A long moment passed. A very long moment.
The taut muscles in Taicho Nestoris's face suddenly relaxed.
He, too, burst into laughter, laughing even more freely than Suleiman.
"You really are... far too entertaining, Lord Suleiman!"
His admiration came from the heart.
The banker's laughter mingled with Suleiman's, echoing through the cramped study.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Still laughing, Taicho Nestoris raised his empty water cup in a toast to Suleiman.
Suleiman raised his wine cup in return.
"Master Taicho, would you care to watch a good show?"
The banker shrugged, his tone light.
"Of course, my lord."
"Now I truly look forward to seeing how the story unfolds."
Rosso Brune watched the two men laughing uproariously.
He had no idea what these two, who seemed to be getting along so well, found so funny.
He could only feel bewildered.
All he knew was that someone intended to betray his lord.
"My lord?" Rosso Brune stepped forward, interrupting their hearty laughter.
He looked at Suleiman, his eyes full of anxiety and confusion.
"Should I take some men and arrest them immediately?"
Suleiman's laughter gradually subsided.
He waved a hand, signaling for Rosso Brune to be patient.
"I thought they would choose a cleverer approach."
Suleiman turned back, finally resting his gaze on Rosso Brune.
The smile vanished from his face, replaced by cold killing intent.
"Assassination, for instance. Or poison."
"Nobles have always excelled at intrigue."
"Poison is one of their usual weapons."
"I guard against such things every day."
Suleiman spoke softly, yet the temperature in the study seemed to drop.
"That would actually be a headache. I would have no way of knowing when they might strike."
"Nor could I secure any conclusive evidence against them."
He paused.
"I never imagined they would be stupid enough to launch