The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 202: The greater picture (2)

Chapter 202: The greater picture (2)

"You killed her because she easily gained your trust?"

"Yes."

The old steward stared slackjawed at the young man in front of him. The look of slight regret on his face while Alvira’s blood dripped from the sword in his hand, painted a contrasting picture.

’He is a great threat to the greater picture,’ the steward couldn’t help but conclude.

Hex didn’t know nor care about the man’s thoughts. He honestly killed the woman because of the trust she generated in him. Hex knew himself too well. To this day he struggled to trust the girl he liked completely. So, why would he trust a woman he barely knew?

He could analyze and find a way to break whatever technique she used but why would he take his chance? Hex didn’t think he was overly smart. Instead of taking risks, he ended the source.

The old steward averted his gaze when Hex looked at him. ’He is easier to read,’ Hex grinned inwardly. That was the second reason he decided to keep the old man alive. The stubborn old man didn’t know how to hide his feelings and thoughts.

"So, can you talk or should I end your suffering too?" Hex asked directly. His actions of killing without remorse put a seed of fear inside the old steward.

’He came all the way here to prevent me from entering the Temple district. This old man is known as the most loyal follower of the prince. He might not fear his death but he should be afraid of dying without completing his master’s last task.’

"We just don’t wish a country bumpkin to attain the first place. Although the chance of you dying during this mission is great, we rather not take our chances and finish you off ourselves." The old man gritted his teeth as he spoke.

"Hmm, didn’t you see your partner die just now because she acted too smart?" Hex asked with raised brows as he squatted before the old steward.

The old man acted offended but his darting eyes betrayed him once more. "What do you mean? You should know His Majesty doesn’t wish to see you keep the barony."

"Hehe, I know," Hex replied, not looking away from the old man. "But I also know that you guys don’t wish for me to reach the Temple district."

"How?" The old man blurted out. He regretted it as soon as those words left his lips but words couldn’t be redrawn after they were spoken.

"The ’how’ doesn’t matter. I am more interested in the ’why." Hex leaned closer to the steward. "Why can’t I enter the Temple district? Why does the prince and the duke wish to attain the barony? For crystals?"

The old steward kept his mouth shut. He wouldn’t betray his master. It was better to die than foil his master’s plan.

"Look, I am not interested in the barony nor in the first place. As long as I can keep growing stronger you guys can take everything. But I won’t allow someone to take my things without compensating me properly."

The old steward’s eyes lit up but he hid his emotions quickly. Sadly, he was learning to do so in front of someone who mastered the art of hiding his feelings. Hex said the words on purpose.

No one knew how important his promise to the baron was to him. His desire to defeat the baron and become the baron had turned into an obsession that kept him going. No amount of riches or comfort could make him give up on the deed. But like everyone, the steward was unaware of his thoughts.

"So," the steward spoke slowly, "you didn’t accept the offers so far because they don’t satisfy you?"

"Exactly."

The old steward fell silent once more. He seemed to struggling to come to a decision. Hex didn’t rush him. Old loyal people like this man wouldn’t understand the worth of a person’s dreams and desires.

"The barony was always important," the steward began. He seemed to have made up his mind. "It connects the kingdom with the north and the Endless Mountains. The abundant resources in that place can’t be harvested even if the kingdom teamed up with her neighbors. But it’s equally dangerous. The mountains house dangers even Enlightened Knights can’t deal with. Only someone like the baron, the strongest existence, could guard that place.

People like the Duke and the Majesty wonder whether the dangers are gone or still there. Even after so much time, nothing appeared to attack. If the place is safe enough, it will be a stream of income unlike anything else.

Plus, it’s the place where Heaven’s Vault appeared. I don’t the specifics but that alone could cause wonders to appear in that land."

Hex listened attentively. The steward’s story seemed to check out. It matched with the other stories he heard and it seemed logical.

’I wonder what miracles will happen at that place in my absence. I wouldn’t let them have it even without the opportunities. Now, I won’t let them have it, even if the baron tells me to.’

Although he thought these things, Hex didn’t show anything on his face. He stared at the old man with his deadpan expression and continued.

"That explains the barony part. What about the Temple?" Hex asked. Again, hesitation flashed through the old man’s eyes. Finally, he sighed and explained.

"The Temple district serves as a base for the royal family’s secret project. Even the second prince isn’t privy to all the details. It’s said that the King resides there. At least, no one has seen the King in years. The Crown Prince handles all the state affairs."

"What is their goal?" Hex probed with a heavy heart. Anything involving nobles and royals could become tricky. They wouldn’t allow him to live with all their secrets. Heck, they didn’t even trust their own with all the details.

"I don’t know. I only know they need to Fated One to fulfill their project. According to the Oracles, you are one of the candidates to become the Fated One."