The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 188: The different visitors

Chapter 188: The different visitors

"Why did you send him on that task!"

The hubbub in the command center died out despite the Commander’s not-so-loud voice.

At the center of the tent was a rectangular table where the people in charge of the various troops sat. The Commander stared at Rayos who sat at the head of the table. Even as temporary Governor, he held the command of all the powers of the north as decreed by the Royal Court and the Crown Prince.

The others at the table sat in silence. People like the Duke, the Countess, and the three representatives of the top factions didn’t fear either the Governor or the Commander but wisely refrained from interrupting.

Rayos looked unhappily at the Commander. Questioning his decision in front of everyone seemed like undermining his authority. Usually, he would burst out against the Commander but he calmed himself.

"Commander, answer me first. Is this task important?"

"...Yes." The Commander stared at him for a while before replying slowly.

"Do you think there is a high chance of the person dying?"

Rayos followed his question with another one. The Commander frowned but replied honestly.

"Yes."

Rayos placed his wine on the table and stood up.

"So, Commander, who do you propose we send to their death if not that boy from the north? Your beloved Althea? The Duke’s only heir? The Chief of Court’s daughter? Or my dear little sister?"

The Commander didn’t reply. He couldn’t. Rayos’ questions rendered him speechless. It also evoked respect from the others at the table.

Rayos shook his head and continued.

"You told us that we should refrain from using powers exceeding the Knight stage during the scouting phase. You told us that if you guys used strong energies, it would provoke a creature above the Calamity. So, tell me, respected Commander, who else aside from that boy from the north is a better candidate for this mission? Should we send Esmeralda?"

The Commander remained silent but the dilation of his pupils betrayed his thoughts. Rayos didn’t miss his reaction.

"Exactly. We need someone with strength but if we involve others in the top ten, the families behind them will come for my neck, including my Royal father. And people outside of the top ten lack the ability to complete the task."

Rayos lifted his glass of wine and walked to the door connecting to his room.

"You guys seem to forget sometimes that the cost of saving one life is endangering the safety of someone else."

Bang.

The door slammed shut, leaving the command center in a deafening silence.

...

"You made some excellent points, my dear Prince."

Rayos looked at Paula’s alluring figure stretched out on his sofa. She didn’t mind the slit of her dress widening and revealing her milky-white thighs.

Rayos gulped but didn’t lose himself in the fatal allure the woman put forward. Sleeping with an Oracle was similar to tangling with a spider on top of a web. They ensnared their prey with death being the only way to free oneself.

"Cladding your bullshit in a veil of righteousness is the first thing a leader is required to master," Rayos said with a smirk.

"In that case, you are becoming an excellent leader," Paula giggled, getting a scowl in return. "Anyway, I am impressed with how you isolated the candidates with a possibility to become the Fated One."

"That was the easiest part," Rayos sighed, his eyes glued to the parted dress and the triangular dark patch partially concealed at the hem. He clapped his hand, following which a beautiful maid entered. Seeing the state of her master she knew her task. She immediately started to soothe his strained part with her mouth.

"Capturing them will take some effort and discretion," Paula murmured, her fingers having a mind of their own.

"E-Exactly," panted Rayos. "We can only send people at the Knight stage and all the candidates are difficult opponents for others at that stage. If we are discovered all our efforts will be down the drain. Even my eldest brother won’t be able to save me from the wrath of certain people."

"W-We will make sure all the evidence is destroyed," moaned Paula.

The room isolated all sounds, so they didn’t worry about letting themselves go.

...

Knock! Knock!

Solos stood before the newly erected house, waiting for the inhabitant to receive him. The housing area remained empty for the most part due to the high prices of the houses. It would take time for people to accumulate enough wealth. Only people with backgrounds like his could afford to buy a place for themselves.

"What brings you here, Prince?"

Elsa’s otherworldly beauty stunned Solos. Only his deep obsession with his goal helped him remain lucid before her.

"I have some urgent things to discuss with you. Mind if I enter?"

Seeing her raised brow, Solos only shrugged. After a moment of deliberation, Elsa seemed to have made up her mind and let him in the house.

By now, she, like everyone else, was used to seeing him carry his child everywhere.

She led him into the living area. Solos was surprised to see it fully furnished. Even the walls were adorned with paintings and flowers.

The flowery patterns of the sofa and the wooden floors gave the room a cozy feeling. It wasn’t warm or cold inside, causing Solos to wonder how many gems and runes were used in constructing this house. Even he, the youngest child of a king, couldn’t compare to the wealth and influence of the Court’s Chief.

"Could you tell me now why you are here?"

Elsa didn’t offer her guest anything. Solos saw her gaze remain fixed on him, demanding an explanation. He exhaled softly.

"I am here because my child wished to see you."

Elsa looked warily at Solos. What bizarre reason was this?

"Why..."

Hi Elsa. It’s been a long time.

Solos expected the girl to scream or shout but to his surprise, she only frowned before her expression changed to realization.

Divine Lord? When did you escape?

...

Hex walked through the empty alleys in the housing area. He marveled at the speed at which the higher-ups tried to convert the conquered area into a habitable environment.

’Although many people are stumped by the high prices, it’s only a matter of time before these houses are sold. The fertile area around the ruin and the increasing number of people willing to risk their lives to clean up the area has a lot of potential for businesses and work opportunities.’

While making his way to his intended target, Hex pondered about the growth potential of the city. As they conquered more districts, the opportunities would increase. At the same time, selling the land and buildings now helped the authorities offset the cost of the operation.

In the short time Hex oversaw Grindeston reconstruction, he learned the cost of maintaining the basic operations of a town. The current operation was at a grander scale and required many more personnel to continue. Only the cost of the infirmary and medicines should be a number Hex couldn’t imagine.

’The royals, nobles, and merchants are all investing heavily in the development of this operation. I am certain they haven’t been able to recuperate their losses even now. But they won’t stop investing. They hope to win big in the long run.’

A barely twenty-year-old like him didn’t have the patience to wait for profits. He required resources to grow. But old families gathered resources over the years to slowly expand and grow.

’Maybe one day, when I have achieved my goal and wish to expand my family, I can follow their example. For now, my personal growth takes precedence. Ah, I am here.’

Hex finally reached his destination. He stood in front of a two-story building with a small garden. The fountain and lush patches contrasted sharply against the barren lands around the building.

"How extravagant."

Hex smiled wryly at the exposition of wealth before him. He opened the small gate and walked up to the door. He didn’t see anyone but his senses noticed the strong fluctuations nearby. It would be strange if such a wealthy figure didn’t have some protection.

Before he knocked, the door opened, revealing a comfortably-clad man. Even a boarish fellow like Hex could tell his robe cost more than his entire fortune.

"Hex," Quid welcomed him with a broad smile on his face, "I wondered when you would come." This put Hex on his guard. Quid seemed to be expecting him but Hex decided his visit just this morning, after coming to terms with his assignment.

"Don’t act like this," Quid laughed and put his arm around Hex’s shoulders, dragging him inside. "I know why you are here."

"Why? And how?" Hex asked warily.

"Well, after exploding my tool to achieve such a result you would be a fool not to request another one, right?"

Hex’s vigilance increased. Quid indeed knew his reason to visit.

"Will you relax?" Quid thumped his shoulder and signaled Hex to follow him.

"The Crystal Canon is a very precious tool but not unique. We can give you another. But, we need to discuss the conditions, don’t we?"

"We? You and me? Or someone else?" Hex caught on the way Quid spoke. As a direct descendant, in charge of Notrelune Quid should have a lot of sway. He wondered who else he wished to include in their deal.

But his question was answered as soon as they entered the study. A silver-haired young man sat on the comfortable cushion. Seeing Hex enter, the young man’s eyes lit up. Hex, on the other hand, felt irritated immediately.

"When did you arrive, Sterling?"

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