in the carriage, Lynn listlessly gazed out at the scenery.
While he was curious about what exactly Duke Tierus wanted to discuss with Her Highness, they seemed not to want to let him know.
A few minutes later, as the carriage door opened, the familiar scent of roses instantly enveloped his nostrils.
After a brief conversation, Ivyst returned to the carriage, deeply preoccupied.
Seeing her mood seemed somewhat down, Lynn did not wish to provoke her, choosing instead to sit quietly by her side.
But sometimes, the more you wish to avoid trouble, the more it comes looking for you.
Suddenly, Ivyst's cold, melodious voice reached Lynn's ears.
He instinctively obeyed.
Then, he saw the woman's palm flashing a green light, aiming the imprint of the Eye of the Soul at him.