Chapter 95: Disposing of Monbodt
With the Broken Wave Gang and the Holy Hand Association eliminated, Duane’s safety on Black Forest Island was further secured.
Now, as long as he wasn’t heading to Thorn Valley or the Hot Spring Mountain Range, he no longer needed Kaelon or Raymond to accompany him.
After all, with his current strength, he was already one of the top figures on Black Forest Island.
From setting out early in the morning to achieving victory, it had taken Duane less than a single morning.
However, taking over the territories, assets, and personnel of these two factions, as well as managing local security, was not something that could be completed in a short time.
Fortunately, Duane now had people working for him.
After inspecting and inventorying the important spoils of war, he could leave the rest for his subordinates to handle.
At noon, the cooks who had accompanied the expedition borrowed the kitchens of Daniel’s Castle to prepare a great feast for everyone, celebrating the victory.
After the meal, Duane decided to go to Forest Village to check out the Broken Wave Gang’s castle.
After all, with Bard captured and Gaius having surrendered, the castle now belonged to Duane.
"My lord, I think you could choose one of these castles to live in."
His steward, Ralph, sized up Daniel’s Castle. Although it still couldn’t compare to Lakefront Castle, it was at least far more spacious and grand than the courtyard they were currently living in, and it offered some defensive capabilities.
But Duane shook his head. "Old steward, I think if you knew what Daniels did here, you would have no desire to live in this place."
The thought of living in this Demon Cave was repulsive to Duane.
As for the Broken Wave Gang’s castle, it was located in Forest Village. To the north, it was close to the Hot Spring Mountain Range, while to the south and east lay Thorn Valley and dense forests, posing a risk of Demon Beast invasions.
Using Bard’s castle as a residence would be equally unsafe.
’Now that the Broken Wave Gang and the Holy Hand Association are gone, I can start building my own castle.’
Everyone wants to build a house for themselves, no matter where they’re from, and Duane was no exception.
Besides, as the Lord of Black Forest Island, he needed a proper residence.
If an unexpected guest were to arrive on the island one day and find him living in a shabby little courtyard, it would be far too embarrassing.
"What was the name of that construction master we recruited?"
"Adams. He oversaw the construction of several large buildings in the Royal Capital and is quite capable. However, he made some mistakes due to his drinking, offending some wealthy merchants and officials. He hasn’t had much work in recent years, which is why he joined us."
Duane couldn’t help but smile. He had a whole bunch of screw-ups working for him now; his steward really knew how to pick up bargains.
"Later, have him notified. Tell him to survey the terrain in Broken Wave City and choose a suitable location to build the castle."
Building a castle was not something that could be finished quickly, and it would require a great deal of labor.
As long as Duane didn’t plan on making these laborers work for free, it would be equivalent to creating jobs and improving the living standards for a portion of the population.
Furthermore, Duane had no desire to build his castle in a European architectural style like that of Lakefront Castle.
He wanted to use a Chinese-inspired style.
For example, instead of domes and spires, the roofs would be sloped with flying, upturned eaves.
And instead of a single, standalone main building, the construction would feature a cluster-like layout, spreading horizontally and emphasizing a sense of layered depth.
In any case, Duane’s painting skill had now reached the Skilled level, so he could draw what he wanted.
Plus, by participating in the castle’s construction, he could also increase his Skill Level in Basic Construction.
It was a plan that would kill multiple birds with one stone.
Of course, it was undeniable that the process from drafting the plans to completing construction would be rather difficult.
But time was something he had in abundance.
"My lord!"
The second captain, Evans, came before Duane. "You ordered me to arrest the Monbodt family, and I’ve brought them all here!"
He beckoned, and the guards pushed Monbodt forward.
"Baron, please forgive our sins!"
Monbodt and the others knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly and begging for mercy.
The moment Evans and his men found him, he knew he was finished.
He had never expected the Baron to win the battle, much less win it so easily.
"Monbodt, I feel it’s a pity about you."
Duane sat there and sighed. "I did indeed suspect you, but seeing how cooperative you were with my work, I was willing to give you a chance. It’s a shame you ultimately chose the wrong path."
"It’s my fault, my lord! I betrayed your trust! I beg you, give me one more chance!"
Tears streamed down the old Monbodt’s face. "Please, my lord, forgive my crimes!"
"No, this isn’t your fault alone."
Duane’s gaze swept past him and landed on Broo, who was trembling violently with fear.
"Perhaps you don’t know this, but I was the one who allowed Ryo to leak that information to you."
"Wh-what?"
Both Monbodt and Broo were stunned. The latter, in particular, was in disbelief.
"Ryo, that boy Ryo..."
’How could a fourteen-year-old boy be such a good actor?’
In truth, Ryo didn’t need to act.
After all, you only need to act when you’re telling lies. Ryo was telling the complete truth; there was no need for an act at all.
Realizing this, Monbodt collapsed to the ground like a deflated ball.
So it turned out that it wasn’t just the Broken Wave Gang and the Holy Hand Association; even he, Monbodt, was just a pawn being used by the Baron.
The Baron had merely leaked one piece of real intelligence to incite Bard’s betrayal.
At the same time, relying on Simone and Hardy, who had been deployed long in advance, he eliminated all his enemies in one fell swoop.
Monbodt no longer dared to look the Baron in the eye. The tip of his nose was practically touching the ground.
"Please, my lord... give me one more chance!"
Duane fell into a contemplative silence.
He wanted to give the man a chance; after all, Monbodt had his uses.
But it came back to the same point: he was the Lord, the master of Black Forest Island.
Some of his actions, even those made casually, would be seen and emulated by others.
If he were to let Monbodt go today, would that mean he should also forgive anyone else who betrayed him in the future?
"If I hadn’t made arrangements in advance, your betrayal would have been the death of me."
Duane snapped out of his thoughts. "A betrayal of this magnitude... I cannot forgive you. Likewise, your son, Broo, will not escape the death penalty."
As soon as these words were spoken, Broo wet himself in terror and was dragged away.
"Furthermore, Broo’s wife and son, who also wheedled the information out of Ryo that day, must also die."
Duane looked at Monbodt. "I know you have a grandson in Lingang Village, a farmer’s son."
Monbodt quickly looked up, pleading, "My lord, you are a merciful Lord! Zarik has nothing to do with this matter. And ever since my daughter died in childbirth, I haven’t had any contact with them. Please, spare him!"
Even though he was his grandson and they had no contact, the boy still carried his bloodline.
If his grandson were to die as well, Monbodt’s entire family line would be wiped out.
"Rest assured, I have no intention of holding the innocent accountable."
Duane’s words put the man at ease somewhat. He continued, "I’m just telling you that after you die, there will be someone to collect your bodies."
"I... I..."
Monbodt lowered his head again. "Thank you, Baron!"
Duane waved his hand, signaling the guards to take the group away and lock them up to await a joint trial and public execution.
"My lord, should we arrest that Zarik fellow?"
Second Captain Evans asked.
Duane shot him a look. "Does Zarik have anything to do with this?"
Evans scratched his head. "Doesn’t seem like it."
"Then why arrest him?"
Duane guessed that the man was probably trying to anticipate his wishes but lacked the courage to make the decision himself.
Then again, Zarik was just a commoner and posed no threat to Duane. His relationship with Monbodt was also distant.
If the man had been a powerful warrior with a close relationship to Monbodt, then he would indeed have to be more careful.
"We are civilized people. Do you know what that means?" Duane asked.
Evans immediately grew flustered, scratching his ear and cheek before finally shaking his head. "Sorry, I don’t."
"It means we abide by the law and act according to the rules. Understand?"
Duane said, "Since his grandson has nothing to do with him, leave him alone."
Evans nodded immediately. "I will remember your guidance!"