Chapter 44: Inference
Chapter 44: Inference
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Sebastian’s POV
Today, it seemed that something important awaited my attention, and it was evident that. we were the last to arrive at the meeting room.
Ethan’s expression was grim, suggesting that something significant had happened.
“Alpha, I received some troubling news from the council; these matters are quite dire for our North.”
It was undeniable that we were late, but discussing work the moment we stepped in only added to my stress.
Martell appeared to disregard Ethan’s words, following closely behind Kala, holding a glass. of milk and sporting a sycophantic smile.
Looking helplessly at my good friend, I shook my head and turned to Ethan.
“What’s wrong? Beta, you seem a bit on edge.”
I quickly noticed something was off; Basil rarely showed such a troubled demeanor.
“Recently, there have been rumors circulating that our Northern forces were the first to attack Alpha Atrias. The reason for the conflicts with other Packs is said to be their refusal to pay taxes, coupled with our excessive plundering of their women and kin, which has led to ongoing disputes.”
This topic left Basil visibly uncomfortable, and though it wasn’t true, the rumors seemed to have taken on a life of their own. I couldn’t help but frown, as I didn’t grasp the basis of his claims.
“Have you lost your mind?”
“It’s not like that, Alpha. The Beta is correct. They launched their surprise attack in response to our increased tax demands. Others are claiming that Atrias Elliotson is a guardian sent by the Moon Goddess to save them from their plight…”
Ethan stammered, struggling to articulate the situation.
“Are you saying that those suffering from the tax hikes believe Atrias is here to help them? Those regions are impoverished and can hardly bear more taxes. I can’t believe Sebastian would act in such a way; it’s unjust to exploit them with brute force.”
Melissa, always perceptive, quickly identified the crux of the issue.
“I would never do such a thing. In fact, taxes have decreased significantly compared to when my father was in power.”
No wonder all five of us were gathered here today; this truly was a grave matter for the North!
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“But they claim to have documents bearing your signature, and that you even sent a voke message to their Alpha.”
Ethan even pulled out the document.
Staring at the signature and seal on it, I felt lightheaded; the shock left me speechlen.
“When did this happen?”
I looked to Basil, who hung his head in shame.
“Alpha, to be honest, I really don’t know. I didn’t question its authenticity because your name is on it.”
Basil candidly expressed his thoughts.
“If you didn’t sign or draft this document, then the person who did must be close to you.”
Melissa took the document, scrutinizing it closely, but found no other details that might reveal the identity of the person responsible for creating it.
I clenched my fists, my mind racing through recent events.
“My stepmother and that foolish brother?”
Hearing the e anger in my tone, Basil shook his head.
“Vince and old Luna have appeared at the castle before, but they mostly waste their time on nonsense–flirting with other men and women… They’ve rarely been seen in the office areas. If you want to know the real story, I’m afraid we’ll need a more thorough investigation.”
“Go ahead! Find out what’s going on!”
I assigned the task to Basil, but my mind didn’t stop racing.
Ethan looked at Melissa, his gaze seemed to be saying something, but I couldn’t quite figure it out.
This guy
had been spending far too much time in the castle lately; was he developing some strange feelings for Melissa?
I suddenly found myself feeling a bit foolish, and once the meeting ended, I returned to my private office.
I should have taken a moment to rest, yet sleep eluded me entirely.
For some reason, I could distinctly feel that Atrias Elliotson was targeting me.
The Elliotson family was quite affluent, ranking among the top ten on the continent.
Though the Agrigent family held a high status, it was heavily reliant on the support of other families; we had no chance of confronting them.
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Chapter 44: Inference
As I pondered this, Melissa approached me, offering a shoulder massage, trying her best. to help me relax.
“Don’t be too tense.”
As expected, Melissa easily discerned that something was troubling me, despite my efforts to hide it.
I pulled her into my embrace, my hands instinctively slipping beneath her dress, touching her body brought me a sense of security.
“I can’t fathom who would have the means to forge my signature and seal, then issue revenue–increasing orders to those impoverished regions.”
This matter weighed heavily on my mind. The Packs listed on that document were weak, powerless wolves who couldn’t possibly afford to pay such exorbitant sums.
Yet everyone would simply assume I was a mindless tyrant, the one who personally issued this command.
No wonder the outside world saw me as a jerk!
I contemplated whether I should gather all the ALphas like the Special Missions Bureau and hold a conference to defend myself while also inviting them to tour the Northern Territory
Ethan and Basil noticed that someone nearby was attempting to sabotage the relationship between the North and other regions, inciting conflict.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that my stepmother was somehow involved in this.
“No, I think you’re overthinking this. Your stepmother and brother don’t have that kind of power,” Melissa easily pierced through my thoughts.
“Sebastian, don’t underestimate anyone. I believe this situation is more complicated than it appears.
Melissa voiced my concerns, yet this was precisely what I feared–the enemy was hidden!
“Besides the council, I can’t think of anyone else who would do this.”
“Impossible!” Melissa interrupted, firmly standing by the council chair, Ethan Vrzogic.
“He idolizes you; even if you don’t trust anyone, you should trust him. And Beta and Gamma–they’re your good friends and loyal. There’s no benefit for them in this.”
Her analysis didn’t bring me comfort.
“No, Melissa, our essence might also be a coalition of interests. If my family falls, the Alpha position could very well shift to other families.”
“The North still follows this hereditary system, then I understand. That means there are many suspects in this case.”
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Chapter 44: Inference
I felt exhausted, burying my head in Melissa’s neck.
“But I hope you’re willing to trust them. Don’t doubt those three! If you waver now, then we’ll have played right into someone’s scheme. Beta and Gamma genuinely support you, and Ethan wants to be your friend. As for your stepmother and brother, I highly doubt they possess such cunning- Just
The smile of my lover was th it; perhaps other evidence will emerge that allows for
clearer judgment.”
lover was the best remedy for stress, and I finally felt a bit more at ease.
“I hope you’ll be willing to join me in future meetings. There’s still much in the North worth understanding slowly. My Luna, I hope you’ll become my eyes and help me observe them; you might notice many things I overlook.”
I said to her, my gaze filled with earnestness.
Seeing her nod, I finally felt reassured.
“It’s my honor, dear Alpha. I will always stand by your side.”
Melissa wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her lips against mine in a deep, passionate kiss.
