Synthetic Wizard - Chapter 59: Waiting for a Storm

Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Waiting for a Storm

At the end of the month of Winter Harp, the snow had not yet completely melted.

There was still some time before the Wind of Revival would arrive, yet the entire Golden Rock Province was vaguely restless.

Two major events lately made the circle of nobility throughout the entire Golden Rock Province boil over.

The first event was related to the Storm Territory.

After being comatose for more than half a year, Count Storm was finally announced dead.

Surprisingly, the title was inherited by the youngest son of Count Storm.

At the subsequent title succession ceremony, Marquis Golden Rock attended and gave his blessings to the new Count Storm.

The second event was the change of hands of the Baron position of Flashing Territory once again.

To be honest, many nobles were already mentally prepared for this outcome.

However, the process was somewhat beyond their expectations.

Black Stone City almost took Flash City without spilling a drop of blood.

According to war reports, as soon as the Black Stone City army arrived before Flash City, the city gates shattered, and several generals were inexplicably torn to pieces in full view, dying tragically on the spot.

So before the war even began, the defending forces of Flash City fell into disarray.

The Black Stone City army then easily drove forward, taking over the entire Flash City with little effort.

This outcome truly left many people dumbfounded.

And more perceptive individuals, upon seeing this war report, guessed the role Sunan played in this victory.

After the war, many nobles awaited the reaction of Marquis Golden Rock.

After all, everyone knew Owen had Marquis Golden Rock behind him.

Now that Owen had been executed by hanging and the Baron position of Flashing Territory had changed hands, if Marquis Golden Rock did nothing, his prestige would significantly decline.

But surprisingly, long after the war had passed, Marquis Golden Rock showed no reaction at all.

He allowed the new Flash City Baron, Kei Yanest, to easily subdue the entire Flashing Territory and gradually secure his position as Baron.

Many nobles were baffled and puzzled.

Only a few nobles, such as Count Frost, Viscount Heize, and Viscount Feather Snake, who had close ties with Marquis Golden Rock, knew what he was dreading.

…

Golden Rock City, Inner Castle.

Led by the steward, two cloaked men passed through the courtyard and entered the spacious and bright corridor.

The corridor walls were hung with paintings that one could tell at a glance were very expensive, and sunlight from outside made the gilded frames gleam brightly.

Casper was at the back, his gaze sweeping over a painting, his mouth twitching slightly.

He remembered this painting of Princess Thorn Flower, which had appeared in a large auction not long ago, fetching a high price of 3,800 Gold Coins.

Yet such a precious painting was now brazenly hanging in the corridor.

Looking at the dozens of paintings in the corridor that probably weren’t worth much less than Princess Thorn Flower, Casper couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

They say Marquis Golden Rock’s wealth could rival a nation, and now it seems the rumors are indeed true.

In this world, Gold Coins symbolize power; no wonder Marquis Golden Rock isn’t content with being just a local chieftain.

In contemplation, the three had already reached the room at the end of the corridor.

The steward raised his hand and knocked gently on the door, saying, “My lord, the two esteemed guests have arrived.”

“Come in.”

A deep voice came from inside.

The steward gently pushed open the door, then stepped aside, signaling the two to enter.

Upon entering the study, Marquis Golden Rock stood by the window, gazing at the sky outside, his expression thoughtful.

Just two months ago, Marquis Golden Rock celebrated his sixtieth birthday, but his head of black hair was as shiny as ever, his facial skin firm and rosy, and anyone would think he was just in his early thirties.

“Priest Joris, long time no see.”

Marquis Golden Rock turned around, a hint of a smile on his rugged face, and gestured for the two to take a seat.

“Long time no see, my lord Marquis, and I am very pleased to see you well.”

After Marquis Golden Rock took a seat, Joris also sat opposite him.

As for Casper, he dutifully stood aside.

He was not yet qualified to sit in front of these two.

“I’m getting older, and my body is beginning to decline. The old injuries from past wars flare up from time to time; time waits for no one.”

“You must be joking, my lord Marquis; your health is far better than mine.”

The two exchanged a few pleasantries like ordinary friends before Marquis Golden Rock got to the point.

“Priest Joris, you came all this way to see me, not just to chat about everyday matters, right?”

Joris’s smile faded into a solemn look. “The main reason for seeing you this time is regarding Sunan.”

At the mention of Sunan, a barely noticeable shadow passed over Marquis Golden Rock’s face, and his gaze suddenly sharpened.

Casper subconsciously tensed up.

At that moment, Marquis Golden Rock truly exhibited a hint of the sharpness of the master of Golden Rock Province, the seasoned Legendary Knight.

“Sunan? Did he offend your sect?” Marquis Golden Rock raised an eyebrow and asked.

In his memory, the only connection Sunan had with the Starfire Sect was when they sent people to Black Stone City for an assassination.

He previously couldn’t understand why the Starfire Sect’s assassins failed, but after the war report from Black Stone City was made public, the facts were clear as day.

Even Hodge died at the hands of Sunan, so it’s normal that two junior Grand Knight assassins failed in their mission.

However, that assassination was on Owen’s order, and even if it failed, the Starfire Sect shouldn’t have blamed Sunan.

But what Joris said next surprised Marquis Golden Rock.

“To be honest, my lord Marquis, two months ago, our sect’s outpost in Stone Bell City suffered heavy casualties, losing six priests and over a hundred followers, and the perpetrator of this was a Wizard.”

“The individual also happened to have a stealthy Exotic Beast.”

A sudden realization flashed in Marquis Golden Rock’s eyes.

Stealthy Exotic Beasts are extremely rare, and the chances of two appearing simultaneously within Golden Rock Province are incredibly low.

Plus, both handlers being Wizards makes the probability even lower.

No wonder the Starfire Sect was certain that person was Sunan.

“But how did Sunan know about your outpost in Stone Bell City?”

Marquis Golden Rock was aware that the Starfire Sect members had means to prevent being interrogated; it was impossible to extract any information from these fanatical followers.

If that weren’t the case, he wouldn’t have confidently cooperated with the Starfire Sect to assassinate nobles.

“…We haven’t figured that out yet.”

Joris’s eye twitched slightly, then his expression turned icy.

“However, Sunan killed so many of our followers, we will not let him go.”

“We came to see you, intending to join forces with you against Sunan.”

“If you decide to attack Flashing Territory, we are willing to lend you a hand!”

Marquis Golden Rock lightly tapped the table with his fingers and smiled faintly. “I would naturally be delighted for your sect’s assistance, but now is not the time to deal with Flashing Territory.”

“Then when will it be?” Joris frowned slightly.

He wasn’t in a rush to kill Sunan but was concerned that the Divine Blood Amber was still in the opponent’s possession.

This item was of great significance to the sect, and until it was retrieved, they could not rest easy.

Marquis Golden Rock stood up and moved to the window, his gaze profound as he looked to the south.

“Until a storm comes.”

“A storm that will sweep across the entire duchy.”