With little choice, Sylas explained the situation. The rumors, the slander, the Royal Guard's acceptance of the false stories, and Dietrich's challenge to "reform" him.
"With my honor at stake, I had to defend myself."
As Bill listened, his face flushed with anger, and veins bulged on his clenched fists.
"Who is the scoundrel spreading such lies?! If I find them, I'll see their head on a pike!"
Behind them, Dani, pale as a sheet, instinctively touched his own neck.
"Please, calm down. The rumor has already spread, and there's nothing we can do about it now."
Sylas cast a sidelong glance at Dani, whose pale face was a sight to behold. But Sylas wasn't planning on exposing him—at least, not right now.
"Once a rumor spreads through a town, it's nearly impossible to find its source. How could we possibly trace a rumor that's spread throughout the capital?"
"Are you suggesting we just let it go?!"