Chapter 59: The Birthday Invitation

Chapter 59: The Birthday Invitation

TL: Etude

In the sweltering heat of July, the small town of Butuya quieted down in the evening. Residents gradually finished their work for the day, some hurrying home for dinner, while others gathered in taverns to enjoy chilled beers.

At the western city gate, the guards occasionally glanced at the setting sun, eagerly awaiting its descent to close the gates and change shifts.

They noticed a carriage slowly approaching from the west, escorted by several mounted guards. It was unusual for someone to enter the city at this hour, so the guards scrutinized the approaching carriage. They saw a flag with a ferocious dragon fluttering on it.

The guard captain recognized the emblem: Its a carriage from the Grayman family.

He immediately ordered a soldier nearby, Quick, ride my horse to inform Lord Angelo. The Graymans have sent someone.

The soldier quickly fetched a horse and galloped off into the city.

The captain halted the carriage and asked loudly, May I know which lord from Alda is inside?

The coachman steadied the horses, and an elderly man with white hair and a kind face stepped out. He smiled, I am Baron Wackley Ford, the Seal Keeper of Alda, here to visit Count Ganard and deliver an invitation to Lord Paul Graymans birthday feast.

The captain respectfully offered, Please allow me to accompany you to the lords manor.

Old Ford agreed and reentered the carriage, following the captain into the city.

At the entrance of the Butuya manor, four nobles waited to receive Steward Ford. In the front stood Viscount Angelo, who was also the Steward of Baylding, followed by Viscount Aibut, Baron Amos, and Baron Blau.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Ford descended from the carriage and greeted each of them. After exchanging pleasantries, they entered the manor.

Upon entering the hall, the butler Myles approached: Please wait, gentlemen. Dinner is being prepared and will take some time.

Viscount Aibut, a portly man, was about to speak when Angelo interjected, Certainly, that way the Count can spend a few more days with his friend.

Ford inwardly sighed in relief; his trip seemed to be going smoothly. He had prepared a list of reasons to persuade Malron to leave with him the next day.

The butler announced that dinner was ready, and they moved to the dining room. Malron kept asking Ford about the Aldas pirate suppression campaign, amusing the older man.

During the meal, Ford asked why, apart from Angelo, Ganards other vassals were also gathered in Butuya.

The response was that the lords direct troops were already under the command of the only militarily experienced vassal in Baylding, Baron Andrew, who had joined Princess Catherine in the south to fight the rebels. The other nobles had brought their private armies to protect their lord and maintain peace in the capital.

Regarding the royal commissioner stationed in Baylding, everyone said he had gone south with Baron Andrew but would likely return soon.

After dinner, Ford was shown to a guest room to rest, and Ganards four vassals bid Malron farewell and left for their residences.

However, after leaving the manor, they all headed to Angelos house.

Youre mad, Angelo! Letting that kid leave our control? Aibut furiously confronted Angelo in a secret room.

Angelo looked at him as if he were foolish, What could I do? Refuse him in front of Ford? That old man would have sensed something was off immediately.

Aibut, teeth clenched in anger, warned, If something goes wrong, youll take full responsibility.

Angelo retorted angrily, Were all in this together. If something happens, none of us can escape. There are already rumors in the streets that were plotting against Malron Ganard, plus the old Ganard affair. Letting him go out will help clear our suspicions.

Aibut remained unconvinced, leading to a heated argument with Angelo.

The remaining two exchanged glances, unable to interject in the viscounts dispute.