Chapter 173: ADLEY'S TRAP: PART 1

The capital was restless with the rumors spreading like a wildfire and making everyone afraid of their safety.

It was because another dungeon was found in the capital where it was near an abandoned building in the slum area. 

Where the tall building casting the alleys in the dark. Making the operation hide against the crowded streets of the bustling capital.

The King summoned his vassals and the two Prince. The tension was making everyone aware of how the news was making the King angry.

"As you are all aware, I'm having headaches because of the news that was spreading amongst our citizens that was making everyone anxious."

King Charles was seated on his red throne with his crown seating atop of his head and was covered in gold which was the symbol of his power and authority.

"It is a wonder to me how the citizens know about the news while our Royal Guards were the last people to know about the situation."

The look on the King's eyes was both fury and belittling the Royal Knight that was protecting the Royals as well as securing the Capital.

The Royal Knights commander bent down on his one knee and pleaded guilty to his incompetence.

"I deserve death, Your Majesty. As the Royal Knights Commander I was late to learn about the situation as well as securing the information… I apologize, Your Majesty. I'll receive any punishment you will give to me."

The King stares at the Commander of the Royal Knights.

"Commander Oliver, I remember that I gave you that position because I saw your great achievements among your peers. Now, tell me did I expect too much from you?"

The vassals looked at the knight with scrutinizing eyes. They knew that the King was angry and that someone needed to take responsibility for what was happening in the Capital.

Though almost all the nobles that were present are staying in the Capital and still they are the same, they don't have information that something hideous as a sacrificial ritual was happening in the heart of the Levingstone Kingdom.

"Your Majesty, I would like to have permission to speak…"

Prince Adley raised his hand while he turned his head to look at his Majesty, the King's throne. He was smiling while everyone was thinking 'how could he interrupt with the King'

King Charles looked at his second child who had blue hair that he inherited from the queen and his emerald eyes that Adley inherited from him.

"I will allow you to speak, but there will be next time…"

"Of course, your Majesty."

The King was said to be impartial when it comes to his children. However that wasn't true because he was more fond of Prince Adley as he looks like the Queen that he loves. And Adley was someone who knew how to please him.

On the other hand, if it was the Crowned Prince that he named was the one to interrupt the session then he would definitely reprimand Crown Prince Edickart.

Prince Adley looks at his brother who was standing at the right side of the throne room while he was giving a benign smile to his brother.

"Your Majesty, Commander Oliver has been servicing the Royal Family since he became a knight. He proved it as he reached the rank with all on his own before his Majesty found the rough gem and polished him as the diamond that he is now."

Commander Oliver became baffled as to why Prince Adley became benevolent and tried to take his side while every noble that he had a connection with would certainly avoid him now that he was getting on the bad side of the King.

'Why is he doing this?' he thought.

The rest of the nobles remained silent and listened to the justification of Prince Adley trying to prove that Commander Oliver would bring good news if he was given a chance.

'This can't be true…' Oliver thought.

Commander Oliver also knew that everything will befall on him, especially that the nobles will try everything to be on the good side of the King. Even though he did everything he could to protect the city it would still be in vain because of one mistake.

The King was convinced as he caressed his chin like he was considering all the persuasion that Prince Adley made.

"Is this incompetence that I witness will continue? Commander Oliver?"

"I have no excuse for the blunder I made , Your Majesty. however, I will make up for the loss of trust with the result of this case. I will swear upon my knight oath"

The commander can now only compromise, if he doesn't it would be sure that he will be fired and the worst he will be banished from the Capital.

"Is that so…?"

The tension in the air once again keeps the people on their toes. While the King was glad to learn that the Commander of the Knight will still listen to him as well as him displaying that he has the most authority in the Levingstone Kingdom.

Then the King remembered as he saw the lineup of the nobles. There was still no representative from the Emsworth Duchy. They only send an explanation letter saying that the Duke is still far away for an inspection while his heir was out investigating the missing people and can only come back three days from now.

King Charles grits his teeth and Crown Prince Edickart saw this and smiled.

'Incompetent King… Useless old man' Edickart thought.

And then he looked at Adley. His brother was looking at him while his aide, Ishid whispered in Adley's ear and smiled wickedly before he came back to his original expression.

Edickart saw this change and thought that his brother must be scheming again.

'What is that psycho thinking of doing again?'

Though Edickart was a schemer himself, for the past years ever since he got that man named Ishid as his aide, his brother suddenly made plans behind his back that his intelligence networks were having a hard time tracking their plans.

It was giving him a headache for the last four years.

'Should I just send an assassin to his quarters and kill him? I have been too nice to him this past few years...'

Edickart was seriously thinking of murdering his own brother because of the headache that he was giving to him.

'But that would be impossible because that madman was with him…' Edickart concluded as he looked at Ishid's way.

They locked eyes and Ishid bows like a true aide who has significantly mastered the arts of etiquette.

Ishid smiled but the eerie eyes that were looking at Edickart was giving him shivers which he tried to conceal and still act unfazed by Ishid's gaze.

He smiled at Edickart while the Crown Prince can only click his tongue inwardly. He can sense that the man is powerful and his power was something that was coming from unknown.

The meeting adjourned with no answers and only promises made from the Kings vassals. Edickart was walking at the Royal's Main Palace when Adley called out to him.

"Brother!"

Edickart halted and turned his head and saw that Adley and Ishid were walking their ways to him.

"Do you have any business with me?" Edickart coldly spat his words.

"Why are you so salty? I just called you because I wanted to have a little chat."

"About what?"

Edickart raised his brow. There was never a good thing that could come out from his half-brother's mouth whenever he said that he wanted to have a little chat.

"You wouldn't even invite me for a cup of tea?"

Edickart silently thought about what scheme he was trying to do now.

And as if Prince Adley can read Edickart thoughts, he immediately added some more words.

"I'm not scheming, you don't need to worry. I just found some good information about your ex-fiancee"

Edickart became shocked for a moment but immediately calmed down.

"Your expression really rarely changes… I was looking forward to a different kind of expression"

"And what kind of expression do you expect me to make?"

Edickart was getting irritated with Adley.

"But seeing that you're not surprised when I mention her name, you must have information about her.. What a shame." Adley added while Ishid was still behind Aldley's back like a statue.

"I don't know what you're talking about. If you're only here for this idle chat then I will leave first. I have more important things to do."

Edickart was about to turn around and leave the two when suddenly Adley mumbled words that were enough for the people who were near him to hear.

"Really? I guess I'll visit "her" alone."

"I don't know what you're talking about but I suggest that you always make someone accompany you through the night and make him watch your back. As your big brother, I will give you this piece of advice. Be careful not to anger a tiger."

Adley saw his brother leave as he grit his teeth and fold his hands into a ball. He then heaved a deep sigh.

"Let's go and see our visitor. It's been a while since I saw the Lady's face."

Adley laughed out loud enough for the halls of the Main Palace to vibrate and make echo against the walls.