"Whether it's one tobacco leaf or several scraps makes no difference to the cigar's flavor, Young Master Russell. I refuse to accept your accusation!"
Facing Russell's rebuke, Soske craned his neck stubbornly, utterly convinced he had done nothing wrong.
"What we produce is Rain Dragon Cigars, premium tobacco exclusively for nobles. From the very beginning, its quality standards have far exceeded those of any ordinary shredded tobacco. Soske, do you still not realize your mistake?"
"I'm not wrong. As long as it doesn't affect the flavor or appearance, I don't see any problem with using broken leaves to roll cigars!" Soske retorted without yielding an inch. "On the contrary, using broken leaves saves costs. This is me doing my utmost for Baron Lord!"
"Very good. Very good!"
Since reason clearly would not get through to him, Russell could not be bothered arguing any further. He merely said coldly, "I will ask Father to replace the person in charge of the Cigar Factory."
Soske sneered as well. "Be my guest!"
As Russell turned to leave with Charles, Soske flicked his sleeve and shouted, "I fought for the Fluorite Mushroom Family until I lost an arm and a leg! My loyalty to Baron Lord is beyond reproach, and Baron Lord knows it!"
Seeing the workers rolling cigars standing there in a daze, he immediately roared, "What are you staring at? Get back to work! Anyone who dares slack off, I'll whip him to death!"
Outside the Cigar Factory.
Russell swung onto his horse, with Charles following close behind. Charles tried to comfort him. "My lord, calm down. It isn't worth getting angry over someone like him."
"Angry? What am I angry about?" Russell had already calmed himself. "Soske fought for the family until he was crippled, so what if he talked back