Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 469: Banquet Part II

As he watched, Dunn approached him quietly, careful not to draw undue attention. "When are you going to launch an attack?"

Johann's eyes flicked toward the location where Percival was standing.

The duke, clad in his usual fine attire, moved all over the hall with an air of confidence and authority, greeting guests with his typical smile.

He stood tall like an unshakeable mountain.

"In a while," Johann replied. "Percival just arrived and has not yet fully immersed himself in this lively atmosphere. Let him enjoy a bit longer."

Dunn nodded, understanding what Johann was trying to accomplish.

Percival needed to be at ease, unsuspecting, before the blow was struck.

The element of surprise can be very fatal once it is used. No matter how good self-control someone has, their true personality often surfaces under unexpected circumstances.

Dunn doubts that Percival can maintain his composure once he gets caught off guard.

....

Ting-

Ting-

Ting-

The clear and sharp sound of Johann tapping his glass cup with a spoon echoed through the banquet hall, drawing the attention of every guest.

Conversations were halted and laughter died down. All eyes turned towards the host.

Curiosity filled the room as they waited to hear what Johann had to say.

Standing tall and composed as always, Johann raised his voice to address the guests.

"Thank you for your attention! I really appreciate it. Perhaps many of you are eager to know the reason for my interruption."

While the attendees didn't give a verbal reply, their nods say it all.

"Don't worry, your curiosity will be satiated."

At Johann's signal, the dispersed agents in the hall begin to move toward him.

Each is carrying something in their hands.

The guests try to take a peek.

Contrary to their expectation, it was just a simple stack of paper. But paper itself is not valuable so maybe it has something to do with the content.

"As you know, this evening we gather not only to enjoy ourselves but to honour the memory of my dear grandson, Adam. However, there is another matter of great importance that I must bring to your attention."

Taking a deep breath, Johann looked around the room. He made eye contact with several prominent figures before his gaze settled on Percival, who stood among the guests.

"In recent days, I have come into possession of some deeply disturbing information. Information that reveals a side of someone we all believed we knew well."

The murmurs grew louder. Riding the momentum, Johann held up a stack of letters.

"These documents contain evidence of deception and manipulation by none other than Duke Percival, including his involvement in my grandson's death!"

Gasps of shock erupted from the crowd.

Percival's confident face faltered for a second. A flicker of confusion and anger crossed his face but he quickly masked it with a calm expression.

He stepped forward. His voice was loud and clear. "Johann, what are you insinuating? This must be some sort of misunderstanding."

Ignoring Percival's protest, Johann addressed the crowd instead.

"For years, we have all been deceived by him. These letters reveal a different Percival; one who has orchestrated events to his advantage regardless of the cost to others. Yes, you heard it right! Every accident that happened in this estate was caused by his hand."

Knowing his word alone wasn't enough, Johann began reading excerpts from the letters.

The crowd's reaction was intense. Not only because it involves the duke but also everyone close to him.

"As you can see," Johann continues, "the evidence is damning. I urge you all to reconsider your trust in Duke Percival and his lackeys. The truth must come to light, and we must hold him accountable for his actions."

The hall was in uproar. Of course, some guests expressed their disbelief loudly.

To curb their question, Johann had the papers passed around for all guests to see.

Dunn watched the scene unfold with a sense of satisfaction. Johann's performance, combined with the carefully crafted forgeries had the desired effect.

The 'evidence' naturally arrives in Percival's hand.

"This is preposterous!" he exclaimed, "These papers are fabricated! A vile attempt to tarnish my reputation. I demand an investigation to clear my name!"

"Johann, these are serious accusations!" said one of the guests, a prominent figure known for his close association with Percival. He was equally angry.

In the face of their outburst, Johann didn't flinch.

"Fabricated? It's your own handwriting, Percival. Did you forget it? These letters bear your signature, your style. They are unmistakably yours. Moreover, I have cross-referenced the evidence with other reliable sources. The truth cannot be ignored. Too many coincidences, too many connections. Everything points back at you."

Percival's face turned ashen. He opened his mouth to retort, but no words came out.

The weight of the evidence, added with the mounting suspicion from the guests seemed to crush him.

"Does anyone here recognize the handwriting?" Johann asked, turning his face to the crowd. "Many of you have communicated with Percival over the years. Look at the letter and verify for yourselves."

Several people stepped forward, acting as a 'witness' for Johann. They compared the documents with letters they had received from Percival in the past.

One by one, they nodded, confirming the match.

"This is absurd!" Percival shouted. "This is a conspiracy! Johann, you're orchestrating this to discredit me. Who would conveniently bring a letter to a banquet? They clearly had planned this beforehand."

Percival is indeed quick-witted. He immediately notices the peculiarity of the witnesses' behaviour.

But, who cares about the small details?

Johann continues to overwhelm Percival, "Ladies and gentlemen, I understand that this is a lot for you to take in. But we must face the truth no matter how uncomfortable we are. Percival has betrayed our family's interest, and for that, he must be held accountable."

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

There hasn't been a case of a duke facing punishment in Klover's history.

As such, they are unsure on how to proceed from here.