Chapter 66

Leaving the Baron behind in the garden, a wide smile adorned my face. With the Baron now under my control, I had gained a powerful ally with minimal risk. It was a perfect arrangement, fueled by his shame and fear of exposure. Little did he know that many of his fellow nobles harbored similar secret relationships, hidden away in the shadows.

Lost in my thoughts, I was interrupted by a maid approaching me with a file in hand. Her demeanor was composed, and she moved with purposeful strides.

"Excuse me, Lord Lucas," she addressed me, her voice respectful yet efficient.

"Ah, one of Elena's new recruits," I remarked, recognizing her as part of an ever expanding network of spies. Elena, the head of my intelligence network, had been tasked with infiltrating every corner of influence. Meanwhile, Andrew was delegated to the more physical aspects of my plans. Essentially Elena had became my pen and Andrew my sword.

Confirming my assumption, the maid nodded, indicating her affiliation with Elena's team. She handed me the file, and I began to peruse its contents. It detailed the outbreak of a disease in the town of Silverglade, swiftly neutralized by the efforts of the Bishop. However, the truth was far from what it seemed.

In actuality, I had orchestrated this plan weeks in advance. I had supplied the Baron with the antidote and discreetly informed him of the specific disease that would eventually emerge. This ensured that he would handle the situation and be seen as a benevolent figure by my master. The Bishop, seen as a pwan, would earn favor with the church through his connection with a Marquis.

"Good," I responded, a noticeable tinge of satisfaction lacing my voice. "Is there anything else of importance that I should be aware of?"

The maid hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Ezekiel and his fiancée have arrived," she revealed, her words carrying a sense of boredom.

A spark of curiosity ignited within me. "Where can I find them?" I inquired, closing the file and turning my attention fully towards her.

"Ezekiel is currently at the church near the estate, while Lady Cecily is receiving a tour of the estate itself," she answered swiftly, her professionalism shining through her every word.

I nodded, appreciating her efficiency. "Thank you," I acknowledged, but before she could depart, I added one final instruction. "Also, approach the Baron and inform him that you will be his new personal maid, making it known that I have sent you."

The maid bowed respectfully, acknowledging my command, and promptly made her way to carry out the assigned task. As for me, I set off towards the church adjacent to the estate, eager to encounter my dear friend Ezekiel.

Leaving the grandeur of the estate behind, my steps carried me along the winding cobblestone pathway that led to the nearby church. The air, crisp and fragrant, bore a faint scent of incense, drifting on the gentle breeze. It mingled with the soft whispers of prayers and the distant tolling of bells, creating an ethereal atmosphere that embraced the sacred ground.

The church stood as a steadfast bastion of faith and tranquility, its weathered stone walls weathering the passage of time. Each crack and crevice told a story, bearing witness to countless generations seeking solace within its hallowed halls. Its presence commanded reverence, a beacon of hope and solace for the weary souls that sought refuge within its sanctuary.

As I approached the towering structure, the imposing wooden doors swung open with a somber creak, revealing a world beyond. Stepping into the dimly lit interior, my senses were instantly enveloped in a serene aura. The air was heavy with a subtle musk, a blend of ancient wisdom and reverence that permeated the very essence of the church.

Above, stained glass windows adorned the towering walls, depicting vibrant scenes from biblical tales. Rays of sunlight filtered through the intricate designs, casting an enchanting dance of colors upon the worn stone floor. Each pane seemed to hold a story of its own, capturing the imagination and stirring the soul with their captivating beauty.

The echoes of my footsteps reverberated in the silence, a symphony of anticipation as I made my way toward the churchs pew. Bathed in the soft glow of flickering candlelight, a tall statue of my son stood in solitude, its presence evoking a bittersweet longing within me. In my previous life, my love was reserved for my son alone, disregarding anyone even his mother.

Taking a seat beside Ezekiel, I joined him in contemplation, closing my eyes and offering my own silent prayers. The weight of the world seemed to momentarily lift as I sought solace within the confines of the church.

Completing my prayer, I opened my eyes and turned toward Ezekiel, breaking the sacred silence. "I trust your journey here was uneventful, my friend," I said, my voice carrying a note of genuine concern.

Ezekiel's eyes slowly opened, his expression calm yet pensive. "Thankfully, it was uneventful," he replied, a hint of weariness evident in his voice. "I heard of the recent events," he continued, his tone laced with both pride and worry. "You captured a demon and vanquished another. You have made the Lord proud, my friend."

A chuckle escaped my lips, tinged with a mix of amusement and humility. "I certainly hope so," I responded, appreciating his words of encouragement. Shifting the topic, I inquired about his relationship with Lady Cecily. "And how are things with Lady Cecily? Is your bond still strong?"

A smile graced Ezekiel's face, a flicker of affection evident in his eyes. "Things have been fine," he replied, a touch of contemplation in his voice. "As time passes, it becomes more challenging to connect on a deeper level. However, we have managed to maintain a good rapport."

"I'm glad to hear that," I said, rising from the pew. "I shall see you back at the estate. Perhaps later, we can find time to have lunch and catch up."

Ezekiel nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting a sense of longing for the camaraderie we once shared. With a parting nod, I left him in the sanctuary, the solemn atmosphere of the church embracing him as I made my way back to the grand estate, my thoughts drifting towards the intricate plans and movements that awaited me.