The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 156: Plans behind plans

Chapter 156: Plans behind plans

That boy is interesting.

All three people inside the coach turned toward the child in Ericka’s lap. The child lay still.

"Should we capture him, Lord?" Solos asked solemnly.

No. Our priority is the research of my dear servant.

Although the child couldn’t use speech, he could project his thoughts into their minds. Solos nodded reverently.

"Yes, my Lord. The research the Witch left in her old residence is invaluable. I have some trusted aid who can pose as participants to infiltrate and search Notresol."

Good. That bastard Mikhael robbed my previous vessel’s heart I cultivated with so much care. But everything has a silver lining. Using my power and her research I can create a superior body and heart for this vessel.

Solos and the other person bowed. Their reverence seemed unnatural but few could resist the allure of the Divine Lord’s power. Ericka watched numbly at everything. Her eyes were blank and her body cold. No one inside the coach cared though. As long as she played her part as the Lord’s mother, she was tolerated.

"And what are my orders, Lord?" The other person inside the coach inquired. He intended to whisper but his burly voice sounded like a growl.

You have but one task. Keep the factions entangled with something else. They can be a troublesome bunch.

"As you command, Lord." The large man wanted to bow but hit his head instead against the ceiling.

"Your title suits you," Solos said with a grin. "You will shield us from prying eyes, Stellar Shield Templar."

...

The next day Hex discussed the events of the night with Hestia and Althea. He omitted the part about the child he suspected to be the Divine Lord. He wished to ascertain for himself first before dragging others in.

The possibility of seeing the famous or infamous ruins of Notresol intrigued Hestia. She considered joining the competition. She wasn’t particularly interested in winning anything.

Althea was already on the radar of the Paladins. Not many knew this but thanks to Briella, Hex and Hestia were aware of this fact. If she managed to reach the half-step Refined Knight stage, she would earn the recommendation of someone in the Paladin faction. She didn’t mention a name and Hex didn’t ask. But the warrior in her wished to compete with others. So, like many youngsters, she would enter the competition.

Hex suspected the details of the competition to be posted in every nook and cranny of every city and town in the north. It would attract every person below the Refined stage with confidence in their abilities.

Hex disclosed the true identity of the creatures, which stunned the ladies. Hex was less disturbed than he expected. Perhaps seeing so many people die or be sacrificed reduced his aversion to such things.

By midday, he left the barracks, altered his appearance, and entered his newly-acquired residence, Embrace. The same two ladies of yesterday were at the counter.

"Welcome back, mister Mike," they greeted in unison. "Would you like to see your room now?"

"That’s the second reason I came today," Hex said.

"Oh. What’s the first reason then, Sir?" One of the ladies behind the counter asked curiously.

"The first reason is so I can see you two again," Hex replied with a cheeky grin. His blatant act caused one of the girls to blush while the other giggled.

"It’s our honor," replied the one who giggled. She also led Hex to his room and introduced herself as Ember. Her friend at the counter was called Aria.

The room wasn’t big but it satisfied all the requirements Hex held for it. He planned on using it more once the competition started. Depending on how things developed he would have plenty of crystals to refine.

"Have there been messages left for me?" He asked Ember.

"Yes. All the messages of our guests are accepted at the counter. If the guest is not in, we leave the messages in this box." She pointed at a small wooden chest on top of a table beside the door.

Hex opened the chest and saw two sealed letters inside. ’It seems things are going better than I anticipated.’

"Sir?"

Hearing Ember call him, Hex looked up.

"Do you wish to choose your companion for the evening now?" She asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

’Right. I completely forgot about that.’ Hex didn’t desire a companion but for appearance’s sake, he would need one.

"Are you also an option?" He asked with a lecherous smile.

Ember giggled. "Sadly no. The owner wishes to keep operational personnel divided from the companions. She says it could lead to neglect of our duties."

Hex made a face that showed he found it a pity. But inside he noted the information. He suspected the owner to be someone with a strong background and by the sound of it, it was a she.

"At the moment I have work. I will seek you out to help with a companion once I have finished the tasks at hand."

Ember smiled and after a bit of small talk left the room. Hex bolted the door and opened the letters.

Esteemed Adept,

Please come over to the Union as soon as possible. We have a client for you.

Signed by

Laila Gemhearth

Merchant Union

Notrelune Division

Laila left out the details, which suited Hex. He would find out everything once he met the client. His requirement clearly stated he would refine only Fiend crystals. As long as the job gave him even a drop of chaotic energy from each crystal, he would happily accept.

After tearing Laila’s letter, he opened the other letter. Sure enough, it was sent by Tarquin Tauriel.

Dear Adept,

I have a proposal for you. Meet me at the Simmering Tongue for dinner.

Tarquin

’Typical rich kid ordering others around,’ Hex sneered. He didn’t like the tone but in business, feelings didn’t matter, especially if he was about to trick them into providing them with resources for him.

’As things stand, I will have three streams of resources flooding in. One will be what I harvest by myself. The other two streams will be these two when they require refinement.’