Chapter 397: Count’s Rage

Axel was reading a letter in his hand, a letter delivered to him in secret for obvious reasons. Because the information it contained was highly sensitive, and if it were to fall into the hands of anyone. It could cause a disaster.In his fingers now lay the in-depth information on the three Counts who were essentially the Duchess’s lackeys, which was the main reason why they could act all high and mighty against his family, delivering one sanction after another with no fear of retaliation.

He read the details of each of them, their families, and their personalities, what they pursued. Even the Arclight organization might not be able to offer him such detailed internal information as this letter did, and Axel’s runic eyes flashed with murderous intent, a dark smile tugging at his lips.

Gears shifted in his mind one after another as he reviewed countless ideas and considered the methods he could use, given his position, to tackle these corrupt dogs without breaking any rules, and that was one thing he could not do.

Because the moment he broke any law, the Greaves family would no longer be able to tie her hands.

The Duchess could then take legal action without any issue.

And thankfully, he did not need to do that either; the information here was detailed enough that he could target the weak points of these so-called Counts. He had to give credit where credit was due, as all of this data had been sent to him by Ken Dusker himself. The wretch was now obviously enslaved to him.

But his role was bigger than merely providing him with insider information, which was the reason he couldn’t order the Dusker heir to do anything significant. He had to lie low until the perfect time comes, when Axel could finally use that Dog to its full potential.

Moving through the busy streets of the Dusker Duchy, filled with decorative shops and street vendors, bustling, unfamiliar people haggling over prices for daily and luxury goods. There was something about the busy, crowded places that always brought forth a sense of nostalgia in him.

Mainly because it reminded him of the Earth to a great extent, despite all the mishmash of souls he went through, and he was doubtful if he was still the same Tyler Cross he once was. But the memories of Earth still burned fresh in his mind.

Everywhere he walked, some would glance at him multiple times for his eye-catching appearance; thankfully, he had suppressed all of his charm and was wearing very plain clothes; if not, it would have been much worse. Reaching the building of one of the most famous restaurants in the Duchy, which was open for all sorts of people, noble or commoner alike.

He stepped in...

It was a spot famous for its spicy dishes, and Axel had always loved spicy foods, especially anything heavily flavored with red chilies and chili oil. There were many people with deep pockets and noble status dining there. Many beautiful young ladies were awestruck by his appearance, unable to take their eyes off him.

But they were not rude enough to stare directly, but only stole glances towards him. Yet, he didn’t mind; even back on earth, his deep blue eyes were always an object of fascination. So, he was somewhat used to it.

His order of the spiciest food was delivered to him; it was a form of specialized noodles, but they were made of a special, rubbery-like meat of a particular monster. Hence, the food here was anything but cheap. Drinking a bit of the broth filled with unhealthy spice, he closed his eyes in pleasure. Letting out a sound of satisfaction.

Then, he ate the entire large bowl of spicy food like it was nothing.

The many figures in the restaurant watched him with surprise, for it was a recipe made of multiple 2nd-tier beasts. So, rarely a few would be able to handle the burning sensations from that particular cuisine, and there was one specific blonde who was digging holes in his skull with her intense gaze.

Her cheeks were burning red in a strange emotion that she had never felt for anyone. Axel pretended not to notice, as he tipped the waiter attending to him alongside the bill, he left the restaurant wearing a pleasant smile on his lips, now that was some good spice, if it were only a bit stronger. It would have been utter perfection. Even so, he was highly delighted.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly and shook his head. Despite the food’s good taste, he did not really come here for that. He could have had much spicier food at home. He only needed to ask Clara, and the maid would pour her heart and soul into making the finest delicacies.

Then, with his appearance, one might say that he had come here to pick up chicks, and unfortunately, as it may be, he was here to do exactly that.

Stopping at a particular street shop of apples, led by a very old but sharp lady, he stated, "Old lady, give me two baskets."

Of course, this older woman was the familiar informant for the Arclight organization, through whom he spoke directly with the regional authority back then, before going to the academy. The old lady looked at him in a dangerous glint until she could finally recall who he was. She stated with a dark chuckle, "You damn boy, you remain alive?"

He asked with a laugh, "Why? Did you want to kill me or something, old hag?"

But before the women could respond, another person appeared at the shop. It was the pretty blonde girl who was staring at him intensely at the restaurant, with her was a handmaiden carrying some bags, obviously filled with expensive clothes. She asked the lady,

"I want three baskets of your best papples."

"No, I mean... apples," she stammered, her voice giving away to her flustered emotions. The old shop owner’s eyebrows twitched as she saw the blonde girl steal a glance towards the blue-eyed handsome bastard.

Showing an apologetic expression, she explained, "I apologize, young miss, but the young man over here has purchased all the apples of my shop."

’This bitch.’ cursed Axel at the audacity of this old hag, using an opportunity like this to sell all of her apples.

No, wait....this was actually better, Axel used that fact to his advantage, turning towards the blonde girl as he spoke with a small smile, "Well, in that case, my lady, let me gift you three baskets. I don’t really need all of it."

"No, please wait.... I cannot just accept that," she fumbled even more under his smile and the unexpected gesture of kindness.

With a gesture of Axel’s finger, he put all the apples on display in his space storage. Leaving three baskets worth of apples for her. Then he nodded towards the blonde, bidding farewell, "It was nice meeting you, milady. Let us meet again if fate dictates so."

The girl was again stunned at the sight, as she saw the broad back of him leaving. Through gritted teeth, she calmed her raging heart, just as she was about to stop him, the handmaiden of hers voiced from behind in caution, "My lady, you should not. He is the Nomrad heir, your father will...."

But the blonde girl gazed back, and no hint of innocence was in her gaze as she looked at the servant, her gaze chilling. The handmaiden shuddered and backed off, unwilling to incur the wrath of her young lady. The girl chased towards him and grabbed his sleeves from behind.

It was inappropriate for a noble heir like her, but she didn’t care. She felt like her heart would beat out of her chest in regret and pain if she didn’t listen to her feelings. There was no shortage of men waiting in line for her status and great beauty. But she had never in her entire life seen a man like him.

Axel stopped in his tracks and looked backwards at the girl who grabbed his sleeves, and that was how the prey had fallen for his trap, entirely and utterly, with barely any effort.

She spoke first, a resolution in her voice that had not been there before. "For the apples, please allow me to treat you."

Axel paused in contemplation, but was unsure, "Um...well."

But the pretty girl pressed further, "Please, I know you just ate in the restaurant. So, how about some Sweet Dessert?"

Axel smiled, "So, you were in that restaurant as well."

Her face turned red as she realized that the man in front of her might have caught on that she had been following him. "Uh...no, I was not....following you, I promise."

Axel only chuckled as he asked, "What is your name, my lady?"

She swallowed her shyness and responded with a bright smile of her own, "It’s Casey... Casey Bram."

The day after....

Axel sat in the building of the regional Tax office. He had come here to request a meeting with the Regional Tax Monitor. As expected, the officials left him waiting, with no indication of when he could meet the Count, and it was unknown whether he would even be able to meet him.

But Axel was not impatient, and yes, usually, he would indeed not be permitted to meet the count, even disregarding the fact that he was Daniel Nomrad’s son.

He could see how occupied the office truly was—filled with so many business people, viscounts, and barons from every corner of the Dusker region. It was an obvious indication of this region’s problem-ridden economy.

The count was, without a doubt, a very busy man, having to manage taxation of the entire region as the hands and feet of the Dusker Duchy. After almost 2 hours of waiting, he was finally called into the office. Just by the cold stares of the assistant of the Count, he could feel what was about to happen.

And that’s precisely what he was after. He deliberated on his mind with a Dark smile, ’Let’s see what Casey’s daddy has to say about me.’