Chapter 155: Turmoil in the Kingdom
"Grand Mage" was just a more impressive-sounding title for a Level 6 Mage.
Although the Power of Elements on the Shadow Mist Continent was gradually strengthening and the number of Mages was increasing, Level 6 Grand Mages remained a rarity.
Coupled with the various special abilities of Mages, their status was much higher than that of a Celestial Tier Warrior.
It was perfectly normal for His Majesty the King to take a liking to them, rewarding them with a manor or granting them an honorary title.
"Did this Grand Mage from the Fidun Kingdom pledge his allegiance to His Majesty the King?" Duane asked doubtfully.
’That seems like the only reason the Kingdom would treat him so generously.’
But Lloyd shook his head.
"Mage Clement didn’t join the Kingdom, but he and His Majesty have reached some sort of cooperative agreement."
From Lloyd’s explanation, Duane gained some understanding of this foreign Mage.
It turned out that Clement Polin had another identity: a specially dispatched Bishop of the Holy Radiance Court.
And this Holy Radiance Court had an even more impressive background.
It was not a product of the Fidun Kingdom, but rather hailed from a distant western landmass—the Sunset Continent.
It was said that the Sunset Continent wasn’t large, but the revival of its Power of Elements had occurred earlier than on the Shadow Mist Continent.
As a result, the overall strength of the Extraordinaries on the Sunset Continent was a cut above those on the Shadow Mist Continent, and the development of Magic was also a step ahead.
The Holy Radiance Court’s tenet was to spread love and peace, and they engaged in positive deeds such as healing the sick and wounded, pursuing light, and vanquishing evil.
"Did His Majesty permit him to proselytize within the Kingdom?" Duane asked.
’To be honest, the moment I heard the words "Church Court," a sense of resistance welled up inside me.’
Duane couldn’t pinpoint the reason; he just had a bad feeling about this faction.
He reflected on why he might feel this way and, after some thought, figured it was probably related to Daniels.
That man had used similar slogans on Black Forest Island, but in reality, he was engaged in the filthiest of deeds.
"His Majesty agreed!"
Lloyd said, "The Holy Radiance Court primarily spreads its teachings by treating the sick, which is beneficial for the Kingdom."
In truth, King Eric was more interested in Clement’s Magic Potion Recipes and his advanced understanding and knowledge of Magic.
’In Duane’s opinion, providing medical care is an excellent way to win the hearts of the people, especially in a society where the living conditions for the lower classes are so poor.’
’It’s hard to say whether the King bringing in the Holy Radiance Court is a blessing or a curse.’
’Of course, these weren’t matters a mere Little Baron like me should be worrying about. It’s useless to think so much about it.’
"Do you know when this Mage Clement arrived in the Royal Capital?"
He asked this question mainly to determine if King Eric had planned to take away Lakefront Manor all along.
’After all, bestowing it as a reward happened far too quickly.’
"I’m not sure of the exact time. I only know that before he entered the Royal Palace, Clement had already earned quite a reputation in the towns near the Royal Capital by using his Healing Magic."
As he spoke, something seemed to occur to him. "Fenglin Town... that’s not far from Lakefront Manor, is it?"
Duane nodded. He did recall the name Fenglin Town.
Lloyd mused aloud, "Perhaps Grand Mage Clement had his eye on your family’s Lakefront Manor for a while, and that’s why His Majesty immediately had it renovated and gifted to him right after you left."
Duane was taken aback for a moment. He hadn’t expected Lloyd to voice his own suspicions.
Duane couldn’t help but take the thought a step further.
’Perhaps it was precisely because Grand Mage Clement had his eye on Lakefront Manor that His Majesty seized the opportunity presented by Earl Orlando’s accusation against the Brian Clan to reclaim it.’
’Doing it that way would seem perfectly justifiable.’
’Just as I thought. This whole affair isn’t so simple.’
Roughly half an hour later, the group arrived at the Kennedy Clan’s manor in the Royal Capital.
It was an estate situated on a small hill, with lovely scenery and fresh air, much like the manor where Elwin had celebrated his birthday.
Duane was led to a guest room by a servant to settle in, while Raymond and the others joined the Count’s men to watch over Garrot.
Kais was resting in his study, seemingly waiting for something.
Soon, Lloyd knocked on the door and entered.
"Father!" he called out respectfully.
Kais nodded. "Is Duane settled in?"
"He’s settled in. And I’ve also disclosed to him what you asked me to."
Lloyd added, looking a little puzzled, "Father, you must think highly of Duane to go so far as to mislead him."
Kais’s eyes flashed. "What do you mean, mislead? Was what I had you tell him not the truth?"
Lloyd instantly knew he had misspoken again and could only lower his head, murmuring his assent.
"I sent you to the Royal Capital to gain experience for so long, and yet you still speak without any tact?"
Kais sighed. "Even if I hadn’t told Duane, he probably would have figured it out. His Majesty had his own selfish reasons for reclaiming Lakefront Manor. If not for Bishop Clement, Duane might never have become the Baron of Black Forest Island."
"You were right, Father. Duane brought it up himself. He must have already had his suspicions."
At this, Lloyd couldn’t help but be impressed. "Knight Carter was always focused on strength; I never expected his son to be so politically astute. No wonder you hold him in such high regard."
Kais had mentioned in a letter that with Duane’s strength and resources, he was bound to have a promising future.
Black Forest Island was very close to Silent Shore, so it was best to forge a strong bond between them.
The main reason he had Lloyd reveal His Majesty’s selfish motives was to prevent Duane from developing too favorable an impression of the King. He didn’t want Duane bypassing Silent Shore to cultivate a close relationship with the Royal Family, which would cause the Kennedy Clan to lose out on potential benefits.
However, everything he’d had Lloyd say was true; he hadn’t fabricated or misrepresented anything. Even if Duane found out, there would be nothing he could hold against him.
"Alright, let’s move on to His Majesty’s affairs. Who has he summoned recently?"
He had come this time for Freddy’s Secret Realm.
"After His Majesty learned you were coming to the Royal Capital, he summoned the Third Corps Commander, Hunter, as well as the Minister of State Affairs, Peter."
Count Kais nodded slightly.
’Hunter is the eldest grandson of Duke Kelvin Hughes. Summoning him is the same as notifying the Duke himself.’
’As for Peter, one of the Ministers of State Affairs, he is the eldest son of Marquis Sean Smith, who is the leader of the Iron Blood Faction.’
’Clearly, putting pressure on that front will require the coordinated efforts of these two.’
"Anyone else? What about Kurudo at the border?"
Kurudo Hassa was a border Count of the Kingdom, stationed in the northeast corner of the map.
The Hassa Clan wasn’t keen on managing its Territory; the family’s existence was entirely dependent on the Kingdom’s support. They were part of the Royalist Faction and deeply trusted by the King.
"His Majesty has already dispatched an urgent letter to Count Kurudo, but I don’t know its contents."
Lloyd thought for a moment. "I don’t think there was anyone else."
"That’s enough."
The people Eric had notified, plus Kais Kennedy himself, included representatives from the Kingdom’s high Nobility and all of its factions.
Kais stroked the green ring on his thumb. "It looks like His Majesty is planning to make a big move."
Lloyd nodded. "The Akutas Kingdom’s relationship with the Fidun Kingdom has been poor for the last two years. Now one of their nobles has attempted to assassinate Duane. This is a provocation against the Pruck Kingdom, and it gives us an excellent pretext."
A corner of Count Kais’s mouth curled up. "Freddy has certainly run into some terrible luck. He won’t be able to smooth this over without letting a little blood."
"Alright, that’s enough talk about politics for now."
Count Kais stood up and took a longsword from its rack.
Lloyd’s expression immediately turned bitter. "There’s no need for this, is there, Father?"
Kais let out a cold laugh. "You’ve been an Advanced Warrior for two years now, yet you’ve shown no signs of breaking through. You must be slacking."
He drew the longsword, and the clear, ringing sound of the blade leaving its scabbard made Lloyd’s scalp tingle.
"If I find you haven’t made a shred of progress, don’t blame me for being harsh."
Lloyd knew there was no getting out of this test, so he could only brace himself and follow his father out the door.