Dune City, while vast, felt crowded at this moment. Almost all the noblemen of the western territories had flocked here, drawn by the impending spectacle at the Lron Blood Arena: a grand event featuring super gladiators.**
Elmo lounged in his office, leisurely smoking, while beside him, Austyn fidgeted with excitement. The bustling scene of Dune City hinted at the enormous success awaiting the Lron Blood Arena. In Austyn's eyes, it seemed as if a flood of gold coins was already rolling in.
"Boss, the situation in the city is quite chaotic. Shouldn't we gather some more manpower?" Zachary asked, his tone still stiffly respectful.
"Hmm, it's unnecessary. Chaos will ensue no matter how many hands are on deck. Those who won't cause trouble wouldn't do so even if you gave them a thousand chances. Besides, bringing in those useless guards wouldn't help at all. By the way, how's that little guy doing?" Elmo said, casually poking the smoke ring he had just exhaled.
"That kid is still sleeping with the wizard. It'll be at least two days before he wakes up," Zachary replied.
"Did the wizard go a bit too far this time? They were just a few incompetent brutes," Augustus interjected.
"Yeah, I think so too. Unfortunately, the old witch wouldn't listen to me, so we'll go along with her wishes. After all, she is the guardian of the entire Lron Blood Arena now." Elmo jumped up from his chair, his expression still relaxed. "The big shots are starting to gather, so we should head out for a bit. Any news from Ruben? It's hard to believe that impulsive old fool has remained silent for so long. He must be planning something big."
"There's still no news from over there, but don't worry, boss. With Burne keeping an eye on things, everything will be fine," Zachary said, pulling a piece of parchment from his pocket. "This is the latest intelligence he sent back."
"Oh? Seems that old fool has learned to be cautious," Elmo replied, taking the parchment and glancing at it. His expression grew serious. "I wonder what that old man is plotting this time."
*Knock, knock...* A soft voice called from outside the door.
"What is it?" At Elmo's nod, Augustus walked over to open the door.
"A messenger from Duke Filip Murphy has brought a letter," the subordinate said respectfully.
"Oh? What's the letter about? Bring it here for me to see," Elmo said, surprised.
"What about the messenger?" After glancing at the letter in his hand, Elmo's curiosity deepened.
"He's already left. He said he was ordered to deliver the letter to the Lron Blood Arena," the subordinate replied.
"Hmm, strange. What's Duke Filip Murphy up to?" Elmo mused, tilting his head in thought.
"Boss, do you think this could be…" Austyn frowned, starting to voice his concern.
"Let him go," Zachary said, waving the messenger away. He gestured for Augustus to close the door and turned back, looking worried. "Duke Filip Murphy is one of the seventy-one nobles currently holding a dukedom. Although his territory is the remote and desolate Everlasting Wilds, and his family background doesn't compare to the illustrious Duke Wilfred Gardner, a duke is still a duke. For him to suddenly send us a letter, and seemingly without care if it even reaches your hands… it's concerning."
"Take a look at this." Elmo tossed the parchment onto the table, and Zachary and the others leaned in closer.
"What is this…" The group examined the contents of the parchment, perplexed and unable to decipher Duke Filip Murphy's intentions.
"Maybe it's just for the purpose stated here. A man like Duke Filip Murphy might just be capable of that," Elmo said coolly.
"But…" Zachary frowned.
"It seems things have gotten complicated," Austyn said, his expression grave as he picked up the parchment and read it carefully once more.
"I heard that not long after the boss left, Duke Filip Murphy also left Dune City for a while. They say he went to the Central City, but none of the informants there have seen him enter," Joseph suddenly spoke up.
"Oh, how come I didn't know about this?" Elmo straightened, his gaze turning icy.
"I only learned about it after I returned. By the time Duke Filip Murphy came back, there was so much going on that my attention was solely on Ruben, so I didn't report it to you," Joseph admitted, feeling a bit guilty.
"It's fine; it's just a small matter." Elmo waved his hand lightly, pulling a box of cigars from his drawer and tucking it into his pocket as he headed for the door. "I'll go pay Duke Filip Murphy a visit. You all should call Burne and Marcel back right away. It's not a secure time for the Lron Blood Arena; it's best to have all four kings close by."
"Yes, boss." Aside from Joseph, who followed Elmo out, the others bowed respectfully in response.
"Don't you think the boss seemed a bit worried after hearing that Duke Filip Murphy left Dune City?" Austyn said quietly, still hunched over as he watched Elmo and Joseph's figures disappear down the hall.
"It feels like something has happened. I wonder what went down while the boss was in the East," Augustus said thoughtfully, slowly straightening up.
"Those are the boss's matters; we don't need to worry about them. We just have to ensure the boss's safety, act according to his wishes, and do our best to alleviate his burdens," Zachary said with his usual serious demeanor. "Now, Augustus, go summon your men to bring back Burne and the others."
"Understood." Augustus nodded and left, followed by the others as they dispersed.
"Dune City, Lron Blood Arena, could your fate be governed beyond the Everlasting Wilds?" Once they were gone, a vacant expression crossed Zachary's face as he gazed at the setting sun through the window, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.