Chapter 71: Falconcrest

Chapter 71: Falconcrest

'Oh? He recognized me right away.'

"Indeed." Raven nodded before turning his gaze towards Marcellus and Selene and continued.

"You two can relax now. Palmer, bring my friends some drinks."

Marcellus and Selene also understood his intention and quietly moved towards the farther empty table.

"H-How did you know my name?" Palmer was startled by his words and asked.

"Take care of them, lad. Don't ask too many questions." Franco interrupted him and quietly opened the ledger.

As Palmer walked away in confusion, Thomas sat on the wooden chair and asked.

"Can we talk comfortably now?"

"Yes," Franco said with a nod, flipped the pages, and finally stopped at the twentieth page.

"I have information about the 'Sword Princess,' but I can't tell without fixing the price, Mr. Thomas. After all, Royal matters are not even high-class nobles can get without a big sum." He revealed a grin.

"Hmm, it's true if we talk about direct successors. But as far as I've heard, Sword Princess isn't even a legitimate child. She is just a child of a concubine and only has strength around Radiant Knight, right?" Raven said as if it was common information.

"Her strength is only around Radiant Knight?" Franco realized that this young man might know more than him.

'Ah, I forgot he is also from a noble lineage. Even though his family has fallen, he must have many connections.'

"Haa, 10 gold coins for all information about the Sword Princess. I can't lower than this amount."

Raven pondered for a moment and nodded.

Then, he waved his hand, took out a leather pouch out of thin air, and placed them on the counter.

After that, he put his hand inside the empty pouch and stealthily filled it with 50 coins before pushing it towards Franco.

"I give you 50 gold coins. 10 for the information about the Sword Princess and 40 for all the information I'll be asking afterward."

"Nobles sure are wealthy." The corner of Franco's lips twitched.

He quickly checked the amount and soon spoke.

"First is the information about the Sword Princess. The Sword Princess's real name is Athena Sillalus Jorvot, 35th Princess of the Royal Family of Zenith Empire. Her mother's name is Jeanne, a girl from a commoner background who ended up becoming a concubine of the emperor due to her beauty. Fifteen years ago, she gave birth to another child, but Royal Palace stated that the child was born dead. Mysteriously, Sword Princess and Jeanne's elder sister disappeared for various reasons, raising suspicions of the 66th child. Even our organization couldn't figure out where they were or about that so-called dead child. Although it became a controversial topic for a week, it soon disappeared from everyone's mind." Franco paused to see if there was any sign of reaction from him and then continued.

"But after fifteen years, the Royal Mages seem to have finally found the Sword Princess and informed the reporters and the public that her aunt kidnapped her for vengeance against her sister. She is currently imprisoned in the Royal Prison and will be sent to the Black Prison once the court approves her guilt. The last hearing will be two weeks from now on. Well, it's just basically a formality to fool the masses. After all, who in the right mind would dare to stand against the Royal Family?"

"Date. I want the exact date." Raven asked gravely.

Franco noticed a slight change in his emotion and soon responded.

"September 23rd, 1.00 P.M. The hearing will happen at the Supreme Court of Zenith, with seven judges and the chief judge overseeing this case."

Raven's face darkened.

"The advocate?" he asked.

"Sir Cedric Thorne," Franco answered, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "He's one of the most formidable lawyers in the Empire, known for his loyalty to the Royal Family. He's been involved in numerous high-profile cases and has never lost a trial. If he's been assigned to this case, it's clear they intend to silence any opposition."

Raven's jaw tightened, and his hand unconsciously clenched the counter's edge.

"What about the defense?" Raven asked, though he already suspected the answer.

Franco shook his head. "There is no defense, Mr. Holmes. The Royal Family has declared this an internal matter. They're handling it quietly, without any outside interference. The hearing is just a formality to appease the public."

Raven nodded slowly, though his mind was racing. No defense, no chance for Athena to speak her truth. The Royal Family intended to silence everything, just like they had done with him.

"Thank you for the information, Mr. Franco," Raven said, his calm voice regaining. "You've been most helpful."

Franco bowed slightly. "If you need anything else, Mr. Holmes, you can ask me."

"Hmm, I indeed want to know of someone. Vice President of Crows' Misery… Judith is her name, right?"

As soon as Raven spoke, Franco opened his eyes wide and stared at the young boy in confusion.

"First, you asked about random thug's details, next about Royal Princess, and now you are asking details about the Vice President of the Crows' Misery… What are you trying to achieve, Mr. Holmes?"

"I'm just curious." Raven lied without blinking.

"Humph, not even a Royal Family member would spend gold coins to know someone's identity just because they are curious." Franco snorted coldly and soon sighed.

"She was a girl from a commoner background when attending the academy but became a noble through her achievement and ranking. Currently, she is one of the Five Sages of Empire and also a Legendary Powerhouse. Though she is a Wizard and a Vice President of Crow's Misery, her loyalty to the Empire is always high. She hates Wizards' involvement in politics and even registered a case against the President in court two decades ago. After that incident, the Wizards of the Empire became split into three factions: Wizard Alliance, Empire Wizards, and Wizard Union." Franco paused for a moment and continued in a solemn tone.

"The 'Wizard Alliance' came from another continent a few centuries ago and initiated Democratic Rule, even sharing its knowledge with the masses. That's why they are always popular among the masses and even looked upon as legendary figures. The 'Empire Wizards' are composed of people from Royal and Noble lineage and mostly support the royal and noble hierarchy system. Finally, the Wizard Union is the one that stays neutral and always refrains from being involved in politics and mortal affairs. They consider themselves as true wizards and always focus on research. The Legendary Alchemist Johnathan is one of them. And the one who leads this group is none other than Judith. That's all I know about her. Anything else?"

'Oh? That's more than enough.' Raven nodded and continued to ask.

"Then I want some information about the group called 'Falcons.'"

"Falcons? You mean Falconcrest?" Franco furrowed.

"Falconcrest? Who are they?" Raven was clueless about that word and asked in confusion.

A deep sigh leaked out of Franco's mouth.

"I can't even predict what you are planning, Mr. Holmes." He soon took a deep breath and spoke.

"Although not strictly a "bandit" group, the Falconcrest was a notorious street gang based in the Royal Capital. They were often involved in various criminal activities, including robbery, violence, and smuggling. However, after their ties with 'Vipers' were known to the public, the Police of the Capital City made a significant effort to suppress the gang from the year 1383 to 1403. By the end of the year 1403, the Falconcrest had been largely eradicated, although remnant members were scattered across the empire and went into hiding."

Raven raised his eyebrows and soon asked.

"But why did they kidnap me? And What's their relationship with Inspector Bennett?"

"Falconcrest did? Moreover, Inspector Bennett, huh." Franco was stunned by his words and hurriedly spoke to the nearby servant.

"Abel, get me the file no. 43 and 92."

The nearby servant hurriedly went inside and returned with two large notebooks.

Franco took the notebooks from the servant, picked the one on the top, and started searching for something.

"The Count first met Inspector Bennett on February 2nd… Then, he left the city and came back two days later. Then he met the count again on Feb. 10th, 13th, and 16th three times… Thomas Holmes's missing case was registered on March 2nd…" As Franco started flipping the pages, he continued to speak all the information about Inspector Bennett and the people he met.

"If we get Inspector Bennett, we can find a lot more information about the 'Falconcrest.'" Raven nodded in understanding.

"That will be difficult. But if we follow his movement for a while, we might be able to find more interesting things." Franco paused for a second and soon added.

"If you promise to work with us in the long term, I'll do my best to back you up with information."

"As long as you guys don't cross the line, I won't interfere in Velvet Circlet matters. And don't forget I'm also a member of the organization." Raven said as he stood up and adjusted his top hat. He glanced at the table where Marcellus and Selene sat, sipping their drinks and watching him intently. With a slight nod, he signaled them to follow him out.

As the trio exited the Red Apple Inn and walked toward the carriage, Franco finally heaved a deep sigh and furrowed.

'He isn't using a magic spell or an artifact. If he had, the radiant knight with him should've long found out about it. It means this young man is indeed Thomas Holmes.' But what puzzled him was why a young boy from a fallen noble would show interest in Royal matters and Wizards' matters.

'He also showed anger when I mentioned about the trial. Hmm, that means he knew Shirley and the Sword Princess.' He slowly turned his gaze towards the slim waiter beside him and spoke.

"Send someone to Holmes mansion and monitor this guy's movement all the time. I want to know his every move. Also, send Beckie to keep an eye on Bennett."

"Yes, boss." The young, slim waiter nodded and hurriedly approached the door behind them.

…

Once Raven left the Inn, he pondered calmly at the street.

"Let's go back to the mansion, " he said before walking towards the carriage and soon entering.

Selene also followed him inside and sat across from him.

But unlike before, Raven wasn't in a mood to talk.

'Reclaiming the Azmar Town comes next. My priority should be to find a way to save my aunt.'

[It seems your sister is also under house arrest, so there is no way the Royal Family will allow her to go out.]

Raven frowned deeply and soon made up his mind.

'I plan on revealing my identity.'

[You mean?]

'Raven Sillalus Jorvot… During the hearing, I will appear as Raven Sillalus Jorvot and expose the Royal Family's whole scheme!' A cold look appeared in his eyes, which made Selene to flinch.

"Are you all right, My Lord?" She asked in concern.

"I'm good. I'm just thinking." Raven waved his hand.

[Reckless! You are just like my owner! Damn it, I should've known that you are his next reincarnation!] Raven could feel a trace of anger in her voice.

'Listen to me fully. Before appearing during the trial, I plan on getting some help from a powerful backer.'

[Explain.]

'Judith, the Vice President of Crow's Misery. From what I've read so far, she seems to be from a commoner's background and is idolized by many people. My bedtime stories mostly involve her heroic deeds during her academic ages. And she is also my sister's role model. That's why I asked for information about her.' Raven answered.

[But why would she help you? Didn't you hear Franco's words? The Wizard Union never involve themselves in mortal affairs.] Zera retorted.

A smile appeared on Raven's face, giving Selene goosebumps. She saw him making different facial expressions all this time and got a little scared inside.

'This kid is not in his right mind! I need to tell Leader Jacob about this!'

Unaware of her inner thoughts, Raven continued.

'I have a perfect bargaining chip. I'm planning on giving her a potion recipe.'

[Don't tell me! Are you going to give her the 'Affinity potion' recipe?] Even Zera was stunned by his idea.

'Yes. And the one who gives this recipe is not Raven but my teacher Charles Nightwind.' Raven said with a smug look.

[Pff! Interesting! Yes, that's what Charles would do if he were in this kind of situation. But if you directly send a letter or inform her through artifact, there will be a high chance you will get caught. Legendary Figures are not easy to fool, lad. They can even look into the future or read your thoughts like an open book.] Zera thought for a second and added.

[We need to make a detailed plan. And to make Judith completely believe, you must impress her first.]

'Impress?' Raven was confused.

[Hmm, did Count get impressed when you sent the letter and gift box? Most likely not. He acted because he feared the exposure of information about Thomas's kidnapping. And what would've happened if you placed the gift box on the bed he was sleeping on? What if you put the letter in his pocket when he was taking a walk?]

'… He must've thought someone with higher strength had put it in his pocket and got himself scared. At the very least, he would've acted more diligently and taken this matter seriously.'

[Correct. We will rattle Judith first. Then, we make her believe you are a disciple of a powerful Wizard and gain her full support.] Like schemers, Raven and Zera started planning their next move.

…