Scemming

Looking at Salvascon's sinister expression, a chill ran down Ethan's spine. Goosebumps crawled over his arms—a subconscious reaction to the unease settling in his gut. The dim candlelight flickered against the wine glass in Salvascon's hand, casting shifting shadows over his sharp features.

Ethan's crimson eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, "And how exactly do you plan to save me?"

Salvascon leaned back in his chair, his smirk unwavering. He tilted his head slightly, as if amused by the question. "Oh, it's actually very simple."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Simple?"

"Yes, very simple." Salvascon gestured lazily with one hand, his movements slow and deliberate, as if he were explaining something utterly trivial. "You see, the one who intends to harm you—that girl's brother—we just have to eliminate him. Plain and simple."

Ethan's fingers curled slightly against the wooden table. His voice remained even, but his expression darkened. "You want to kill him."

Salvascon let out a soft chuckle, swirling the wine in his glass. The deep red liquid sloshed gently, catching the candlelight. "Well, to save you, we must do what we have to." His tone was light, casual—like he was discussing the weather rather than plotting a man's death.

Ethan exhaled slowly through his nose, suppressing the irritation bubbling inside him. "But didn't you say he was strong? How do you plan to eliminate him so easily?"

Salvascon's smirk widened, his dark eyes gleaming with something almost predatory. He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "That's where you come in."

Ethan didn't respond, waiting.

Salvascon tapped a finger against the table, the sound light but deliberate. "You see, he may be on par with me and Saka the Knight, but he's definitely not stronger than former Knight Commander Ralf." His smile sharpened. "All you have to do is ask him to handle it."

Ethan's jaw tensed slightly. "You think he'll agree that easily?"

Salvascon let out a short, knowing laugh, shaking his head. "No."

Then, setting his glass down with a soft clink, he fixed Ethan with a calculated gaze. "But after what you did to that girl, her brother will come for revenge. Your life will be in danger. If you explain this to the commander, he won't have much of a choice."

He leaned back, exuding a quiet confidence. "After all, protecting you is his duty. He can't refuse."

Ethan stared at him, mind racing through the implications.

"So that's your plan," he muttered, more to himself than to Salvascon.

Salvascon's smile widened, his amusement barely concealed. "That's my plan."

Ethan's crimson gaze lingered on him, his instincts flaring with suspicion. This wasn't just about helping him—Salvascon had an ulterior motive. If Ethan hadn't formed that contract with Lara, he might have had no other choice but to be blackmailed by this man. But he did have that contract, and because of that, Salvascon's leverage over him was practically worthless.

Yet, despite that, Ethan didn't refuse his idea.

Something about the way Salvascon spoke—the almost eager way he suggested eliminating Lara's brother—made Ethan suspicious. It felt as if this wasn't just about him. It felt like Salvascon had planned this from the very start.

But why?

What had Lara's brother done to make Salvascon so determined to kill him that he would even go as far as threatening a higher-ranked noble like Ethan?

Ethan leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze never leaving Salvascon.

"Before we discuss that, I have a question for you."

Salvascon nodded, swirling his wine again, as if he already knew what was coming.

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Why do I feel like you're not really helping me, but your real goal is to eliminate Lara's brother?"

For the briefest moment, Salvascon's smile stiffened, his grip on the wine glass tightening ever so slightly. But in the next second, his expression smoothed back into nonchalance, and he let out a soft chuckle.

"Well, actually, you're right." He exhaled through his nose, as if amused by Ethan's directness. "I do want to kill him. Ever since he arrived in this town three months ago, he's been getting in my way. Constantly. And I would love to eliminate him for good this time."

His voice remained light, but there was an undeniable edge beneath it—a hint of something darker.

With a slow, deliberate movement, he leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table. His confidence was unwavering.

"After you persuade former Commander Ralf to agree, we can prepare for an ambush." A cold smile spread across his lips. "No matter how strong he is, he won't survive this time."

Ethan studied him carefully, but he didn't ask how or why Lara's brother was a hindrance to Salvascon. He doubted the man would answer honestly. But something about the way he spoke, the sheer certainty in his voice, made it clear—this wasn't the first time he had tried to kill him.

His previous attempts had likely failed, and now he was trying a different tactic.

A theory began forming in Ethan's mind.

If Salvascon had been so eager to get rid of Lara's brother, could he have also been involved in Ethan's past actions?

Why had the town mayor been so willing to help the original Ethan with kidnapping Lara?

It was too convenient.

Could it be that this was Salvascon's scheme from the very beginning?

First, he helped the original Ethan kidnap Lara. Then, he used that crime as leverage, knowing it would provoke her brother into action. Once that happened, he could manipulate Ralf into getting rid of him.

Even if the original Ethan had gone through with his plan and killed Lara, Salvascon could have easily "let slip" some information—just enough for her brother to find out the truth and come for revenge.

The bastard played everyone.

The original Ethan had already fallen for his trap.

Ethan felt a surge of cold relief. If he hadn't made that contract with Lara, he would have been backed into a corner—completely at Salvascon's mercy.

But right then, another thought struck him.

His crimson eyes darkened, his fingers curling slightly.

Wait… could it be that Salvascon was also the one behind that assassin last night?

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