A gigantic bomb had been planted directly at the heart of the Campbell Duchy's power tower.

It would sink not only the unspoken mutual understanding between the upper and lower classes since the First Epoch, but also unleash a massive flame, engulfing all who gaze upon it or are amidst it.

After enduring this catastrophe which costs a generation, the citizens of the Campbell Duchy will finally attain redemption.

However, as Spirit and his followers said, they must first experience despair.

In the ensuing time, Spirit no longer discussed things Edward liked to hear, nor those he was concerned about, but instead diverted the topic with his "observations" from the Academic State and the Imperial, guiding Edward to talk about the Campbell Duchy and the Ryan Kingdom's court.

Spirit skillfully managed their social distance, entering the other's mental world while leaving a touch of mystery, not completely delving in.

To not explore the other's mental world wouldn't truly gain their trust, but going too deep could afterwards arouse their caution and suspicion.

He would at the appropriate moment return initiative to the other party, as when interacting with Erin.

In the Demon King Academy, this course was called "Human Empire Etiquette."

In the following time, the two conversed pleasantly, until Edward reluctantly left at lunchtime.

As the Monarch of this country and the host of all feasts, he had to tidy his appearance before the reception started.

Spirit actually intended to do the same, and just as he was about to leave the tea room, Baron Ges solemnly blocked his path.

Just as Spirit was curious about what he intended to say, Baron Ges performed a noble gesture and said solemnly.

"Thank you, your advice is very important to us, whether for Our Majesty or for us feudal lords serving him."

Spirit smiled and nodded slightly.

"It is my honor to help you, I really like this place."

A smile also appeared on Baron Ges's face, and he then said.

"I feel the same, after all, this is my hometown. It's just that I've only recently discovered that I actually don't understand the citizens I rule. They aren't kind and certainly not simple; their cunning exceeds my imagination."

"I've never thought about this issue all along, only recently did I suddenly realize that those folks are not worthy of the protection of the Gess family. Yet all along we've been bound to this land by traditional honor and responsibility."

"I vaguely pondered what's wrong, but couldn't articulate where it went wrong, thanks to your words enlightening me... In fact, we could be wealthier if we just gave up a bit of our lord's obligations. In other words, I've invisibly sacrificed too much for them!"

"And how do they repay me? I lead them to resolve great troubles in the territory, yet when I needed them the most, they unhesitatingly turned and fled. I think it's time for them to learn a lesson, only in this way will these rogues remember who truly is the best for them!"

Spirit looked at Ges in surprise, unsure whether to be astonished by his defiant logic or by his shamelessness.

Indeed.

In the unassuming corner of the blueprint he laid out for Grand Duke Edward, there is indeed such a demon's whisper —

When these feudal lords relinquish feudal obligations and collude with the power of capital, they can earn unimaginable wealth, as if eating a fish twice.

What Spirit didn't expect was that he could precisely find this whisper and ignore all others.

This was like displaying the "Mona Lisa's Smile" to Grand Duke Edward; everyone, including the Grand Duke, sees the smile, only he sees the chasm.

This guy might indeed be born for the role of a demon.

After a long pause, Spirit lightly coughed and said.

"I'm surprised by your interpretation. I think perhaps you should teach them a lesson, but don't be too extreme."

Baron Ges squinted his eyebrows slightly, indicating he completely understood.

"I understand, though they were sinisterly treacherous at first, but after all, I am an honorable person, I will only take what I deserve."

Is it really so?

Spirit expressed skepticism but said nothing.

At this moment, Lady Marina entered from outside, looking at her husband with reproachful eyes.

"Enough, you've talked too long already, dragging it further and the banquet will begin."

She had spent the whole morning preparing for this affair.

After criticizing her husband, Marina looked at Mr. Colin, her eyes instantly softened.

"Please follow me, esteemed sir, before the banquet begins you surely wish to make some preparations."

Although Spirit felt it unnecessary, he still respectfully nodded in consent and then looked at Baron Ges to say goodbye.

"I'll leave now, see you later."

"See you later, sir."

Baron Ges smiled and nodded, watching Mr. Colin leave the tea room.

However, when his gaze fell upon his wife, he frowned in perplexity.

Why has she changed her outfit again?

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