Edmund Robert

There came a rhythmic knock on the door, prompting Rawls to rise from the sofa. He no longer displayed the same laziness as moments before, having recognized the visitor from the distinct sound.

"Please come in."

Click.

As the door swung open, an elderly gentleman entered. He had a medium build, with a receding hairline typical of most men in Loen. However, his hair was neatly combed, and he wore a sleek black tuxedo.

With a slight frown, his gray-blue eyes fixed on Rawls, who was clad in a dressing gown. He let out a soft sigh and spoke, "Rawls, I've told you countless times not to wear a dressing gown in the office. When guests visit, seeing you dressed like this gives the impression that the Adrian family lacks proper etiquette."

Rawls shrugged and offered a smile, replying, "Wearing a dressing gown during meetings makes my guests feel closer to me, fostering better relationships for further development, wouldn't you agree, Uncle Robert?"

The dressing gown is a home attire inspired by Intis fashion, typically worn by men for comfort or as a welcoming gesture when entertaining guests at receptions or dinner parties. However, in the conservative Loen culture, it is uncommon for men to wear it in such a manner. Only a few young men opt for dressing gowns as an alternative to the rigid and constricting three-piece suits, choosing to receive guests at home or in the office in this relaxed attire. This practice has elicited disapproval from many elderly gentlemen in Ruen, including Edmund Robert, who served as Rawls' etiquette teacher, as well as his father, Mason Adrian.

Edmund Robert, currently fifty-nine years old, is the youngest son of a baron but did not inherit the title. Following his father's demise, he received little inheritance and had a strained relationship with his brother, who inherited the title. Due to his upbringing in etiquette, Edmund decided to become an etiquette teacher, specializing in instructing those who recently entered the upper class and possessed wealth but lacked proper etiquette training.

Edmund's career as an etiquette teacher continued until he met Mason. At that time, Mason had already gained fame in Backlund but had not joined any law firm. With substantial savings, he chose to establish his own law firm. However, as a "lone wolf," Mason had no idea how to go about establishing a law firm. After discussing the matter with Edmund, who was teaching Mason etiquette at the time, Edmund offered his assistance, and together they founded the Adrian Lawyers office that exists today. During the initial stages, Mason handled the firm's reputation while Edmund managed its daily operations. Their collaboration led to Adrian Law Firm becoming a renowned legal establishment in Beckland.

Despite their differing beliefs—Edmund following the Lord of the Storm and Mason devoted to the Evernight Goddess—the strong bond between the two made Edmund essentially a godfather to his apprentice. Although he was not formally appointed as the godfather, their relationship was exceptionally close. This closeness stemmed not only from the fact that Mason had learned etiquette from Edmund since childhood but also due to the strained relationship between Mason and his own father. This strained relationship prompted them to attend school in Tingen.

Following Mason's passing, had it not been for Edmund's assistance in stabilizing the firm and its employees, Rawls, as Mason's successor, would have faced significant challenges in taking over. After all, prominent lawyers are not easily mistreated in any firm. In order to motivate Rawls, Edmund took on the role of a "strict father" figure, frequently emphasizing Rawls' connection to the prestigious Adrian family, as if it were a hereditary noble lineage.

Closing the door behind him, Edmund took a few steps forward, pointed outside the window, and stated, "Remember, Rawls. This is Loen, and you are a barrister representing Loen. They won't interpret your attire as a sign of intimacy; instead, they will perceive it as a lack of respect. The honor of the Adrian family will be compromised."

"Because my guests all come from families with an emphasis on etiquette, they usually inform me before their visit. At that point, I make sure to prepare everything necessary to warmly welcome my distinguished guests." Rawls gestured toward a wooden door across from him, which served as his changing room and lounge.

"Rolls!" Edmund's expression turned serious as he paused with the walnut cane in his hand. "Your father never used sophistry outside the court once he learned proper etiquette."

Rawls instinctively took a few steps back. Mason also had a similar cane, but their previous encounters hadn't been friendly at all.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Robert."

Rawls felt helpless. Ever since he discovered Mason's true identity, he had suspected that Mason's study of etiquette was merely a means to gather intelligence. However, he couldn't directly reveal Mason's ill intentions to Edmund.

Edmund's expression softened slightly as he settled onto the second seat's single sofa and leaned his cane against the wall. "Are you still planning to handle those minor cases?"

Edmund had always been dissatisfied with Rawls taking on those small cases. It wasn't that he was displeased with the amount of money involved—Rawls wasn't lacking in funds—but he believed those cases held little value for the Adrian family. Edmund thought it would be better for Rawls to engage in charitable activities, which would bring more recognition.

"No, although those cases may not be significant, they come with too little solid evidence and are quite troublesome. I intend to take a break for a while," Rawls replied, waving his hand. Those cases had truly worn him out, especially the recent one—it was almost disastrous.

"Well, that's acceptable too," nodded Edmund. "Due to your recent actions, some of the barristers in the firm are quite dissatisfied."

Rawls furrowed his brow and asked, "Is it causing trouble? Who are they?"

Initially, he hadn't thought so much about it. He simply wanted to test his abilities as a "lawyer" and wasn't concerned about how much he could earn. It seemed that his involvement had disrupted the "market price" and ruffled the feathers of his colleagues in the law firm.

"Humph! They don't have the right to point fingers at the office as long as I'm here," Edmund confidently declared. After all, he and Mason had founded the firm together, and Edmund was responsible for its daily operations. He had more authority.

"Uncle, I have an idea. Could you take a look at it?"

Rawls approached the desk, extracted a piece of paper from his notebook, and handed it to Edmund. It was his contingency plan. If he truly lacked talent as a "lawyer," he intended to "retire" and become a manager, focusing on diluting the effects of the potion over time. As long as he didn't lose control.

Edmund retrieved his handheld monocle from his pocket. The lenses were made of crystal, while the frame and handle were crafted from silver. The intricately patterned handle was adorned with an emerald. As he grew older, his eyesight had begun to fade, but he disliked wearing conventional glasses that left a mark on his nose