Vesemir stood still, waiting until the three knights' figures disappeared from view before lowering his head to look at Allen. He asked, "Why did you make me accept it?"
"Even if that young noble said it so nicely, this clearly violates our neutrality."
Had it not been for Allen's subtle hint, Vesemir would have undoubtedly refused.
At that moment, Vesemir hadn't yet realized that in his heart, the opinion of this young Witcher carried more weight than the centuries-old principles of the School. Allen stared into Vesemir's eyes, speaking earnestly, "We need this contract."
"By accepting it, those three Royal Guards not only won't cause us trouble, but they'll also actively help us keep others in the dark."
"On the other hand, it also gives us a cover for our real objective."
"Master Vesemir, we've already made contact with the King's Royal Guards. It won't be long before others start noticing us."
"Compared to actively searching for the Viscount's family's corpses or looking for the human couple who commissioned the elves, helping a nobleman clear his family's castle is something that the King and the mages are more likely to accept and easily overlook."
"We're Witchers; it's perfectly normal for us to take on contracts and hunt monsters."
"And moreover..." Allen instinctively glanced around the ruins before lowering his voice, "Master Vesemir, neutrality for the School is no longer possible."
"I even think that it's impossible to win the King over."
"When his Royal Guards are so hostile toward Witchers, you can imagine what the King's own attitude must be."
"We must prepare for the worst... Perhaps... partnering with the elves under the guise of this contract isn't just an option but a task we have to complete."
Vesemir remained silent at these words.
If even Allen could sense the attitude of the Royal Guards, how could Vesemir not see it?
He just instinctively didn't want to believe it. He didn't want the School of the Wolf to face off against the ruler of Kaedwen. After all, if what Allen said was true, Kaer Morhen would have no hope of survival.
He couldn't even imagine the sight of thirty or forty Witchers going up against thousands of soldiers. Facing off against a king... even if Allen's Corps were to gain a few more people, what difference would it make?
For a moment, Vesemir's heart felt as heavy as the cold, towering Blue Mountains, making it hard to breathe.
"Allen, do you really think the Chief's prophecy will come true?"
Under the wide brim of his black hat, the Witcher master's face suddenly looked pale and haggard. Allen froze for a few seconds before realizing that Vesemir was referring to the dream of the School's destruction that he had fabricated. Before he could answer, Vesemir suddenly shook his head to himself.
I must be foolish, asking Allen such a question.
No matter how exceptional he is, he's still just a fourteen-year-old child.
With these thoughts, he patted Allen's head and forced a smile, saying, "Let's continue clearing out the monsters in the castle. You did well with those Wraiths earlier; it looks like Kaer Morhen will soon have another specter slayer..."
The master's words of praise echoed in his ears.
Allen kept his head down and silently thought to himself:
"..."
---------------
In the Orchard.
Although Serio was quite displeased that Bowen had dragged him into this mess, upon hearing the benefits promised by Bowen after leaving the castle, Serio was tempted and agreed to Bowen's request to keep the matter hidden.
After all, if Bowen inherited the Viscount's title, it would be immensely beneficial to both the Coyle family and himself. Moreover, Bowen had promised to use his family's influence to help Serio advance further in the Royal Guard.
But...
Can this Bowen really be trusted?
Serio glanced sideways at him and couldn't help but sigh.
After negotiating the terms, Bowen had returned to his usual unreliable demeanor, acting like the carefree young knight he always was. For a moment, Serio couldn't tell which side of Bowen was the real one.
"Fourteen years old... only fourteen!"
Bowen, somewhat dazed, rode on his horse.
That Witcher apprentice named Allen could slay monsters at fourteen, while he, at twenty-one, was barely surviving them.
"Is the mutagen potion mentioned in the books really that powerful?"
"Bowen!" The middle-aged knight, hearing his muttering, sternly said, "Have you forgotten that Witcher potions can kill people?"
"Otherwise, why do you think there are so few Witchers in the world!"
Although he was also amazed and envious that such a young Witcher apprentice had such skills, after all...
There wasn't a single knight who didn't want to improve his abilities, who didn't want to have superhuman agility and strength. But at what cost?
High mortality and infertility.
Becoming a Witcher was not a proper path. At least not for the Val family's children, who were under his care and could be swayed into becoming Witchers. Bowen was startled by his words but then composed himself, nodding slightly with the poise of a true noble, saying, "I understand. I was just a bit shocked and a little envious."
That's more than a little envy... Serio thought.
But he said nothing; after all, Bowen wasn't part of the Coyle family, so it wasn't his concern.
"Captain Serio!"
"Where have you been?"
Hearing someone calling his name, Serio looked in the direction of the voice. A knight, also part of the Royal Guard, was riding toward him.
Hmm?
Isn't that Fowler, stationed in the nearby town? What's he doing here?
"Knight Fowler? I believe I left my itinerary with the town mayor?" Serio glanced at Bowen.
Bowen subtly shook his head, indicating that he had informed them.
"I didn't go to the town... um... Fargo, what happened to you?"
The young knight named Fowler noticed Fargo slumped over his horse and quickly urged his steed forward to reach Fargo's side. Fargo was his closest friend in the Royal Guard.
Fowler asked with a serious expression, "Were you attacked by those damn long-ears?"
Fargo shifted awkwardly on his saddle, weakly pointing to the wound on his back, and grinned proudly, saying, "Not long-ears, Fowler, Wraiths! I encountered Wraiths!"
"Wraiths?"
Fowler was stunned. Encountering Wraiths is something to be proud of? Unless...
"You killed a specter?" Fowler asked in surprise.
"Uh... not exactly." Fargo was a bit embarrassed, "But..."
Serio interrupted their chatter, asking, "Fowler, weren't you stationed in Adar Town? What brought you here?"
Fowler quickly replied, "Oh... oh... the King has arrived. The captain sent me to inform you to go to Adar Town and meet at Baron Burns' estate."
Serio instinctively glanced at Bowen and then heard Fowler continue, "By the way, the captain also asked me to remind you to be cautious..."
"The mages from Ban Ard Academy have also arrived!"
....…
📢20 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
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153. What is a Genius Witcher?
154. Sol Henrietta.
155. The Witcher, the King, and the Little Wild Cat.
156. The Unexpected Guest.
157. The First Clash Between Cat and Wolf.