William's actions were quicker than anyone expected; by that evening, Cody had returned to the estate with an invitation.
Since Lynn was still in Iyeta Harbor openly, all affairs in the capital were managed by Loude and Orlando.
"The Papal States have stationed guards at all the entrances to the capital. Lord Orlando might find it inconvenient to go, so I kindly request that you accompany , Mr. Loude," Cody presented a perfectly reasonable explanation, one that was hard to refuse.
"In that case, let's go," Loude snorted, grabbing his cane and adjusting the ring in his hand, following William's n onto the carriage.
Loude's audacity to attend alone made Cody secretly admire him. He had no desire to oppose Lynn, but the wizards were powerless against the Papal States; their downfall seed inevitable. Lord William was determined to align with the church.
The carriage traversed the rugged roads, bearing the emblem of the William family. It smoothly passed through the gates and arrived at the mansion in no ti.
Externally, it appeared an ordinary estate, quite understated compared to its wealthy owner.
But once inside, Loude realized it was a miniature fortress, guarded tightly. As William's hiding place, there might even be dungeons or tunnels...
Loude contemplated; this visit wasn't just to et William, risking William's escape was unacceptable.
However, just before reaching the fortress gate, guards surrounded him. Their leader, a shifty-eyed man, blocked Loude's path, smiling as he spoke.
"Please halt, Mr. Loude! Before eting Lord William, we need to ensure you're not carrying any dangerous weapons."
"Are you aware of who I am? Your Lord William personally invited !" Loude's face soured in anger, then turned to Cody. "What is the aning of this?"
Cody, looking embarrassed, eased the tension. "Murt, isn't this going a bit far?"
"We an no harm; it's just to ensure the safety of the conversation," Murt, the man in charge, maintained a smile, his tone unwavering. "It's Lord William's order!"
As he spoke, guards closed in, blocking all avenues.
Loude, furious, thumped his cane, threatening to leave then and there!
"Of course, but at this hour, without our carriage, you can't leave the capital," Murt politely replied.
Loude glared, holding firm to his purpose. Eventually, he reluctantly agreed, insisting he carried no dangerous weapons.
"Just a precaution!" Murt shook his head, gesturing for the guards. They soon found a small crossbow, two daggers, and a pouch of blinding alchemical powder on Loude.
"And you claid not to have dangerous weapons?"
Everyone looked puzzled.
"These are for self-defense, not attack," Loude explained shalessly.
Two guards, baffled by his cane's usage, coupled with Loude's insistence about his prosthetic leg's inconvenience, returned it.
"May I proceed now?" Loude reclaid his cane, coldly.
"One more thing!" Murt's gaze shifted to Loude's index finger, specifically the ring. "That ring of yours, it's an alchemical item, isn't it? The patterns on it suggest more than re decoration."
"It's a family heirloom, passed down from my great-grandfather. It's precious, and I won't hand it to anyone!" Loude clenched the ring firmly, resolute.
"I assure you; when you leave the castle, it'll be returned to you intact!" Murt affird. "It's solely for the safety of our conversation!"
"Safe my foot!"
Loude cursed internally. Losing the Ring of the Arcanist would put him in grave danger.
But Murt wasn't bluffing. Surrounded by guards and their threatening deanor, Loude realized he had little choice. After about three seconds of struggle, he reluctantly handed over the ring, warning Murt fiercely.
"I promise to safeguard it with my life," Murt joked before stepping aside. "Cody, escort Mr. Loude in. Lord William is waiting."
"Mr. Loude, please. Lord William is inside, waiting for you," Cody said apologetically.
Loude, displeased, thumped his cane once more before reluctantly following Cody inside, his nerves on edge.
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