Chapter 321: The Colossus and the Ant

The Duchess of Mostar aimed to regain her influence within the Imperial Navy.

Meanwhile, Menielman Soumet had risen as a meteoric force within the same institution.

The conflict between the two factions was poised on a knife’s edge, ready to ignite at any moment.

In her early days, Menielman had to rely on plundering pirates and financial support from Charlot Mecklenburg just to establish herself. This demonstrated how severely she was marginalized and suppressed within the navy.

This oppression was undoubtedly orchestrated by the Duchess of Mostar.

Now that the Duchess found herself unable to directly suppress Menielman, she might have turned her attention to Charlot upon hearing about his involvement. To her, he was an easy target—a "soft persimmon" she could pinch with little effort. Any rumors of petty jealousy between juniors were merely secondary details.

Perhaps the Duchess, intent on attacking Menielman, was uncertain about which target to prioritize. The suggestion came from none other than Alence Cook, who conveniently provided a direction for her malice.

Naturally, Charlot had no intention of sparing Alence Cook either.

“Damn it, how did I end up in a direct conflict with the Duchess of Mostar?” Charlot muttered to himself.

Despite his grumbling, he was acutely aware of his position within the Fars Empire’s hierarchy. He was still a small figure who had yet to overcome the insurmountable class divide. To someone as powerful as the Duchess of Mostar, he was no more significant than an ant on the roadside. Crushing him was a trivial act, unworthy of deliberation about his possible connections or backers.

Even if Charlot did have someone behind him, it was unlikely they could stand against the Duchess’s immense influence. Few would risk offending a duchess with real power for the sake of someone like Charlot.

Though they both held the title of Duke, the Duchess of Mostar's authority far surpassed that of Grand Duke Ferdinand and Duke Joseph. These two were little more than figureheads, their power pale in comparison to that of the empire’s more influential counts.

This reality was the most infuriating part.

Charlot deliberated for a long time, considering how to resolve his current predicament.

If the Duchess targeted him once and failed, she might persist or shift her focus. However, the conflict between her and Menielman Soumet was irreconcilable. Both were vying for control within the navy. Even if Charlot managed to avoid the Duchess’s wrath this time, it was only a matter of time before he offended her again.

Charlot didn’t entertain the idea of asking Earl Bretagne for help.

The internal political struggles of the empire were chaotic and complex. There was no way Earl Bretagne would risk a life-and-death feud with the Duchess of Mostar on behalf of the Soumet family.

After all, Earl Bretagne himself likely had political enemies. It would be foolish to jeopardize his family’s future over his daughter’s potential suitor.

Yannick Oulei’s expression grew increasingly despondent. He hadn’t been entirely honest!

The matter did involve the Duchess of Mostar, but she hadn’t instructed him to go so far as to frame Charlot for harboring enemy soldiers.

Such an extreme action left no room for negotiation. A seasoned politician wouldn’t stoop to such a crude tactic.

Of course, the Duchess understood her directives wouldn’t be executed to the letter, but she didn’t care.

To her, Charlot Mecklenburg was merely a lowly Assistant Clerk of the twenty-fifth rank, fifth level. His existence was so insignificant that it barely registered to someone of her stature.

Unable to withstand the pressure any longer, Yannick Oulei exclaimed, “I can help you solve this problem! Just spare my life, and I’ll fabricate evidence for you...”

Charlot cut him off. “That won’t be necessary.”

“I hold official positions in the Ingrima Empire as well. As a twenty-second rank, third-level Councillor of Ingrima, a Red Dragon Palace Archivist, and a Literary Consultant for the Obsidian Spring Palace in Cappadocia, I could always relocate and start anew.”

Charlot’s roles in Ingrima were public knowledge. However, his positions within the Lionheart Empire remained confidential. The Lionheart Empire had tactfully chosen not to disclose them, and Charlot had only mentioned them to Earl Bretagne, as Annie Bretagne also held documentation regarding this matter.

Charlot had no intention of boasting; he simply brought up his Ingrima positions in passing.

Yannick Oulei broke into a cold sweat. He had heard rumors about Charlot’s roles in Ingrima but was unaware of their significance.

The Red Dragon Palace was the primary residence of Ingrima’s emperors, while the Obsidian Spring Palace was their summer retreat. To hold administrative positions in both places meant Charlot had direct access to the emperor—a status akin to a close confidant with boundless potential.

Regret gnawed at Yannick as he thought, "If only I had conducted a more thorough investigation!”

“How could Charlot have such incredible luck?”

“All he did was embark on one diplomatic mission to Ingrima, and he managed to secure such prestigious positions.”

Yannick couldn’t help but plead, “Charlot Mecklenburg, please spare me! I’ll do anything to make amends.”

Charlot smiled faintly and said, “Truly, it’s unnecessary.”

“Though, killing you would be a waste.”

Yannick’s face lit up with hope as he hurriedly exclaimed, “I’m useful! I’m very useful...”

Little did he know the fate that awaited him.

Charlot brought the captured knights of the Enforcement Division to Machubi Fortress, where they were transformed into Labyrinth Guards.

Despite Charlot’s occasional reluctance and moments of compassion, he was resolute when it came to matters of life and death.

These individuals, if released, would undoubtedly reveal the battle against the Enforcement Division Knights—a crime absolutely forbidden under imperial law.

The Central Government Office's Military Enforcement Division was an untouchable authority.

This department wielded immense power.

To avoid direct involvement, Charlot ensured the matter was handled discreetly. He left it to the Black Phoenix Dynasty captives to report that the Enforcement Division Knights had been annihilated.

The report was deliberately intercepted by a knight order from the Ingrima Empire, who passed it to their allies. Through a series of steps, entirely independent of Charlot, it was officially confirmed that the Enforcement Division Knights had disappeared from the world.

The Knight Order of Bitterwood received a ceremonial commendation for their role in the affair. This was unexpected, as the order had recently suffered defeat at the hands of Claire Bretagne, only to recover their reputation through this sudden victory.

Charlot, however, remained cautious. He downplayed his involvement, merely stating that he had learned through certain channels that someone was investigating him. He relayed this information to Earl Bretagne for advice.

After hearing Charlot’s account, Earl Bretagne chuckled and remarked, “The Duchess of Mostar is as domineering as ever.”

“I doubt I can influence her will, but the Enforcement Division should handle matters impartially.”

The Earl’s cryptic words left Charlot with a clear understanding. Upon returning, he promptly sent all the wounded Black Phoenix soldiers to Machubi Fortress to prepare for the next investigation by the Enforcement Division Knights.

This matter was far from over.

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