[The next day]
Bulat's brows creased together, as a deep and uncomfortable feeling settled into his stomach. However, he was quick to toss that feeling aside, focusing more on the more important matters.
Initially, the idea had been to essentially bully the Bright couple into not only backing down but also agree to a deal that would force a truce without Bulat having to give up much of the revenue he got from that part of the capital.
Bulat was willing to lower the protection fee and reduce the number of times it was necessary to pay the fee, which was every month, he planned to reduce to once every two months
He felt that would be a great deal, the pressure of his presence wouldn't burden the people, Arthur would still get to claim responsibility for forcing Bulat to agree to such a favorable plan and, Bulat would still get to make some money.
Yes, the amount of money he gets would be significantly reduced but it wasn't like there were other parts of his business that he could use to make up the difference. He wasn't just a loan shark after all, it was just the easiest way to make money.
In any case, he shouldn't get ahead of himself, all of that was only possible if the Baron and Luke managed to successfully force the couple to back down, if they didn't and had a much more powerful noble backing them, then the only choice would be to cut his losses and flee the capital.
One thing was for certain, he was not rotting inside a prison cell, surrounded by some lowlife.
Bulat felt himself relax on his chair, letting himself lean back on it back rest as he kept a close eye on the door that led into his study, waiting for his trusted men to come through with some good news.
Although it was a little bit odd that they haven't returned with said good news, it's been a day already.
It didn't make sense why they'd wait for a whole day to pass.
"Hmmm"
A low hum left his mouth, and curious doubt crept into his heart.
Under normal circumstances he would have sent someone to investigate the matter, ask why the delay? However, it was imperative that no connection between him and those two be found.
Yes, it was an open secret that he had the knights in his pockets however that wasn't enough, he's never met with Baron Wolfram publicly.
His association with Luke Witherspoon's could be framed as Luke being unreasonably suspicious of Bulat but never finding any evidence of wrongdoing.
It's not a great excuse but it's enough. The real issue came from the fact that he has received no news whatsoever.
No secret letter sent to an anonymous person by an equally anonymous individual. No servants sent at the dead of night to relay a message, nothing. Just anticipation of the coming news.
However as fortune would have it, Bulat's suspicions were quickly tossed aside as someone burst through the door and stumbled onto the floor or they would have been if the person that entered was bringing good news.
"Boss, bad news!"
Charlie spoke, his breathing ragged, sweating, and seemingly tired, it was as if he had run quite a long way to get here.
"Charlie, I don't appreciate–"
Charlie did not let him get a word in, having caught enough of his breath he spoke.
"Boss the City guard is coming, they're making their way here, right this moment!"
"So it's–"
Bulat was ready to dismiss such a concern as a non-issue after all the city guard was in his pockets, however he was quick to realise, they wouldn't be coming to him for anything other than to arrest him.
"How far away are they, are–"
The stomping of boots was heard through the hallway that led to his study, the steady thud of feet making contact with wood, alerting Bulat that they were already here.
He let out a sigh, panicked would have gripped his heart had he not been the man he was, he had quickly realised that there was no escape, not now at least.
"Boss, what do we do?"
"For the time being there's nothing we can do, just stand there and be quiet"
It was obvious that his trusted comrades had betrayed him and here he thought he paid them well enough for that not to be a concern. In hindsight, he should have known this wouldn't last.
Barely a full minute, the Baron stepped through the open door, his eyes taking note of Charlie who stood at the side before settling into Bulat's form.
He read the man's expression and saw no emotion.
'Good it's better this way, no fanfare or drama'
Bulat had seemingly accepted the betrayal and had no plans to cause a scene. He'd say this hurt him as well but he would be lying.
"I must say, it is quite fortunate that your study, isn't close to the entrance of this house and is situated further into the building. Plus you don't keep much security so it's easy to walk in with my entourage without causing much of a commotion"
His first words to his former partner spoke nothing of the sudden betrayal, just an observation regarding the way Bulat's home was structured, almost as if he was avoiding having to directly address the issue.
"Uh-huh, get on with it"
Wolfram let a sigh escape his mouth and gave Bulat a measured look, his posture adjusting just slightly to relieve himself of any nervousness he might have had.
"Honestly it's just bad luck on your part…."
Wolfram shrugged, he truly believed that to be the case, had things been different then maybe their little alliance could have continued for a while longer.
The knights rolled in, several of them flooding the room and spreading out, two of them readily restrained Charlie as the rest moved towards Bulat.
The criminal was quick to notice the guns tucked at their hips, even if he wanted to cause a commotion, he wasn't bulletproof, plus he had no items on him at the moment.
'ha! 'Bad luck' he says'
Bulat stood and faced the knights, hand stretched out ready to be taken, he had no plans to resist however he was certain he could come out of this, this wasn't the end of him.
In his younger days, he had been arrested several times, being a slumrat often got you thrown in Jail for a few days sometimes months, or even years.
He was familiar with it and knew he'd be free, and that he would come back.
"So their backer was someone greater than the Marquis?"
That was the question that came to his mind, there was no point in asking anything beyond that.
"Indeed, consider yourself lucky, had his majesty known about this, your head would roll"
Those words brought confusion to Bulat's face, his brows creasing as he gave Wolfram a small glare.
"Why would the king care about something like this?"
Wolfram chuckled, of course Bulat was a commoner, He had no idea who he was truly dealing with.
"Never mind, it's better you don't know."
Watching as the knights led him out the door, Wolfram couldn't help but let out another chuckle.
The chuckle did not escape his mouth because he was amused but instead because he was relieved, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of anticipation.
His contribution here just might help him elevate his reputation and status of course provided that his name isn't linked to Bulat in any tangible way
.....
A/N: Another short chapter, in hindsight I should have combined this chapter and the last chapter. Apologies for that.