However, without any physical evidence, he couldnt be completely definitive about that. The Count then wore a shameless mask before laughing out rather loudly.

Oh, Duke of Linerio! Its been a while since Ive seen you at the palace.

The Dukes mouth immediately hardened when he became aware of the Count.

I see.

Haha, how are you? Ive been wondering about my safety since I havent heard from you at all.

How have you been?

As soon as Raven had seen the Count, his murderous intentions were gradually increasing, which made it hard for him to maintain his own expressions. It had become even more unbearable when Molitias crying face was overlapping with the Counts shameless, smiling face.

He managed to hold his hand against the sword at his waist. This is the Imperial Palace. To wield a sword inappropriately could definitely be charged with treason.

Thats great. Ive been rather curious as well.

Oh, the Duke is?

Yes, Id like to ask Count Clemence in regard to some of your information.

There was no need to show his true feelings to those dirty and ugly people. Raven pulled a smile around his lips as he gave off a rather generous atmosphere.

Haha, as much as you want, of course. If I can be of any help to the Duke of Linerio, I will answer them with all my heart.

Is that so?

Raven then drew an even thicker line around the corners of his mouth.

A few days ago, some pieces of information in regard to Count Clemence had arrived in front of him. Raven extended one of them through his mouth.

then, the amount of gold that had been paid to the Empire by Clemences merchant group was too small. What are your thoughts on this?

what?

Suddenly, Count Clemence had forgotten to laugh heartily.

How could he do that?

Count Clemences eyes trembled stridently in response. That had been something which he did in all secrecy. It hadnt been just for a few years. The separation of the merchant group that he had been devoting his life to was benefitting him tremendously.

It was also true that he had been seizing the initiative as well. But then, the Duke was already aware of that. The Counts face eventually turned blue.

Wellwhat do you mean, Duke? Thats rather misleading. If anyone were to hear that, they might assume that the Clemence merchant group doesnt charge properly.

That is what Im saying.

Unlike the Count who was whispering quite hushedly, Raven still continued in his calm tone.

Do you know that weve been imposing strong sanctions on illegal merchant groups recently? A guy who was investigating the case had told me a rather interesting story.

Raven took a glance over the old man who was right in front of him. His heavy appearance was shaking furiously against his own dignity.

The more he remembered how his wife had been treated back then, the more he wanted to break apart those fingers that belonged to the Countone by one.

It appears that Count Clemence has put forward a blank merchant group, whereas the merchant group which he runs for himself is separate on its own.

Well, thats Im afraid that youve misread something there.

Is that so? Well, thats a relief.

What?

As the person whos in charge of the security, I will still have to look into the casewhether I like it or not.

What do you mean that youre going to investigate meCount Clemence?

Raven snorted.

If you were innocent, you could humbly accept anything that was given. The behavior of those who couldnt have actually done that was immensely hideous that even their eyes were truly frowned upon.

Of course not. Its just that ifby chancethe investigation were to find any connections to the Count, we just cant help it.

Raven lowered his head before whispering softly in the ear of Count Clemence, who had his mouth openappearing dishevelled.

Count Clemence, please behave well so that I wont have to disturb youCount.

Duke! Duke of Linerio!

The Count, who had regained his senses, albeit belatedly, immediately called out to him. But Raven, on the other hand, had quickly disappeared.