Tit-for-Tat

Faced with Gilbert's harsh words, Renard merely sneered in response. He waved his fist and said sarcastically, "Stop dawdling like a gossip. If you have a problem, settle it with your fists."

He displayed his contempt plainly. The relationship between the two had reached a point of irreconcilable hostility. With no one else present, there was no need for pretense.

If the gap in their social standing was the root of their conflict, and the inheritance of territory was the fuse, then the spark that ignited it was an event that occurred two years ago.

As everyone knew, Scum Renard had left Saint Brieuc Fortress two years prior to study at Constantinople Academy, but the reason behind it was not simple.

Renard accessed the relevant information from his memories, and the contents made him feel disgusted.

When Scum Renard left home two years ago, the residents assumed Baron Hamilton could no longer tolerate his troublemaking and had resorted to this measure.

Little did they know, the Lord Baron's ultimate goal was to protect his illegitimate son.

It had to be said, Gilbert possessed high intelligence and a deep mind, earning him much favor with Lord Baron. However, his status as an illegitimate son ultimately constrained him.

To prove himself, he had to completely crush Renard, thereby forcing his father to change his heir.

However, throughout history, there had never been a case of an illegitimate son inheriting a noble title. Perhaps there were, but they were not publicized.

Yet, even with the slightest glimmer of hope, Gilbert wanted to strive for it, but...

In terms of birth, he was an illegitimate son who lived in the shadows, while Renard was the legitimate heir recognized by noble law.

In terms of wealth, he only received ten silver coins a month for living expenses, while Renard had fifty.

In terms of background, his mother was a merchant, a Socialite to be disdained, while Renard's mother was the legitimate daughter of a powerful figure in the Kingdom of Lorrain. Thus, their constant struggles often ended with Renard's victory.

As the loser, Gilbert could do nothing but rage. After a certain contest ended in defeat, he became enraged and set his sights on Selina.

Gilbert's idea was simple: since he couldn't defeat his opponent externally, he would crush him internally.

Selina was Renard's favorite maidservant, for no other reason than the beautiful girl's innocence and kindness. Ever since his mother passed away, he had seen her as his spiritual solace.

Gilbert's goal was to completely possess Selina, body and soul, thereby making his opponent taste the pain of losing his spiritual anchor.

One had to admit, this illegitimate son was outstanding. He was diligent, a strong fighter, and handsome. Apart from his questionable birth, there was little to fault him on.

Gilbert was proud. He believed that with his looks, talent, and sweet talk, he could make Selina fall completely in love with him. However, he never expected that she wouldn't even spare him a glance.

Although Selina was young, she possessed insight and cunning far beyond her peers.

In her eyes, Renard was merely a spoiled child. Although he often bullied the residents of the territory, he had never committed murder or arson; at most, he caused trouble for others.

Of course, the most important reason was that Renard treated her very well, and treated her family well too. That was enough.

As for Gilbert, Selina's impression of him was nothing but dislike. Although he was attractive to women, his eyes always held a strong possessiveness. No matter how suave his demeanor or how outstanding his talent, it couldn't hide the dissolute nature deep within him.

Therefore, when facing Gilbert's advances, she coldly replied with only three words: "Not interested!"

The unceremonious reply greatly frustrated Gilbert, who had always been successful in love. Anger surged within him, and malice took root.

Since the legitimate path wouldn't work, why not try the crooked one?

He somehow obtained a drug that could make people lose their minds. While Renard was out causing trouble for the townsfolk, he found Selina and slipped the drug into her cup.

Gilbert's plan was flawless. If nothing unexpected happened, Renard would return to find Selina's broken body after being violated, and his spirit would likely collapse.

However, the unexpected happened in the most peculiar way.

Shortly after Renard went out that day, he awkwardly twisted his ankle while kicking over a stall, crying out in pain.

His lackeys, thinking he was seriously injured, rushed to carry him back to the castle for treatment. As a result, the two sworn enemies collided head-on.

Unfortunately, Gilbert had not delved deeply into Renard's temperament. He treated his own people with the warmth of a spring breeze, but treated his enemies with the biting cold of a winter wind.

Selina was not just his maidservant; she was also his lover and confidante. Their relationship even surpassed the father-son bond with Baron Hamilton.

Under such circumstances, Gilbert still dared to set his sights on Selina, which was like lighting a lamp in a latrine – seeking trouble (death).

The scene at the time was bizarre and somewhat comical. Gilbert stood at the top of the second-floor corridor, carrying the unconscious Selina on his shoulder. His lackeys, meanwhile, were frozen at the turn of the stairs, carrying Renard, who was howling in pain.

When the two parties met, the atmosphere first froze, then became awkward, and finally turned explosive.

Renard, being the scoundrel he was, immediately saw through the other's intentions and roared in fury, "Seize him and beat him to death!"

What is the most important thing for a lackey?

First, loyalty. Second, obedience. A master's order must be executed unconditionally. Disobedience would likely lead to death, but performing well and satisfying the master would bring considerable benefits.

As soon as Renard gave the order, his lackeys charged forward bravely. Though they cowered like dogs before Baron Hamilton, they were actually quite capable fighters, with the weakest being a Beginner Swordsman.

Gilbert fighting alone against Renard's entire group, the outcome was predictably tragic. The lackeys held his hands, held his legs, and pinned him to the ground, beating him mercilessly until he cried for his mother.

The commotion soon alerted Baron Hamilton and Bennett, who rushed over and rescued the unconscious Gilbert. After understanding the cause and course of events, they couldn't help but exchange glances.

Lord Baron found it hard to believe that the well-behaved Gilbert would do such a thing and suspected a scheme by Renard.

However, after Selina awoke and recounted the events, and then the undischarged medicine was found in Gilbert's pocket, his shameless act was confirmed.