Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

Chapter 157 The Price of Petting a Cat

Does it look familiar?

Lilia's voice came from behind, and Kal'tsit shook her head:

"I don't know them."

Natalia and Count Rostov were both newly emerging nobles in Chernobog after the Great Rebellion, and Kal'tsit, as the director of the Imperial Research Institute, was naturally unaware of what was happening in distant Chernobog. Although the sarcophagus eventually returned to Chernobog, the research work continued to be carried out at the research institute in St. Martin's Castle.

But while Kal'tsit didn't recognize her, Lilia certainly did, and she took the initiative to introduce them:

“That man is Count Rostov, a new nobleman in Chernobog. As for the girl next to him… she must be his daughter, Natalia.”

At this point, Lilia herself was somewhat unsure. The last time she returned to Chernobog was before she went to find Kal'tsit to plot the assassination of the Grand Duke. After that, she was separated from the city that had brought her and her family annihilation. Although she had seen Natalia once before, Natalia was still an infant in swaddling clothes at that time. Now, ten years had passed, and when she saw Natalia again, the other had grown into an elegant and dignified young lady.

Even with Lilia's extensive knowledge, it was still somewhat astonishing and uncertain that a 12-year-old could have such a figure and appearance.

"Father and daughter?"

Kal'tsit glanced at Natalia a few times, noticing the somewhat stiff and flustered smile on her face, and sighed with pity. Her gaze then turned to her father, Count Rostov, with a hint of disgust.

He tirelessly introduced his daughter to the astonished nobles around him, his proud expression almost nauseating. He was promoting his daughter like a salesperson promoting their merchandise. The young lady, who didn't even understand social interaction or love, had already been painstakingly packaged by her father into a work of art, displayed on a shelf with a price tag.

Judging from Count Rostov's jubilant expression, he seemed to have set a high price for this "masterpiece"—but what's the point of a higher price? It's just turning a cheap commodity into an expensive luxury item. Those qualified for this banquet hosted by the Emperor of Ursus and presided over by Wayne were at least counts like Count Rostov, with many also holding royal or noble titles. If someone took a fancy to Natalia, there would always be someone who could afford to pay the price.

even.....

Kal'tsit witnessed a handsome young man from Ursus, encouraged by his father, muster the courage to approach Count Rostov, greedily eyeing Natalia while nervously introducing himself to the Count:

“I am Novie Urgai, son of Grand Duke Urgai.”

Count Rostov smiled as if he had found a treasure, and reached out to shake hands with the young man who had no title but everything.

"I am Rostov from Chernobog. This is my daughter, Natalia. Please give her greetings to Mr. Urgei."

Natalia hesitated, looking around helplessly, as if seeking help. But the crowd that had just surrounded Count Rostov now tacitly averted their steps or gazes. Natalia's eyes only met those of a few boys who still dared to look in their direction, but behind each of them stood their parents. Asking them for help would only be escaping one wolf's den only to fall into another.

Kal'tsit looked away with considerable disdain.

Just as a Victorian nobleman remarked at the banquet held five years ago in the Earl of Vincent's Domain, there were simply too many nobles in Ursus, so many that the title held no real value. The title of Grand Duke, arguably the highest among nobles outside the royal family, was held by fewer than a handful of people in Victoria, but in the Ursus Empire, there were nearly a hundred. That Grand Duke Urgai, his power might not even be as great as an ordinary marquis in Victoria, yet he could still be called a "Grand Duke." Ultimately, it was all a problem left behind by the late emperor.

To wage constant wars, money is needed; to earn money, taxes are needed; and to collect taxes, it's necessary to win over and control local nobles. However, as the territory expands and wars become more frequent and larger, the power of the nobles grows ever stronger. The emperor then resorts to enfeoffing more nobles to create checks and balances among them. But as the number of nobles increases, imperial power becomes increasingly fragmented. Finally, when Ursus's war machine comes to a halt and the emperor's decrees can no longer even leave Saint-Stronghold, the so-called imperial power has reached its end. Thus, the nobles initially enfeoffed for financial gain eventually lose even the emperor's control over customs duties.

The nobles, large and small, scattered throughout Ursus gradually dismantled this vast empire. When merchants had to pay tariffs even to travel from one earldom to another, goods could not circulate, and industrialization lost its momentum. Over time, as the benefits of war faded, people's lives became increasingly difficult, and those powerless to change their situation turned their pleading eyes to the nobles who had brought about the past prosperity.

However, an excessive number of nobles inevitably leads to a wide disparity in their quality. The majority of low-quality nobles will rally a small number of neutral nobles to attempt to "maintain the status quo"—that is, to preserve the "status quo" that allows them endless enjoyment. To compensate for their lack of wealth, they will continue to exploit the people until the conflict is fully escalated, leading to the next massive rebellion.

Emperor Fyodor of Ursus was a rare visionary; he recognized the situation and foresaw the abyss Ursus was sliding into. But sometimes, mere awareness is meaningless; he couldn't change the reality. He couldn't even maintain complete control over his subordinates. While the "Koschei conspiracy" recounted by Vayne would undoubtedly lead to Ursus's destruction, Kal'tsit believed that without a thorough reform, Ursus's destruction would merely be a matter of whether the pain was prolonged or short-lived.

She turned her head away, no longer looking at this corrupt and decadent corner of officialdom. She wasn't such a kind person; she wouldn't extend the greatest kindness to unfamiliar strangers—that was something only Theresa would do.

In her opinion, this was a “very common exchange of interests” among the Ursus nobles. Although Count Rostov’s act of using his daughter as a bargaining chip to gain political support was extremely despicable, Kal’tsit had no reason to interfere in the Ursus family affairs. It would only cause trouble for Prince Wayne. The fall of Ursus was actually a good thing for Victoria.

But her disdainful turn did not escape Miss Natalia's notice.

With light green short hair and a white dress, although the tail was not visible, judging from the ears, it was indeed a member of the Felin tribe.

The gentleman at the door seems to be a very powerful nobleman, a prince... I wonder if he's higher than a duke?

But since he said that if I feel unwell, I can ask Ms. Felin for help, I'll give it a try!

Natalia gritted her teeth, suddenly shook off Count Rostov, who had already begun discussing "engagement" and "conditions" with Grand Duke Urgai, who was walking up to her, lifted her skirt, and staggered towards the restroom.

She wasn't moving fast, and because she was wearing high heels, she even looked like she was about to fall a few times. But perhaps because she noticed that the direction was towards the restroom, even Count Rostov himself, who was a little angry because his hand had been suddenly pulled away, didn't stop her.

"Haha, don't mind him, Mr. Rostov, the child probably thinks we adults are too long-winded."

"Grand Duke Urgai joked. Count Rostov nodded, watching the girl's retreating figure as she ran towards the restroom. Only after confirming she had indeed entered did he look away and shake his head."

"It was my mistake; I didn't notice her."

"Alas--!"

Suddenly, a gasp came from near the restroom. Count Rostov turned around in surprise and saw his daughter tightly hugging a film around the waist.

Count Rostov was about to get angry, but when he saw that Felin was a woman, his anger immediately subsided.

It's a woman, so there's no danger.

Unbeknownst to her, Kal'tsit, who was currently being headbutted and whose mouth was twitching, was in some ways a more terrifying form of a metal tool than a man.

"Director Kal'tsit's charm remains as strong as ever."

Lilia said with a teasing look. Kal'tsit looked at Natalia, who was clinging tightly to her waist and refusing to let go, and her eyelids twitched.

Her intuition told her that this would be troublesome.

“Um…” Natalia looked up at Kal'tsit, who was now a little taller than her, and said, “The older boy at the door asked me to come and ask you for help. He said… if I run into trouble or feel unwell, I should come to you. You’ll help me…”

Well, this trouble was brought upon himself by His Highness Wayne.

Is this the price I paid for petting the cat?

Kal'tsit patted her head, signaling Natalia to let go of her hand, then took her hand and led her out of the restroom and into the main banquet hall.

Chapter 158 Aggressive

Kal'tsit generally dislikes getting involved in the conflicts among nobles. For example, at banquets, she would only silently accept toasts from others, but would not take the initiative to show a smile to those self-proclaimed noble Ursus nobles, even if it was just a formulaic smile.

But this doesn't mean that Kal'tsit's presence at the banquet is diminished. As the only person accompanying Wayne Bruce, the host of the banquet, and an elegant and dignified lady, she is the absolute center of attention at any banquet, no matter the occasion, as long as she is willing to speak.

As Kal'tsit led Natalia out of the restroom, everyone's eyes, including Count Rostov's, immediately focused on her.

Kal'tsit accepted it calmly, without the slightest hint of panic on her face.

She had witnessed similar scenes far too many times. Whether it was assisting Theresa in receiving an audience with the royal court in Kazdel, or helping Vina and Wayne deal with the nobles trembling in fear at the center of reform in Victoria, the people Kal'tsit encountered daily, even the lowest-ranking ones, were all dignified municipal officials of Londinium. Over time, her own aura was in no way inferior to any high-ranking noble or prince.

Unaware nobles were already whispering amongst themselves, asking each other where the beautiful Lady Felin came from, whether she was the Duchess, or a Grand Duke herself. Only a few qualified to attend Fyodor's first banquet knew that Kal'tsit was no ordinary duke.

Standing behind her was the aloof Prince Victoria, who was standing outside the door.

But no one was willing to betray such important information at this time. The people of Ursus were never of one mind; conflicts between the various nobles were escalating, threatening to erupt into open conflict at the slightest provocation. Now, they were all secretly hoping that someone would be foolish enough to offend Lady Victoria, so they could watch the drama unfold.

As for whether it would damage the reputation of Fyodor and Ursus? They didn't care. In their view, Ursus's reputation was won through war. Fighting was in their best interest.

After the banquet hall fell silent, someone finally couldn't help but speak up. People's gazes shifted from Kal'tsit with a hint of mockery to Count Rostov, watching with interest how this "salesman" would snatch his goods back from the bully.

“Madam.” Count Rostov frowned slightly. He looked at Kal'tsit, feeling a sense of familiarity, but couldn’t quite place it. He could only attribute it to the fact that all the Felins probably looked alike. He stepped forward, extended his hand to Natalia, and said, “This is my daughter. I’m sorry to have troubled you. Natalia, come back quickly, your father will discuss the marriage with you.”

Natalia's delicate body trembled slightly. She looked at Grand Duke Ulgay standing behind Count Rostov with some fear, gritted her teeth in disgust, wanting to refuse but unable to utter a word. She could only stammer, "I...I won't..."

Kal'tsit gently patted her head, stepped forward, and stood between Count Rostov and Natalia, stopping the middle-aged man who wanted to take Natalia away.

Kal'tsit knew that Natalia would never disobey her father. Environment shapes a person; someone trained from childhood to be obedient will not choose to rebel unless driven to a corner. In fact, Kal'tsit was already quite surprised that Natalia actually asked her for help. To ask a twelve-year-old for more would be rather pitiful.

Since Princess Wayne has entrusted me with this task, I'll leave the rest to her.

Kal'tsit's actions were undoubtedly a bombshell, igniting the already restless crowd. The Ursus nobles gathered in small groups, wine glasses in hand, watching with satisfaction, as if witnessing a classic duel where only the victor would claim the treasure and the princess. In this atmosphere, Kal'tsit slowly spoke:

"Sir, is this your daughter?"

Count Rostov also sensed the awkward atmosphere. The Ursus nobles weren't offering help; in fact, they seemed to be jeering and watching the spectacle unfold. He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Seeing Kal'tsit ask the question, he immediately replied:

"Of course, she is my daughter, Natalia Andreyevina Rostova, a distinguished Ursus woman, a noblewoman."

"What are you doing bringing her here?" Kal'tsit interrupted Count Rostov without letting him finish his troublesome speech.

"What are you doing?" Count Rostov, his introduction abruptly cut off, frowned, his expression turning somewhat grim. "Her Highness Princess Victoria is hosting a banquet at St. Arthur Castle, open to any Ursus nobleman who wishes. I brought her here, naturally, to broaden her horizons. She's my eldest daughter, and in the future, she'll at least be a countess..." or perhaps a countess, or even a marquis, a duchess, Rostov added inwardly, "Naturally, she needs to learn about and connect with people in this field as early as possible."

Kal'tsit sneered and, no longer mincing words, directly asked:

"But why do I feel like you're a salesperson, tirelessly promoting your own products?"

"What!" Seemingly not expecting Kal'tsit to point this out so bluntly, Count Rostov's face turned deathly pale, then flushed crimson with rage.

"What are you saying, madam? I am her father, a nobleman. I am introducing my daughter to other nobles, and how have I become a lowly merchant selling goods?"

At this point, you still care about how I address you instead of the accusations you make? Is this what the nobles of Ursus are like?

Kal'tsit shook her head in increasing disappointment, pointing to Grand Duke Urgai and his eldest son behind Count Rostov:

"As far as I can see, your daughter has only been meeting that gentleman over there for ten minutes, but you've already started planning her marriage. Aside from a salesperson desperately trying to sell their product and even willing to lower their own standards, I can't think of anyone else who would be in such a hurry to draft a 'contract' for their daughter."

Mediation won't work in the face of this troublesome situation. The other party is Natalia's father, who has an inherent advantage. If the issue isn't brought to the forefront, Kal'tsit, an outsider, can't possibly defeat the native nobles of Ursus.

Kal'tsit could only resolve this problem by dragging things into a "seemingly fair set of rules." Therefore, Kal'tsit was prepared from the beginning: first, to provoke Count Rostov, and then to force him into a duel, thus resolving the nobles' problem in a way that was in accordance with the nobility.

“Of course, you might think what I’m saying is baseless. You can also deny your despicable act of betrayal. But…” Kal’tsit removed her white gauze gloves and threw them on the ground in front of Count Rostov, “As a Victorian gentleman, I cannot turn a blind eye to such a desecration of the sanctity of love and marriage—a transaction of power and sex. I hereby challenge you…”

"Ms. Kal'tsit, you must be joking."

Suddenly, a voice interrupted Kal'tsit's righteous words. Grand Duke Urgai, with a smile, pushed Count Rostov aside and said calmly,

“You are a lady, and Count Rostov is a gentleman. How can he accept a duel if you challenge him to one? In my opinion, Lady Kal'tsit, as a guest, should not interfere with our traditions. Feelings can be cultivated, and love at first sight can happen, right, Miss Natalia?”

Grand Duke Ulga bypassed Kal'tsit and looked directly into Natalia's eyes. Natalia opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

Kal'tsit gritted her teeth.

She anticipated that someone might try to sabotage the situation, after all, she wasn't on home turf, and being a woman put her at a natural disadvantage. If she were wearing a women's suit, it wouldn't have been so bad, but tonight she was wearing a dress to match Wayne. The demeanor of someone in a dress wasn't suited to saying such things.

However, she was not without options. When necessary, Count Rostov was clearly not very shrewd, and his emotions were written all over his face. Grand Duke Urgai could bypass Kal'tsit and speak directly to Natalia, while Kal'tsit could ignore Grand Duke Urgai and continue trying to provoke Rostov.

Ursus people, especially the conservative Ursus nobles, cannot tolerate insults from "women".

But some people clearly didn't want to continue troubling Kal'tsit.

"boom--"

The door was pushed open with a thud, and leather shoes clicked clearly on the floor. Wayne walked silently to Kal'tsit, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Theresia's settled. The unicorn is back," he said in a low voice, then turned to look at Grand Duke Ulgay, who had taken a step back, his face filled with apprehension.

"Was it you who just said my attendant was meddling?"

Grand Duke Urgai's face stiffened, and he quickly shook his head: "No, no, no, Your Highness has misunderstood."

Wayne completely ignored him, took a step forward, and continued to ask:

"Have you forgotten who the host of this banquet is?"

Grand Duke Urgai's face grew increasingly grim. He stopped in his tracks, gritted his teeth, and respectfully took a cup of wine from the waiter, drinking it down in one gulp.

"It was my fault, it was my overstepping of authority; this is your banquet."

"You know?" Wayne looked at the empty glass with surprise, then chuckled. "I don't think you do. Otherwise, you wouldn't be making such judgments about my people."