Chapter 80

Chapter Fifty-Three Unavoidable Matters

Dong dong dong.

“Duke, it’s me.”

A deep male voice came from outside the door, interrupting their conversation. The Duke and his wife exchanged glances, and he could see the worry reflected in her eyes.

He then gave her a reassuring look.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and a faint smell of blood filled the air, causing the lady to wrinkle her nose in discomfort.

Hoover, covered in blood, stepped into the room and paused visibly when he saw the lady, scratching his head awkwardly.

“Duke, my lady…”

The Duke put down his book, his expression unchanged.

“Sit down first.”

Hoover looked at the blood on his body. Although he had cleaned up briefly before coming, the color of death still lingered.

He smiled bitterly and spread his hands.

“Never mind, I’ll stand.”

The Duke chuckled lightly and did not insist. He then asked, “All done?”

Hoover became serious.

“Not a single one was left.”

“What about the workshop?”

“Walar’s confidants have all been beheaded. Yuliseus is handling the aftermath. However, we found a hidden compartment in his room with a ledger inside. Here it is.” Hoover took out a thick notebook and handed it over, “It’s very detailed. From the Inspector’s Office to the Treasury, and even the artisans in the workshops, many people have benefited from him over the years… He has been entrenched in the Great Warehouse for too long; the web he has woven is much more complex than I imagined. Dealing with all these people individually will be quite troublesome.”

The Duke flipped through the ledger casually and tossed it onto the table.

“It’s fine. People act according to their own interests; there’s nothing wrong with that. They often sway with the wind, always loyal only to themselves. All they need is a position as a team leader. Walar has lost his value to them now, and they will avoid him like the plague. After tonight, some sharp-eyed hyenas will come forward… Shanter Castle is going to get lively.”

“Duke, what if someone escapes?”

“Escape? Do you think they dare? This would clearly tell me they are on the other side. No one would be foolish enough to do this. They will only rack their brains to find ways to make amends… By the way, where is Bella?”

After asking this, Hoover avoided eye contact, scratching his face, and glanced at the lady quickly before looking away.

“Well, she went back first, just to tell you that all the rats in the second team have been taken care of.”

“Is that so?” The Duke responded absentmindedly and then changed the subject, “Has there been any news from Lafayette yet?”

“Not yet. But considering the time, I believe he should return within two days.”

“Hmm… You’ve worked hard. Go wash up. Also, send someone to keep an eye on Pape, don’t let her find out… try your best not to let her find out.”

“Yes, Duke.” Hoover accepted the order, lifting his foot to leave but suddenly hesitated, “Duke…”

“Just say what you want to say.”

“What are your plans next?”

The Duke tapped the table, avoiding answering directly, and turned to Catherine instead.

“Catherine, how many days until the birth of the deity?”

“Less than a month. Including today, there are twenty-six days left.”

“Hmm… Let me think. It takes almost a month to travel from the City of Winter to the Order Imperial City by carriage… If I remember correctly, the Royal Academy starts in mid-February, right?”

“Yes, but enrollment for the new semester begins half a month earlier.”

“Half a month… That’s fine, there’s still time. Tomorrow, tell Carlos to let Pape stay home longer, and wait until after the birth of the deity to leave.”

Upon hearing this, the lady frowned.

“The birth of the deity? Are you planning to take Pape to the imperial palace in Cherilis… Wait, Scar

Lijie, your meaning is…

The Duke nodded.

“Hmm. Carlie, Elinburg, Larfel… write letters to these families tomorrow. This year on the Divine Birth Festival, we will host a banquet at Santor Castle.”

“Start preparations soon. The first annual banquet at Santor Castle should be grand, celebrating also the return of Pepe.”

The Duke spoke this in a calm manner, not showing any particularly obvious emotions.

But Hoover’s face revealed an ecstatic expression.

Because he clearly understood what this meant.

Divine Birth Festival.

The Holy Church designated January 16th as the birthday of the ancient deity, hence this day was called the Divine Birth Festival, and it was also the day when the people of West Continent celebrated the arrival of the new year. In the past Vallon Empire, all nobles had to arrive at the capital city of Cheliers on this day to attend the banquet hosted by His Majesty the Emperor, and also settle accounts for their territories’ revenues and expenditures for the year. He knew this very well since he always went with the Duke’s family.

Now, the Duke said he would host a banquet at Santor Castle and prepare to invite the three most prestigious families in Vallon Empire, excluding the royal family… Hoover knew that this was asking them to choose sides.

He looked at the man in front of him, who was already over fifty but still radiated vitality.

This man did not seem to consider the possibility of the castle being deserted… such confidence.

Hoover was a passionate person who had been by the Duke’s side since he was young. Over the years, he had seen many things and sometimes felt stifled. But the Duke always seemed indifferent, making it impossible for him to express his feelings; he could only swallow them down.

At this moment, after hearing the Duke’s words, Hoover’s blood boiled.

Perhaps, he would follow this man to a position he never dared to imagine.

“Hoover.”

“Yes.”

“Starting tomorrow, double the training time for the Santor army, and you will personally take charge. Also… send someone to find Edward’s location.”

“Hoover, I accept my orders!” He puffed out his chest, his right fist gently striking his heart, his dilated pupils from excitement glowing with fiery light, “I swear to serve Duke大人 faithfully until death!”

…

After Hoover left the study, the lady hesitated for a moment, her expression relaxing.

“…It’s good like this. Since you have decided, I will take care of the banquet arrangements.”

The Duke stood up and walked to her side, gently holding her hand.

“Then I will leave it to you.”

“I’m fine… Skalidgie, I just want to remind you, now that things have come to this point, the Church will definitely not sit idly by. What do you plan to do?”

The Duke smiled lightly.

“As for the Church, let them come. You don’t need to worry. Perhaps… this is exactly what they want to see?”

“You mean…”

“Brother is too concerned about gains and losses, always treating Church matters with indifference, leading to deep-seated resentment among the major dioceses of the empire. Lafayette does much better in this regard, frequently interacting with the Church and spending a lot of money on many things. Plus, with me, the diligent and loyal Knight of the Pope, and our little princess Pepe… I think making a choice won’t be difficult.”

“What if they insist on supporting the Emperor’s side?”

“That won’t happen. The Central Workshop supplies high-quality weapons and armor to the Church every year, and Winter City is one of the four great royal cities of the world. As long as we hold onto these two points, the Church will definitely align with Santor Castle.”

The lady sighed.

“I don’t understand these matters much, but you know your limits. I just hope our family can live happily and safely.”

The smile on the Duke’s face grew even wider.

“Do you think I don’t? It’s precisely because I hope so, but I have a brother who holds power and harbors suspicions. I don’t want to see the person I love become prey to others. Therefore, these are things that must be done.”