Chapter 82

Chapter Fifty-Five: The Appointment

I slowly raised my hand and gently prodded the raven with my finger.

Again.

After several pokes, it showed no reaction—neither fear nor flight. It continued to stare blankly at me, which allowed me to relax and begin observing it.

The raven was quite large, nearly as long as my forearm. Its feathers were glossy black, and its claws were firmly gripping my right shoulder. It cocked its head to look at me, its eyes a heart-stopping crimson. Clearly, this was different from the black ravens I remembered, which symbolized death, victory, and wisdom.

Moreover, it had just spoken human words and called out my name…

I pondered for a moment and then asked tentatively, “You… can you speak? Do you know me?”

Afterward, I found myself somewhat amused.

It was just a crow. Why was I asking if it knew me… Was I still half-asleep?

But it responded.

“Caw—Caw—”

The raven stretched its wings, revealing a span of nearly a meter, blocking my view entirely.

It leaned its head toward my face, its beak slightly open.

Hmm? Are you trying to tell me something?

I quickly leaned in, only to suddenly feel a sharp pain on my forehead.

This bird actually pecked me twice.

“It hurts…”

I held my forehead with one hand, staring coldly at this foolish raven that dared to offend me… Could it be an illusion, but it seemed to give me the impression that it was angry?

What are you angry about? I should be angry!

Daring to peck me… Should I eat you steamed or roasted? Which would taste better?

As I was pondering what to do for breakfast, I noticed a rolled-up paper tied around the raven’s leg.

“Huh?”

I reached out my hand.

What is this? A letter? Is it a message sent to Santele Castle?

Can ravens in this world deliver messages?

Carefully untying the knot, the red-eyed raven did not resist, allowing me to remove the letter.

Then I gently opened it.

The paper was slightly yellowed, wrinkled as if someone had crumpled it, and stained with dried blood.

I focused on reading the contents of the letter.

[Dear Father, Mother, Pasifal, and my dearest little princess Peylo:

It has been a long time. Hearing that my sister has returned home, I am overjoyed. My thoughts have already flown back to the snowy mountains of the Cold City ten years ago…]

Very formal pleasantries, clearly written by someone. But unfortunately, the letter was incomplete, the rest of the content unfinished for some reason. It seemed more like an abandoned family letter, lacking substantive information.

However, at the bottom of the page, I saw another handwriting:

[La Fayette is here. Come to House Number 1 Powell Street before noon today to find me, and I will inform you of the details. Remember to come alone. Do not tell your father and mother, otherwise, you will never see your eldest brother again. —Your beloved older brother Edward.]

This letter is for me.

… What does this mean? La Fayette was captured? By whom? Edward… Did he come? When did he arrive in the Cold City!? Why wasn’t anyone aware… What does he want? Where is House Number 1 Powell Street? Should I tell the Duke…

My thoughts momentarily jumbled, but they only lasted about ten seconds before I regained my composure.

La Fayette… my brother. He was supposed to arrive today or tomorrow, but now it seems he is already in Edward’s hands. He requested that I come alone… What does he want?

In any case, I should let the Duke know first…

No, wait.

Once the Duke knows, he will surely notify the Santele army to rescue him,

This goes against Edward’s wishes. If he gets unhappy… Moreover, even the captain of the squad is a traitor. Who knows who else might be tipping him off? The risk of the information leaking is too high. I can’t take that chance.

Although there’s a high probability this is a trap… I must go alone first, no matter what. Thinking about this, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Giggling.”

Edward, are you trying to use me to threaten someone again? Why am I going alone instead of the Duke… Do you think I’m stupid, just like Peyelo was before?

Fine.

It’s time to do something for the Duke and the Lady.

“Ga—Pepé!”

“…”

Why is this bird still here? Please, I have no time for you right now.

“Pepé—, Pepé—”

“Shut up, stupid bird.”

“…”

“…”

“Pepé—, Fool! Big dummy!”

“!!!”

Did it understand my words?

It actually knows how to curse!?

I stared wide-eyed at the raven, then raised my little hand and slapped its head.

“Ga—, Ga—”

The raven staggered from the hit, flapping its wings and rising into the air, then flew over and pecked me fiercely on the head. Seeing me raise my hand again, it quickly darted away into the sky.

“Ga—”

The hoarse cries gradually faded away.

…I won’t get angry. I won’t get angry. Laffayette’s situation is more important. I still need to go beat up Edward. It doesn’t make sense to argue with a broken bird, so I’m not angry at all.

After calming down, I casually threw away the ice spears.

I looked around and didn’t see any hunters. I walked past the practice field, through the corridor, and arrived once again at the tall ramparts in front of the castle.

The guards at the gate seemed to be twice as many as usual. Hoover’s bulky figure stood out prominently in the crowd. I walked toward him.

“Uncle Hoover, good morning.”

Hoover turned his head when he heard me.

“Oh, good morning, little Pepé. What, are you going out?”

His eyes were red, as if he hadn’t slept well. His expression looked somewhat haggard. Did he stay up all night?

Something was odd. Hoover was the captain of the third squad. By rights, he should only be responsible for task allocation and shouldn’t have to stand guard… Never mind, now is not the time to think about these things.

Putting aside my doubts, I nodded lightly at him.

“Hmm.”

“So early? Is there something urgent?”

After some thought, I decided to lie.

“I have an emergency. I need to find Carlos.”

Hoover looked suspicious.

“What’s so urgent? The Lady probably hasn’t even woken up yet, and you haven’t had breakfast… Shouldn’t you eat something before leaving?”

Hearing this, I suddenly realized that I hadn’t eaten anything myself.

This won’t do. How could I go with an empty stomach?

“Uncle Hoover, do you have food?”

“Yes, wait a moment.” He turned and walked into the fortress, returning shortly with two warm pieces of bread, “They’re eating inside, here you go.”

I reached out to take them, wanting to say that two weren’t enough… Never mind, saving face.

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. We’re eating what the Duke provides anyway…” Hoover paused here, “How about I go with you?”

There was no way I could let him come with me. I immediately smiled at him and said, “No need. It’s church business. I’ll be back soon.”

Church affairs aren’t something anyone can participate in. Hoover knows my identity, so he has no reason to object. He could only nod.

“Alright.” Then he ordered the gate to be opened. After thinking for a moment, he added to me, “Pepé, I know you’re capable, but you also know it’s a special situation now. Be extremely careful about everything.”

“Hmm.”

I waved at him, holding two pieces of bread larger than my face, took a big bite from each, and then slowly walked out of the castle.