As he was alone in the study once again, Rivan focused his attention at the second letter.
The Shadow of Death claimed it to contain Rivan's first mission. It means The Undying Duke would unleash the chain on his gained powers for the first time since his return.
At the mere thought of holding no restrains and testing his powers on real target after 14 years of training, Rivan could not hide the excitement that flashed in his lime green eyes.
The black envelope written by a typewriter had cold and clear as its whiteness words that delivered a similarly short letter.
'The first offering to the cries of miserable children: Earl of Arinton'
"Oho?"
Rivan let out a small gasp of surprise. This short letter was, the least to be said, interesting.
Rivan had general information, easily processed by the masses, of most nobles of the kingdom. The land of Earl Arinton is near the southeastern borderline with a considerably long shoreline. It is popular for various types of trades and markets with both the local and foreign goods. Yet, the Earl's family itself is not involved in that business.
Rivan narrowed his eyes.
'Or is that the truth...?'
The Earl could be called a clean man. He had no deeds that would make him stand out but mostly his hands were never known of practicing nor allowing a filthy matter. Nonetheless, The Undying Duke believed if the cries of miserable children were loud enough for him to hear, he he must investigate more in his case. Thoroughly to extract the truth.
When a the corner of Rivan's mouth was about to rise into a cold smile, he stopped suddenly. He closed his eyes and called calmly.
"Nile."
"Mm!"
A surprised sound was heard before the one behind Rivan as the former lat out a sigh-like laughter.
"Ha! As expected of Master. You sensed my presence without obstacle."
Rivan was quiet for a second before he said with a meaningful tone.
"You're not as good in stealth as Elora. Why do you keep trying to sneak like this?"
The man moved to face Rivan with barely heard steps.
He had light brown hair with turquoise blue eyes. He seemed to be in his mid twenties and his face was calm and collective.
Similar to Elora, the man wore high class servant cloths. However, the unusual design was different. It had long feathers gathering at the tale of his clothes to a gray bird form.
The gray bird servant, Nile Hyacinth stood before the young Duke, Rivan Whishipper.
He wore an innocent, brightly smiling expression as he spoke calmly.
"I simply did not want to disturb you, Master Rivan. You seemed extremely focused on what you were reading. It must be important."
In exchange to the innocent explanation given by Nile, Rivan had an expression that said 'I completely don't believe that but whatever you say, sure.'
Rivan chose to ignore the obvious lie said by the gray bird servant and averted his eyes back to the matter in hand. He knew that that Nile was quite the odd one.
"Hmm?"
Nile raised his eyebrows questioningly. The black letter attracted another pair of eyes.
'Could this be...?'
Nile was about about to open his mouth and ask his thoughts out, however Rivan was faster.
"It's the first mission."
Even though he spoke bluntly, The pair of lime green eyes glue in anticipation, once more showing the eagerness that he felt.
"I see."
Likewise, the words that came out of Nile's mouth could have sounded calm, if not for the tone in his voice that spoke more.
Rivan ordered in a clearly, the honeyed voice ringing intimidatingly.
"Nile, inform Elora that we'll be taking our leave to the southeastern land of Earl Arinton in the period of 7 days from now."
Then he smiled enchantingly and innocently as he added.
"By that time, everyone should know that an undead soon-to-be Duke is around, right?"
Although he seemed to ask for something normal, he was thinking about the chaos that he will bring to the high class society with his existence. By the death of the previous Duke of Whishipper, there are nobles who have gained higher classes and power. It would all change as the Duke returned with all his rights to claim his position.
The thought of those greedy vultures falling from their high ground made Rivan satisfied.
However, as Rivan became certain of his plan to breath life into his thoughts, he heard Nile answering.
"No."
Nile shook his head to show his disagreement. That did not affect Rivan the slightest as he waited for the odd gray bird servant to proceed.
Nile said in a blunt voice as if obvious.
"It would, undoubtedly, take less that that time to spread both the rumors and facts. In fact, some news might have spread already due to the leaving guests."
"Oh."
Rivan exclaimed slightly.
Less than 7 days, that is how much time he can bring chaos to a kingdom.
"In that case, there should be no conflicts in leaving as soon as we can, hmm?"
Nile bowed with a bright smile as he replied.
"Indeed, Master Rivan."
The timing would not be much to Rivan's concern. He enjoyed the situation unfolding at his come back show.
End of Chapter 12.