37: Meeting Duke Phoenix (b)

Trojan got prepared, putting on a suit. Emilia was by his side, wearing a dress of her own.

"Will you be listening to the conversation?" Trojan asked her.

"I suppose so," Emilia confirmed. "Unless you wish to exclude me from your plans."

"No… it's alright," Trojan told her.

Domino stood close to both Trojan and Emilia, having already put up a barrier around the estate in case any peasant tried getting close.

They were waiting for Duke Phoenix's mage, who was likely to be the one picking them up. Domino was able to use the transportation spell, but he had never been to Duke Phoenix's villa before.

Eventually, the time came.

Domino tightened the grip on his staff as the wind in the room picked up. Someone appeared, wearing purple robes and a purple hat.

The person stood there, staff in hand as well.

The mage was a woman. She looked at Trojan and Emilia before looking at Domino. A smile spread across her face when she saw Domino.

"It is a pleasure to meet you both, Duke Trojan and Marchioness Emilia," The mage greeted.

"I am technically also a Trojan. We have just married recently, so please, address me by Letha," Emilia told her.

The mage looked slightly confused, and also a little nervous. "Oh… okay. Um… how should I address…"

She looked over at Trojan.

"Duke Trojan is fine," Trojan told her.

The mage nodded and then made eye contact with Domino. Domino shot her a warning glare, but she obviously mistook the glare for something else.

"I see that Domino is under your employment?" The lady mage commented. "I assume he has been a nuisance?"

Trojan did not want to bother trying to guess the relationship between the mages. It was likely that they used to be classmates, or simply knew each other.

"Domino has been rather helpful, actually. I don't think I would be alive without him," Trojan said.

The female mage looked shocked for a moment before she returned her composure.

"Apologies for the late introduction," The mage bowed. "I go by Ash, and I am Duke Phoenix's contracted mage. Duke Phoenix has agreed to meet with Duke Trojan to discuss matters."

Trojan got up, so did Emilia.

Domino stepped forward.

Ash gathered everyone around before she waved her staff once. They were surrounded by swirling winds and their surroundings changed.

They were in a different estate, this one somehow looking more expensive. There was a window to their side, and looking out the window, was a stunning view of the sea.

"Welcome to one of Duke Phoenix's Villas. Duke Phoenix is in the opposite room. Duke Trojan as well as… Lady… Letha? Shall go in and speak with the Duke," Ash instructed.

Trojan stepped ahead. After all, it was his plan to begin with.

It was supposed to be a villa, but from what Trojan could see, the place seemed more like a villain's lair. The windows were covered, the place was lit up with some sort of magic stone. In the middle of the room was a table which a single person sat at.

Trojan could guess that the place was further protected by magic.

Trojan stepped in and greeted the person. "Greetings, Duke Phoenix. It is a pleasure to be able to speak with you."

Duke Phoenix, the rumours of him being older than even the current King was true. The oldest nobility alive.

He had white hair that was still trimmed short and neat. He was clean shaven, making him look younger than he actually was. However, the wrinkles and patches on his skin showed his age. He had green-blue eyes that looked beautiful.

Duke Phoenix had a grim expression on his face.

"Have a seat," Duke Phoenix told Trojan.

Trojan and Emilia sat beside each other. They each had a ring around their left hand's ring finger.

"I would like to congratulate the both of you for getting married," Duke Phoenix started off, polite. "And I would also like to congratulate Duke Trojan for your promotion."

Trojan nodded. "Thank you."

Duke Phoenix nodded before smiling slightly, making him look like some friendly old man.

"So, how may I be of assistance to you? I have heard from your wife… um… how should I address you from now on?" Duke Phoenix asked.

"Emilia is fine if using my first name or new name is too unnatural," Emilia told him.

"Alright," Duke Phoenix cleared his throat before continuing. "I have heard from Emilia that you wish to speak to me regarding the current rebellion that is ongoing?"

"That is indeed the case," Trojan confirmed.

"Then shall we get straight to business then? Afterwards, you may spend some time at my villa to relax, how about it?" Duke Phoenix suggested.

Trojan was hesitant. Duke Phoenix was always rumoured to be someone scary, but he seemed like a nice guy. Trojan was used to business, and he knew that the look on Duke Phoenix's face could very well be fake.

"Well, I have a proposal on how to solve this rebellion, although it might be difficult," Trojan started. "I am planning on pinning the blame of the recent fire on the Royal Family."

Duke Phoenix looked amused as he tapped his fingers together, rings on his fingers.

"I assume you are not joking when you say that," Duke Phoenix said. "May I know why you wish to blame the Royal Family instead of, perhaps, me?"

"The Royal Family is more well-known to the people, and they keep many secrets from the peasants. With the recent involvement of the Royal Family which led to the army being mobilised under Earl Sichal, the price of bread had increased, leading to the lack in food as the farmers become more greedy," Trojan continued. "The Royal Family is the easiest amongst the highest of ranks to frame."

"So you wish to push the target of the rebellion to the Royal Family instead of yourself? That does not change a thing," Duke Phoenix commented.

Trojan nodded, already knowing that. "Yes, but there is a difference between having either you or myself blamed as compared to the Royal family. They have the army and the power necessary to complete this plan of mine."

Duke Phoenix raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"If the rebellion boils over, the Royal Family would have no choice but to go to war with the peasants," Trojan explained. "That way, should there be a massacre, the Royal Family would have to be removed from their position of power. As a bonus, all those involved in the rebellion would be suppressed."

"Do you perhaps require the two of us to step in and support the fight against the Royal Family?" Duke Phoenix asked, already understanding where it was going.

"Not us. That is why I am here today. I wish to seek Duke Phoenix's help in helping battle against the Royal Family, but I myself shall not be involved."