Lucian knew he had escalated the situation by punching the guards. They were doing their job in the town, and they would have let him go after earning a quick buck.
But if he wanted to make sure no similar thing happened to him again, and no one else was tempted to use their authority against him, he had to show them that his power was above them.
'The moment you let a group of men walk over you, they would start to believe they could continue to do so.'
'People are forgetful. Unless you engrave your warning into their bones, they will forget their place the second you turn your back to them.'
The guards looked at each other, and then they raised their heads. "Truce," they muttered, silently agreeing.
"Good. Please, get your horses and follow me," Lucian said, "And bring a few of your friends, I think we'll have to arrest some more people today."
The guards nodded, running to their posts to gather a few of their men while Lucian cleared the misunderstanding with the citizens, "I apologize, everyone, it was a mistake. These guards were just doing their jobs, and I was indeed disturbing the peace. We were both trying to protect something dear to us, and that's why things got a bit heated. But there is no problem now. We have reached a mutual understanding. Please, return back to your daily lives."
The act of the guards joining him to go to the Verrin house was enough to convince everyone that he spoke the truth. The people nodded, and went back to their business.
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"God, what a crazy man," one of the guards whispered, going through the money pouch. "Greedy businessmen are a league of their own when they have to part with their money without any profit."
Another sighed when they saw Lucian disperse the crowd, "Man, he got them to believe him in less than a second. If he was that good at negotiating, he could have just gotten us to follow him without punching us in the first place. What's the point of this?!"
"He can punch a guard and still gain approval from the crowd," the guard captain whispered, "Damn, I hope he won't make our lives harder after this."
They gathered their men and horses, then put up their best smiles as they galloped toward Lucian. "Ready when you are, Lord Arclight!"
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Celine was wearing a wig, which made Lucian think that the House of Verrin mistook her for another of his mistresses.
'Really, the stigma against me and my mistresses is getting quite ridiculous.'
Lucian's mother once told him, 'Lucian, if you're going to make friends, make sure they're good people. Treat them right, and they'll do the same for you.'
'Sorry, Mom. I can't follow all your advice, when I'm not sure I'm a good person, myself. But you know what?'
Lucian turned his head, a smile on his face, 'I can make friends with the baddest of them, and they'll still be willing to come to my aid. Being picky is a privilege of those who have many options. And unfortunately,' he chuckled, 'I don't.'
The guards gave him a strange look, "What's so funny, Lord Arclight?"
"Nothing," Lucian shook his head, "I was just reminded of my mother's wise words."
"Oh? What did she say?"
"That I should treat people the way I wish to be treated," Lucian responded, "If I am kind to others, then others will be kind to me."
"Wow!" The guard said, "What a great lady. No wonder you made a truce with us so readily after we've wronged you."
"You didn't wrong me," Lucian said, "I didn't know what got into me. The frustration of not being listened to and the urgency of a matter, which I have to deal with. I should have been more patient, but I wasn't."
They laughed and shook their heads, "It's fine, it's fine! Everyone loses their temper now and then, especially when they're as busy and important as you! We didn't mind at all!"
"Thank you for understanding." Lucian's sunny expression made the guards smile even more.
'Hey, maybe this man isn't so bad?' The guards thought to themselves. As long as they didn't make Lord Arclight lose his temper, he seemed to be a reasonable man. They might have even found themselves a powerful ally if they played their cards right.
Lucian glanced at their grinning faces, then looked forward.
Someone higher must be backing the house of Verrin from the shadows. Lucian was almost certain now. He didn't remember his cousin being so powerful as to persuade a house to target his head. They were probably using his cousin, the idiot, as a scapegoat to lower his guard, and then take Lucian out when the timing was right.
Why would someone target his head? There was no shortage of enemies. Someone jealous of his position, someone jealous of his money, someone he had wronged, or just an old-fashioned criminal.
His mind circled around the possibilities, and narrowed them down to a few.
Someone didn't like the idea of him marrying into the Rochefort house. They were scared of the influence he would gain, the power, and the reputation.
Which family would have enough power to have enough influence over a house inside the Rochefort territory?
The Duremonts (Dukal house) and the Verians (Dukal house) were the most likely candidates.
With the fall of the latest Grand Duke, the territory has been split into three factions. The Rochefort family, the Verian family, and the Duremont family, with the Rochefort having the biggest piece of the pie.
Lucian's arrival could upset their balance of power, and have the other houses try to tip the scales in their favor.
The Royal family was under an impression that he was on their side, and wouldn't act against him unless he gave them a reason to, which Lucian hadn't (hopefully).
"Halt! What is the meaning of this?!" A voice yelled, "Why are you approaching the house of Verrin? State your name and your business!"
'He hasn't changed at all,' Lucian noted, 'Still a loudmouth, as always.'
╔═══ Author's note ════╗
Is it just me, or do chapters without Celine seem more dull than the rest? I hope I didn't catch whatever Stockholm syndrome Lucian has. 😧
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