The words had barely left his mouth when Baron Bragot scoffed loudly. "A man, a Lord no less, wasting his time designing women's clothes? Where is the shame in that? Only fools would wear such things."
Duke Philip's expression darkened at once. His sharp eyes landed on Bragot, and the weight of his glare was enough to send a chill down the Baron's spine. Bragot froze, suddenly wondering what he had said wrong.
"Mind your words," the Duke warned coldly. "Baron Blank's skill is impressive. You will not belittle it."
Baron Bragot's lips trembled. He quickly bowed his head. "Forgive me, Your Grace. I spoke carelessly." He forced out the apology, though the anger in his eyes had not faded.
The Duke leaned back in his chair. "Enough of that. We are here for an important matter, so let us begin. Many of you have complained about Baron Blank. You claim that by relying on his appearance, he has taken over Blank Barony and its authority without any true proof of his worth. So I ask you, Baron Ethan, what do you have to say?"
Ethan stood up slowly. His back was straight, and his voice carried confidence. "Your Grace, I have devoted my heart and soul to the Blank family. My wife trusted me completely, and I have never betrayed that trust. In the years I have managed the Barony, its fortune has grown by leaps and bounds. That alone should be proof of my ability to govern."
Baron Copper snorted. "Hmph. Skill in administration means little without strength. What power do you have to sit here as our equal?"
"Yes," added Baron Ohen with a sneer.
"A commoner raised only by another's grace, and yet he dares to sit among us? It would be a disgrace if one without strength remained in this circle."
For the first time, Ethan's face hardened. His expression turned serious, though inside he almost felt relieved. This was what he had been waiting for. Words alone would not satisfy them. If they wanted strength, he would give them strength.
He stepped forward and spoke firmly. "Since you all doubt me, then let us have a trial. Let it be overseen by the Church, so no one can claim unfairness. I will stake my crystal mines. You will stake your most precious treasures. Then we will see the truth."
As soon as he said this, the room shifted. Every pair of eyes lit up. This was exactly what they had been aiming for.
The plan had been simple. Push Ethan until he lost his temper. Then, when he found himself cornered, he would come to them in desperation and beg for support. At that moment, they would demand his crystal mines as the price of saving him. It was a trap laid out with care. No one in the room wanted to miss out on such wealth.
But they had made one mistake. They thought Ethan was weak. They thought he was afraid and could be broken.
They didn't know the truth. Ethan was already a late-stage Intermediate Knight.
A silence lingered in the hall for a moment. The atmosphere was heavy, and every noble present watched Ethan closely. It did not take long before one figure stepped forward.
Baron Bragot, tall and broad-shouldered, stood with confidence. His voice was calm but carried the weight of authority.
"I will accept the challenge," he said firmly. "Since you are betting your E-rank crystal mines, I will put my own metal mine on the line. That should be fair."
The nobles stirred at his words. The value of a metal mine was no small matter. Some looked at Ethan with curiosity, others with doubt, but Ethan only nodded.
"Are you sure about it?"Ethan asked, which caused Baron Bragot to falter a bit.
"You can decide later and inform Duke but anyone who wants to fight me must put something at stake or else it would look like bullying me."
Duke Philip looked at him and asked,"You want to challenge everyone."
"Yes," Ethan replied without hesitation. His voice was steady, and his eyes did not waver.
"Then let us make this official. I ask His Grace, the Duke, for permission to hold this trial in front of the people. The crowd will bear witness, and no man will be able to take back his word."
The Duke leaned forward in his chair. His sharp gaze swept across the hall, studying both men.
After a pause, he nodded,"Very well. The trial shall be held before the people. But for that we need a bit of preparation.Also,I need everyone's agreement."
Ethan bowed slightly in respect, then turned his head toward the representatives of the Church who were standing nearby.
"I also request the Church to oversee this trial. Their presence will ensure the fairness of the fight, and no one will question the outcome."
One of the priests, dressed in white robes with a golden cross at his chest, rose from his seat.
"The Church will stand as witness," he declared. "We will oversee the trial and confirm the result in the name of the divine."
The hall buzzed with murmurs. Some nobles leaned in to whisper, while others shook their heads. Baron Fenwick's lips curved into a faint smile. He looked at Ethan as if staring at an inexperienced youth.
"You are bold," Fenwick said with a low chuckle. "But boldness alone does not win battles. I have years of strength and power behind me. Do not think that a newly risen chick can topple an old hawk."
Ethan's eyes sharpened, but his face remained calm. "We will see on the field.I think it's better if you all think carefully and put the wager prior,"he said quietly.
The Duke raised his hand for silence, and the hall fell quiet once more. His voice was final, cutting through the whispers.
"Then it is decided. Any noble who wants to tweet shall face Ethan. The wager will be the E-rank crystal mines against the precious aspect of another Baron. The trial will be held before the people, with the Church as witness. No word will be broken, and no man will turn back."
The announcement echoed in the chamber, sealing the agreement.
Baron Fenwick's confidence did not falter. His eyes gleamed with certainty as if he already saw victory in his hands. With his years of
power and experience, he felt no fear of defeat.