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"I refuse."
When Seth's clear and firm voice echoed through the hall, a wave of wry smiles and sighs followed among the crowd.
Barton, the subject of the matter, stood in stunned silence, a buzzing in his ears. The immediate thought that flashed through his mind was that he would lose his job.
Removing his position as a lowly policeman wasn't particularly challenging for an aristocrat. However, it meant he had to find another way to support his family. Before securing another job, his children might have to work as newsboys or in grim factories; his wife, already toiling as a laundress, would likely increase her daily workload.
Beside Barton, Inspector Roy suppressed a snort of dissatisfaction. Considering Seth's noble status and prospects, he chose to remain silent, though anger was carefully concealed in his eyes.
Byson wasn't surprised at all. He knew his son's temperament well. If Seth had endured such 'treatment' on the ship, retaliation would have been the most expected response.
"I hope he doesn't escalate things too much; it would be hard to manage," Byson thought, already planning to intervene at a critical moment.
At that moment, Seth continued, "Why should I forgive you? Officer Barton, you have done nothing wrong. You were merely fulfilling your duty as a policeman. If you need forgiveness, our kingdom's police officers will have an impossible job."
Thinking he had misheard, Barton was stunned and looked at his boss in disbelief. Roy, equally dazed, couldn't believe his ears. The noble young man before them wasn't blaming Barton but subtly praising his actions.
"This is unlike any noble I know," thought Roy, who quickly recovered and coughed dryly.
"Aren't you going to thank Mr. Seth?"
Barton snapped out of his daze, realizing his job was secure, and said happily, "Thank you for your magnanimity, Mr. Seth."
Seth originally wanted to say, "This is what my father taught me,"
but considering the subtleties of Loen culture, he felt such an explicit statement would be too deliberate. So, he smiled, nodded, and left.
He and Byson got into a waiting carriage. Inside, Byson adjusted his clothes, removed his top hat, and smiled at Seth.
Feeling uneasy under his father's gaze, Seth couldn't help but say, "Father, just say what you want."
Byson laughed, "I have nothing to say; I just find it strange. Seeing you this time, Seth, I feel that you have changed a lot."
The baron counted on his fingers, "First, you had the lawyer defend others, then you generously donated travel expenses. Just now, you not only forgave the policeman but subtly praised his behavior, assuming he understood the meaning behind your words."
"Honestly, these are all things I wouldn't have expected from you. Can you tell me what brought about these changes?"
"Reason? That's probably because your son has changed."
Seth adjusted his posture, glanced out the window, and saw the carriage heading toward the port. He said, "After the incident at sea, I realized the need to re-examine my life."
"Father, I feel I must make a change. I can no longer live aimlessly. I want to participate more actively in your endeavors, contribute to you and the family, and fulfill my responsibilities as the eldest son."
Seth knew his actions would attract Byson's attention. When he was alone in the 'single room,' he had already thought through his words. He intended to use this as groundwork so that future actions inconsistent with the original character would be seen as Seth's personal growth rather than suspicion of being 'replaced.'
Of course, these changes needed to be natural, subtle, and gradual to avoid raising any doubts.
Byson said, "I'm very pleased you have such an idea, son. You have finally grown up. Don't worry; there will be opportunities. Soon, you will be on a broader stage, and I look forward to your performance."
The next night, Seth returned to Enqi Town.
This bay town in Desi County faced Desi Bay and was backed by the Abury Mountains. The scenery was pleasant, attracting many vacationers each year, resulting in numerous small hotels with local charm in Enqi Town.
When the carriage passed 'Mermaid Road,' Seth noticed a brightly lit hotel with a crowd gathered at the door and policemen in black-and-white-checkered uniforms. Something seemed to have happened there.
"Your mother must be anxious, but I sent a telegram yesterday, so she shouldn't be too worried," his father's voice brought Seth's attention back inside the carriage.
Soon, the carriage turned onto 'Golden Champagne Avenue' and stopped at a black iron gate marked with the number '13.'
It was getting late, but the gas lamps on both sides of the street were brilliantly lit. The black iron gate slowly opened, revealing the brightly illuminated mansion inside.
This was Seth's home, a four-story villa with more than twenty rooms, stables, servants' quarters, and a large garden.
At that moment, the family's servants came out, led by the butler, and lined up on either side of the gate, awaiting the arrival of the baron and his son.
Seth followed his father out of the carriage and immediately saw the butler, Sebastian. He was a middle-aged man in his fifties with a severe, classical face and gray beard.
Behind the butler were all the male servants.
On the other hand, Kunna, the housekeeper responsible for managing the family's finances and the maids, was the leader.
Kunna, in her early forties, had dark brown hair and deep nasolabial folds that gave her a stern appearance.
Behind her stood all the maids.
Seeing Byson and Seth alight from the carriage, all the servants, led by Sebastian and Kunna, stood formally and respectfully and said in unison, "Welcome back, Master Byson and Young Master Seth."
Byson nodded slightly without a word and entered the villa.
Seth followed his father inside, surrounded by servants. A cheer rang out as they entered the hall on the first floor.
"Dad!"
"Brother Seth!"
A nine-year-old boy with black hair and brown eyes, wearing a children's tuxedo, rushed over excitedly.
This was the youngest member of the family, Seth's younger brother, Christian.
He seemed to have a close relationship with Seth as he bypassed his father, who had crouched down with open arms and ran straight to his elder brother.
Seth picked him up, feeling a deep affection, "How have you been, our little general? Have you improved your swordsmanship while I was away?"
Christian, who aspired to be a General of the Kingdom, proudly waved his little hand, "Of course! Just yesterday, I managed to hit Mr. Ciri's hand."
Mr. Ciri was the family's hired teacher, instructing the three siblings in horsemanship, fencing, combat, and marksmanship.
In addition to Mr. Ciri, the Disreali family had a teacher for etiquette, a general studies teacher, and an art teacher.
At that moment, a clear, teasing voice echoed in the hall.
"Isn't this our big brother Seth? I thought you'd already become a sailor on the 'King of the Five Seas' ship. I didn't expect you to come back."