Chapter 566: Chapter 581: Dueling Technique
From the very beginning, Baiyu stood on the opposite side of this group of aristocrats.
The aristocratic circle is inherently extremely exclusive and pretentious.
This is a circle that values personal connections and relationships.
Baiyu never intended to understand or integrate into this aristocratic circle. Even in Mountain City, he mostly turned down the invitations from those aristocrats.
Because they were not kindred spirits.
However.
He didn’t expect to be disgusted by these aristocrats here today.
Long Shanyun too.
If they were going to call him, couldn’t they choose another time?
"Sir, please show your credentials or a sealed invitation from the Duke."
The Guard Captain’s gaze was extremely serious.
And around them.
The looks from those nobles were fixed on this scene, and this commotion even startled half the building.
Everyone, more or less, was gloating.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Baiyu sighed and said, "I don’t have an invitation."
Seeing him say this.
The surrounding people’s expressions became more dramatic.
Initially, they only meant to bluff, trying to uncover this guy’s background. However, who would have thought someone would really dare sneak into a place like this?
Regarding this.
Xue An and Shuta almost didn’t react in time.
But very quickly.
The next sentence from Baiyu made their laughter stick in their throats.
"Although I don’t have an invitation, I was asked to come by the Duke of Shanyun. If you don’t believe me, you can ask the Duke directly."
With this sentence.
The whispers among the four disappeared instantly.
Everyone’s eyes widened, looking at Baiyu as if he were a rare treasure.
Shuta and Xue An, after being stunned for a few seconds, let out extremely disdainful laughs.
"Kid, do you know who the Duke of Shanyun is? Personally invited, hahaha, do you really think you’re someone important!"
Xue An mocked mercilessly.
Shuta also let out a cold laugh, "It’s just asking for death, flaunting the Duke of Shanyun’s name, even if you had ten lives, you wouldn’t walk out of here today!"
The Guard Captain’s tone was resolute: "Sir, please come out with us. I hope you can understand and cooperate."
Baiyu stood in place and did not move.
Seeing the atmosphere freeze, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Xue An and Shuta’s eyes.
However.
They ignored a crucial piece of information.
That if Baiyu really had no identity, how could Alicia possibly know him?
Of course.
Perhaps they thought of this as well, but they were not afraid.
Because this is Villiduo, their stronghold, where the entire aristocracy is united, making it extremely difficult for even the Duke to deal with.
This is a tough nut to crack.
The aristocrats know that unity ensures their greatest benefit.
Which is why the current situation exists.
However.
Just as the Guard Captain was motioning for Baiyu to be taken out, a commotion suddenly broke out at the edge of the crowd.
Then the aristocrats parted to form a gap.
Long Shanyun approached with a stern face, his gaze sweeping around as he coldly said, "What’s going on? Why is there a disturbance here? I asked you over not to cause trouble!"
As the only Duke of Villiduo and the head of the government.
Long Shanyun’s authority was unchallengeable, and the area fell silent as he spoke.
Afterwards.
He looked towards the center of the crowd and asked, "Baiyu, what’s happening here?"
Baiyu innocently said, "Duke Shanyun, this isn’t my fault. I was just here quietly, and suddenly two lapdogs came to bite me, what can I do?
Should I ’apologize’ to Miss Alicia instead?
They’re even telling me to get out. Duke Shanyun, you’ll have to stand up for me on this."
Hearing the sarcasm in his words.
Count Bene’s face turned somewhat unnatural, and he quickly said, "No need, no need to apologize."
Long Shanyun was well aware of the grudges between Baiyu and Alicia Bene.
Of course.
He didn’t expect that Alicia would even want to mend relations with Baiyu.
Combined with Shuta and Xue An’s long-standing pursuit of Count Bene.
Long Shanyun thought for a moment.
And guessed most of the situation.
And at this moment.
His face turned completely dark.
Today’s invitation to Baiyu was not for idle chit-chat but because there was a real task for him.
The Imperial authorities had plans to use him as well.
Unexpectedly.
Before discussing this matter, this group of aristocrats had already caused such a scene.
Long Shanyun did not want to discipline this group of aristocrats, but the aristocratic class was notoriously difficult to govern.
With minimal carelessness.
A catastrophe could occur.
This group of aristocrats may not excel in other skills, but internal conflict, slander, rumors, and controlling public opinion are talents at which they excel.
Long Shanyun has to tread carefully.
Having governed Villiduo for many years, he only dared to slowly reduce aristocratic power, not pushing too rapidly.
For fear of inciting backlash.
But today.
This group of aristocrats was going too far.
"Xue An, Shuta."
Long Shanyun said sternly, "Baiyu was invited by me personally. If you want him to leave, does that mean I should leave too?"
The two of them, seeing Long Shanyun so serious, thought things were not looking good, and quickly said, "Duke Shanyun, it’s a misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding, we were just concerned for safety."
"With how chaotic Villiduo is recently, there’s been a lot of activity from hidden organizations. We feared ill-intentioned people might infiltrate.
Moreover.
We didn’t know beforehand that he was your guest."
The two clamored loudly.
The surrounding aristocrats now also stood up, playing the role of peacemakers.
To all of this.
Baiyu watched coldly.
Long Shanyun furrowed his brow, greatly troubled, knowing well that if he truly punished these two, he would have no grounds.
After all.
They hadn’t even acted physically.
Punishment?
At most, a reprimand.
Otherwise, it would definitely trigger a backlash from the aristocratic class.
However.
Just as he was thoroughly vexed, thinking how to handle this matter, Baiyu spoke, "Duke Shanyun, don’t let this trouble you. I’d like to settle this privately with them."
The surroundings fell silent instantly.
Baiyu stood at the center of the crowd, continuing, "I am the Chief Commissioner of Mountain City’s Security Bureau, the Violet Count.
Rank.
Is not below you two.
Today, you two provoked and insulted me for no reason, so I hereby apply to use the Dueling Technique!"
The Dueling Technique.
This is an interesting statute in the East Prosperity Imperial.
The original intent was to give two enemies the chance to duel to the death and settle scores.
But later, it gradually evolved into a regulation for resolving conflicts between nobles.
And.
Usually, it is the minor nobles who challenge the major nobles to a duel.
Major noble titles would generally not refuse such duels, as it concerns face and dignity.
Not to mention strength.
They don’t necessarily have to participate personally.
However.
When a major noble challenges a minor noble to a duel, it’s quite rare.
And.
In such duels, a minor noble absolutely cannot refuse.
