63 - Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

## Chapter 63: Dividing the Cake As Bishop Morzel spoke, he cast a glance at his subordinate behind him. The person immediately retreated. A few moments later, as the crowd parted on both sides, a hint of surprise appeared in everyone's eyes. A large dining cart was pushed to the front of the stage by a person moving it from the middle of the road. It was an enormous dining cart, with a specially-made gigantic cake on top, consisting of four layers adorned with a variety of colors, looking quite tempting. Considering its size, there was more than enough to give everyone present a slice. Seeing such a spectacle, Duke Tyrius's eyes flashed with a hint of gloom. Nevertheless, he remained silent, looking towards Bishop Morzel. Upon seeing this, Bishop Morzel bowed once again. "I heard that your Grace's birthday is approaching. However, considering how busy you are, I didn’t dare to disturb you. So, I took the opportunity of today's charity banquet to bring you the sincere blessings of the Church of Providence." His expression was incredibly sincere, giving Duke Tyrius the utmost respect. After all, the duke held a position of significant power and influence. Even though Morzel had more powerful backing, it would be more advantageous to win over allies with benefits. Morzel's actions carried two meanings. Leading the donation was to show that without his approval, the nobles wouldn't side with the duke. And the cake was akin to an olive branch from the power behind him, extended towards Duke Tyrius. He could either walk away empty-handed or join them to share in the benefits. The choice was entirely in Duke Tyrius's hands. Seeing him silent, Bishop Morzel felt a surge of joy, thinking the duke was considering his implied proposition. Thus, he eagerly continued, "This cake was custom-made in the largest workshop in Orne City. It's sizable enough that even if everyone here got a piece, there would be plenty to go around." "If so, may I take the liberty to slice the cake for everyone?" Saying so, he took the plate and knife handed to him by his subordinate. "Mr. Tyrius, being the most eminent person here," he smiled at the duke, "the largest and sweetest piece should rightfully go to you." With that, he prepared to cut the cake. But at that moment, Duke Tyrius, who had remained silent, finally spoke up. His face no longer carried the smile it had at the start of the banquet; instead, it was calm with deep-seated authority, like a storm waiting to burst. "You want to divide the cake?" he said coldly. "You're just a regional bishop of the Church of Providence. Who gave you the right?" He wasn't just talking about dividing the cake. The topic had already connected to the direct purpose of his visit and was at the heart of their fundamental conflict. Taxes. --- "What are they actually talking about?" Greya wondered out loud, staring at the tense atmosphere on the scene. Lynn scratched the crow mask on his face. "In essence, it's a conflict between royal authority and the nobility." Duke Tyrius was here on behalf of King Saint Roland VI to collect taxes. But a figure of such high status was being obstructed by local powers. If they didn’t have the backing of those ancient nobles from the imperial capital, how could they dare to be so bold? "Though I don't entirely understand..." Greya glanced at him, "the princess seems to hope that you will help. Shouldn't you do something later?" "Do something? Help the Church of Providence divert attention?" "Don't be silly. In situations like this, keeping a low profile and watching how things unfold is the best approach." Lynn chuckled, "Only a fool would jump in and become a target." Greya looked at him, wanting to say something but holding back. --- Upon hearing Duke Tyrius's sudden challenge, Bishop Morzel's motions froze. He looked up to see the duke gazing at him with an imposing expression, his eyes sharp and filled with authority, as if commanding and challenging him. Fortunately, Bishop Morzel had faced many challenges and adversities before, so he did not show his fear outwardly. "Is Duke Tyrius expressing dissatisfaction? If so, you may as well divide the cake yourself." With that, he prepared to hand over the knife. This was already a significant concession. Morzel thought Duke Tyrius wanted more because of his insatiable appetite, so he was ready to agree temporarily to satisfy his greed. However, Duke Tyrius shook his head once more. "Just because you don't have the right to cut the cake doesn’t mean I do." He refused Morzel's offer again. For a moment, Bishop Morzel stood there stunned, his face appearing somewhat somber. And as such unreasonable words were spoken, the atmosphere around grew cold. Several solemn gazes fell on Duke Tyrius, contemplating that he likely intended to make a stand. Just then, someone from within the crowd asked, "Esteemed Duke, if you say so, then who has the right?" "Must we resort to an internal election?" It was a playful jest. The speaker seemed to hold a prominent status in Orne City, so others chuckled softly in agreement, trying to ease the tension. But Duke Tyrius did not treat it as a joke. "Election? Sounds like a possible approach." He swirled the wine in his glass, speaking calmly, "But this could also pose two issues." "First, it might overlook the wishes of a minority—like some of the guests here, who might not want to share the cake with you, but have no choice and must reluctantly accept it." As he spoke, Duke Tyrius glanced around. Indeed, a hint of hesitation appeared on the faces of a few guests. "Second, who can ensure that the person elected won’t become greedier after tasting the cake's sweetness, taking more than their fair share and leading to unfair distribution?" He subtly glanced towards Bishop Morzel. As if implying something. Bishop Morzel's face changed colors—blue, then red. Just then, another voice emerged from the crowd, "What if we appoint another person to oversee the one dividing the cake?" The speaker was a member of the city council, also a local noble. "That's an even more foolish method." Duke Tyrius shook his head, "You all would likely collude with each other." Hearing this, the person's face turned pale. Clearly, the corruption of power in Orne City had become a well-known issue.