Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Jelink’s Inquiry

The corridor of the Argentilin family passed through the garden in the courtyard, with stone pillars carved with patterns of seashells and mermaids clearly visible under the bright moonlight.

After leaving the banquet hall with the butler, the surroundings became quiet, only occasionally interrupted by the distant sounds of revelry and music from the banquet.

The young butler walked ahead, holding a black iron lantern, its orange light illuminating the path. His face was cast in shadows, alternating between light and dark.

“Miss Lacy is visiting the Argentilin family for the first time, but Sir Angus used to stay here often. You don’t need to feel too constrained.”

“Yes, this is my first visit. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”

The young lady looked at the full moon in the sky, her gaze occasionally sweeping over the gradually quiet and dim courtyard as she asked:

“How far is Lord Jelink’s study?”

“Just around the corner. Master likes to work in a quieter place. I apologize for inviting you so late.”

He explained naturally, but did not stop walking.

Lolan Hill glanced at the butler’s back, sighed softly, and continued following him.

Knock-knock—

The dark red lacquer door was knocked, and a faint light could be seen seeping through the crack.

“Come in.”

Creak—

As the door opened, a middle-aged man could be seen sitting at his desk. A small table and sofa had been temporarily set up in the room, with a small night lamp, snacks, and fruits on the table. Several candle lamps on the walls illuminated the room brightly.

“Miss Lacy, please sit.”

Jelink stood up from his seat and invited Lolan Hill to sit on the sofa next to the small table, then he sat across from her.

Afterwards, Butler Owen brought two drinks to the small table and then left the room, closing the door behind him.

“Miss Lacy, perhaps this might seem unfamiliar, but I would prefer to call you my niece Lacy, because Sir Angus and I have been good friends for many years, like brothers.”

“It’s fine, you are a dear friend of Father. Calling me this way is not a problem,” Lolan Hill, who is also Lacy, replied as she held the drink in her hand.

“I am deeply saddened by your father’s sudden death and have many questions.”

“I know it’s presumptuous, but as his dear friend, I want to understand the circumstances of the attack.”

“You may ask.”

“At what location were you attacked, my niece Lacy?”

“On the road from West Wind to Vergha.”

Then, Lolan Hill recounted the details of the attack based on what she had seen.

“Thus, your father transferred all his assets to you before he passed away?”

“Yes.”

“Were there any other witnesses present at the time?”

“Butler Cerese and Housekeeper Chelsea were also present,” the young lady said slowly as she looked at the slightly red fruit wine in her hand.

“So, Chelsea was there too,” the middle-aged man seemed to sigh.

“Uncle Jelink, it seems you have many doubts.”

Jelink picked up the fruit wine in front of him and took a sip before speaking.

“Yes, I am indeed puzzled. Chelsea actually betrayed Angus.”

As he finished speaking, the glass cup in his hand fell, shattering with a loud bang.

The door to the room was suddenly thrown open, and more than ten guards in hooded cloaks and chainmail rushed in, holding spears and crossbows, surrounding Lolan Hill.

More than a dozen sharp spears pointed at the blue-dressed girl, their blades reflecting cold glints in the candlelight, while six crossbowmen stood behind Jelink, raising their crossbows, aiming at the girl with a dreamlike appearance. The black matte crossbows faintly showed signs of magic, but they remained untriggered.

These spear-wielding guards were all War Sequence 2 – Spear Guards, and those crossbowmen were War Sequence 2 – Black Crossbow Guards. It seemed that the Argentilin family was quite powerful, able to summon more than ten Sequence 2 guards at once.

Lolan Hill did not panic but raised her head to look at the man in front of her, seemingly asking, why?

“I advise you not to resist. This might save your life. Don’t expect the riders outside the courtyard gate to come and rescue you; they are being dealt with as well.”

Jelink placed his hands on the armrests, gazing at the blonde girl in a blue dress.

Seeing that Lolan Hill remained silent, he continued:

“Angus and I have known each other for over a decade. We went on many adventures together in the South Sea Islands. Many times we barely escaped death, and he saved me countless times. We considered each other brothers.”

“I cannot tolerate someone harming him and using his daughter’s name to seize his family’s wealth after so many years.”

“Why do you think I am not his daughter?”

“Indeed, Angus protected his daughter very well, always living in West Wind. No one in Vergha has ever seen her.”

“But unfortunately, I am an exception. I had the chance to visit his home many years ago when I was doing business in West Wind and was invited to meet his daughter.”

“Perhaps she wasn’t as beautiful as you, but she was a lovely little girl. She didn’t look like you.”

“Moreover, Angus called her Elin, not Lacy,” Jelink’s voice contained a hint of indignation.

“Mr. Jelink, you and Angus are truly close friends.”

“You should be aware that many guests have already seen me tonight. If you confine me here, the news will spread throughout Vergha in no more than three days.”

“The Argentilin family has betrayed a long-time friend and murdered the orphan of the Carithes family. This news will soon spread throughout Vergha’s towns, guilds, and people.”

“So what if it does? I will report this matter to the Vergha Alliance court and charge you with your crimes.”

Lolan Hill sipped the fruit wine, her cheeks turning slightly red, undaunted by Jelink.

“Mr. Jelink is right. I am indeed not Angus’s daughter,” she said as she placed the empty wine glass on the table, causing a slight sound.

“Impossible,” Jelink looked incredulous.

“Why not?” the young lady retorted.

At this moment, fighting noises came from outside the door, and the metallic clashing of swords and swords could be heard from time to time.

“Jelink, you fool, open the door quickly!” Chelsea shouted urgently from outside.

Jelink stared at the young lady, unmoved.

“Jelink, you slept with Millie and Kona in the bar years ago, broke and borrowed money from me. If you don’t open the door, I’ll expose your affair with Tess,” Chelsea threatened.

The guards’ expressions changed subtly, and Jelink’s face turned dark. These were old grudges, and she remembered them so clearly.

One of the guards with some foresight asked, “Sir, shall we open the door and see what’s happening?”

Jelink waved his hand reluctantly, signaling them to open the door.

The door opened again, revealing Chelsea, Cerese, and several Carithes family riders engaged in a fierce battle with the Argentilin family guards. Fortunately, both sides were restrained and no casualties had occurred yet.

“It took you long enough to open the door, Jelink. After all these years, you’re still so cowardly, needing so many people to deal with a girl,” Chelsea said as she put away her thin sword, pushed aside the spear, and stood next to Lolan Hill.

“I’m sorry, Miss, I’m late,” she apologized.

(End of Chapter)