Chapter 263: The Yellow-Robed Monks: We Have Been Waiting for You

Chapter 263: The Yellow-Robed Monks: We Have Been Waiting for You

The muddy road was flanked by plains, with fertile land planted with various cash crops. Depending on the soil and rainfall conditions, the land was divided into cotton plantations, sugarcane plantations, vineyards, flower gardens, and large expanses of rubber trees.

On the barren land, overrun by weeds, flocks of crows that had returned from foraging somewhere unknown perched on ancient trees of indeterminate age.

At the end of the road was a small town, with two large waterwheels standing at its entrance, slowly turning as the stream used for irrigation pushed them.

The lazy sunlight shone on the farmers cultivating the fields on both sides, and herds of cattle grazed on the grass as they returned.

Entering the town, the road remained a dirt path but had been pressed flat, so that even passing carriages did not kick up much dust.

The items sold along the roadside were common fruits, vegetables, and some homemade clothes, or freshly hunted and butchered game.

The buildings were mostly two stories high, with the ground floor generally built of stone, and the upper floors made of wood, mud, or expensive tiles.

At the town center, the most bustling area, there was a large square where townspeople could rest and chat daily. Nearby were a beer house, a flower shop, and a tailor shop.

Passing through the town and continuing forward, the road became desolate again, but fences were erected on both sides, seemingly to block something.

Following this road to its end, there was a castle, hidden alone among the trees.

This ancient castle, nearly two hundred years old, had been renovated by several generations of the Campbell family. Now, it was entirely built of black stone, maintaining an old architectural style, with a tall tower constructed at the rear.

It was said that one of the Campbell family heirs believed in the existence of magician in this world and decided to build a tall tower to attract them.

Unfortunately, it seemed he never met the magician he longed for, leaving the tower to be passed down to this day.

The sound of the carriage broke the tranquility of the forest, startling the birds, and a flock of crows flew out from the distant tower.

About two hundred meters from the castle, the dirt road turned into a smooth stone path, with the surrounding weeds gradually replaced by carefully tended flowers and plants.

When the carriage stopped at the castle gate, a crowd had already gathered.

There were maids sweeping the ground, gardeners with large scissors, coachmen holding horses, and even a chef with a large butcher knife.

In front of them was a somewhat familiar figure, Caius.

He had indeed arrived early to wait for him, indicating that the yellow-robed monks hidden in the shadows knew his general whereabouts.

Perhaps it was also them who had secretly targeted Ince Zangwill last time.

Did they intentionally let him obtain 008?

Hastur did not think too much and got off the carriage under the watchful eyes of many.

"Hastur Campbell, the true master of this castle."

Caius made a simple introduction to the gathered people, showing that he had some authority here.

Hastur noticed that the people's eyes were filled with curiosity and excitement, with some even wanting to step forward to confirm if he was real.

It was a bit strange.

"Rest assured, Earl Campbell, they mean no harm. They just want to see the true master of this castle with their own eyes," Caius said with a smile.

Hastur's eyes narrowed, his body exuding a dangerous aura, "Are they all ordinary people guarding this castle?"

Caius respectfully replied, "They are indeed all here to guard the castle for you."

"You seem quite familiar with them?"

"Some are quite familiar, some I just met."

"Just met? Were they recently hired?"

"Yes, we wanted to give you a surprise when you arrived in Southwell County."

"We?"

"Yes, we."

Caius lowered his head slightly, his attitude even more respectful than before.

The maids, gardeners, coachmen, and chefs also bowed slightly.

"Are these the only people?"

"There are also a butler responsible for the daily operations of the castle, Mrs. Lisa who manages all financial expenses, and two others who are out working."

"That's quite a small number."

"Not just anyone can come. We decided who would come through a fair lottery."

Hastur remained silent, his gaze towards the castle becoming more complex.

He had arrived at the lair of the yellow-robed monks!

They had been waiting for him here for a long time, so they were never in a hurry because they were sure he would come here one day. They just needed to wait quietly.

"We have prepared a surprise for you inside the castle. Would you like to see it now?"

After speaking, Caius placed his left hand on his waist and elegantly extended his right hand, making an inviting gesture. The other four people formed two rows, clearing the way.

"Meow!"

Aisala, restless in Hastur's arms, seemed to be reminding him not to go in just like that.

Hastur sighed, "Have you been preparing for a long time?"

Caius answered honestly, "Yes, for a long time."

"You lied back in Backlund."

"Yes, no one can say they have always told the truth in their life."

"What if I don't want to go in today?"

"Then we will wait for your next visit."

"You are really patient."

Hastur looked up at the dark castle, which appeared particularly mysterious and solemn in the setting sun.

"Lead the way."

"Please, this way."

Caius was not surprised by Hastur's decision.

Caius led the way, Hastur holding Aisala in the middle, followed by the maid, gardener, coachman, and chef.

The six of them walked quietly, with Hastur not speaking and the others following suit in silence.

When Hastur stopped to admire the surrounding buildings, they also stopped without urging him.

When Caius pushed open the castle door, all the candles inside lit up instantly.

In this era accustomed to oil lamps and gas lamps, except for the church, few people used a large number of candles to light their homes.

In the center of the hall, Hastur saw the butler and Mrs. Lisa that Caius had mentioned.

They were an elderly man and woman, standing on either side of a golden box supported by a wooden frame.

The golden box was forged from a single piece of gold, without any cracks or scratches, and under the flickering candlelight, it emitted a golden glow.

Hastur was very familiar with this object, which had been entangled with him since birth.

Wherever his home was, it would appear there.

It had followed him twice when he moved houses.

The first time was from the West District to the Queen's District, and now it had followed him from Backlund to this castle.

Even though he hadn't brought it, it had come uninvited.

Hastur sneered, "Is this the surprise you prepared for me?"

Caius said devoutly, "This is your destiny gift. It has been waiting for you to open it."

"Do you want to know what's inside?"

"Yes, we have been chasing an answer."

"Why don't you open it yourselves?"

"We can't."

"What if I don't want to open it now?"

"Then we will wait until you want to open it."

Hastur said no more, his gaze fixed on the golden box.

It was not large, about thirty centimeters long, and five centimeters wide and high.

It emitted no unusual aura, like a lifeless object.

Hastur stared at it for a while, then chuckled, "I'm a bit tired today."

"We have prepared a room for you. Please, this way."

Caius did not dwell on the issue of opening the golden box and continued to lead the way to Hastur's room.

In the hall, the candles flickered, and the golden box on the wooden frame waited quietly for someone to open it.

In the room on the second floor, Hastur asked Caius to leave, closed the door, and put Aisala down. He placed a mirror on the table and began to examine the room, which was more spacious and luxurious than the villa in Glaint .

The shelves were filled with various collectibles, each with a history of over a hundred years.

The chandelier in the room was old-fashioned, also lit with candles.

These were special candles that burned for a long time without needing frequent replacement.

He opened the window and admired the view. The various plantations spread out like stars on the flat land, extending to the horizon.

From here, he could also see the small town they had passed, though it was just a small black dot in the distance, requiring a telescope to see clearly.

After a while, Hastur lay on the specially made bed.

The bed was about three meters wide and five meters long.

There was enough space not only to roll around but also to dance.

"This is a nice place, but what a pity."

Hastur lay on the bed, his smile fading, and began to think about how to deal with this matter.

(End of this chapter)