Chapter 251 - 249: Kurudo’s Visit (3)

Chapter 251: Chapter 249: Kurudo’s Visit (3)

Unfortunately, Kudro didn’t understand, and it seemed the Crown Prince hadn’t realized it either.

Both sides sat down again. The Crown Prince asked, "Duane, what will it take for you to take down the portrait?"

Duane thought for a moment before answering, "Your Highness, I must emphasize that my painting has nothing to do with the Hassa Clan!"

"But public opinion has already turned against the Hassa Clan, has it not?"

’What does public opinion have to do with me?’ Duane wanted to retort.

However, out of courtesy, he said resignedly, "Fine. Since you all seem to think so, I suppose I can take it down."

Just as everyone thought he was about to surrender, his tone shifted.

"However, Miss Tara destroyed my painting at the harbor in front of many people. She must apologize for that!"

He looked directly at Kudro. "I am now formally demanding that Miss Tara apologize to me and post a written letter of apology next to my promotional poster!"

"Bullshit!" Count Kudro roared. "Duane, I advise you not to push your luck. For me, killing you would be as easy as crushing an ant!"

Duane shrugged and said lightly, "Then why don’t you try?"

Derek, Sharp, and Zelina all thought Duane had gone mad. How could he act so outrageously arrogant?

The man was a Silver Moon Warrior!

Sigmund cursed inwardly. ’If I had known, I would have pushed this matter onto my younger brother. Let Otto coordinate it. Then I wouldn’t have to be here playing the peacemaker.’

He could only remind him, "Duane, Count Kais and Count Kudro have already settled this matter in front of His Majesty the King."

Duane knew he needed to direct his grievances at a specific person, so he maintained a polite attitude toward the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, Count Kais is Count Kais, and I am me. I don’t know how they handled it, but the painting that was destroyed took me several sleepless nights to complete!"

He looked at Count Kudro. "The Hassa Clan profited from the Black Forest Island incident not long ago, gaining the opportunity to share in Viscount Freddy’s Secret Realm. He should have thanked me for that!"

"But what happens now? Not only did he not thank me, but he destroyed the fruit of my labor, tried to force me to take down my promotional poster, and even demanded I kneel and apologize!"

Duane shook his head as he spoke. "I have never seen such a crude and boorish clan!"

Sigmund rubbed his temples. He hadn’t expected Duane to bring up events from months ago.

However, from Duane’s perspective, the Hassa Clan was indeed in the wrong.

The thought made him want to wash his hands of the whole affair.

Still, with the last of his patience as a mediator, he asked, "So you’re saying Tara must apologize first?"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Duane said firmly, "Once she has done so, I will immediately take down the poster."

All eyes turned to Kudro. His face was flushed with rage, but it was not the right time or place for an outburst.

At this particular juncture, causing a major scene would lead to punishment, even if he was closely tied to His Majesty the King.

After all, there were other powers within the Kingdom.

"We’re leaving!"

Kudro spat the words out through clenched teeth. "The Hassa Clan has men who will fight to the death, but none who will apologize!"

With that, he strode out of the drawing room.

Tara followed close behind, shooting Duane a threatening glare before she left.

No one had expected the Crown Prince’s mediation to end with Count Kudro being forced to leave.

"Duane, you’ve really provoked Count Kudro!"

Duane replied, completely unafraid, "He and I are both vassals of His Majesty, protected by His Majesty. Does he really dare to kill me?"

’He certainly wouldn’t dare to do it openly, but who knows what he might do behind the scenes?’

Sigmund didn’t say this aloud, however. Instead, he offered reassurance. "Don’t worry. I will report this matter to His Majesty. As a vassal of the Kingdom, your interests will be protected!"

After speaking, he gave a slight nod, then turned to the elegant man who was still seated. "Let’s go, Orisien. The show you wanted to see is over!"

"Haha!"

The man called Orisien stood up with a smile, nodded to Duane in acknowledgment, and then followed the prince out.

Duane watched them leave, guessing that this man must be the Crown Prince’s friend from the Sunset Continent and one of the strong contenders in the upcoming martial arts tournament.

He activated his Starlight Eye. The man’s body was brimming with Fighting Qi; his strength was not to be underestimated.

’A Shooting Star Level?’

As he was contemplating this, Sharp ran up excitedly. "Duane, that was so cool!"

He said enthusiastically, "Growing up, I only ever admired my father and Count Kais. As of today, I’m adding you to that list!"

Derek and Zelina were also thrilled, but a hint of worry could be seen in both their eyes.

This matter, it seemed, was far from over.