As he spoke, Ticky's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, though it was not directed at Baron Devor, nor Edmond, but rather at his forr self.
"If you have to ask why I know so well... it's because the Nobles play these gas, and a friend of mine fell into this trap."
After hearing the "I have a friend" line, Lumier couldn't help but let out a small laugh, choosing not to expose this self-conceited fellow.
In the book, Baron Cosia refrained from admitting that he lost his land due to mounting debt, vaguely attributing it to his greed and a villain's sche... after all, these reasons clearly elicit more sympathy from the readers.
However, after Edmond heard this, a chill ran down his spine, and it took quite a while for him to swallow the lump in his throat.
He finally saw the full scope of the plan, and the role he was about to play beca apparent—
Sir Dantes, the champion of justice, would publicly challenge the Imperial Royal Bank's manager in the newspaper: "Why does an enterprising reforr hit obstacles with the rules, yet when faced with the Barons of White Dew District, these ironclad principles seem nonexistent."
He could even predict the manager's reaction—one of shock and feigned ignorance, exclaiming "Unbelievable!" and promptly passing the matter to the Council of Elders.
He wouldn't dare escalate the issue, being just a commoner offending the real Nobles, but isn't there the "champion of justice, Sir Dantes" for that?
Those rural Nobles rolling snowballs in White Dew District were done for.
It's true Nobles needn't care about public opinion, but this isn't a matter of opinion at all.
Their titles were rely Baron and not elevated enough to openly take money from the Emperor's pocket, even if the entire Imperial elite engaged in such.
By the final episode of the "story," the White Dew District land ownership would conclude, and Sir Dantes would reconcile with Hogan Nora, the bank's manager, in the newspaper.
As to why it's in the newspaper, naturally because they never actually argued, and when eting, they were as cordial as brothers.
And the end of all this may be "supplenting adequate collateral" or "Prince Colin diating," though it doesn't matter, as whether it works or not hinges on the Prince's word.
They didn't even have to seek out the Imperial Royal Bank; many willingly curry favor with them, including powerful Nobles or the private banks they secretly control.
"So..." Edmond's voice was sowhat dry. Despite having guessed the subsequent plan, he didn't know what to say next.
Lumier didn't ntion the subsequent plan, but suddenly spoke.
"How's your relationship with Huck Alton, the branch manager in White Dew District?"
Edmond was montarily stunned before answering truthfully.
"We've only t a few tis... to be honest, it was you who introduced us."
Lumier nodded gently, casually remarked.
"That's good; don't associate with him anymore."
Edmond nervously nodded, feeling sorry for Mr. Huck in his heart.
He actually had a good impression of that branch manager.
After all, at the ti, he had just made a social transition, and no bank manager had ever treated him so courteously.
At this mont, a gentle knock broke the brief silence in the study.
Upon receiving permission, the steward entered respectfully, slightly bowing.
"Sir, Mr. Buckley wishes to et you."
"Buckley?" Edmond inquired, searching his mory but yielding nothing, he furrowed his brow and asked, "Who?"
Maintaining a respectful stance, the steward gently reminded, "He is the manager of Tower Bank, sir. A few days ago, he sent you a letter, but at the ti... you instructed to discard it."
Edmond recalled that such a thing had indeed happened. He instructed the steward to entertain the guest and then directed his questioning gaze toward Ticky, who had walked over to the window.
He saw the latter's face adorned with a smile.
Ticky's index finger lightly pulled the curtain aside, gazing at the carriage by the courtyard gate, his expression reminiscent of when Huck ca rushing to find him earlier.
It was the gaze of an eagle spotting its prey.
"... A vulture that slls blood, unable to restrain its claws as it sees the traveler faint in the desert."
He spoke slowly, then turned to Edmond and continued.
"Since soone has guessed what we're planning to do, you represent our Prince and et with him."
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