Taking Action

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"The mantis hunts unaware of the bird behind it, such is the cruelty of the world!"

Earl Kent instructed his servant to bring the young mage Andy over. A while later, Andy, who had just finished breakfast, stood before him.

"Andy, my young friend, tomorrow we will visit the local Duke and proceed with the next phase of our plan. Although under Master Bennett's guidance, the Duke is likely to comply with us, it's still necessary for you to exert some influence on him to prevent any surprises."

"Yes, please instruct me as you wish, Earl. I will do my best."

"Uh... Andy, don't you want to ask why we are visiting the Duke?"

"Huh? What are we visiting him for?"

Earl Kent was speechless for a moment. If someone hadn't escorted him, this kid would probably have been kidnapped and sold off by traffickers halfway.

"We are visiting him to secure his ducal position. This isn't just for me but for the Arcane Order, for the mage community. Only by gaining control of the power at the Duke level can we provide substantial support to the Order, challenge the Church's dogs in the northwest, and seize the opportunity to strike behind their backs when the kingdom's attention is focused on the south. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Uh... I think I understand a bit!"

Seeing Andy's still confused expression, Maltz wasn't sure how much the boy had grasped.

Well, as long as this kid follows his instructions, it's fine. So he detailed what needed to be done tomorrow.

"Is there no better way?"

"If the Duke listens to me, then there won't be any need for you to intervene. Now, rest up for the night and tomorrow we'll head to the Duke's castle."

A night passed quietly...

The next day, after breakfast with the young mage Andy, Earl Kent rode in a carriage to the Duke's castle.

Unlike the castles of other lords along the Northwest Bay, Duke Fraule's castle leaned more towards artistic and ornamental decoration, making the others appear purely defensive fortresses by comparison.

It must be very comfortable living here.

At the castle gate, the guards led them inside. Earl Kent had already informed them yesterday of his visit today.

"Is everything normal with the Duke?"

Squinting, the Earl asked the leading guard.

"Yes, Earl Kent, the Duke is as usual. He will surely be happy to see you."

The guard smiled in response, giving him a meaningful glance.

As a cautious person, Maltz Kent naturally made several preparations. The worm in the Duke's head couldn't completely set his mind at ease. Therefore, he had developed his own network of informants within the castle, overseeing all affairs that even the Duke's own spies might miss.

However, there might also be others' informants within the castle, such as the Duke's brothers.

After arriving in the hall, the guard said, "Please wait here."

Maltz and Andy waited quietly in the hall for a few minutes. Soon, the guard returned to inform them, "The Duke requests your presence in his study."

So the two of them proceeded to the Duke's study and met the current Duke of the Northwest, Lord Fraule.

Earl Kent was somewhat surprised. Compared to their last meeting, the Duke had become noticeably thinner, with a vacant look in his eyes.

Despite receiving reports on the Duke's health continuously, witnessing it in person still made him somewhat apprehensive. Could that worm's influence on the human body be this significant? It seemed the erosion on the Duke's health was accelerating. It was a good thing he had decided to proceed with the next plan immediately. Seeing Duke Fraule like this, who knew when he might pass away.

No wonder his good brother was so eager to win him over.

"Your Grace!"

He knelt down on one knee in homage to Duke Fraule, while Andy stood motionless beside him. Previously mistaken by the guards and servants outside as Earl Kent's pageboy, the young mage hadn't attracted much attention.

"You... who are you? Oh! It's Maltz Kent, Maltz... my Maltz. Right, I just called you in!"

The Duke waved his hands, looking nothing like a seasoned lord of high rank. When he saw Andy standing next to Earl Kent, his eyes suddenly lit up, his spirits revived, without a trace of his previous listlessness.

It was as if... as if a dog had just seen its long-lost master.

"I've come this time to discuss something with you..."

Earl Kent looked keenly at the Duke, who had suddenly perked up, but before he could finish his sentence, an idea struck him.

"Your Grace, didn't you find it quite taxing for me to kneel just now? Shouldn't you offer me an equivalent gesture?"

Maltz Kent grinned broadly, addressing the Duke.

"What?!"

Duke Fraule's expression was one of disbelief.

"I mean, shouldn't you perform a half-kneeling gesture for me?"

It was a bold test. Since implanting the brainworm, Earl Kent had guided the Duke through suggestions and influence. This time, he was prepared to push the boundaries, to see how much control he truly had over the Duke, and in a manner that would humiliate him.

After all, there was a mage nearby who could directly manipulate the brainworm.

"What did you say?"

"Kneel!"

With a thump, the Duke actually knelt down, both knees hitting the ground. He muttered to himself continuously, "I'm kneeling, I'm kneeling..."

A proud smile spread across Earl Kent's face.

The young mage beside him shook his head. "Earl, stop tormenting him. He's pitiful enough as it is."

Maltz Kent was surprised. He had thought members of the Arcane Order would be as ruthless as Master Bennett.

Well, he couldn't argue. After all, the Duke was affiliated with the Order. Despite his young age, he would eventually become his "senior"... no, he definitely would. I must join the Arcane Order in the future, to wield that powerful and mysterious magical force.

As Kent smirked, he pulled out a piece of parchment covered in densely packed text.

"Your Grace, come... sign this. Then, during your birthday banquet, publicly read it aloud."

Duke Fraule took the parchment but only glanced at it before discarding it.

"No... I can't do this!"

"Sign it!"

Earl Kent grabbed his hand, trying to force him to sign, but the Duke found a sudden burst of strength and resisted.

After several futile attempts, Earl Kent shook his head and turned to Andy in resignation. "Young friend, I leave it to you."

Andy seemed hesitant, taking a step forward but then hesitating.

"This..."

Earl Kent whispered, "For the honor of the Arcane Order, for the future of mages!"

"Fine!"

The young mage sighed and quietly began to chant a spell.

(End of the Chapter)