Translator: Cinder Translations
...
At this moment, Bailan Castle had transformed into a large military camp, with vassals of the Kent family gradually gathering here.
The early arrivals among the nobles and knights hunted daily or held martial tournaments, turning the once quiet Bailan Castle into a bustling hub of activity.
Today, Earl Kent hosted a banquet for the vassals who had already arrived in the castle's great hall.
As they enjoyed the lord's wine, they cursed Lord Alden and expressed their intention to punish this unruly brat on behalf of their lord.
The reasons for war Earl Kent presented to his vassals were naturally not related to any "demands" refused by the other party, but under a different pretext:
Lord Alden's Paul Grayman had imprisoned Lord Malon Ganad of Byerldine, and sent troops to occupy the entire area. The Lord Chamberlain of Byerldine, Lord Ankiro, fled to Emden seeking assistance. Faced with such ruthless bullying by the Grayman family, the Kent family naturally couldn't stand idly by.
Ankiro was also invited to the banquet.
Since the last meeting where he had named his price, the Earl had not summoned him again, and all his requests for visits had gone unanswered. Ankiro's heart grew heavier day by day, and he began to despair more and more.
Just as Ankiro thought Earl Kent planned to ignore him until he grew disheartened and left on his own, and he indeed began to grow disheartened and pack his things, the Earl sent word for him to meet in the castle.
At this meeting, Ankiro was informed of news that filled him with ecstatic joy: the Kent family had decided to march against Alden, to teach Paul Grayman a lesson in his acts of bullying.
Ankiro suddenly felt as if a dark cloud had dispersed across the sky, the Earl's face no longer so sour, and the castle no longer so ominous.
A series of subsequent actions by the Kent family further convinced him that the Earl intended to use force. Knights and militia began to gather at Bailan Castle, and if the Earl had been merely placating him, he would not have staged such a large show of force.
Now he felt closer to Maltz Kent than he did to his own father.
Before the start of this banquet, he was instructed to be fully prepared, and Ankiro had been mentally preparing for several days.
Once the banquet began, in his impassioned speech, Paul Grayman became an irredeemable scoundrel, sparking righteous indignation among some of the knights whose spirits were burned with ardor (these kind of people existed too), and rallying them to take up arms.
Earl Maltz Kent sat with narrowed eyes at the head of the table, sipping his "drink" and watching Ankiro's performance.
It was quite effective, hmm! Grayman, let's see how you handle this.
Just as he began to think about how to distribute the spoils of war, the steward quietly approached him and leaned in close to his ear, whispering, "My lord, Doctor Bennett has arrived."
Earl Kent was taken aback, nearly dropping his glass.
He quickly asked, "Have you invited him in?"
The steward nodded repeatedly, saying, "I remembered your instructions, and I have already asked him to wait in the small reception room behind."
Earl Kent nodded. He gestured to his son, who swiftly came to his side.
"Manage the banquet for me," the father said. "I have urgent business and must leave for a moment."
Without waiting for his son's response, he hurriedly left.
Jaius looked puzzled as he watched his father's retreating figure. Normally, when his father spoke of "urgent business," he would always consult with him. What was different today?
...
Earl Kent nearly jogged to the door of the small reception room. Instead of barging in, he paused outside to straighten his clothes.
Then he instructed the steward, "Fetch ten guardsmen, and personally ensure they secure this area. No one is to approach."
"Yes, my lord," the steward immediately went to find the guards.
Feeling everything was in order, the Earl reached out and gently pushed open the door.
Inside, a man cloaked in black stood before a mural, seemingly admiring it. He had his back to the door of the reception room, and even as the door opened, he made no move to turn around.
Earl Kent closed the door to the reception room, bowed slightly to the man, and greeted him softly, "Master Bennett, it's been a long time."
The Earl's demeanor and tone were remarkably humble and respectful. If anyone who knew the Earl, such as Ankiro, Emerson, or even his own son Jaius, heard him speak in this manner with such an attitude, they would surely be astonished.
Only then did the cloaked man slowly turn around, removing his hood to reveal his face.
He was a robust man in his forties, with a completely bald head covered in strange tattoo patterns that extended down his face and further into his clothing, forming intricate designs that seemed almost like a form of script or symbols, giving off an eerie aura.
The man's eyes bore a cold indifference, a disregard for others that seemed entirely incongruous with his profession as a "doctor."
"Maltz, it's been a while," the cloaked man responded in a deep voice.
Earl Kent straightened up and approached the man he addressed as "teacher," whose name was Bennett. "Please, have a seat and let's talk."
Bennett nodded, walked over to a chair, and sat down. Earl Kent then took a seat opposite him.
Before Earl Kent could speak again, Bennett spoke first, "Maltz, you seem in better physical and mental shape since I last left."
Earl Kent smiled and said gratefully, "Thanks to your careful guidance, the 'secret techniques' you taught me are truly effective. I feel like I'm getting younger by the day."
Unexpectedly, Bennett cautioned, "I must remind you, moderation is key. If you follow my methods and progress gradually with the 'secret techniques,' you'll achieve your goals. But if you indulge excessively, it could bring unforeseen disasters upon yourself, even endangering your family, and in the end..."
Bennett emphasized each word, "You won't be yourself anymore!"
"I understand. I will strictly follow your instructions," Earl Kent promised repeatedly, though inwardly not fully agreeing with Bennett's words.
Bennett then asked, "I noticed quite a gathering of people and horses near your castle. What's going on?"
Earl Kent replied, "Nothing major, just dealing with an insolent little lord."
Bennett inquired further, "So you're planning to attack another territory?"
Earl Kent admitted honestly, "Yes, Master."
However, what Bennett said next puzzled him deeply, "Maltz, immediately halt this military action. I have a task in the northwest, and I can't afford any complications from you."
Earl Kent quickly asked, "Why?"
But then he realized, "Could it be? Could..."
The other's words confirmed his suspicions, "Yes, the 'Secret Society' is planning something in the northwest."
(End of the Chapter)