NOVEL NEXT Chapter 121: The Steak
The maids quickly cleared away the dishes as Athena pulled out a chair to sit down.
Throughout this entire process, Duke Babron remained in his seat, cutting into his steak with a knife and fork, and continuing to eat without acknowledging her presence. Athena, however, did not hesitate to seat herself directly across from him. A maid promptly served her a fresh steak, placing it before her with delicate care.
Athena methodically cut into the steak, though it was clear she had no intention of actually eating it.
"I must apologize for this unexpected visit, and I appreciate Duke Babron's hospitality in preparing lunch for me," she said, her hands skillfully slicing the steak as if she were dissecting it rather than dining.
Though they were at odds, both understood the necessity of maintaining basic decorum.
Duke Babron, who had been silent until now, finally placed his knife and fork down on the plate, wiping his mouth lightly with a napkin. He signaled for the maids to clear the table, including Athena's untouched meal. She offered no resistance, accepting the gesture with a mild demeanor.
"Director Athena Ravencroft, you certainly have a unique approach," Duke Babron remarked, his gaze sharp as a blade aimed directly at Athena. "A surprise visit without so much as a prior notice—I've been caught off guard."
His eyes were piercing, challenging, but Athena met his gaze without flinching, refusing to back down.
"To be honest, this visit isn't something I would have preferred," she began, her tone measured and calm. "However, your son has done something that we at the Eagle's Claw Agency find... quite baffling."
"I thought it prudent to consult with you first before reporting to the King, to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings. Wouldn't you agree?" Athena didn't even bother with her usual professional smile—there was no need for pretense.
Upon hearing her words, Duke Babron's stern expression softened into a more genial smile, starkly contrasting his earlier demeanor.
"Haha, whatever do you mean? A guest is always welcome in my home; how could I possibly not be pleased by your visit?"
His smile was radiant, his tone warm and inviting. Yet, his bony hands intertwined on the table, with his right hand incessantly fiddling with the emerald ring on his left thumb. He made no further move, aware that Athena, the head of the Eagle's Claw Agency and a trusted enforcer of the King, was not someone to be trifled with lightly. Her position was not merely a gift from the King; it was earned through her own formidable strength.
Without sufficient preparation, no one in this kingdom could take her down without paying a heavy price. Now was not the time to openly confront her.
"However," Duke Babron continued, his tone still amiable, "I must admit that I don't quite understand the matter you're referring to.
My son is well-known for his kindness and filial piety, as well as his unwavering loyalty to the King. Otherwise, he wouldn't have joined the Royal Guard and risen to the rank of captain." He paused deliberately, turning to scrutinize Athena with a calculated look. "It's been quite some time since I've heard anyone speak of him in such a manner. What exactly has he done that warrants this visit from you, Director Athena Ravencroft?"
His hand shifted from the emerald ring to the table, where his fingers tapped rhythmically, creating a sound that could easily have intimidated others present. Unfortunately for him, Athena was unaffected.
"Oh, it's nothing major," she replied, her voice steady and unhurried. "We recently discovered a rat's nest—an enemy hideout. While we were securing the area and preparing to investigate, your son arrived and dug up something rather... interesting. A coincidence, perhaps?
After all, as the saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction." Athena mimicked his posture, leaning back in her chair as she recounted the events.
Duke Babron listened to her words and suddenly burst into laughter, his hands retreating to his chest, fingers interlaced.
"Director Athena, you're quite the joker. A mere offhand comment from a subordinate, and you rush to my estate to investigate? That's hardly rational. Even without conclusive evidence, not even you have such authority."
Athena, however, had no shortage of evidence. "Is that so? I've heard your son has been confined to the estate, but aside from your household, is there anyone else who can vouch for him? How can we be certain you're not protecting him?
You claim my subordinates aren't trustworthy—does that mean yours are?"
"You—" Duke Babron, who had maintained an air of unflappable calm until now, suddenly shot up from his chair. His eyes blazed with anger as he glared at Athena, a challenge in his gaze that even the King himself might hesitate to issue.
How dare she?
"The Eagle's Claw Agency conducts its investigations without the need for evidence; a single command from me is all it takes. If you want evidence, Duke, why don't you provide some to clear your name?
And besides, there's no such law in our kingdom, is there? Or have I misunderstood, Duke Babron?"
Duke Babron felt his fury rising, yet at the same time, a strange sense of relief washed over him. If the King's most trusted enforcer was this impulsive and foolish, how could he not feel reassured?
He hoped this was the real Athena.
"In any case, I won't allow you to take my son, unless, of course, you seek the King's judgment. Let's see how he responds," Duke Babron remarked, his earlier outburst giving way to a calm realization that the situation had always favored him.
"Of course, I merely sought your opinion," Athena replied smoothly. "Since you've made your position clear, I shall report to His Majesty accordingly."
As their confrontation reached a tense impasse, the butler suddenly entered, whispering something into the Duke's ear. The Duke waved him away, his expression becoming even more pointed.
"It seems, Director, that you truly came seeking my consent. However, isn't it a bit hasty to act before reporting? His Majesty's Royal Guard is already at the door, waiting to enter." He glanced meaningfully at Athena.
In response, Athena calmly produced a recording stone from her waist. Recording stones were rare and precious, capable of capturing only a brief 15-second scene.
She activated it, projecting the image like a film before them. The scene depicted was none other than Duke Babron's son, caught on the day in question, digging at the enemy base.
Duke Babron watched the scene in silence, saying nothing more.
Even during routine operations, the Eagle's Claw Agency rarely deployed recording stones, especially for what was supposed to be a mere cleanup operation. He had even instructed Carter and other pawns to search for any recording stones used during the previous mission, but they found nothing. He had been confident that Athena couldn't produce any concrete evidence, believing his status would shield him from the King's ultimatum.