Ever since Star Plum Town fell to the beastfolk, Lord Mel's mood had grown worse by the day.
No one could remain optimistic through the successive blows of losing their territory, a disaster befalling their legitimate son, financial losses, and a poet's abuse...
Actually, no—his son could. That boy was always so carefree.
He had even dared advise him not to oppose that bard—
"Father, we really don't need to take things this far... perhaps with our connections and distribution channels, his books could bring us even more profit?"
"Boy, has a mere month made you so close that you're willing to defy your father for an outsider like him!?"
Recalling that moment, Lord Mel had unbuckled his belt with an aching heart.
He could plainly see the fear in his son's eyes, yet the boy seemed determined to oppose him:
"No, of course not—I just think nothing good has ever come of going against that poet.
"On the other hand, working with him has always brought unexpected rewards...
"Even if you're going to whip me, I still think spending money to block every avenue he has for publication is an unwise decision.
"I simply can't see what you hope to achieve!"
"Proving to him that I'm right is the entire point!"
Anger overwhelmed his reason, and he finally lost his temper and swung the belt in his hand.
"I'll show that foul-mouthed bastard through my actions that money can buy anything—I can buy out his distribution channels, and I can buy his respect!"
"How could he possibly respect you..."
"The moment he comes begging me to stop blocking his publication channels, he'll already be showing me respect!"
Now, a month had slipped quietly by.
That poet had shown such patience that he had never come to the mansion in