Chapter 334 - 332: Helping Prepare for the Wedding

Chapter 334: Chapter 332: Helping Prepare for the Wedding

Freddy arrived on the third day after the incident.

Before his arrival, Knight Rico, who had rushed over from Scorching Wind Territory, had already begun investigating the matter.

However, the information he gathered was nearly identical to what Robinson had reported at Scorching Wind Castle.

Furthermore, after interviewing merchants, Guards, and others in Sharp Stone City, they all unanimously agreed that the assassins were men sent by Duke Star Sea.

Upon his arrival, Freddy offered his condolences to Selena and promised to bestow the baronial title upon Willard.

Until he came of age, Selena would act as regent of Sharp Stone Territory.

As for the assassination, Freddy would not let the matter rest so easily.

His forces had already gathered on the border of Scorching Wind Territory, ready to settle all scores, new and old, with the Star Sea Clan.

Duke Star Sea, naturally, also heard of the situation and sent envoys to clarify that he was not responsible.

But to the people of Scorching Wind Territory, such words were completely unbelievable.

A war was on the verge of breaking out.

Seeing that Selena’s situation was resolved, Duane saw no reason to stay any longer.

In truth, ever since Freddy had arrived at Sharp Stone Castle and ordered a Mage to set up an Investigation Barrier, sneaking into the fortress was not as easy as it once had been—his Stealth Spell was simply too low-level.

Before leaving, he found Brison and instructed him that, publicly, they must answer Freddy’s call to avenge Baron Torre.

However, when the time came for Sharp Stone Castle to actually dispatch its troops, they were to hold back.

As for this war...

Duane guessed that it would likely break out, but it wouldn’t last long.

The Regent King of the Akutas Kingdom would certainly step in to mediate.

Ensuring internal stability within the Kingdom was what His Highness Howard wanted most right now.

Otherwise, if internal chaos erupted, the Akutas Kingdom would be facing enemies on three fronts.

In Scorching Wind Port, the ship from Black Forest Island was moored.

Heck had no idea what had brought Duane here. It was only after hearing the news in the last couple of days—that Baron Torre Courtney had been assassinated by Duke Star Sea—that he began to understand.

His intuition told him that the Lord was definitely involved in this matter.

"Heck."

A familiar voice called out. Heck jolted and saw a man in a linen shirt who had appeared at his side at some unknown moment.

He was about to greet him but was stopped by the man’s gesture to be quiet. He quickly remembered that Duane was still concealing his identity.

"Just treat me as a merchant from Scorching Wind Territory on his way to do business on Black Forest Island."

Duane said softly, "My business here is finished. When can we set sail?"

Heck nodded. "My cargo is all loaded. We can leave at any time!"

"Good. Let’s head back as soon as possible."

At his words, Heck began ordering the first mate and crew to prepare to leave port and return home.

Soon, the ship set sail.

Duane looked out at the bustling Scorching Wind Territory, wondering when he might be able to own a piece of land here himself.

’I need a pretext... The best-case scenario would be an official war between the Pruck Kingdom and the Akutas Kingdom!’

Duane scratched his head, and the sea breeze on his face brought him back to the present.

For now, he had to consider who would be most suitable to station at Mountain Village.

Kaelon was out of the question; he was needed to oversee Silver Jade Territory.

Raymond and Simone were both too deeply tied to the many affairs of Black Forest Island, and Duane didn’t want to move either of them lightly.

Gaius was currently in charge of the Southern Plain’s defenses and had only just found his footing there. He was also unsuitable for immediate reassignment.

Duane thought it over and over. The only suitable person seemed to be Lune.

He was an Earth Tier Warrior, so his strength was sufficient. At the same time, he was intelligent, making him a perfect fit for this kind of task.

The only unsuitable aspect was Lune’s identity. As the eldest grandson of the Holmes Clan, it would be too risky for him to leave Black Forest Island and infiltrate Scorching Wind Territory.

He wondered if Lune would be willing to accept such a mission.

Duane rubbed his temples. ’I’ll have a proper talk with Lune later. If he’s willing, I can make resources like the Intoxicating Honey Wine available to him.’

「Silent Shore.」

Natalia had been frequently distracted lately because she hadn’t received a reply from Duane in a long time.

Although someone from Black Forest Island had written back to say Duane was away on urgent business and wouldn’t be back soon, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander.

"What’s wrong, Natalia? Thinking about Duane again?"

Lady Delilah walked into the garden courtyard, a gust of fragrant perfume announcing her arrival.

She had been staying at Sea Cliff Castle for the past few days to celebrate the new year festival.

Natalia’s cheeks flushed slightly, but her family had already tacitly accepted her and Duane as a couple, so she didn’t mind the topic being brought up openly.

She pouted and said, "I have no idea what that guy is so busy with. It’s already the year 3053, and he doesn’t even know how to write back."

Delilah smiled faintly and sat on the nearby swing. "As a Lord, Duane is bound to be busy. Otherwise, how could Black Forest Island’s many businesses and our numerous collaborations have developed so well?"

"Of course I know that."

Natalia whispered, "I’m just complaining out loud. Sometimes I really want to go to Black Forest Island and see if there’s anything I can do to help him."

Delilah swayed on the swing, looking like a playful child. "After your second brother’s wedding, you could mention it to your father. Have him discuss it with Duane and arrange for an engagement ceremony soon. Then you can go over there legitimately."

This world placed great importance on procedural customs, especially among the great Nobility, who paid close attention to their image.

Holding hands and kissing were one thing, but for the woman to take up long-term residence with the man before a ceremony was held would always lead to some gossip.

Natalia nodded seriously at the suggestion. "I’ll discuss it with Duane later and ask for his opinion."

"Tsk tsk, if your father knew you were seeking Duane’s opinion before his, he would surely cry his heart out."

Natalia couldn’t help but laugh. "By the way, Mother, how do you have time to visit me? Shouldn’t you be with my older brother and Fiona?"

"They’re talking with your father right now."

Delilah said, "I came to find you because I have something I need your help with."

"What is it?" Natalia began to swing as well.

"Your second brother and the Third Princess’s wedding will be held in early March. Although we’ve prepared for many things, there are always last-minute matters to attend to as the date approaches."

Delilah continued, "Lloyd certainly won’t have the time, and I’ll be busy with matters at the Magic Research Institute. So I can only trouble you to help out. It will also be a good opportunity to gain experience, which will help you assist Duane in the future."

"No problem!"

Natalia agreed without hesitation. "That guy Lloyd is always teasing me for no reason. If I go help him this time, won’t he have to thank me properly?"

Delilah teased back, "He’s a son-in-law of the Royal Family now. You’d better mind your manners."

"Then I’ll have to make sure to bill him for my work!"

The mother and daughter both laughed at the same time.

In truth, for this marriage alliance, although the Kennedy Clan had contributed a great deal, King Eric had also provided a substantial dowry, enough to ensure Princess Emily could live a life in Golden Ears Territory as lavish as the one she had in the Royal Palace.

However, these assets would naturally be managed by Emily. How much of it ended up in Lloyd’s hands would depend on the future of their relationship.