Chapter 322:

Chapter 322:

TL: Etude

The expedition army’s welcome ceremony continued until the afternoon. Emperor Bartley Griffin lavishly rewarded the generals who had achieved military exploits. Some received higher titles, others more land, and yet others more wealth.

Then everyone returned to the palace. Bartley hosted a grand banquet, inviting all the courtiers and generals.

Kevin, along with his mentor and seniors, once again enjoyed a feast. This was not the emperor’s regular family banquet, but a meal prepared by renowned chefs from the capital.

The evening ended with all the guests departing in high spirits, seemingly satisfied with the banquet.

Kevin, having drunk a bit of wine, which was a bit much for someone unaccustomed to drinking, went straight to his room and fell into a deep sleep.

Rubbing his sleepy eyes and enduring a hangover, Kevin went to his mentor Aldridge’s study.

The scene in the study surprised him. In addition to his teacher Aldridge and senior Mond, there were three others — one of whom was Prince Antonio Griffin, who had triumphantly returned yesterday.

The prince was dressed in ordinary noble attire, wrapped in a hooded cloak, presumably to avoid recognition on his way here.

The other two, standing behind Antonio, were a man and a woman. The man was Ambolov, the royal guard whom Mond had introduced to Kevin a few days ago, and the woman, unfamiliar to Kevin, was strikingly beautiful, perhaps a court lady, like the one accompanying the crown prince the other day.

It seemed they had been conversing in the study for quite some time.

Kevin, unprepared, became nervous and stuttered, unsure of how to start the conversation.

Ambolov winked at him mischievously, as if amused, while Antonio observed him with interest.

“Kevin, come and greet the prince. You met him yesterday,” Aldridge finally intervened, helping his student out of his awkwardness.

Kevin quickly bowed to Antonio, “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Then he turned to the captain of the guard, “Greetings, Lord Ambolov.”

A smile appeared on Antonio’s face, making Kevin feel warmly welcomed.

The carriage quickly left the imperial city, traveling along a highway to a building surrounded by a not-so-short wall patrolled by soldiers.

Apart from the city guard within the imperial city, the Gabella royal family had a standing military force of no less than 50,000, stationed here in the northern camp of the imperial district.

As the carriage approached the camp entrance, the coachman showed a token, and the guards immediately allowed them through, recognizing it as Prince Antonio’s carriage, whose military role granted him unrestricted access.

Upon reaching a building in the camp’s center, the four disembarked. A young red-haired officer, Siegfried Aephis, was already waiting for them. The camp was heavily guarded, even more so here.

“Prince Antonio, Lord Aldridge, everyone has arrived,” Siegfried greeted them.

“Let’s go inside,” Antonio led the way into the building, followed by the others.

In a spacious conference room, with a large round table around which sat nine people in black robes. They stood and bowed as the prince’s party entered.

Antonio looked around, “Only nine members of the Ten-Person Group? Master Barnett hasn’t returned?”

An elderly member replied, “Forgive us, Your Highness. Barnett went to the Northwest Bay and hasn’t returned.”

Antonio took his seat at the head of the table, Aldridge, Siegfried, and Ambolov sat on either side of him, with Carol standing behind him.

The prince continued, “I remember he went to the Northwest Bay last year.”

The same elder replied, “Yes, he returned briefly during Your Highness’s campaign, but left again a few days later.”

“Is the planned project not progressing well?”

The elder explained, “It seems so. The latest news is a battle between two factions of lords there, and unfortunately, the side supported by Barnett lost. Thankfully, our people withdrew safely. As for Barnett himself, his whereabouts are unknown. As you know, he is self-reliant and persistent in achieving his goals, especially since he personally planned the Northwest Bay project. He’s likely waiting for another opportunity, hidden somewhere. And...”

He coughed awkwardly, “Barnett always acts alone, often not communicating with the rest of us for months or even half a year.”

Antonio nodded, understanding Barnett’s lone wolf nature.