Reincarnated as incubus: I didn't mean to seduce you!

Chapter 11 - 9 Earl Rezhe.D.Charles

Several hours before Kael’s visit, within the heavy city of Fransburg, near the Newman Domain, a meeting that few knew about was taking place.

[Location: Celeia Racing Club]

This club, which primarily catered to Nobles and the Knight Class with deep roots, occupied a significant plot of land between the aristocratic district of Fransburg and the bustling commercial street.

Racing, knight duels, beast competitions, and man-animal sports... Most of the entertainment that could excite the ruling class could be found here.

At this moment, on the second-floor viewing platform of the racing venue, a few people were engaged in conversation over tea.

"I wonder what matter brings Count Rezhe to reserve the second floor of Celeia and invite me here, it’s no small figure."

Baron Newman was an adventurer in his prime, a believer in the Sea God and an advocate for adventure. He was over forty years old, his face, barely wrinkled, wore an expression of calm composure.

And the Count Rezhe he mentioned should be referred to in full as Rezhe.D.Charles.

As a branch of the Lion Heart Duke’s lineage, rulers of the Duchy of Englance, although not as profound and flourishing as the main house, his inheritance of the Lion Heart Duke’s blood still allowed this clan leader of the Charles family to inherit the title of Earl.

In terms of blood relations, Kael would have to address him as a great uncle.

Whether Count Rezhe was willing to acknowledge that was another matter entirely.

Suppressed by the aristocratic hierarchy, coupled with a status so noble it was beyond words, even Baron Newman, who had made no small contributions to the Duchy, still had to suppress his feelings of aversion and respectfully address him as "Count".

Rezhe was now just over sixty, dressed in an exquisite, Baroque-styled nobleman’s attire, appearing a good thirty something years of age – unexpectedly three years younger than Baron Newman.

At this moment, the Count wore a formulaic smile, dismissing the waiting maidservants before he began to speak with a laugh:

"The reason for my visit is indeed to discuss a matter with Baron Newman. After all, you have a good relationship with that good-for-nothing brother of mine, and I suppose that makes us somewhat associated."

After Count Rezhe finished speaking, he paused before continuing, "The reason I am here today is to inquire about Anthony. A few months ago, after Anthony returned from the Royal Capital, did he entrust you with anything?"

Mr. Newman looked at Count Rezhe, laughed lightly, and said, "Just now I was wondering why a small newly elevated noble like myself warranted an invitation from the Count to sit at the high table.

Now it seems that Count Rezhe really has a ’special concern’ for your brother."

"You jest, Baron Newman," Rezhe emphasized the word "Baron" with a heavier tone, pausing momentarily before continuing, "Mainly because that brother of mine, who has always been against family wishes, has indeed been a constant worry."

Newman shook his head: "If you truly cared, you would have seen him at least once while Anthony was alive."

"He would have had to be willing to see me for that to happen."

Rezhe sighed, straightened his face, and changed his tone, "I’ve heard that Baron Newman’s daughter has a fine reputation in the Royal Capital, and Charles has some renown among the Nobility.

Given that my good-for-nothing child is of the right age, if a marriage could be arranged with a genius from the Knight Academy, it would seal an excellent reputation."

"The Charles family is too grand, and I was too used to drifting at sea in my early years to think I would receive such favor from Lion Heart and gain a Baron’s title. I’ve let her grow up wild since she was a child.

Entering the Charles family would naturally be a good thing, but I fear she might cause trouble for Count Rezhe. Anthony’s family is just right; he inherited his baronetcy based on his own merit and does not look down on my humble drifting life, so..."

As Newman said this, his face showed the right amount of hesitation, "It seems, Count Rezhe, you aren’t aware that Elanna already has a marriage arrangement. It’s truly delightful that she’s received such high praise from you.

Considering the relationship between Anthony and you, along with this fortunate arrangement with Kael, surely you wouldn’t mind the other aspects, right?!"

Rezhe looked meaningfully at the robust man who was dodging the topic, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Have you thought it through?"

"Where’s the clarity in that, being valued by the Charles family is a good thing, a great thing!"

"Now, I’m somewhat inclined to believe what the outside world says about Mr. Newman’s relationship with my brother—it’s as close as his own limb." Rezhe nodded, then said no more.

"Then..." Baron Newman hesitated, wanting to take his leave directly, but ultimately, he could not bring himself to voice it immediately under Rezhe’s aggressive gaze.

The atmosphere on the scene grew increasingly tense.

Suddenly, a servant’s light knock was heard at the door of the viewing platform, and without waiting for Rezhe’s response, the servant pushed the door open and entered.

A look of dissatisfaction crossed Rezhe’s face; the arrival of this person undoubtedly disrupted the oppressive atmosphere he had been deliberately cultivating, his voice even rising slightly:

"Since when did Celeia’s servants become so impolite?"

When the servant saw the displeased expression on Count Rezhe’s face, he involuntarily stepped back, half in fear.

Suddenly, a warm chuckle came from behind, and the servant finally realized his place, struggling to suppress the unease on his face, he said to Newman:

"Lord Newman, there is an urgent message from the Mage Association for you, someone from your family has come to visit, and your housekeeper has sent someone to deliver the message."

Baron Newman’s face relaxed as he replied, "Good, good, good! You really have troubled yourselves."

No one knew what he truly meant by that, but clearly, Count Rezhe’s expression soured upon hearing him speak in this way.

Baron Newman’s countenance, darkened by years at sea, wore a slight look of apology as he turned to Count Rezhe:

"Count, there is an urgent matter at home. I must leave for today, and I implore you to honor us with your presence at the next banquet."

"Well... we shall talk another day."

Count Rezhe’s perfunctory smile eventually took on a hint of permanence, and without any attempt to detain him, once Baron Newman had left, his smile vanished instantly, his voice cold as he said:

"What do you think, is there truth in what he says?"

From a seemingly normal corner of the viewing platform, a raspy voice suddenly spoke:

"True or false, who cares? In the end, it’s up to your will, Count. If you really want to know the secret behind young master Anthony’s rapid ascent to the Holy Land, who could stop you?

That half-blood, without the support of young master Anthony, is at your mercy, isn’t he?"

Rezhe glanced coldly at the distorted shadow in the corner and scoffed, "Why do I get the feeling that you’re placing quite a lot of importance on that bastard child?"

"After all, I am your Shadow Servant, tasked to clear away any obstacles that stand in your path. That’s my duty," the person in the shadows bowed, his voice dripping with what seemed like light laughter.

But the very next moment, a suppressed groan of extreme discomfort was heard.

Rezhe’s hand, at some point, had grabbed a small piece of flesh and when he pressed down hard with his fingers, the person merged with the shadows shook even more violently.

"You may speak when I allow it, and should remain silent when I do not. The misbegotten might not have my approval, but the blood of the Charles family still runs in his veins.

I can decide how to deal with him, but that does not mean you can, not even think about it, understand?"

"Yes... Your will."

Rezhe tapped the desk leisurely and said, "I don’t believe that Newman, with no backing, can endure for long. If the old man doesn’t give me what is mine, I will take it by my own skill."