Chapter 443 (1/2)

Chapter 443: The Conspiracy

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

Somewhere to the north of Longsong Stronghold, the Western Region of Kingdom of Graycastle

Sir Eltek was sitting by the fireplace contemplating.

They had not heard anything from Miso Eltek since he had left the night before. It was morning now, and he had yet to return.

Sir Eltek felt a deep sense of unease.

Recently, Miso had been very close with the majorfamilies in the Western Region. As the prince’s agent in Stronghold, the Honeysuckle Familyhad announced His Highness’ intention to integrate the Western Region. All territories would adopt one law and the enfeoffment rights of the nobles would be taken back, which meant they could not expand their subordinate nobles or recruit knights to fight for them.

As for lower nobles like the Elteks, they felt little influence and enjoyed many benefits. As the rumor went, anyone who was loyal to His Highness would be rewarded his favor. Right now, the less influential nobles were the safest people because they would determine the success or failure of His Highness’ reform plan.

Consequently, the smartest thing to do was wait and see.

However, Miso Eltek hadn’t shared that philosophy.

“My lord, the attendants looking for the second master have returned.” said the steward, pushing open the door to the knight’s study.

“Have they found him?”

“No,” the steward shook his head. “They’ve searched the taverns, casinos, theaters and brothels and still can’t find him.”

Eltek was increasingly anxious. He had dispatched two companies of scouts to search for Miso. The first one went to the homes of lower nobility nearby. Most of these nobles were vassals in the employ of Duke Ryan and retained a status comparable to the Duke’s family. Miso often went to these places for parties or dinners.

The second group went to the entertainment venues, popular spots for young nobles.

Seeing both parties return empty-handed, the knight’s sense of dread intensified.

He stepped to the window, looking toward the eastern territory. The territory of the Elk Family lay in that direction. It was the largest earl domain in the Western Region. Since the collapse of Duke Ryan, Petrov from the Honeysuckle Family had completely swung to Prince Roland and the Elk Family had edged ahead to become the leading power against the prince.

Hell, had Miso gone there…

“My lord, the second master has returned!” Suddenly an attendant ran into the study, breathless. “He’s changing clothes in the hall, and it seems he is getting ready to go out.”

“What!” The knight immediately grasped his crutch and rushed downstairs, disregarding the steward’s pleas for restraint.

The moment Eltek stepped into the hall, he felt his anger rise to a new level. He saw Miso replace his thick coat with a thin and soft leather. The shiny armor of a knight was in front of him and two squires were doing their final preparation work.

“Where did you go yesterday?!” The old knight couldn’t help shouting. “What are you up to now?”