Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 472: Arrest Them All!
Percival's butler was quick at doing his job.
Early the following day, a carefully crafted statement was prepared and swiftly released to the public to address Johann's accusations.
The statement sounds authoritative, denying any wrongdoing attributed to Duke Percival. It rebutted Johann's claims as baseless and malicious attempts to besmirch the duke's unblemished reputation.
Just like everyone expected, the duke vehemently denied the accusation.
No one seems to be surprised by this move.
Additionally, Percival didn't merely refute the allegations but also launched a sharp counterattack.
He points his finger at Johann and accuses the old nobleman of being involved in a break-in at Percival's private study and stealing confidential documents.
As such, Johann is required to hand over all the 'stolen' documents in his possession and obediently receive punishment like any honourable noble would.
The duke was indeed trying to turn the table around. With the weight of his title and the resources at his disposal, it was not difficult to accomplish.
Reactions were divided. But most of them support the duke.
Considering the hostility Johann showed to the duke before and the recent bad event that happened to him, many are prone to believe that Johann's actions were emotionally driven.
On Johann's side, the old man was not angry at all. This entire situation is within both Johann and Dunn's expectations.
They never expect Percival to roll over and readily accept the accusations.
Whatever crime they try to pin on Percival is only for the sake of formality.
Johann was keen to avoid being seen as a power-hungry man.
As a noble, he was particularly conscious of his reputation, especially in the eyes of the younger generation.
No one wants to be remembered in a bad light. So, he needs a reasonable excuse for his actions.
"What should we do now?" Dunn asked.
Johann momentarily closed his eyes before opening them back. He then asked, "How's our preparation?"
"Everything is going smoothly. We're just waiting for the reinforcements promised by Betto and Demin. Based on the pace they're moving, it may take some time."
"That's understandable," Johann nodded. "The three of us only sealed the deal yesterday. We probably will be on our own at the start of the fight."
Dunn frowned, "Why do I get the feeling that Betto and Demin are purposely slowing things down?"
Johann scoffed, "I know these two men well. They probably want to wait and see. Once the circumstance is favourable to them, they will enter the scene with a great fanfare."
"And what if the situation turns against us? Will the two of them take a step back and act like the deal never happened?"
Johann's eyes narrowed, "As if I'm going to let that happen. We need to ensure that the two of them board our ship and let this fact be well known. Release the news!"
By news, Johann means the deal made between him, Demin and Betto yesterday.
Dunn hesitated. Concern etched on his face. "You sure? The duke won't like it. He may react even more violently than now. I need to remind you our preparation is not complete yet."
"We've already reached this point. So why should we worry about his feelings now? Just do it."
"Alright," Dunn nodded reluctantly.
On that day, amidst the lingering tension from the banquet and the escalating accusations between Johann and Percival, another piece of news broke out.
The details of a secret deal made between Johann, Demin, and Betto were suddenly exposed to the public.
According to word of mouth, their discussion was inadvertently overheard by a few sharp-eared servants in the location.
Whether this is true or not, no one cares. The most important thing is to verify the news.
It was not a difficult thing to do in the first place. In just a few hours, many nobles had pretty much validated the authenticity of the news.
Prior to this, many onlookers had viewed the conflict as a personal dispute between Johann and Percival.
With Betto and Demin entering the fray, that view has shifted.
What began as a feud between two members of the family had now expanded into a broader confrontation involving the main family against its collateral branches.
Some were happy with this development, seeing it as a long-overdue challenge to the duke's authority, while others were deeply troubled by the potential of civil war.
Unsurprisingly, Demin was among those who were not happy.
Alone in his office, he paced back and forth. His anger forbade him from standing still.
Finally, Demin cursed the same man he had shaken hands with yesterday.
"Damn it, Johann! Do you have to announce it to the public?" He slams his fist onto his desk.
Not once did he believe the deal was leaked. It must be Johann's doing.
Johann's sudden move had thwarted many of his follow-up plans.
He intended to manoeuvre through this conflict subtly without exposing his involvement too early.
Still, as much as he hated to admit it, Demin understood Johann's intention.
That old man was trying to tie him and Betto to his chariot, ensuring they couldn't easily back out of their agreement.
Johann had effectively forced them to fully commit to fighting Percival.
Any hesitation now would backfire him.
....
"Arrest them! We cannot let them run around and do nothing. The prestige of Klover is at stake. Do you want others to see us as a joke?"
Percival's voice echoed through his office. The news has sent the duke into a rage.
This opposition was an unforgivable insult to his authority and the dignity of the dukedom.
"These people are no longer hiding or making moves subtly. They no longer regard me as their duke and blatantly oppose me."
The room was filled with his closest advisors and loyal knights.
They all looked increasingly uneasy.
Percival continued, "This cannot be allowed to happen! We must act fast and decisive. Go and arrest them all! Johann, Demin, Betto—none of them should be free to plot against me."
