[color=f26522][h1][center]Two Lords Discussion over Pudding[/center][/h1][/color]
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A short time after the incident.

The grizzled gentleman went to and fro, his cane clacking on the pavement as he went back and forth in confusion. Pocket watch held gently in his right hand that would be inspected from time to time. Asteroth; a normally composed man was at a loss as he made attempts to find his way to the dining hall or to the master of this estate.

Sounds of glass shattering and gunfire had rung out for all within the vicinity to hear. He, who had just finished tending to the unfortunate driver, his foolish ward injured only to find himself walking into this whole mess. 

Now in the midst of trying to make sense of what happened, but his search for Calbert proved cumbersome with the few guards he come across seemingly ignoring his presence as they maintained their focus solely on finding the intruder and troublemaker.

[color=f26522]“ This does not bode well at all.”[/color] He grumbled out in a tired voice as he procured a handkerchief to dab the sweat from his face.“[color=f26522]” And something tells me Mr. Nagasa is at the center of all this nonsense.”[/color] The unflattering thought sat like a weight in his guts; worried of the possible troubles Kazumin caused that has once again been left up to him to amend.

With a weary groan he wiped off his face then let loose a slow, heavy exhale.“[color=f26522]” If we somehow make it through this. I promise that oaf wil not taste anything but bread for the rest of this summer!”[/color] A promise he might very well keep as he glanced his watch over once more, checking the time; frustrated at how much time had been wasted already as he set off in hopes to find Lord Calbert where he may hopefully lessen any damage caused by this whole ordeal. 

Just as he been about to set off, Count Calbert had entered the room. He cleared his throat in a loud and deliberate manner to catch the baron’s attention. [color=0072bc]“Baron Asteroth.”[/color] the Count began, his voice deep and commanding. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, but his posture remained regal and commanding, as if he were a king addressing his loyal subject. The gravity of his tone was palpable.

A blessing for his right knee to have come across the count as all the running about left his aching knee throbbing fiercely. If only this meeting were under better circumstances as evident by the man’s stiffness and icy tone betraying Calbert’s feebly calm composure.[color=f26522]” Ah, there you are, Lord count.”[/color] Stepping his way over to the man, his cane clacking gently as he went; moving into a quick and low bow upon reaching the clearly frustrated lord.

“[color=f26522]“ Apologies for my delay. Gravely so after seeing the chaos that seemed to have occurred during my absensce.”[/color] Asteroth exhaled slowly, the bearded old warrior, in his years of battles felt immensely tired and frustrated in his own way, though it was not directed at his ward, but for the young man. As the fact he has lived with Kazumin these last three months and as such doubted that even for one as sporadic as he, would not dare to actively attack or intend harm on the count or his family. 

The baron simply refused to accept that Kazumin was the mastermind behind this whole mess. Though the pudding loving peasant was likely involved and at the center of it, at least unintentionally.[color=f26522]” I am afraid I am out of the loop. I hope it would not be prudent of me to ask, my lord but what happened?”[/color] Asked while wiping sweat from his brow.

Calbert's fists clenched at his sides as he turned his attention back to Baron Asteroth. His mind was awash with anger and frustration, but he knew he needed to focus on what was important.

[color=0072bc]"There was so much I could say about Kazumin Nagasa's behavior,"[/color] he began, his voice low and dangerous.[color=f26522]“ Kazumin had a friend attack my estate, to try and free him from our conversation. And this friend of his... She's accused of murder, no less, the face you may have seen in the paper today.”[/color]

Calbert's eyes narrowed as he spoke, his words laced with barely controlled emotion. [color=0072bc]"This woman, whoever she is, shot arrows through my dining room windows, and caused destruction to my property, all in an attempt to hurt me and my staff.”[/color]

A look of disbelief etched the grizzled Baron’s face as he listened to Calbert explain the going-ons during his absence. So shocked that Asteroth believed Kazumin’s involvement at first, but after taking a moment to recompose himself did he remember this to not be the case.“[color=f26522]” My lord!”[/color] He said in astonishment.“[color=f26522]” Whatever damages or grief Mr. Nagasa has caused I apologize for, but I must say that for his behalf that my young ward had no such plans or time to act on such plans.”[/color] Asteroth spoke in a forced calm tone in a weak attempt to hide his nervnousness of the situation, dreading the consequences and chain of events sure to follow if this misunderstanding was allowed to continue.

“[color=f26522]“ Forgive me for coming off prudent for saying such, my lord. Yet, I must speak and loathe as I am to admit this. For Mr. Nagasa was simply in no state to attempt any of the horrid things described as he was on a smidgen of coke…on my orders mind you.”[/color] Coughing into his fist which nearly covered up what he said, clearly embarrassed by his decision. 

Calbert's voice was laced with disbelief as he asked,[color=0072bc]"Coke... as in cocaine?"[/color] He struggled to comprehend how the young man's drug use could explain the chaotic nightmare that had unfolded before him.

Despite his best efforts, Calbert couldn't filter his incredulous expression.[color=0072bc] "For the sake of the Gods,"[/color] he murmured, pinching the bridge of his nose and letting out a groan. After taking a moment to compose himself, he met Baron Asteroth's eyes once more.

[color=0072bc]"Please do explain to me, Baron, why you would order Kazumin Nagasa to take drugs before our meeting?"[/color] Calbert's voice was now tinged with anger and confusion. [color=0072bc]"What possible purpose could that have served?"[/color]

Asteroth could do little else but cringe after having to tell the count about his ward’s situation. His scruffy beard did much to hide his embarrassment as he exhaled slowly through his nose before elaborating.“[color=f26522]” Yes, *ahem* mind I had little choice left to me after Mr. Nagasa had overdone his drinking from last night. As it was the first time in three months he was allowed to venture from my estate and as such, an..energetic youth like Kazumin struggled to contain his..enthusiasm.”[/color] He explained, every word he spoke was mostly true with some slight fibbing; all in order to clear the suspicions towards his ward. 

The revelation of Kazumin Nagasa's drug use and lack of sleep had helped to explain some of his strange behavior, but it did not account for everything. Calbert couldn't shake off the feeling of unease at Kazumin's lack of fear or emotion during their conversation. He knew he couldn't blame the Baron for that, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of frustration and disappointment.

[color=0072bc]"I see," [/color]Calbert said thoughtfully, [color=0072bc]"I understand the need for flexibility and rescheduling if necessary as opposed to having him drugged."[/color]

After a brief pause, Calbert spoke again, [color=0072bc]"On another matter, have you seen Kazumin with a woman who has blonde hair?"[/color] His tone was serious and focused, revealing his determination to get to the bottom of the matter.

Hearing Calbert suggest a simple rescheduling nearly had the Baron scoff at the notion. Anyone who has interacted with the man at least once could tell that one thing the man was not was understanding. And considering the state of the count led Asteroth to believe the fault of whatever chaos that ensued he was not wholly innocent of. Still, this was not the time to go poking the bear risking worsening the situation any further.“[color=f26522]” Yes, of course, my lord. I shall be sure to keep that in mind.”[/color]

 A nod of the head before shifting to scratch at his bearded chin in pondering fashion.[color=f26522]” A girl with blonde hair? I do recall two of the ladies he danced with having blonde hair. As we both know who the first young miss is and excluding the lovely royal princess, but I’m afraid I do not recall the other blonde.”[/color] A shake of the head; recalling the numerous times his ward mentioned a miss Persephone though felt it best to play it safe.“[color=f26522]” I do not know if it is the same miss involved in this whole nonsense, but I assure you Kazumin was not nor had the opportunity to be involved or make such plans due to being so busy with my lessons and lack of any visitors.”[/color]

Calbert's voice dropped to a lower tone as he turned to face Baron Asteroth. [color=0072bc]"You'd better listen carefully, Baron, because I'm not feeling particularly merciful today… Nonetheless I might be willing to overlook Kazumin's disturbing behavior…”[/color]

He stepped closer to the Baron, looming over him and staring down with the heat of anger in his eyes. [color=0072bc]"Bring me Kazumin in the next few days, sober and compliant. Make sure he tells me the name of the woman he's been cavorting with, and where I can find her… Do that, and I'll turn my head."[/color]

Asteroth had been taken aback by the count’s change in posture and icy told belaying the man’s anger. The unexpected icy mood and tension was enough to even throw off the grizzled veteran. He remained silent, his aged face a stone wall having regained his composure and steeled himself in the face of Calbert’s threats that would surely crush those unprepared or unlucky.

Refusing to back down and be seen as weak, the baron returned with a stony stare of his own.“[color=f26522]” Hm, understood. I will be sure to reprimand him for his uncouth behavior and prepare appropriate compensation and apologies.”[/color] Nodding his head after stating what the count wished to hear. It was clear there was far more going on here than what he was told and not to forget to mention how strange it was to see Calbert in such a state. What could possibly make a man of his status and position so… angry and disheveled. [/color]