As the tense atmosphere settled down a little. I continued my negotiations with Jeffrey "Jeffrey, I assure you that I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to help you. In fact..."as I was continuing my explanation Jeffrey interrupted me and asked" What do you mean by that, young lord?".
Hearing him say that I leaned closer with a hint of amusement in my eyes and said"Listen, Jeffrey. Do you honestly believe that your little tryst with Jonah has been hidden from the Grand Chamberlain's watchful eyes? If even I, who holds little power, can uncover such information, why do you think the Grand Chamberlain wouldn't be aware of it?."
Jeffrey's face pales with terror as he realizes the gravity of his error.
His voice quivers with unease as he addresses me"Young lord, what should I,I,I,I....do,young lord please help me out."
As I watched Jeffrey crying I couldn't help but reassure him gazing towards him with an understanding voice I explained "Jeffrey, I understand your concerns. Rest assured, the Grand Chamberlain is a cunning man. He knows that revealing your extramarital affair to his daughter would only bring harm and sadness to her. It could even jeopardize their relationship".
Hearing me say that Jeffrey finally calms down little.After sighing I continued to say"Well, As long as you remain alive, he will not expose your involvement with Jonah to her".
Jeffrey, catching the subtle implications in my words, couldn't help but ask with a hint of suspicion, "Young lord, what exactly are you implying?"
"What else do you think I am implying Jeffrey, except your death."I said with a cool voice.
Jeffrey replies stuttering and his teeth clanking as If the fear of death has gripped him "Death,young lord my death,who ,why someone wants my death?".
Narrowing my eyes I looked at Jeffrey and said" it is not matter of who and why but a matter of when Jeffrey."
Hearing me say that Jeffrey asks nervously "When young lord?.
I answered him "In five to six year you will definitely die Jeffrey either it will be protecting me if you are smart or either after my death protecting the culprits ".
Jeffrey with hesitation replies"I don't seem to understand anything young lord".
Then let me explain to you Jeffrey in simple words"You must understand, Jeffrey, the intricacies of my circumstances. Have you ever stopped to consider what would happen to you if I were to meet an untimely demise?
Do you truly believe that nothing would come of it?
Jeffrey (stuttering):I don't know young lord.
Arthur: Jeffrey, someone from the upper ranks of your unit must be whispering some intriguing notions into your ears. They must have said to you that my demise is not only desired but even facilitated by everyone in the Duke's household be it either by accident or assassination. Furthermore, they would have claimed that you need not take any responsibility for it, as if you are merely an innocent bystander and they would handle the rest of the problems for you. But is it truly the reality that they presents?
Jeffrey.......staring blankly towards me.Think again, Jeffrey. Reflect on who I am. I am Arthur Stormwind, the eldest son of the Duke and the sole remaining bloodline of the ancient Margrave from the South.
Even if the Duke despises me and desires my demise, it doesn't change the fact that I am his son. Someone must take responsibility, and who do you think would shoulder the blame? It would be you, Jeffrey, and the entire guard unit tasked with monitoring me under the pretense of my safety. The moment I cease to exist, you and everyone in your unit will be held accountable for their incompetence in protecting me.
Arthur narrows his eyes, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone.
And from what I know Jeffrey I believe you and I both don't be seem to have much time left .
I feel Jeffrey's confusion his fear of losing his life and the betrayal from his superiors, various thoughts swirling in his head he asks"Young lord if what you said is true than my father-in-law must know about it then why didn't he told me"?
Feeling his confusion I replied"why do you think he would tell you Jeffrey infact it would be better for him if you suddenly disappeared or died while keeping an eye on me that way he would be able to show his loyalty and dedication to the duke and with you out of his way he would be able to marry his daughter again to someone of his choice, someone he considers worthy and would help in furthering his career."
I sighed for awhile and continued
"What a marvelous plan he is able to come up with,it is truly two birds with one stone.No,no...wait it is four birds with one stone since he would not even have to dirty his hand and can make Lydia follow his suggestion to remarry someone of his choice after exposing your affair with the neighbouring town girl."
Jeffrey took some time to digest my words and after regaining some of his confidence said"How will you prove that you are speaking truth young lord".
After hearing Jeffrey say that I chuckled and replied to him"I don't need to prove myself to you Jeffrey because you are already assigned as the captain of my guards and the moment I cease to exist is the moment the guards will and with them even you.
And if you really want any proof of my words after our talks are over you can go to your superior and ask them to change your post and if they refuse it proves that I am right and the grand Chamberlain want you dead and if you are able to change your post it would mean that I was the one talking nonsense ".
Jeffrey regaining some of his hope"I will definitely try what you said young lord but what if your words came to be untrue."
I replied without hesitation"If that is the truth than someone else will die instead of your place Jeffrey ".
Listening to my uncaring tone Jeffrey hesitated a little but said"No matter if your words are true or not atleast you have made me aware of my dangerous situation young lord and I am very grateful to you for it.
Stopping for a while he continued,"so even if your words are proven to be untrue young lord I will not report you to duke .
Thinking for a moment he added "young lord if you are proven wrong then I hope that it will be our last meeting."
Seeing Jeffrey say his last word and walking towards the exit.I said"Since you are feeling so grateful to me. Jeffrey why don't you do a small favour for me."
"What favour,young lord?"He asks slowly.
"I want you Jeffrey to post a commission to the adventurer's guild"I said to him.
what commission he asked to which I replied nothing too outrageous Jeffrey just a commission to deliver a package.
Talking to Agnes I asked "Letter for Sophia, Agnes?".
"Here young master "Agnes replies placing a package on my palms.
I moved towards Jeffrey and said while giving him the package"you can check the package Jeffrey as it doesn't contain any incriminating material or confidential information just some letters to Agnes's friend so even if someone catches or asks you it won't amount to anything and Jeffrey if what I said comes out to be true then come tomorrow to the same place to meet me."
After accepting the package with his hands Jeffrey left the room.