The Mad Dog of the Dukes House - Chapter 232



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Episode 232 74. If you speak kindly, you will receive kind words in return (2)

3.

Okta looked at the mad dog in front of him with a trembling expression.

Caron Reston.

This young man, who had suddenly burst into the president’s office, was raiding the display case and emptying out his expensive liquor collection, including the octa.

But he couldn’t say anything.

Because I thought that if I made a mistake, I might get bitten by this mad dog.

A crazy guy who comes in broad daylight and threatens to threaten your family.

It was hard to even imagine that the youngest son of a great duke would do something like this.

“Is it because I’m a noble? I definitely know good liquor. I like it.”

Did the thief say that his feet were numb?

Octa could only gulp as he witnessed Charon’s atrocities.

Here, the Imperial Press has been at the forefront of conspiracy theories that the Duke of Reston is plotting a rebellion.

Even though the Marquis Diaz and the royal family are behind him, the fists that are close by are actually scary.

So, Octa had no choice but to look at Charon in a very humble manner.

“I mean, I couldn’t help but be amazed when I saw the article in the Imperial Newspaper. What was the headline? The Duke of Reston, Are They Dreaming of 50 Years Ago? Wow! The editor-in-chief here is really good. He would have been a great novelist if he had done it.”

Caron smiled faintly as he placed the empty bottle of wine on the table.

Normally, even if they were of high social status, if there was a large age difference, they would be expected to be polite, but the young man in front of me did not show even an iota of politeness.

An attitude closer to that of a back-alley thug than a nobleman.

But Octa didn’t have the courage to point out Caron’s attitude.

Just quietly accept what Caron says.

“You’ve been writing articles criticizing and slandering our family for two weeks straight? Other newspapers just copied the articles here. You were just determined.”

“… … We simply… … accepted the demands of those who support our newspaper… … .”

“Oh, I know, I know. The original purpose of the Imperial Newspaper was to be a government-sponsored media outlet, right? It was established by His Majesty the Emperor himself to convey the Emperor’s will to the people of the Empire, so I understand that you follow the orders of the Imperial Family.”

We can clearly see how much the current emperor struggled even in the worst of situations.

I will revive the imperial family whose authority has fallen to rock bottom and create an imperial family that is close to the people.

That was the purpose of founding this imperial newspaper.

“But you’re not following His Majesty the Emperor right now, are you?”

That was exactly what Caron was pointing out.

“I traced the money that flowed in here, and it all came from the Marquis Diaz family. It seems like they are following His Highness the Crown Prince, not His Majesty the Emperor.”

Okta realized that the young man in front of him knew everything.

Who is standing behind this place now, and what are they planning?

It is said that the Duke of Reston has already grasped the general situation.

Okta, who had come to that conclusion, looked at Caron with a stern expression. Then he spoke in a voice full of determination.

“This is… …clear suppression of the press.”

At those words, Caron glared at Octa as if he found it amusing. Caron’s eyes sparkled ominously.

“Oh, rebellion? But that’s what happens when you’re the president of a media company?”

“If you kill me here, it would be like confessing that the rumors were true… … .”

The moment when Okta mustered up the courage to speak.

“ha ha ha!”

A burst of laughter came out of Caron’s mouth.

“Since I’m going to die anyway, why not throw a tantrum? The CEO is a bit different. Is it because he has powerful people behind him? He’s got a lot of drive. But, Mr. CEO. What do you think you would have done if I had really tried to suppress you?”

For a moment, Okta had a vision of his neck being cut off.

The dark blue sword that Charon had placed diagonally next to the table. That sword was Octa, and he had a fantasy of cutting down his own sword.

My body became stiff.

The murderous aura that suddenly flowed from Charon paralyzed reason.

“I am now showing mercy to a man who has tarnished the honor of the great Duke of Reston. I like your charisma, but wouldn’t it be better to recognize your own position first?”

The young man before my eyes was not the nobleman of the capital that I usually dealt with. I could feel the murderous aura coming from the young man’s body that only someone who had killed someone could exude.

In that life, Okta couldn’t even breathe properly.

“What real suppression of the press means is going after those who insulted our secret service and killing them all. Then everyone will keep quiet because they don’t want to die. Right?”

Okta realized that his pants were damp.

I peed myself without realizing it.

But that terrible murderous feeling was short-lived, and Charon smiled brightly as if nothing had happened.

“That’s what I’m saying, but I don’t really intend to go that far, so just relax your expression.”

Caron nodded as he uncorked another bottle of wine.

“Do you now understand why I came all the way here to talk to you?”

At those words, Okta nodded with all his might.

“… …I guess that means you’re giving me a chance.”

“You’re quick-witted. You don’t want me to go to the Academy to find your son, do you? Let’s take it easy.”

Charon pushed a glass in front of Octa. He continued speaking while pouring some alcohol into the glass.

“I came here to buy this newspaper.”

Despite the fact that he was talking about buying the media, he was incredibly confident.

From threats to bribery.

Caron’s actions were already far beyond Octa’s expectations.

Okta cleared his throat and asked the question carefully.

“Do you want us to apologize publicly?”

“Isn’t that the obvious thing to do? That’s not why I’m trying to bribe you. Okay, have a drink first.”

He poured himself a glass of wine as Charon had suggested.

“Put it all in at once.”

Okta drank the wine that was in his glass without any hesitation.

The strong alcohol burned my throat, but I was willing to endure the pain.

Because it’s better than dying.

“Your editor-in-chief is really good at writing novels, isn’t he? So this time, write me the novel I want. I’ll provide the material. What do you think?”

Caron said it was definitely a buy.

In other words, he was saying that if I granted this request, he would provide me with entertainment in return.

Octa swallowed hard. Then he spoke with a trembling voice.

“Are you giving me a chance to change lines…?”

“The Imperial Newspaper has a lot of influence. It would be a shame to close it down like this.”

Okta’s mind became complicated.

‘If you do it well… … .’

It was an opportunity not only to save his life, but also to secure a new sponsor.

The Duke of Reston.

It was a clear fact that the power of the Duke of Reston had been growing rapidly recently. News was constantly coming in through reporters from newspapers spread throughout the empire.

If you can change the line, it’s the best option.

What if the Duke of Reston starts to intervene in the capital in earnest, and you can gain merit by assisting them?

‘Couldn’t we receive a greater reward than what the imperial family promised?’

In that process, the Imperial Newspaper can certainly be of great help.

As he thought about it, Okta’s posture changed slightly.

A merchant’s greed crept up his face.

“If, if, we make an effort to atone for the wrong we have done to the Duke of Reston… … .”

“Isn’t there a reward? Oh, of course there is.”

Charon smiled as he slowly grabbed his sword.

“I’ll try to save you.”

“……yes?”

“I’m offering to save you. There’s nothing more precious than life in this world. Isn’t that right, Mr. President?”

Caron boldly offered the price of his life as a bribe.

If there was a problem, it was only because the price was the other person’s life.

“Oh, and write one more article. The youngest son of the Duke of Reston is not a hero, but a loser.”

“T, why do you have to do that… … .”

“Don’t ask. Are you going to write it or not?”

“I will… … write it. I will call the editor-in-chief right now.”

“Great. Then, shall we wait here for a bit? Get me a drinking buddy, boss. If you have nothing to do, sing a song.”

“Yes, yes.”

It was the moment when the knife-wielding bandits took over the empire’s number one media outlet.

4.

The Imperial Newspaper’s correction was soon published as a special edition.

The articles that filled the extra edition were as follows:

“The Duke of Reston did not plot a rebellion.”

『The northwestern part of the empire reborn by the Duke of Reston.』

『Great Reston! Creating miracles from the marginalized!』

『The Dukes of Reston, How Did They Become the Most Prestigious Family on the Continent?』

『A symbol of noblesse oblige. If there is anyone who doubted them even for a moment, they should reflect on themselves.』

『Exclusive Report) The Emperor is Returning!』

It’s hard to believe that this volume was published in such a short period of time.

This was a part where you could see how much effort Okta, the president of the Imperial Newspaper, had put into this matter.

Okta used all the newspaper’s capabilities to publish a special edition in an instant, and the contents of the special edition quickly spread throughout the capital.

The public’s reaction was immediate.

“Then that’s right! Who is Grand Duke Halo!”

“Where else can you find a place that cares for its commoners as much as the Duke of Reston?”

“It’s obvious that this was planned by the royal family. Isn’t it even written in the article?”

“There are still those who follow the evil emperor! They are truly out of their minds!”

As the Imperial Newspaper, which had been fiercely critical of the Duke of Reston, changed its tone, the citizens began to defend the Duke as if they had been waiting for it.

Although the media has continuously disparaged the actor, the image the actor has built up so far has been very good.

In particular, Caron’s influence was very great.

To what extent was it?

『It turns out that Charon Reston was not a hero, but a scoundrel. He enjoyed insulting other nobles in front of many people, and even treated his cousins ​​badly… . . 』

Citizens also saw the article written at Caron’s strong request.

“These damn newspaper bastards! They still haven’t come to their senses! They’re framing the young hero who’s following in the footsteps of the Grand Duke without any evidence!”

“That’s what I’m saying! There’s no way Caron would be a loser, right?”

“of course!”

“You damn media bastards!”

The trust in Caron was so great that everyone unanimously criticized the newspaper company.

Caron’s plan to be reborn as a villain with the help of a knight was ruined in an instant.

“Ah. Life isn’t easy. Isn’t that right, Mr. President?”

“I’m having a leisurely lunch at a restaurant,” Caron said.

This is a restaurant located near the newspaper office.

Caron was having lunch with the newspaper president, Octa, in light disguise.

Because it was a store targeting commoners rather than nobles, the atmosphere was quite lively.

Caron shook his head as he bit into the pork ribs placed in front of him.

The food tasted really good.

It was a taste that made me want to keep reaching for it because of the slightly spicy seasoning. However, I just didn’t like the stories I heard from people around me.

“Ha, is this really not enough? After all, I have to beat up people in a crowded plaza… … .”

At those words, Octa, who was opposite Charon, froze like ice.

“Maybe… … If I were to ask why you want to be called a city idiot… … .”

“Because I want to do that. Should I say that I am a filial son who wants to add even one more wrinkle to my grandfather’s face?”

“Oh, I see. I’ll try harder.”

“Okay. If it can’t be done, it can’t be done. Let’s find another way.”

Caron shrugged and took another bite of the ribs. Then he turned to Octa and spoke.

“Now that the extra edition has been published, there is no way back for you.”

“I know.”

It was just as Caron said.

The moment the Imperial Press defended the Duke of Reston and denounced the royal family, it had decided its course.

Although he had betrayed the master he had served for so long, Okta did not feel any pangs of conscience.

No matter what, shouldn’t we just live and see?

If I had rejected Charon’s offer on the spot, I would have definitely died.

“I’ll be counting on you in the future, sir. We’ll be very good partners.”

“Yes, yes. Of course.”

“In that sense, let me ask you one more favor.”

Caron looked at Octa with a grin.

“I’m planning on stopping by another place after lunch. Can you send some reporters over?”

It was said to be a request, but in reality it was no different from a threat.

Octa nodded quickly.

“Of course it is possible. What are your plans?”

“To stop by the academy.”

Then Okta’s face turned pale.

“Didn’t you say that you would spare my son? Please forgive me… .”

“… …Who came to harass your son?”

Caron laughed in disbelief. Then he spoke in a confident voice.

“Since it has come to this, we should do it properly.”

The bribery and threats worked very successfully.

Now that they had the media involved, it was time to use them to drop a bomb.

“I’m thinking of giving a surprise speech at the Academy.”

A man who, when he sets his mind to doing something, does it properly.

A person who always returns what he receives.

“Incitement and fabrication must be met with incitement and fabrication.”

That’s the kind of guy Caron Reston was.

Octa decided to just give up on understanding Charon.

Caron Reston was a being beyond human understanding.

“Let’s go for it with fair and square instigation.”

……clearly.

In this way, the capital of the empire was sucked into a whirlpool of chaos.

There’s a mad dog living in the duke’s house