Chapter 528 - 501: Sending a Message
Chapter 528: Chapter 501: Sending a Message
By the time Lurans’s letter was delivered to the Wubei Territory by a Message Bird, Ronin and Tom had already left for Mist City.
Although Elron was completely absorbed in crafting Magic Potions and knew little about politics, he still managed to glean a key piece of information from what Lurans’s letter left unsaid—
Someone wanted to take advantage of the King’s trouble to move against Ronin.
’What a pity the letter arrived a day late.’
Elron dared not delay. He immediately had someone fetch David and ordered him to take the letter and ride a Griffin to Mist City at once.
"Governor, there is a matter I must report to you."
Krami walked briskly into Elron’s office.
This woman, who had followed Rogner in his decision to serve Ronin, was now not only a mother but also the Sheriff of the Wubei Territory.
Recently, due to Blanche’s pregnancy, Ronin had arranged for her and Missy to attend to Blanche.
"Ah, Krami. What is it?"
"The Kingdom has sent three Griffin Knights. The Duchess is meeting with them now."
"Hm?"
Elron shot to his feet. Anything concerning Blanche, he had to take seriously.
’He had just learned His Majesty was injured, and now Griffin Knights from the Kingdom have arrived. Could it be that His Majesty Bruno’s condition is worse than reported?’
"Is it Broel?" he asked.
"No. Two of them are Missy’s former comrades, and one is a new member of the Royal Griffin Knight Order. Broel did not come."
Elron sensed that something was amiss.
’Why didn’t the three of them go to Swamp Castle first? Why come straight to the Magic Academy?’
’This means they knew where Blanche was. From that, I can deduce that the Kingdom has spies in the Wubei Territory.’
But that wasn’t surprising.
The Wubei Territory had not only accepted the commoners sent by Bruno but also attracted all sorts of people seeking to join them. Plus, the Extraordinary Academy was full of students from various regions.
’With so many people, it wouldn’t be strange for a few to be spies for the Royal Family.’
Besides, although Blanche was a Princess, she was now the Duchess and the lady of the domain.
It also seemed plausible that these three Griffin Knights would visit the Duchess directly instead of seeking him out, the Governor.
"Come, let’s go and see!"
The more Elron thought about it, the more something felt wrong. He immediately mounted a Griffin and flew toward the academy.
Meanwhile, Blanche, accompanied by Missy and Rig, was receiving the distinguished guests from the capital.
She recognized Uuno and Lauren. Back then, Broel had brought Missy and these two to accompany her to Wushan Castle to meet Ronin.
Blanche was delighted to see her former companions and chatted with them happily for a few moments before asking the purpose of their visit.
"Duchess, this is a letter for you from your mother, the Queen of Windsor. She hopes that you will set out with us for Golden Feather Palace immediately after reading it."
"Oh?"
Blanche took the letter in surprise. Unfolding it, she saw that it was indeed her mother, Queen Windsor’s, handwriting, which she knew very well.
But the contents of the letter made her face fall.
"How is that possible? The defenses at Golden Feather Palace are so thorough. How could Father have been seriously injured by an assassin?"
The letter stated that Bruno was grievously injured and near death, and that he wished to see his children one last time before he died. It specifically mentioned that the one he most wanted to see was his youngest daughter, Blanche.
Over the years, while Bruno couldn’t be said to have doted on her, he had at least always looked out for her.
Even when she carried a certain infamy that affected the Royal Family’s prestige, her father had never been as harsh with her as Garrett had.
Furthermore, it was Bruno’s support during the marriage alliance between the House of Oduin and the Wushan Clan that had allowed her to become the Duchess she was today, with such an outstanding partner.
It was safe to say that her father, Bruno, held a very high place in Blanche’s heart, and she respected him immensely.
So when Blanche saw the words "grievously injured and near death," she was frantic with worry.
"They say the assassin could walk on air. He descended from the sky, and the Guards had no time to react."
Uuno said gravely, "He is incredibly strong. Even Lord Broel was defeated in a single blow!"
Lauren added, "Duchess, the King’s injuries are severe. If it is convenient, you should return with us as soon as possible. It would be best to bring Elron Mage with you. Perhaps there is still hope for His Majesty!"
Blanche’s heart clenched. She nodded immediately. "I’ll go find Elron right now!"
As soon as the words left her mouth, a hearty laugh came from outside.
"Duchess, I am already here."
Elron leaped off his Griffin and strode into the living room, giving Blanche a slight bow.
"I heard we have distinguished guests from the Royal Capital. As Governor of the Wubei Territory, I have failed in my duty to greet them. I hope you will not hold it against me, Duchess!"
Blanche said quickly, "Master Elron, I need your help!"
She recounted what Uuno and the others had said, which made Elron’s brow furrow.
"His Majesty was assassinated?"
He asked in disbelief, "But the intelligence I received said that His Majesty only injured himself when he lost control while training his Combat Skills. It said he just needs to rest and recover for a while."
"That is indeed the official story from Golden Feather Palace, but it is just a cover story to avoid public panic."
Uuno said, "It has been two days since the assassination, and His Majesty has not made a public appearance. I’m afraid this matter can’t be kept secret for much longer."
Elron nodded pensively.
’No wonder there’s so much unrest. They’re probably trying to use His Majesty the King’s situation to stir up trouble.’
’In that case, doing everything possible to save Bruno is essential. It’s also in the best interests of the Duchy of the Conqueror.’
"Alright. May the Master of Light protect His Majesty!"
Elron turned to Blanche and said, "Duchess, I will have Carlos take me to Golden Feather Palace. You can leave the matter of treating His Majesty to me. Your health is the priority; there is no need for you to make the trip as well."
"No, I’m going!"
But Blanche shook her head. "Carlos’s flight is very smooth, and it won’t take much time. I’ll be fine."
"But, Duchess..."
Missy also reminded her in a low voice, "Duchess, the Duke said it would be best if you didn’t leave the Wubei Territory."
The rims of Blanche’s eyes grew red. A flash of hesitation crossed her face, but then she said, "But that’s my father. I can’t just hear this news and pretend I heard nothing."
"If he can’t be saved, I might at least get to see him one last time. It would be a regret I’d carry for the rest of my life!"
Missy and Elron wanted to say more, but they were at a loss for words.
’It was true. What child, with the means to do so, wouldn’t return home to their dying father?’
’Besides, they weren’t omniscient. Golden Feather Palace was the home where Blanche grew up. It wasn’t some den of vipers. What risk could there be in returning?’
"Very well, I will accompany you!"
Elron nodded. "I will go find Carlos. Please wait for me here. Leader Rig, arrange for someone to inform the Duke."
"That won’t be necessary, Master Elron."
Bob said, "The Griffin Knight Order has already gone to the fiefs of all the great nobles to inform them of this matter. They will all gather in Golden Feather City soon. Mist City is also on our list of places to notify."
"It doesn’t matter. You deliver your message, and we’ll deliver ours."
Elron gave Rig a meaningful look, and the latter understood immediately.
But what none of them could have imagined, what even the messengers like Bob didn’t know, was that all of it—the story about being injured while practicing a Combat Skill, the news of being grievously wounded and awaiting treatment—was all false.
Oduin V, His Majesty King Bruno, was already long dead.