The Maison Gardiennage finally conducted a thorough purge, rounding up the vast majority of their corrupt members and handing them over to the public to appease their anger.
While the officers cursed their inept colleagues, the nobles gathered once again.
"What a bunch of useless fools!"
The nobles convened at Hotel Debord to discuss their recent troubles. As the meeting progressed, one of them finally snapped, unleashing a furious tirade. They had been minding their own business when this mess suddenly fell into their laps.
Marquis Relf, the highest-ranking noble present, also felt like lashing out. However, he couldn't bring himself to lose face in front of his peers. Instead, he swept the room with a cold glare.
"Who was involved in this?"
Hearing Marquis Relf's icy question, many nobles shuddered and frantically waved their hands in denial.
"Marquis Relf, how could you even suggest such a thing? You know we would never resort to such crude methods!"
Relf nodded in agreement. He shared their sentiment; anyone who had risen to their current position couldn't possibly be a fool.
It was those Maison Gardiennage officers, like stray dogs sniffing for scraps, who had tried to curry favor and ended up dragging them into this mess. A bunch of useless fools, more trouble than they were worth!
"Whether you're involved or not, I don't care. If you are, wash your hands of it immediately and leave no trace."
"And those of you with similar plans, abandon your foolish schemes at once."
"All we need to do is wait for the deadline. When that day comes, the Fleuve Cendre Faction, fractured by internal divisions, will inevitably collapse, making them far easier to deal with."
The nobles nodded in agreement with Marquis Relf. This was already their strategy; at most, they would heed his warning and monitor news related to the serial suicide case.
None of them could have anticipated that their carefully laid plans would be ruined by those eager dogs trying to ingratiate themselves.
"If the Spina di Rosula doesn't make any significant moves, we'll hold off on further action for now. Otherwise, the resistance will be overwhelming."
Hearing Marquis Relf's instructions, everyone nodded in agreement.
Although the threat hadn't been completely eliminated, driving all the destabilizing elements out of Fleuve Cendre would at least allow them to sleep soundly.
"Marquis Relf, the perpetrator of the serial suicide case hasn't struck in days. They're likely monitoring the situation in Fleuve Cendre."
"As expected of Marquis Relf's foresight! I wager the serial suicide perpetrator will approach us soon, seeking collaboration."
Unmoved by the flattery, Marquis Relf had heard such words countless times before.
"Hmph, just a fly buzzing around a garbage heap. Now that we're moving against this trash, the fly naturally can't stay put."
"Increase the Marechaussee Hunters' surveillance in the residential areas. If that murderer tries to cause trouble covertly, have them apprehended immediately. There's no need for unnecessary cooperation."
"He might be a sharp blade, but if we can't control him, he could end up cutting us. It's better to destroy him outright."
"And you all, keep your eyes peeled and don't do anything foolish that I'll have to clean up!"
The assembled nobles eagerly nodded in agreement with Marquis Relf's instructions.
The brief meeting quickly concluded. Just as Marquis Relf was about to leave, a noble approached him.
"Marquis Relf, please wait a moment."
Recognizing the man, Marquis Relf's expression softened slightly.
As expected, the noble sidled up with a servile grin and said, "Marquis Relf, I recently acquired a batch of exceptionally fine goods!"
"I came straight to you as soon as I got them. You can take your pick, and I'll dispose of the rest afterward."
"Whenever you have the time..."
Marquis Relf hummed with mild satisfaction.
"You're certainly attentive."
"But keep those goods for now. We need to resolve the Fleuve Cendre issue first. I'm not in the mood for such distractions until that's settled."
"Yes, yes, Marquis Relf, you've worked tirelessly. Only someone as dedicated to public service as you could rise to such a prestigious position at such a young age!"
"As for me, I've been stuck as a Viscount for so long without any progress. I fear I'll never reach your heights, Marquis Relf!"
Sensing the Viscount's veiled request for a favor, Marquis Relf cut to the chase.
"Take good care of that shipment. If you satisfy me, it won't be long before you have a seat among the Counts."
The Viscount's face lit up at this promise, and he repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, Marquis Relf! Thank you!"
"By the way, you still remember my preferences, right?"
"Of course, of course! How could I forget?"
Satisfied, Marquis Relf departed.
The Viscount returned to his mansion in a state of feverish excitement and immediately hurried to the secret chamber where the "goods" were stored.
Inside, countless iron cages lined the walls, each containing children around the age of ten. An unbearable stench permeated the air.
The moment the Viscount appeared, terror flooded the children's faces. They scrambled to the farthest corners of their cages, desperate to escape his gaze.
Though the stench permeating the air was almost unbearable, the Viscount reminded himself that these children were his prized investments, the key to his future wealth and power. A smile crept back onto his face.
To ensure the children lacked the energy to cause trouble, their daily rations were barely enough to stave off starvation. As a result, many of them looked pale and sickly.
The Viscount saw nothing wrong with this. In fact, he considered himself remarkably merciful. Others might have bled the children dry, leaving them too weak to even twitch.
However, when he noticed the pallid complexions of the malnourished children, a flicker of concern crossed his mind. Would their poor health jeopardize his future prospects? He ordered his servants to increase the variety and quantity of their daily meals, determined to nurse them back to health.
He paid particular attention to the handsome young boys—Marquis Relf's favorites!