They all call me Great Master

Baro Hamlet had a poor reputation in Inner Bay.

Not only was he unattractive, but he also did many foolish things to assert his presence, which was well-known.

Similarly, what was also well-known was that Baro Hamlet was a doting father to his child.

To what extent did he dote on Alvis?

When young Alvis pointed to the night sky wanting a star, Lord Baro immediately rushed into the Lion Palace, imploring his elder brother to help his son pluck down the stars.

And then?

Naturally, he was cursed vigorously, becoming once again a subject of conversation over Inner Bay's dinner tables.

But Lord Baro remained carefree.

Regarding his son, he continued to grant him every wish.

More importantly, despite growing up with such doting care, Alvis did not turn out poorly; although exhibiting some noble airs, he could still be considered a decent young man.

Many even referred to Alvis as Baro's 'luck'.

Baro could indeed be considered 'lucky'.

After all, having such a son to inherit everything is something everyone envied Baro for.

At least, there would be no prodigal child to completely ruin the family's business.

But now, Alvis was dead.

Together with the hidden team, all dead.

The scout in the shadows simply couldn't imagine the level of wrath Baro might exhibit.

Thus, upon delivering this news, the scout clenched his jaws, bracing himself for the impending fury from Baro.

It could possibly be blows.

More likely, it would be the items on the desk.

Therefore, the scout prayed that it wouldn't be that large, heavy, jagged ashtray; being struck by it would result in lasting injuries, and if hit on the head, he might die on the spot.

As for dodging?

He dared not.

His family was at an absolutely safe location.

If he dodged, his family wouldn't be safe.

Thinking of this, the scout resigned himself to his fate.

However, contrary to his expectations—

"Haha!"

Baro Hamlet burst into laughter.

Laughing so hard he rocked back and forth, vigorously patting the chair's armrest.

Seeing this scene, the scout's heart sank.

It's over!

The shock was too great; he's gone mad!

As this thought rose from the depths of his heart, the scout began to think about how to ensure his family could safely weather the upcoming days.

Baro Hamlet's intentions were clear to the scout.

The chaos this would bring to Inner Bay was also clear to him.

If successful, they could celebrate; he and his family might enjoy better days.

If failed, with Baro Hamlet up front, he would likely die, but his family could survive.

That was enough.

But a mad Baro Hamlet simply could not be relied upon.

As accomplices, they would be thoroughly accounted for.

If he died, it didn't matter.

But his parents, wife, and children could not.

'Damn it! Damn it!

Does this bastard still remember where he hid my family?

Should I tentatively ask him?'

This thought twisted in the scout's mind.

But just as he was about to take action, before he even moved, Baro Hamlet's laughter stopped, and his self-talk began.

"Sure enough, someone would target Alvis."

With words full of sighs, Baro's small eyes gleamed with clarity, no trace of madness on his face.

The scout froze.

'Could the dead Alvis be fake?

Just a substitute?'

Baro seemed to sense his scout's confusion, his face growing even more smug—

The dead Alvis was indeed real, but also truly a substitute.

This child, raised beside him, bearing Alvis' name, was always known as Alvis, appearing as a substitute for his truly bloodline' Alvis.

As for the real Alvis?

In an absolutely safe place.

There, Alvis doesn't know his identity.

Nor does he know his name.

So much so that for confidentiality, he hadn't seen his child for ten years.

But he believed his child would understand him.

After all, he had already crafted the excuse that 'years ago, he definitely didn't voluntarily give up his child; it was due to threats from the Old Lion that he was forced to have his trusted aides take his child away, change their name, and live in Inner Bay—and now, with the dismissal of the Old Lion, everything could return to normal.'

All sorts of evidence could be checked.

Absolutely flawless.

This was one of Baro's most proud achievements.

However, he wouldn't inform those around him.

Only when everything settled would be the time to reveal the truth.

At that time, presumably everyone would be utterly flabbergasted.

The thought of that scene made Baro's lips curl in anticipation.

Still, amid such anticipation, Baro felt a bit of regret.

The substitute Alvis hadn't fulfilled his maximum role.

He hadn't been killed by that bastard Gleisa in front of the crowd.

This made his 'revenge' reason insufficient.

You must know, under his intentional nurturing, the substitute was absolutely orderly; when faced with sudden mishaps, his reaction would be untimely, only instinctively fleeing toward crowds.

And Gleisa?

He knew too well this egotistical bastard.

Upon realizing himself being strategized by Alvis, he would surely seek revenge.

Furthermore, he would absolutely use this to kill Alvis.

And that was what he wanted.

It was also one of the reasons for nurturing the substitute.

As for Gleisa not discovering it?

Impossible!

Though that bastard was arrogant, he had capabilities.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have become Inner Bay's first heir.

Nor would his elder brother entrust crucial intelligence to him.

'A pity, just a little lacking!'

Baro lamented this regret.

But the next moment, the communication crystal in his arms glimmered and vibrated—

"Sir, Gleisa is dead!

Count Bert personally killed him under the pretext that Gleisa incited his three sons against him!

And he declared war on Inner Bay!"

Upon connecting the communication crystal, the news inside excited Baro.

"Gleisa is dead?

Great!

Quick, immediately spread the news that 'Gleisa, for selfish gain, not only sparked war between Inner Bay and Bert Territory but also killed Alvis who discovered the plot.'"

Baro instructed his scout.

The hurried pace naturally showed his impatience.

The scout in the shadows immediately saluted and departed.

Following the scout's departure, the study left Baro alone.

This 'Impostor' excitedly paced the room.

But soon, the three communication crystals in his arms vibrated simultaneously.