After Matilda and Eleanor returned from the castle's kitchen, their expressions filled with determination, they immediately reported what had transpired to me.
As I listened to Matilda recounting her experience and the confrontation with the head chef, a chuckle escaped my lips.
Finally, we had a legitimate reason to venture outside the confines of the castle.
With a gleam in my eyes, I turned to Matilda and Eleanor and said, "Well done, both of you. It seems our plan is falling into place. Now, we have a perfect excuse to venture beyond these walls and carry out our next move."
The thrill of anticipation surged through me as we prepared to take our first step.I addressed everyone with a determined expression. The time for action had finally arrived.
As I spoke, I gestured towards a small bird perched on a tree in the garden, signaling it to come to me. In an instant, the bird took flight, soaring towards me with remarkable speed.Agnes, startled by the bird's swift approach, voiced her concern, urging me to be cautious.
Before anyone could react, Eleanor swiftly stepped forward, her sword unsheathed and emanating a vibrant green glow. The wind seemed to dance around the blade, adding to the aura of power and anticipation.
Sensing the tension in the room, I quickly raised my hands and called for calm. "Everyone, please remain calm," I said firmly.
"Eleanor, there's no need for your sword at this moment.Lower your weapon."
With my words, the glowing green light on Eleanor's blade dimmed, and she sheathed her sword, returning to a composed stance.
Having prepared myself for the outing, I adjusted my appearance to reflect my bearing.
I knew that this would be my first venture outside the castle walls since regaining my memories from his previous life.
As I made my way towards the gateway leading to the city, I could feel the weight of numerous gazes fixed upon me. The emotions emanating from the people staring at me were a mix of anger, frustration, and even pity.
It was clear that my presence stirred up various sentiments, but I paid no mind to them. I had a purpose, and nothing would deter me.
Approaching the castle's main gate, the guards stationed there greeted me with forced smiles, attempting to mask their true intentions. One of them stepped forward and spoke, his voice laced with false respect.
"What brings our esteemed young lord to the castle gates?"
The guard asked. "If I may be of any assistance, please let me know."I looked at the guard in the eyes.
"Before we delve into any matters," I replied calmly, "I believe it is only proper for you to introduce yourself. Once that is done, we can discuss the concerns that have brought me here."
The guard, initially taken aback by my poised and direct response, quickly regained his composure.
As Peter Winston introduced himself as the guard on duty at the castle gates, I couldn't help but be curious about his abilities and strengths. I focused my gaze on him, my eyes shifting momentarily to his status window, revealing his true potential.
Name: Peter Winston
Level: 42
Class: Great Warrior
Job: Castle Protector
HP: 13,200
MP: 3,600
Strength: 48
Defense: 60
Agility: 24
Intelligence: 36
Charm: 16
Talents: Sturdy Body (C)
Skills:Passive: Endurance (C), Keen Sight (D), Fatigue Recovery (C), Great Strength (E), Swordsmanship (C)
Active: Earth Guard (D), Hardening (B), Landslide (E), Cleavingslash (D), Guard (B), Earth's Embrace (C), Stone Crush (C)
Divine Protection: Goddess of War (D)
Title: None
"Thank you, Peter Winston," I said, expressing my gratitude.
"I must say, Peter Winston, your dedication to guarding the castle gates is admirable,Now, let us discuss the matters that have brought me to the gates.Peter,Me and my maids are going to city for a lunch and to purchase our daily rations as the kitchen staff is reluctant to supply us with it."
Even after hearing that Peter Winston tried to discourage me from going to the city, citing concerns for my safety, I couldn't help but see through his hypocritical smile. It was clear that he had ulterior motives, attempting to exert control over my movements on someone else's instructions most probably the Head Buttler.
Faking anger, I raised my voice and retorted, "So, you suggest that we should starve then? Is that your solution?"
Peter quickly backtracked, realizing his mistake, and stammered, "No, young lord, I didn't mean that. I was just worried about your safety. If something were to happen to you, I would be held accountable by the duke."
Feigning irritation, I decided to challenge his concerns. "If you're truly concerned for my safety, why don't you come with us? Or at least send some guards to ensure our well-being."
Peter, visibly uncomfortable, hurriedly replied, "No, young lord, I couldn't possibly... I mean, it's not necessary. You can't leave the castle without the duke's permission."
My patience wearing thin, I confronted him, "Am I under house arrest? Last I checked, I held authority as the young lord of this castle. Are you challenging my authority?"
Eleanor, sensing the tension, unsheathed her sword, ready to defend me if necessary.
Caught off guard by Eleanor's show of force, Peter's face paled, and he stammered, "No, no, young master, I was just joking. Please, forgive me."Before the situation escalated further, the head butler arrived, his voice filled with authority, demanding an explanation for the commotion.
I recounted the events to the head butler, who listened with a twisted expression on his face. After hearing my account, he conceded, "You are free to leave the castle, young lord, but only with a guard."
I seized the opportunity and requested, "Very well. Please assign us some guards to accompany us on our venture outside."
The butler's voice tinged with anger, he ordered, "Jack, Harold, you two gather two more guards to accompany the young lord. Keep a close watch on everything to ensure our young lord's safety."
Satisfied with the outcome, I nodded and prepared to leave the castle, knowing that the guards were not there to protect us but to keep an eye on our movements.