Translator: Cinder Translations
...
The welcoming ceremony for the expeditionary force continued until the afternoon. Emperor Bartley Griffin generously rewarded the generals who had made significant contributions. Some were granted higher titles, others received more land, and some were given greater wealth.
Afterward, everyone returned to the palace, where Bartley hosted a grand banquet, inviting all the court officials and generals.
Kevin, along with his mentor and senior, once again enjoyed a feast. This time, it wasn't just the emperor's daily family meal but a delicacy prepared by famous chefs from the imperial capital.
That night, the banquet ended with everyone seemingly satisfied.
Kevin had a bit of wine with the adults. For someone like him, who didn't drink often, it was a bit overwhelming. That night, he went back to his room and fell asleep immediately.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes and enduring the discomfort of a hangover, Kevin made his way to his mentor Aldridge's study.
The scene inside surprised him. Besides his mentor Aldridge and senior Mond, there were three other people — one of them was none other than the second prince, Antonio Griffin, who had returned triumphantly the day before.
The prince was dressed in ordinary noble attire, with a cloak and hood, probably to avoid being recognized on the way here.
The other two people stood behind Antonio, one man and one woman. The man was the royal guard, Anbolov, whom Mond had introduced to him a few days ago. The woman, whom Kevin didn't recognize, was very beautiful and might be a court lady, similar to the one he had seen following the crown prince the other day.
It seemed they had been talking in the study for quite some time.
Kevin wasn't prepared for this and became nervous, stuttering as he struggled to find the right words.
Anbolov gave him a teasing look, as if enjoying his discomfort, while Antonio observed him with keen interest.
"Kevin, come greet the prince. You saw him yesterday," Aldridge finally came over to help his student out.
Kevin quickly bowed to Antonio. "Your Highness, greetings."
He then turned to the guard captain. "Lord Anbolov, greetings."
Antonio smiled, and Kevin immediately felt at ease, as if bathed in a warm breeze.
"So, you're the new student my teacher took in. You're quite young."
In reality, the prince was only four or five years older than Kevin.
Kevin shyly replied, "I'm grateful that Master Aldridge took me in despite my shortcomings."
Antonio walked over and patted his shoulder. "Study hard under him! You're really lucky. Master Aldridge hasn't taken in a student for many years."
The prince's mannerisms reminded Kevin of Antonio's father, Emperor Bartley Griffin. Their tone and gestures were identical.
Antonio asked Kevin about his recent life and studies in detail, and Kevin answered each question. He felt that today, the prince seemed more like a neighborly elder brother, not the aloof and untouchable figure from yesterday. It seemed that in private, the prince wasn't a difficult person to get along with.
"Teacher, what do you think...?" Antonio stood up and pulled on his hood, signaling he was ready to leave. Anbolov and the woman, who seemed to be a court lady, also rose to their feet.
"Yes, it's about time. Let's go," Aldridge picked up his wooden staff. "Mond, you don't need to come this time. Stay at home with Kevin and entertain any visitors for me."
Kevin understood that it looked like his mentor was going out with the second prince.
Mond responded, "Alright, teacher. Be careful."
Kevin followed his senior to see Aldridge and the others off. After they had left, Mond muttered to himself, "It seems teacher is also not optimistic about the current situation."
A few minutes later, a carriage left the Scholars' Tower area, carrying Antonio and his three companions.
Anbolov, sitting across from the prince, spoke up, "Your Highness Antonio, are you still sticking to your original plan?"
Antonio didn't respond, his brow furrowed, lost in thought.
Aldridge motioned for silence, "Let's talk when we get there."
Carol, seated beside him, whispered, "Yes, we should discuss it with the other masters."
The carriage sped along, racing out of the imperial capital's walls and down a road to a walled compound. Soldiers patrolled the walls, keeping watch.
Aside from the city guard stationed within the capital, the Gabella royal family maintained a standing military force of no less than 50,000 men. This was their base in the imperial capital's northern region — the Northern Barracks.
The carriage approached the entrance of the camp, and the driver showed a pass. The guards immediately let them through, recognizing it as the second prince Antonio's carriage. Since he held a position in the military, there was no issue with him coming and going from here.
They arrived at a building in the center of the camp. Getting off the carriage, they were greeted by a young red-haired commander, Siegfried Ephesus, who had been waiting for them. The camp was already well-guarded, but this place was even more secure.
"Your Highness Antonio, Master Aldridge, everyone has already arrived," Siegfried said after saluting the prince.
Antonio nodded, "Let's go inside." He strode toward the building, and the others followed closely behind.
They entered a spacious meeting room with a large round table in the center, around which nine people were seated. They were all wearing black robes and stood up to greet the prince and his party as they entered.
Antonio glanced around, "Only nine of the Ten Masters? Bennett still hasn't returned?"
An elderly man among the nine responded, "Forgive us, Your Highness, Bennett went to the Northwest Bay and hasn't returned yet."
Antonio took his seat at the head of the table, with Aldridge, Siegfried, and Anbolov seated beside him. Carol stood at his side.
The prince continued, "I remember Bennett went to the Northwest Bay last year."
The old man replied, "Yes, Your Highness. He returned briefly during your expedition but left again a few days later."
"What happened? Is the original plan not proceeding smoothly?"
The old man said, "It seems that way. The latest news is that the local lords there split into two factions and fought a battle. Unfortunately, the faction Bennett supported lost. Luckily, our people were able to retreat safely. As for Bennett himself, we haven't been able to track his movements. You know how he is — stubborn and determined. He won't stop until he achieves his goal. Besides, the Northwest Bay plan was his own idea, so he's likely hiding somewhere, waiting for the next opportunity. And..."
At this point, the old man coughed awkwardly, "He's always been a lone wolf, never informing the Ten Masters of his actions. It's not uncommon for him to go months without contacting us."
Antonio nodded. He knew that Bennett was indeed a "lone wolf."
(End of the Chapter)
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