Chapter 530: First Move
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
"You must rest," Anfey said, pulling the blanket over Urter.
"My lord—"
"I know, I know," Anfey said softly. He patted Urter on the shoulder and said, "Rest now, and we can talk later."
"It's my fault," Urter said, shaking his head. "I should have taken the Wheel of Life." Even after he drank water from the Spring of Life, he still appeared very old and withered.
"You held it for a moment and what it did to you..." Anfey said, shaking his head. "You wouldn't be here talking to me if you had taken it out of the labyrinth." He paused and sighed. "How did Minos manage to use the Wheel over and over again without dying?"
"Maybe it's just because I'm too weak," Urter said with a frown.
"Perhaps," Anfey said. "We will find out. Rest. I need your help."
"What can I do?" Urter asked. His eyes widened and he perked up slightly.
Anfey pursed his lips. Paglia had told him that even the Spring of Life could not restore Urter's life, only extend it by a few years. But if Urter did not have anything to do, perhaps he would have crumbled even faster.
"As you know, Alice was in charge of the League's internal affairs, but she has other business now," Anfey said. "We need someone to fill the position she held. She wanted to appoint Hui Wei as her successor, but he is still too young. I'm worried that he may not be able to handle the job. I want you to work with Hui Wei to take care of the internal affairs." Urter was more qualified for the job, but his physical condition may not have allowed him to work as efficiently.
"My lord, I am honored," Urter said. "But…"
"What is it?"
"The mercenaries, my lord. I'm just a normal man. I can't fight. How can I earn their respect?"
"That won't be a problem," Anfey said with a smile. "Don't worry. You have my full support."
"But what about Violet City?"
"How's Aroben?"
"He's well," Urter said. "I heard from Niya that he's still fairly healthy."
"Then we'll have to leave Violet City to him," Anfey said. "With Djoser dead, Violet City should be safe. I don't think he will have many problems handling it."
Urter nodded.
Anfey smiled at him and told him to get some rest. He left the room and closed the door slowly behind him. Outside, night had already fallen. He walked onto a nearby balcony and watched the city light. A few moments later, he coughed and Robert appeared.
"I have a limited number of trusted people," Anfey said. "Suzanna has to protect Alice. I will entrust Urter's safety to you."
"I will take care of it, sir," Robert said.
"What about the things I asked you about?"
"The Dragonborn Kamlin is reclusive," Robert said. "I didn't even know such a man existed. Luckily, the children had already made contact with the Shansa royalties. Do you remember Young John, sir?"
"Young John?"
"You met him at the tavern once."
"What about him?"
"He's not far from successfully seducing Edward the Eighth's youngest daughter," Robert said.
"I can see that they're doing well."
"Edward the Eighth needs every helper he can get," Robert said. "From what I've gathered, it is very hard for people like Kamlin to have children. However, Kamlin has three. The only one who inherited the power of Dragonborn is his son."
"Who was the assassin."
Robert nodded. "I… I am confused, sir."
"Why?"
"There are so many top-level powers here. Unless Kamlin is a madman, I don't think he would send his son here to die. I don't think he was behind this. The child might have done this on his own volition."
"Or he was working with someone else," Anfey said. "They're trying to get rid of Kamlin through us."
"Could this be the work of Edward the Eighth?"
"Kamlin is reclusive. I don't think he is someone who would let such mundane conflicts bother him," Anfey said. "Edward the Eighth can't get through to Kamlin, so he tricked his son. No matter what, he will turn us against Kamlin."
"A cunning move."
"Kamlin should be smart enough to figure out Edward the Eighth's plan. What can he do then?"
"Should I stop investigating Kamlin?"
Anfey shook his head. "I want to be prepared just in case Kamlin doesn't see through Edward the Eighth's plans."
"I will keep investigating, then," Robert said with a nod.
"Master Saul told me that Kamlin is a good friend of Shadow's."
"Shadow?"
"His Majesty's shadow," Anfey said.
"You're worried that Shadow may interfere?"
Anfey nodded. "He isn't one I can cross, but if Kamlin decides to be my enemy, I can't just let him go."
"It will be hard," Robert said. "The blood of the dragon will give him some abilities we don't know about."
"I have my ways," Anfey said. "How many Dragonborns are there?"
"Very few," Robert said.
"Good," Anfey said. "I don't need Dragonborns to come seeking revenge."
"Are you certain, sir?"
"Somewhat," Anfey said with a shrug. "Tell Young John to keep an eye out. Edward the Eighth will invite Kamlin to visit if he is willing. He just lost a major portion of his army and there are some nasty rumors about him. He will want to use Kamlin to encourage his new soldiers." Anfey paused, then leaned closer to Robert and whispered something to him. He frowned and nodded.
"Are you certain you can control Kamlin, sir?"
"I don't want to control him," Anfey said, shaking his head. "I just want to make sure he won't become a threat."