Stop Hypnotizing Me, Antagonist Princess!

Said this, Moselle bishop glanced over his shoulder at his subordinates.

The others immediately withdrew.

A few moments later, within the crowd present, there was a movement to the sides and expressions of surprise appeared on everyone's faces.

Before them, a dessert cart had been pushed to the front from the center of the pathway by a man.

It was a large food cart with a specially ordered, giant four-layer cake adorned with various colors, which looked quite tempting.

Considering its size, it could likely be divided among everyone present with plenty to spare.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Seeing such a spectacle unfurled, a hint of shadow crossed Duke Tierus' eyes.

Yet he remained silent and turned to Moselle bishop.

In response, Moselle bishop bowed again, "I heard that the duke's birthday is coming soon, considering your busy military duties, I did not dare to disturb you rashly, so I thought to take the opportunity of today's charity dinner to offer you Heavenly Principle Church's sincere blessings."

His gaze was earnest, giving Duke Tierus ample respect.

After all, the other was a figure of high authority.

Even though there were those stronger than the duke backing him, it was naturally better if he could be won over with benefits.

Moselle's actions had dual significance.

Leading in donations was meant to show that without his endorsement, the nobles would not align with him.

And the cake was akin to an olive branch thrown to Duke Tierus on behalf of those behind him.

Either take no money and leave, or join them and share the cake.

The choice was suddenly in Duke Tierus' hands.

Seeing him remain silent, a wave of delight surged in the bishop's heart, thinking he was considering the implicit offer.

He promptly added, "This cake was specially made in Orn City's largest workshop, and it's quite large; even if we served every guest here, there would still be more than enough."

"Since that is the case, I'd take the liberty of distributing this cake on behalf of everyone here, if I may?"

Saying this, he took a plate and a cake knife handed over by a subordinate.

"Mr. Tierus, you are the most powerful and influential person here," he said with a smile, "The largest, sweetest piece should naturally go to you."

Saying this, he prepared to make a cut.

But just then, the until-now silent Duke Tierus finally spoke.

At that moment, his face bore none of the smile from the beginning of the dinner; it was calm yet carried an intense majesty, like the forewarning of a storm.

"You're distributing the cake?" he coldly said, "Just a regional bishop of the Heavenly Principle Church, who gave you the authority?"

His words concerning the cake cut deeper than just cake sharing.

At this point, the topic clearly touched on the true purpose of Tierus' visit and the fundamental conflict between them.

Taxes.

...

"What are they actually talking about?"

Glaya said blankly, staring at the tense atmosphere of the moment.

Lynn scratched his crow mask, "In general, it's likely about a conflict between imperial power and nobility."

Duke Tierus represented Saint Laurent VI in tax collection.

Yet such a high-ranking person was facing resistance from the local powers.

If they didn't have the support of those long-standing nobles from the Imperial Capital behind them, how could they dare be so bold?

"Although I don't quite understand..." Glaya glanced at him, "but it seems that the Princess has always hoped that you could help. Shouldn't you do something later?"

"Do something? Help the Heavenly Principle Church to disperse their forces?"

"Don't be foolish. In this situation, it's best to wait and see." Lynn chuckled, "Only a fool would volunteer to be a live target."

Glaya looked at him again, hesitating to speak.

...

Upon hearing Duke Tierus's sudden aggression, the actions of Moselle bishop froze.

He looked up to see the other man's imposing expression, his tiger-like eyes almost glowing with authority as they bore down on him.

Fortunately, the Moselle bishop had weathered many storms, so he did not show any fear outwardly.

"It seems you are displeased, Sir Duke. If that is the case, then you may divide this cake."

Saying this, he prepared to hand over the dinner knife he held.

This was actually a significant concession.

Moselle thought Duke Tierus's appetite was too great and that he wanted more, so he prepared to temporarily agree to satisfy his greed.

But unexpectedly, Duke Tierus shook his head again, "I said you don't have the right to divide the cake, which doesn't mean I do."

He once again refused the Moselle bishop's kindness.

For a moment, the Moselle bishop stood rooted to the spot, his expression slightly darkening.

And hearing such unreasonable words, the atmosphere around cooled down.

Pairs of solemn eyes turned towards Duke Tierus, thinking he was about to cause trouble.

Just then, someone from the crowd suddenly asked, "Respected Sir Duke, since you put it that way, then may I ask, who does have this right?"

"Can't it be decided by an internal election among us?"

This was a well-meaning joke.

The speaker apparently held a prominent position in Orn City, so the people around responded with a few low chuckles.

He seemed to be trying to ease the tense atmosphere in this manner.

But Duke Tierus did not take it as a joke.

"Election? That sounds like a not half-bad idea," he said lightly, swirling the red wine in his glass. "But it also brings up two problems."

"First, it will ignore the wishes of a minority, like guests present here, perhaps not everyone wishes to share this cake with you, but they are forced to pinch their noses and swallow it."

Saying this, Duke Tierus scanned the room.

Indeed, there were a few guests whose faces showed hesitation.

"Second, who can guarantee that the person elected will not develop greedier thoughts after tasting the delicious cake, seizing what should belong to others, leading to unfair distribution?"

Saying this, he glanced subtly at Moselle bishop.

As if hinting at something.

Moselle bishop's face turned from pale to red and back.

Just then, another voice spoke up from the crowd, "What if we appoint a specific person to monitor the one who divides the cake?"

The speaker was a member of the city council and also local nobility.

"That idea is even more foolish," Duke Tierus shook his head. "You would certainly collude with each other."

Hearing this, that person's face turned deathly pale.

Clearly, the corruption within the power structures of Orn City was already well-known.