The nobles forced out by Crawford's stare immediately looked miserable, but they still steeled themselves and stepped forward.
"Sidney, d-don't think we're afraid of you!"
"That's right! There are so many of us here. You might not be able to beat us all before the guards arrive!"
"We'll protect His Highness Crawford to the death!"
"Your reputation for assaulting people will spread throughout the Imperial Capital!"
"Pfft." Sidney laughed. "Is this a threat? Or are you flirting?"
"Enough!" Crawford glared at them. Even he could barely stand watching this. "Sidney, why would you go this far for that Elliot!?"
"Because he's an heir to the Seven Holy Bloodlines." Sidney swept a contemptuous gaze over the nobles huddling like quails around Crawford. "Besides, how far have I gone? Look at the trash around you. Is there a single legitimate heir among them? A single bishop of the Church?"
His grin widened. "You just said I wasn't invited? You can't beat me, yet you keep provoking me. As far as I'm concerned, isn't that an invitation to beat you up?"
Sidney walked forward as he spoke.
Crawford's face twitched. He instinctively glanced from side to side, seemingly wanting to flee, but unable to swallow his pride.
The surrounding nobles also looked alarmed. The Third Prince's nickname, "the eccentric," was no idle invention. He really would beat someone up in front of everyone!
And he was no brainless brute, either. Quite the opposite: he was quick-witted and sharp-tongued. Most nobles could neither outargue him nor, much less, beat him in a fight!
Were it not for his overly radical ideas and unconventional personality, he would have had no shortage of supporters.
Sidney advanced unhurriedly, like a cat toying with freshly caught prey, while Crawford stood rooted to the spot, unable to leave and