He felt he had already seen through this young new noble.

He was not versed in schemes, not skilled in making connections, and though he held a good position, he was destined to lose it.

Even though the banquet hadn't started, he was already certain: the outcome was decided.

......

Of course, Joseph's tactics didn't work on all nobles.

Especially when he tried to persuade Yorn Harvey, it was like hitting a brick wall with his head.

He already knew that Yorn and Louis were quite close in private, but he always believed one thing: "No noble can refuse temptation."

As long as Yorn was willing to relent and help persuade Louis to "open up power," to give part of the authority to the so-called "Noble Council."

"By then, you'll be the third in command, right after me and the Lord Governor." He promised this with a tone as confident as if he could already see Yorn nodding and surrendering.

Not to mention he brought out a whole set of resources and bargaining chips: food quotas, military collaboration, and even priority access to the Southern Commerce Association's channels.

Finally, he added a meaningful remark: "With Louis holding all the power, in the end, you and I are just pawns... If he fails, we both become sacrifices."

Having said that, he poured himself a glass of wine, waiting for Yorn to hesitate, weigh his options, and be tempted.

Yorn accepted the glass, with a faintly amused expression on his face, yet his tone was relaxed and cooperative: "You make a good point, indeed, it's time to think about the future direction."

He nodded, even adding: "Louis should also relinquish some of his power and let us all share the burden, after all, we're all concerned about Snow Peak County."

Joseph smiled, his gaze becoming more assured, feeling that he had succeeded.

Of course, he didn't know that the smile on Yorn's lips was not agreement.

It was merely finding it amusing.

What Joseph just listed as resources was probably not even worth as much as a hair sent by his family steward each month.

Third in command? You're dreaming too highly of yourself.

And besides, my ability to sit here today is all thanks to my big brother, the one you call 'holding all the power.'

Six or seven years ago in the Imperial Capital, he was already covering me. I'm so used to clinging to this thigh that it's become an art form; who would give that up for a little shin that came out of nowhere and sell out their own brother?

But your manner of speaking is quite like that of the Southern Nobles.

Even though he felt extreme disdain inwardly, and was almost tempted to laugh out loud, Yorn maintained his usual composure and grace on the surface, even deliberately showing a bit of "half a beat slow" dullness.

He pretended to listen intently, occasionally showing an "Ah... so that's how it is" look.

As if genuinely intrigued by the "reforms" and "Council" system Joseph spoke of.

Then their conversation quietly shifted to another dimension.

Alcohol, women, festival balls, which noble family's daughter was having an affair with the groom, which Countess made a fool of herself after getting drunk at a banquet.

The more Joseph talked, the more relaxed he became, even patting Yorn on the shoulder, with an air of "We share a common language."

"Baron Harvey sure isn't a bookworm! I knew someone like you knows how to enjoy life." He laughed proudly, as if he had already recruited the other person under his banner.

Yorn laughed along, a bit foolishly: "Ha... I actually don't get it much, just heard a lot about it."

"No worries, I'll treat you to some Plum Wine sent by my family one day, it's said to be something even the Emperor loves."

"That would be such an honor."

When the conversation completely dwindled, Joseph checked the time, stood up, and said: "We've chatted quite a while today; I won't disturb your rest. Let's talk in detail another day."

"Hmm... I'm indeed a bit tired today." Yorn nodded in agreement.

He also showed a somewhat dazed expression, as if his mind was still on the "Plum Wine" and the "noble daughter and groom affair" incident.

Joseph left contentedly, his steps light, as if he had just won a gamble.

"It's so easy it's almost questionable; I thought Harvey would be hard to handle, but it turns out he's just average. After all, what young noble can resist the lure of power and profit?" he thought in the corridor.

Because everything had been going too smoothly for him recently, he had no doubts at all.

Yet when he walked out the door, those eyes that were just a bit puzzled now were as clear as a blade.

Yorn smiled lightly, with a hint of sarcasm in his smile, but mostly — the anticipation was dull.

"Humph, 'third in command,' really thinks he's someone of importance."

He casually adjusted his clothes, walked out of the study with light yet unshowy steps, and went to Louis' office.

"Boss, that Joseph came with ill intentions, offering me a bunch of terms... You should prepare; he might be planning quite a bit."

Louis sat by the fireplace drinking tea and only gave a faint smile after hearing the news: "Let him do as he pleases."

"Aren't you worried?"

"Worried about what? I have my preparations, don't worry." Louis' tone was as casual as talking about the weather.

Yorn blinked, seeing that Louis knew well, he said no more and fully trusted his boss's methods.

Meanwhile, Willis, being Louis' real brother, also detected something amiss without waiting for someone to rope him in.

"That Joseph... whispering to people all over the place, acting way too much."

He came to Louis with a rare tone of unease: "I suggest you keep steady; meet the necessary nobles so you won't be seen as too aloof and end up too passive."

Louis just lightly nodded: "Understood, rest assured, I have my arrangements."

Willis saw his calm demeanor and said no more, but he couldn't shake off the intuition of an approaching storm.

And Joseph, satisfied with his chessboard, was unaware that he had long been pinched by an invisible hand on the edge of the board.

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