The Marquis and the Margrave had long since left with the two Fonias twins. As people that were going to set the Fonias name straight, they needed to prove to the world that they weren't involved in these problems at all and that they were actively working to fix them.
That was pretty much the only way that they could get what they wanted.
Now, with all the members of my own little circus troupe in front of me, I sat at the head of the room next to the fireplace. All of them either sat still or lounged out on the couches and the chairs while kicking back and relaxing.
"Alright kids," I said. "Line up. We're going to go begin our crash course, on how to take down a Duchy."
***
The Fonias already knew that someone stood in their way.
With the war ending from a defeat on both ends, alongside the fact that both your businesses were ruined, it would be clear as day for anyone that what was going on was someone cooking against them.
In such a situation, one would want nothing more than to kill the other party.
For that end, the person in question would leave no stone unturned. Any kind of risk would seem small in front of their loss even if it was clearly bigger.
Gambling worked on a similar principle.
When a person lost a hundred bucks, instead of folding and calling it a day, they would bet two hundred to recover their money and make a win.
Such was life, filled with irrational idiocy.
Well, where gambling's risk depended purely on your luck, risk in war depended on your skills and wits.
Naturally, the Duke of Fonias, Seri Al Fonias, would not see this stuff as a risk at all.
And that is why, he was going to bait us in by offering a large hand.
And that is also why...
Sitting in my office, the door was knocked on.
"Get in."
In came Maria and Lily, and behind them was a man being dragged by the neck by Keith.
"You brought him," I said with a wide smile.
"Of course, it has been a very long time, has it not, young master? Please enjoy your time with Mr. Shilon."
It had been a very long time. Three hundred chapters almost.
"It is great to see you again, my dearest Piano instructor, Mr. Shilon."
Shilon, the old piano instructor who had only grown older over these ten years bowed his head and walked over to the table. His eyes downcast, he pulled back a chair and sat down.
His reputation was solid before, but now, it was unshakeable. He had not only become famous through my stolen compositions as a person who was deeply involved with the man that had changed the musical ecosphere, but had also become a famed teacher in the cultural hub of the country.
The city of Apollon.
"I-It truly has been… young master… I forgot to bring my stamp today, so I believe it'll be impossible to make any contracts."
What was he on about now?
"That isn't of importance, Mr. Shilon. I asked for you to tell you something special."
"Eek!"
"Please, you over react. It isn't that special."
"I-I think I am fine without anything special whatsoever, Lord Eugene."
"Don't be like that," I said, smiling. "I am planning to perform live for the first time."
Spark returned in Shilon's eyes at my simple words.
Even if Shilon had an unshakeable reputation, half of it was because he was my manager. The person who was my middle man to the outer world.
If I came out, it would be a booming business for him.
"P-perform live? You, young master?"
"Yes."
"H-haven't you gotten rusty or something?"
"I've made it a point to play whenever I can. I believe I have just gotten better."
"And… and…"
The man lowered his head.
"But," I said. "My condition is that you convince the lord of Fonias that he host me before anyone else."
"You want to perform for Lord Fonias?" Shilon asked. "Young master… why?"
"I look up to them."
It was bait. My bait.
"But, it would be difficult to convince him that it truly is you, young master. What would we do then?"
"I am aware." I reached into my pockets and placed a bunch of sheets in front of him. "That is why to prove that it is me, the one who had been shaking the musical world, I will play a song I never have before."
Shilon was practically drooling.
This was the first time I had offered him a deal without any disadvantages.
I couldn't have that.
"Here, I'll give you half of whatever the Duke hands us over after the performance, you can have this contract."
Shilon drooled more.
He wasn't only being my agent, but also getting my money. I must have been the splitting image of an angel to him right now.
But, Shilon had learned his lesson. He gazed over the entire document and then stopped at a place.
"This here says that I will have to compensate you if the duke doesn't?"
"It needs to hold some legality to hold up in front of the law," I said. "It's not like the Duke win't, right?"
"Ahaha! He definitely will!"
There, that settled it.
"Haah, aaah, I just need… to stamp it… right?"
"Yes."
Shilon pulled out the stamp that he didn't have just a while back and stamped the agreement.
"Then, I'll get to it right away!"
Leaving those words, Shilon disappeared.
The bait was set for the baiter.
He couldn't think that we won't know about the black market.
And he definitely couldn't think that he could get away without using such a precious opportunity to lure someone out.
Things went just as I thought…
And within the next two days, word reached the address that I had faked toward the central parts of the country.
I flipped the letter open.
[Esteemed Composer]
Blah blah blah..
[I have prepared a special, premium stage that would provide an environment and people jus perfect for a class such as yours. I hope you can join us in three days' time.]
The bait had been bit by the baiter.
"Send the word Keith, the D-Day has been decided."
