Chapter 123: Chapter 105: A Storm is Brewing_1
“The other two princes are also to attend the banquet?”
Upon hearing General Pastte’s explanation, Duanmu Huai frowned instantly, with the latter nodding in response.
“Yes, the instructions we received were that the two princes would be present. Hence, the whole of Aldorf must be on stringent guard that evening, disallowing anyone to venture out, effectively putting the entire city in lockdown.”
“So you mean to say, everyone will be locked in their homes and wait to die.”
Confronted with Duanmu Huai’s sharp words, General Pastte was momentarily left speechless. Though it made sense to enforce strict guard measures across the city, once doubts creep in, countless problems begin to surface.
“Did the Great Crown Prince personally extend the invitation?”
“No, it was proposed by the other two princes themselves. They argue that since the Emperor has recaptured Modheim, they believe that his majesty is the chosen one. Hence, they willingly submit themselves, acknowledging the Great Crown Prince to the throne.”
Duanmu Huai disdained the thought.
“Then his majesty also believes that it is time to end the internal conflict, and thus enthusiastically invited both princes to the banquet.”
“Therefore, the banquet day would be the most troublesome.”
Duanmu Huai snorted coldly. It appeared that all three parties had their devious plans. The Great Crown Prince was willing to let the wolves in the fold, convinced of the advantages brought on by his reign over Aldorf, and his capability to set a trap here. As for the Second and Third Princes, unless they were fools, they must know this was akin to the Banquet of Hongmen, yet they were eager to attend…perhaps they were confident enough to turn the tables at the banquet.
It can be predicted that Aldorf will be bustling with activity on that day.
“I have already arranged for my family to leave Aldorf early.”
General Pastte also lowered his voice; he had been to Modheim and knew how terrifying the ceremonies of the Cult were. He did not want his family to become sacrificial lambs.
“Aren’t you afraid this will raise suspicions?”
“In any case, it’ll be over after a few days. I am not bothered.”
Pastte was no fool; obviously, something will happen during the royal banquet in the city. By then, he won’t have any other choice.
“Has there been any word from there?”
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai frowned further. He was referring to the Witch Hunter who went after the Dimension Stone that was delivered to Aldorf. Since that, there haven’t been any updates, and he wasn’t sure if the tracker was still on the chase or had already perished along the way.
“I hope you can enhance patrolling around Aldorf over the next few days. Record any anomalies and inform me. We might come across some clues.”
“Alright, understood.”
General Pastte nodded. Right now, apart following Duanmu Huai’s instructions, he had no other options.
After making up his mind, Duanmu Huai lifted his gaze to the window, where Aldorf was shrouded beneath shadows. He sighed quietly.
I wonder… is everything going smoothly there?
Meanwhile, in the capital of Bartonilla, Carlacarson.
As night fell, the bustling streets gradually quieted down. Elisa flipped the shop sign to “closed,” locked the doors, and went back home.
As she raised her hands high, Elisa stretched lazily.
After escaping from the Empire, Elisa, her mother, and the others started to run a small jewelry shop in Carlacarson mainly targeting civilians and mid-tier customers. Though the earnings were not high, they were enough for their livelihood. Life here was quite peaceful. For them, who had experienced a long journey fleeing from danger and turmoil, they were quite satisfied with their present life.
Just as Elisa intended to rest, suddenly, a voice resonated.
“Good evening, Miss Elisa.”
Startled by the sudden voice, Elisa turned her gaze only to see a silhouette standing silently on the hallway not far away. Seen through the flickering candlelight, Elisa could make out that the person was wrapped heavily in a cloak, which made her feel uneasy. However, she found the voice somehow familiar.
Under Elisa’s gaze, the figure shed her cloak to reveal a doll-like face and silver tresses from within…
Upon seeing Ogis, Elisa almost cried out in excitement. However, she quickly covered her mouth and curiously glanced around.
“Where is Sir Knight? Didn’t he come with you?”
“Master had urgent matters to attend to, so he sent me to check on you.”
Ogis looked straight into Elisa’s eyes, not the slightest wave in her gaze. Hearing the response, Elisa was somewhat disappointed.
“I see… I was thinking I could reunite with the knight…”
“So, Miss Elisa, how’s your life now? Are you satisfied with your current life?”
Confronted by Ogis’s question, Elisa had some hesitation.
“I think… it’s not too bad, although it cannot compare to life in the city. However, it’s good as it is. The neighbors are friendly and everyone’s been helping us out. We do encounter some problems from time to time, but nothing serious. Also, I like life as it is now, so I’m content.”
Hearing Elisa’s query, Miss Ogis nodded.
“Then, I should take my leave.”
“Huh? You are leaving already? Why don’t you stay for dinner? I’d like to know how Sir Knight is doing.”
“Master is currently handling important matters in Aldorf, so he sent me to check on Miss Elisa’s situation.”
Ogis replied casually.
“Since Miss Elisa is doing well, I will take my leave.”
“Huh? Wait, Miss Ogis. Could it be that you came here because Sir Knight needs my help with something?”
Just as Ogis was about to turn and leave, Elisa, seemingly struck by thought, asked in surprise. Ogis was silent, neither confirming nor denying. But then, another voice emerged.
“It must be regarding the position of the Emperor.”
Hearing this voice, both Elisa and Ogis hurriedly looked up to see the Elf Scout smiling, sitting at the top of the staircase on the second floor and looking down at them.
“Ah, Elf Sister! Where have you been all this time?”
“Sorry, sorry. I was just gathering some information. I got some pretty interesting bits of news, especially about the pink bunny… Hehehe. Sorry, I can’t help but laugh every time I think about it.”
Saying this, the Elf Scout leaped down from the top of the second floor, landing right in front of Ogis.
“This is perfect. I planned on having a thorough talk with Sir Knight. Can you arrange a meeting with him?”
Hearing what the Elf Scout said, Ogis was silent for a moment, then she nodded slightly.
“I understand. My master will receive you.”
After Ogis’s message, Duanmu Huai rushed to Carlacarson by using a gunboat overnight. In a secluded grove outside the city, Duanmu Huai met the Elf Scout.
“To be honest, Sir Knight, I didn’t expect you could stir up such big trouble inside the Empire.”
The Elf Scout saw Duanmu Huai, still smiling, quite relaxed.
“It seems that you know a lot about what’s happening inside the Empire.”
“Of course. I am a spy for the royal family after all. If I didn’t possess this skill, I would’ve been removed from my position long ago.”
The Elf Scout gestured as she spoke.
“I can pretty much guess why you are seeking Miss Elisa. You want her to be the Empress, don’t you?”
“What, is there a problem?”
Duanmu Huai naturally had this idea, but he didn’t necessarily want Elisa to do it. After all, the position of the Emperor was not easy to sit on. Therefore, he instructed Ogis that if Elisa felt satisfied with her current life, they should not bring up the matter.
But the sudden appearance of the Elf Scout to talk to him was beyond Duanmu Huai’s expectation.
“Hmm… actually, it’s not really a problem. Alright, I’m not afraid to tell you, Miss Elisa indeed has royal blood, however… she is not the Emperor’s daughter.”
“She has royal blood, but she is not the Emperor’s daughter?”
Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai furrowed his brow, while the Elf Scout shrugged.
“Alright…strictly speaking… she is the daughter of the previous Emperor. I think you should understand what I mean.”
Duanmu Huai was truly stunned at this point.
“Yes, it’s exactly what I just said. Do you understand now?”
“Alright, I understand now.”
Upon hearing these words, Duanmu Huai finally understood why Elisa’s situation was so unique. He originally thought Elisa was the illegitimate daughter of the Emperor, raised by the Border Lord due to some reasons. But it turns out… well, after all this fuss, Elisa was not the Emperor’s daughter, but the Emperor’s sister?
My goodness, it’s no wonder they had to keep it a secret.
If word got out, wouldn’t it rock the world?
The previous Emperor was still virile in his old age… all Duanmu Huai could do now was sigh at this surprising fact.
“But, that shouldn’t affect her inheritance of the throne, right?”
“Well, indeed. But… I received a message not long ago.”
Saying this, the Elf Scout stared at Duanmu Huai, and spoke.
“That is… His Majesty may still be alive.”