Tensions Rising

Faced with Gilbert's sharp rebuke, Renard merely sneered. He shook his fist and said sarcastically, "Quit whining like a gossiping old woman. If you've got a problem, settle it with your fists."

He made no effort to hide his contempt. Their relationship had reached the point of outright hostility, and with no outsiders around, there was no need to put on a show of civility.

If the difference in their status was the root of their conflict, then the inheritance of the territory was the fuse—and the event that lit it had taken place two years ago.

Everyone knew that Scum Renard had left Saint Brieuc Fortress for Constantinople Academy two years ago to further his studies. But the real reason behind his departure was far from simple.

Renard had retrieved the relevant memories, and what he learned left him disgusted.

Two years ago, when Scum Renard left home, the residents had assumed Baron Hamilton had sent him away because he could no longer tolerate Renard's rampage through the land.

Little did they know, the lord's true purpose had been to protect his illegitimate son.

There was no denying that Gilbert was intelligent and calculating, and he was greatly favored by the Baron. Yet his status as an illegitimate son remained a constraint.

If he wanted to prove himself, he had to surpass Renard in every way. Only then could he force his father to name a different heir.

But from ancient times to the present, there had never been any recorded case of an illegitimate son inheriting a noble title. Perhaps it had happened, but no one had spoken of it.

Still, as long as there was even the slightest hope, Gilbert wanted to fight for it with all his might. It was just that...

In terms of birth, he was an illegitimate son who had to be kept out of sight, while Renard was the legitimate heir, recognized by noble law.

In terms of wealth, he received a monthly allowance of only ten silver coins, while Renard received fifty.

In terms of background, his mother had come from a merchant family and was a courtesan whom people looked down on, while Renard's mother was the legitimate daughter of a powerful figure in the Kingdom of Lorrain. As a result, Renard usually came out on top in their battles of wits.

As the loser, Gilbert had no recourse but to fly into a rage. So, after losing one of their contests, he flew into a fit of humiliation and set his sights on Selina.

Gilbert's reasoning was simple: if he couldn't defeat his rival from the outside, he would destroy him from within.

Selina was Renard's favorite maid. There was no reason other than that the pretty young woman was purehearted and kind. Ever since his mother's death, he had looked to Selina for emotional comfort.

Gilbert's goal was to possess Selina completely, body and soul. That way, his rival would know the agony of losing the person he relied on.

There was no denying that Gilbert was exceptional. He was diligent, studious, strong, and handsome. Aside from his much-criticized birth, there was almost nothing to find fault with.

Gilbert was proud. He believed his looks, talent, and silver tongue would make Selina fall hopelessly in love with him. He never imagined she wouldn't give him the time of day.

Though young, Selina was far more perceptive and calculating than most people her age.

In her eyes, Renard was merely a spoiled child. He often bullied the residents of the territory, but he had never killed anyone or set anything on fire. At worst, he was a nuisance.

More importantly, Renard treated her well, and he treated her family well, too. That was enough for her.

As for Gilbert, Selina felt nothing but aversion toward him. His looks might have appealed to women, but his eyes were always full of possessiveness. No matter how charming his manners or how outstanding his talents, he couldn't conceal the wantonness at his core.

So when Gilbert pursued her, she coldly gave him a three-word answer: "Not interested!"

The merciless rejection stung Gilbert, who had always had his way with women. Rage welled up in him, and wicked thoughts took root.

If the proper way wouldn't work, why not try the improper way?

Somehow, he got hold of a drug that would rob someone of their senses. Then, while Renard was out tormenting the townsfolk, he found Selina and slipped the drug into her cup.

Gilbert's plan was practically flawless. If nothing went wrong, Renard would return to find Selina's violated body, and the sight would likely shatter him.

But somehow, things went wrong in the most unexpected way.

Not long after Renard left that day, he had the misfortune of twisting his ankle while kicking over a street vendor's stall. He howled in pain.

His lackeys thought he was seriously injured and hurried to carry him back to the castle for treatment. As a result, the two bitter rivals ran right into each other.

Unfortunately, Gilbert had never taken the time to understand Renard's temperament. Renard could be as gentle as a spring breeze with his own people, but as cold and piercing as a winter wind toward his enemies.

Selina was not only his maid, but also his lover and confidante. Their bond had grown even stronger than Renard's relationship with his father, Baron Hamilton.

Under those circumstances, Gilbert still dared to set his sights on Selina. It was like lighting a lamp in a latrine—asking for shit, or death.

The scene was bizarre, and a little comical. Gilbert stood at the top of the second-floor staircase, carrying the unconscious Selina over his shoulder. Meanwhile, the lackeys stood frozen at the landing, holding Renard, who was howling in pain.

When the two sides met, the air around them first grew still, then awkward, and finally thick with the smell of gunpowder.

Renard was a thorough scoundrel. How could he fail to see what Gilbert was up to? He flew into a rage and roared, "Grab him! Beat him to within an inch of his life!"

What mattered most when you were a lackey?

First came loyalty, then obedience. When your master gave an order, you carried it out without question. Dare to disobey, and you might not live much longer. But if you did well and pleased your master, the rewards could be plentiful.

As soon as Renard gave the order, his lackeys rushed forward. They might have cowered like dogs in front of Baron Hamilton, but they were formidable fighters. Even the weakest among them was a Beginner Swordsman.

Gilbert took on Renard's entire group alone. The outcome was easy to imagine. Some lackeys pinned his arms, others his legs, and they held him down and beat him soundly until he was wailing for his mother and father.

The incident soon reached Baron Hamilton and Bennett. They hurried over and rescued Gilbert, who had been beaten unconscious. After learning what had happened, the two exchanged bewildered looks.

Lord Baron couldn't believe that his obedient Gilbert would do something like this. He thought Renard had concocted a scheme.

But after Selina woke up and explained what had happened, the others found the leftover drug in Gilbert's pocket, proving his shameless deed beyond doubt.