CH103

"The one who took the task is the Lord of Ryan City, Lady Elisa," Ward whispered, glancing around.

"The Lord?" Helag was surprised that the city's lord had taken his task.

Helag had heard of Lady Elisa since arriving in Ryan City. Her story was well-known.

Elisa came from a noble family, her father being the renowned Duke Barton of the Kingdom of Doris.

Eight years ago, Elisa married the Lord of Ryan City in a powerful alliance.

However, just a month after the wedding, the Lord fell gravely ill and died.

Despite calling upon legendary healers, none could save him.

Afterward, Duke Barton used his influence and resources to make Elisa the new Lord of Ryan City, a position she still held.

This dramatic turn of events became a popular topic of discussion throughout Ryan City and the Kingdom of Doris.

In Ryan City, such discussions were rare, as anyone caught criticizing the Lord faced severe punishment.

Many believed the marriage was a conspiracy by Duke Barton to seize control of Ryan City.

The previous Lord, in his prime, suddenly fell ill, raising suspicions.

Some speculated that the Lord's illness was due to Elisa's allure, leading to his demise.

When Elisa first became Lord, she faced significant opposition, particularly from the previous Lord's loyalists.

But Duke Barton swiftly eliminated these threats, helping Elisa secure her position.

Over eight years, Elisa replaced key positions with her loyalists, solidifying her control over Ryan City.

She wielded immense power, effectively ruling the city.

"Why would someone like her take my task?" Helag wondered.

Ward noticed his expression and whispered, "I'm not sure, but Lady Elisa must have the information you need. I can't bring her to you; you'll have to see her yourself."

Ward's helpless expression showed he had no control over the situation.

Helag nodded. "I understand."

"Ed! To the Lord's castle!" he called to Ed in the courtyard.

Ed quickly hitched the horse to the carriage.

Ward, having completed his task, left.

The Lord's castle was in the northernmost part of Ryan City, a fortress-like structure.

High walls shielded it from prying eyes, with armed soldiers patrolling, showcasing the Lord's power.

Helag's carriage was stopped a hundred meters from the walls by three armed soldiers.

"Stop! State your business," one soldier demanded.

"I'm Geralt, here to see Lady Elisa. Please inform her," Helag said, revealing a bit of his aura.

The seasoned soldiers quickly sensed his extraordinary presence.

When Helag opened the carriage curtain, an overwhelming pressure made them feel suffocated.

Fortunately, Helag soon retracted his magic, easing their discomfort.

Seeing Helag had no intention of forcing his way in, one soldier ran to report.

The remaining two soldiers kept their weapons trained on Helag, fulfilling their duty despite knowing they couldn't match him.

Soon, the soldier returned. "Mr. Geralt, you may enter."

Helag dismounted and followed the soldier into the castle, leaving Ed to wait.

Entering the castle felt like stepping into a garden, with various flowers, fountains, and a soothing water channel.

The soldier led Helag through two palaces to a residential area.

At the end of a long staircase stood a man in his forties, glaring coldly at Helag.

"Mr. Geralt, please proceed. Knight Commander Levon will take you to the Lord," the soldier said before leaving.

Helag climbed the stairs, noting Levon's intense gaze.

"Another great knight," Helag thought.

As Helag reached the top, Levon said, "Follow me."

Levon turned and led the way, clearly uninterested in the conversation.

Helag sensed hostility, wariness, and disdain from Levon, puzzled by what he had done to provoke it.

Levon led Helag through a maze of corridors to a large door.

He bowed his head and announced, "My Lord, Geralt is here."

"Let him in," a clear, pleasant voice replied.

"Yes," Levon said, opening the door before stepping aside, avoiding a glance inside.

Helag entered, noting the luxurious decor and expensive furniture.

Even a single chair, made from rare wood, could cost thousands of gold coins.

He turned to the right, where a woman lay on a bed, propped on her elbow, eating grapes.

"Lady Elisa?" Helag asked.

Elisa wore a loose robe, revealing much of her fair skin. Her legs, barely covered by the robe, were visible, and her feet were bare.

Elisa swallowed a grape and said, "That's me, esteemed Mr. Helag."

"You know me?" Helag asked, alarmed by her familiarity.

Elisa smiled. "Don't be nervous. I mean no harm. I'm also a wizard apprentice, though not very talented. Uncle Dino tried many ways to help, but I'm still a first-level apprentice."