Conspiracies

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

On November 3rd, 1991 of the Sacred Calendar, the capital of Gabella was filled with a joyous atmosphere. Although the grand ceremony planned by the Emperor had been postponed due to the strong objections of Scholar Aldridge, the news of victory still greatly encouraged the entire nation, from the court to the common people.

As the capital of the Empire, all the country's resources were prioritized for this city. The people living here, whether nobles or commoners, enjoyed significant conveniences: accessible transportation, low prices, and abundant goods. Even the slaves here ate and drank better than commoners in other places.

As the victors of the war, the Empire naturally plundered or forced the defeated side to hand over a large amount of spoils, which were first delivered to the capital.

Unlike other places, the residents of the capital, as the first beneficiaries of the war, deeply desired victory. So when the news of victory spread, they spontaneously took to the streets to celebrate.

Kevin followed his senior, Mond, as they moved through the cheerful crowd. The streets were filled with singing and dancing, and various instruments intertwined. Kevin carefully avoided the enthusiastic girls who wanted to invite him to dance, all while closely following his senior.

"Who would've thought, little brother, that you'd be so popular at such a young age?" Mond said with a hint of jealousy.

Kevin replied helplessly, "Senior, please stop teasing me."

Sigh, if only Senior Mond's hairline were a bit more cooperative, he'd actually be quite a handsome guy, Kevin thought.

After wandering through the streets for a while, they turned into an alley.

"Hmm, I didn't expect there to be a tavern in a place like this. Shouldn't it be on the main street?" Kevin muttered to himself as they arrived at the entrance of a tavern.

Though it was a bit out of the way, the place was still bustling with customers. After all, everyone was celebrating the victory, and groups of men were drinking in small clusters.

A man stood at the tavern's entrance. Upon seeing Mond's group, he waved at them enthusiastically.

Kevin followed Mond toward the man and, as they got closer, he saw that the man had a thick beard and a burly physique.

Mond spoke first, introducing Kevin to the bearded man, "Let me introduce you. This is Kevin, a new student of my teacher. Kevin, this is my friend, Anbolov. Haha, don't be fooled by his scruffy appearance. He's the captain of the Royal Guards!"

"Ha, Mond, you sly devil, always making fun of me in front of others." Anbolov grumbled while giving Kevin a heavy pat on the shoulder. "Hello, Kevin. If you ever run into trouble in the capital, come find me. Mond here is too buried in his books to be of much help."

"Thank you, Captain Anbolov," Kevin said politely, though inwardly he marveled at the man's strength. No wonder he's a Royal Guard captain, he thought.

Anbolov said to the two, "I've reserved a spot inside. Let's go in."

The three of them entered the tavern and, under the guidance of a server, settled into a private room.

Anbolov kept up some idle chatter, to which Mond impatiently asked, "So, why did you ask me here? I've got an article to write."

The captain feigned a wounded expression, shaking his head and clicking his tongue, "Such ingratitude! If I didn't regularly drag you out for some fresh air, your brain would've rusted away in the Scholar's Tower by now. And anyway, everyone's celebrating the victory over Nesta. Don't you think staying home alone is a bit eccentric?"

"You've got a whole bunch of Royal Guard buddies. Why didn't you stay with them?"

"I got the ones not on duty today drunk last night. They're probably still suffering from hangovers."

As they bickered, the server arrived with fine wine and delicious food, making Kevin's mouth water.

After setting everything down, the server smiled and said, "Please enjoy yourselves. Our boss has declared that to celebrate the Empire's great victory, all drinks today are free!"

Anbolov laughed heartily. "Haha! Your boss really knows how to do business. We'll definitely come back often."

Then, as if something had occurred to him, he asked, "By the way, do you know who brought us this victory?"

The server seemed to hesitate for a moment, then whispered, "Uh... it seems to be... it seems to be... His Highness Prince Antonio."

Anbolov glared at him. "Why are you so hesitant?"

The server forced a smile, "Haha... It's nothing, really."

Anbolov snorted, "Are you worried because he was born of a witch?"

The server was startled, "You said that, not me! Please, sir, be careful with your words. Speaking recklessly about the Prince's lineage could get you in trouble with the Emperor."

Anbolov waved dismissively, "Alright, we won't talk about Prince Antonio's origins. But tell me, do you really think sorcerers and witches are inherently guilty?"

The server scratched his head and replied awkwardly, "Honestly, they're always featured in terrifying stories. Growing up with those stories, it's impossible not to have some bias. But to say they're inherently guilty seems a bit much. We're not like those superstitious country folk who take old tales as truth. And, I've never seen any of these legendary figures in real life."

The server leaned in and whispered, "I've heard from travelers who've been to Horns Bay that the church there is conducting witch hunts, burning lots of people!"

This time, Mond spoke up, "Oh? And what's your opinion on the witch hunts in Horns Bay? Do you support them or oppose them?"

The server was startled, realizing he had said too much.

"Hehe, a person like me doesn't have the right to comment on such matters. Gentlemen, please enjoy your meal. Call for me if you need anything, I'll take my leave now."

He bowed and quickly exited the room.

Anbolov and Mond exchanged a smile, then invited Kevin to join them in eating and drinking while chatting.

After they were mostly done eating, Mond said to his junior, "Kevin, could you stand guard outside? I have some matters to discuss with Anbolov, and it wouldn't be good if anyone overheard."

"Yes, Senior."

"Good. If anyone approaches, just knock on the door."

After Kevin left, Anbolov asked, "Can you trust this junior of yours?"

Mond grinned, "Don't worry. Although he hasn't been in the capital long, we've known each other for ten years. He's a country boy, still pure at heart. To be honest, I trust him more than I trust you."

Anbolov grumbled, "Seriously? Am I that unreliable in your eyes?"

"Alright, let's get to business!"

...

Kevin stood outside, pretending to lean on the windowsill facing the street, while keeping an ear on the hallway.

Inside, his senior and the captain were discussing something in hushed tones, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. He could only catch a few words here and there.

"Grand Duke... assistance... Edward... shipment... His Highness... organization..."

TL Note: Are we gonna see the pirate king soon?

(End of the Chapter)

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