Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 157

“I-I’m sorry, Duke Krygen. I was drunk… but how did you end up here…?”

Lance Bayanen immediately lowered his head to apologize. He briefly glanced at Macy, but when Eren raised an eyebrow, Lance quickly turned his gaze elsewhere.

“What’s your name?”

“Pardon?”

“I asked for your name.”

“L-Lance Bayanen, sir!”

“Oh, the Bayanen family. You’re the son of the Byron bank president.”

Byron Bank was quite well-known in Laden. To think that this person was connected to the owner of Byron Bank.

The bank had wobbled during the economic crisis, but it was rumored that the Krygen family had invested heavily, saving it from bankruptcy. It was said that the Krygen family had maintained a strong relationship with Byron’s family since the late Duke’s time.

“Yes, you remember!”

“How could I forget? It was I who advised the late Duke to save Byron instead of Millinit Bank during the financial crisis. Thanks to that, the Krygen family has also had their fair share of money.”

“Yes! That’s right! The Duke’s insight saved both our families. We’re deeply grateful once again!”

For a moment, Lance had been stiff, but then he brightened up and tried to act familiar.

“My father is also deeply thankful for that. We should invite you over to our mansion sometime—”

“You’ve come at just the right time. I’ve been considering retrieving our investments recently.”

“Excuse me?”

At that moment, Lance was caught off guard, blinking rapidly. Eren spoke with a disapproving expression.

“There’s been a string of incidents at Byron Bank recently. There were sudden gunshots and even a robbery. According to the gossip in the financial world, it’s because the Bayanen heir hasn’t been paying his gambling debts…”

“T-That’s…”

“Seeing you walk around reeking of alcohol in broad daylight, it’s clear enough. Tell Bayanen this: I will start reclaiming my investment funds from tomorrow.”

“W-Why are you doing this, Duke Krygen?!”

Lance rushed toward Eren’s feet, throwing himself to the ground and trembling, gripping his pant legs.

“I swear I didn’t touch anything! I really didn’t! I only got close to offer some art advice—really, that’s all…”

“Young Viscount Bayanen.”

Eren’s voice dropped so low it felt ominous.

“Anyone would misunderstand, hearing that I’m making a scene over you flirting with my mistress.”

“…”

“You think I came here right after arriving from the South just because I’m obsessed with this painter? Was that your intention?”

“N-No, that’s not it!”

“Is that so?”

“Y-Yes, yes it is!”

Lance desperately tried to understand Eren’s intentions. However, Eren, with his usual blank expression, cornered him. Saying yes would insult the Duke, while saying no would clearly upset Eren, who had come here for Macy’s sake.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, please forgive me! I made a mistake. Please, please don’t take the investment funds back…”

The people who seemed close to Lance hurriedly avoided eye contact, worried that the fallout might spread to them as well. One man, who had been walking toward them with a puffed-up chest, covered his g***n with his hand.

“It’s a shame, your father, to have such a reckless son. You’d better watch your behavior if you want to keep even the title of a noble.”

“Y-Yes, I understand…”

Eren clicked his tongue and dusted off his wrinkled pants. The noisy arcade room was now so silent that even breathing seemed loud.

Macy was still sitting in front of the easel, and their eyes met.

“Come here, Macy.”

His voice was so sweet, it almost seemed impossible that he had just driven a man to the edge. It was a tone as if calling a beloved dog, light and gentle.

But Macy knew better. She could feel how angry he was, his murderous intent barely held in check, causing her body to tremble.

“Hurry up.”

He nodded his head slightly, urging her. Macy carefully got up from her seat. As she approached, Eren casually took her hand. His white-gloved hand tightly gripped her fingers.

Eren left the Lingston residence with her in tow.

* * *

He had already anticipated something would happen when Isabella started picking at the hangnail.

If it had already happened, the message would have come, and if it was still ongoing, they wouldn’t be far from Laden, and things could be handled once they got back.

Sure enough, Macy was at the Lingston mansion, and Rubens immediately headed there.