Chapter 226:

Chapter 226:

TL: Etude

The deepest room of the dungeon serves as one of the entrances to a secret underground passage that leads directly outside of Center City. It was dug by the Ferdinand family as a precaution. I escaped through that tunnel.

In Count Parkers castle, Viscount Henry detailed his escape.

Paul scrutinized a paper filled with tiny script, which, according to Viscount Henry, was a personal letter from his brother. The handwriting was somewhat sloppy, as if penned in haste.

Underground passages were not uncommon; every lord instinctively prepared alternate escape routes. Even the castle at Lakeheart Town had a hidden tunnel unknown to outsiders.

The contents of the letter described a dire situation: Count Marltz Kent was controlling Duke Ferdinandthe letter writer himself. Under duress, the Duke was forced to publicly pass his title to him. Marltz Kent was plotting to betray the Kingdom of Ordo, planning to declare independence in the northwest while the royal army was engaged in the south against the rebel forces of Jars.

The methods of control described in the letter made Pauls skin crawl.

Disgusting worms, magic, witchcraft

The Duke used terms that might sound like babbling to outsiders, but Paul, having encountered wizards up close, believed it could be true.

Henry, Ive briefly regained control of my mind to write this letter. Im done for; his vile sorcery has drained all my strength. I hope you can avenge me and save our family. Marltz has secretly surveilled every member of our family. Ill try to help you escape his watch

The letter concluded thus, leaving Paul deep in thought. He pondered the mysterious wizards group, the Arcane Society, and their possible connection to Marltz Kents conspiracy.

Though its a bit rushed, this letter is indeed in the Dukes handwriting. I recognize it.

Seeing Paul lost in thought, Count Parker thought he doubted the letters authenticity.

I stake my honor and my familys reputation, this letter is genuine, and so is everything Ive said.

Viscount Henry also swore earnestly.

Of course, were going to join Count Parker and the others against Marltz Kent. Have you forgotten last years extortion by the Kent family?

Yes, I was thinking the same, but

Paul turned to Price Parker, asking loudly, Lord Parker, how many lords have you assembled?

Count Parker smiled slightly, sensing Pauls concerns.

Paul, we have considerable strength. But I understand your worries. Lets do this: Ill invite everyone over in a few days to discuss this matter. You can return home now and come back then. Of course, youre welcome to stay here for a few days until everyone arrives.

It seemed Count Parker was quite confident.

Then well come back in a few days. Malron and I despise Marltz Kent as well. If you truly gather a strong force, Ill definitely participate.

Good, its settled then. Ill notify you.

With the business discussion concluded, everyone started to enjoy dinner. After the meal, Paul and Malron excused themselves to their guest room for rest.

Viscount Henry stayed behind, cautiously asking Count Parker, My lord, how much can these two contribute to our cause? Ive heard the Grayman family has always been weak, and the Ganard family just faced a near-total rebellion from their vassals last year.

Heh, chuckled Count Parker, stroking his beard.

Henry, you cant always rely on old perspectives. Setting Baylding aside, Alda is no longer what it used to be. The pirates of the Northwest Bay were eradicated by the Grayman family. Though they took advantage of the pirate leader Edwards disappearance and the leaderless pirates, its not something any count can easily achieve. Moreover, the Baylding rebellion was quelled with the Grayman familys help. Remember, those rebels had quite a few knights under their command.

I believe involving them in our plan will be greatly beneficial.

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