Chapter 31: The Duke’s Mansion
On their way, several nobles greeted Bama when they saw him. Some adventurers also bowed before quickly leaving, and the news spread like wildfire.
The Duke’s son was back in the capital.
News of Bama’s attempted assassination had already reached the capital. People were both shocked and amused that someone had actually dared to attempt such a thing.
More than that, however, some people cast strange glances at Bama as they passed, making him feel increasingly uncomfortable.
He wanted to know what had happened.
Just as they passed an alchemy shop, they overheard a conversation between two men who had come to purchase some potions.
"Have you heard? The King allowed the church to be built," the first man whispered.
"Really? Impossible. Doesn’t the King know what the church wants?" the second man asked.
"Of course he knows. But don’t you realize that the Royal Family has always wanted to reduce the influence of the Duke’s Mansion?" the first man explained.
The second man’s eyes widened.
"But why? Hasn’t the Duke’s Mansion always supported the Royal Family? Why would they suddenly want to cut their power?"
Knock!
"Ouch! What was that for?" the second man complained, rubbing the back of his head.
"No wonder you’re not being considered for the position of family head. You fool," the first man said through gritted teeth.
"Fine, let me ask you something. Who rules the kingdom?"
"The King, of course."
"Right. But haven’t you noticed that the Duke’s Mansion also seems to have considerable control over the kingdom?"
The second man’s expression changed.
"Wow... Has the Duke decided to stage a coup?"
"Idiot! No!"
The first man sighed.
"But listen. The Duke’s Mansion has influence over the kingdom’s treasury, food supplies, and even other noble families. Many nobles have pledged allegiance to them."
"Most importantly, the Duke controls a portion of the kingdom’s army."
"If he actually decided to stage a coup, the chances of succeeding would probably be around sixty percent."
The first man laid everything out while his companion’s hands trembled around the potions he was holding.
"No wonder..." The second man swallowed.
"If the Duke’s Mansion is weakened or destroyed, the King’s position becomes much stronger."
"On top of that, the church will require enormous resources to construct its temples and other structures. If the Duke’s Mansion is forced to give up its territory for the church, the Duke will lose even more influence."
"And once the church establishes itself within the kingdom, the Duke’s Mansion could find itself under constant pressure from them."
The second man’s expression became fearful.
The first man laughed.
"Finally, you understand. Seems you’re not completely stupid after all."
"And why do you think the King sent the Duke’s eldest son, a general, to the front lines of the war?"
"Isn’t it obvious? They want to keep him away from the kingdom while they support the church and put pressure on the Duke."
The first man smiled smugly.
"Brother... you’re really a genius."
Pah!
"I’m not brothers with a fool like you."
The first man rubbed his hand after smacking the back of his companion’s head.
"I’m going to the brothel. Get me some women."
"Brother! Wait! I’ll bring you some good girls! Father said your wisdom would eventually rub off on me!"
The second man hurried after him.
Meanwhile, Bama and Selak had stopped in their tracks.
Could everything they had just heard really be true?
"Young Master, relax," Selak said calmly.
"We’ll know everything once we return home."
Bama clenched his fists before slowly nodding.
---
A few minutes later...
A grand, palace-like structure appeared before them.
The enormous estate contained several massive courtyards connected to towering buildings.
Guards patrolled the area from every direction, while a long pathway stretched through the estate, connecting the various sections of the mansion.
At the main entrance stood two enormous statues depicting the ancestors of the Duke’s family.
Further inside, enormous murals decorated the walls, depicting scenes from the long history of the Duke’s family.
"Finally... home."
Bama smiled.
"Sir Selak, we will take our leave now."
The guards who had escorted them from the military base bowed respectfully.
"Alright," Selak replied.
The guards immediately departed.
Bama then turned toward Ronan and bowed slightly.
"I might not be able to accommodate you properly. As you heard, things aren’t exactly peaceful within the Duke’s Mansion right now."
"Forgive me if the hospitality isn’t what you expected."
"Young Master..." Selak wanted to say something, but Bama raised his hand, stopping him.
Meanwhile, Ronan’s face twitched.
Weren’t you acting normal just a moment ago? Did you suddenly lose a screw?
Whatever. Just do your thing.
Let me steal the Duke’s Seal and—
Tortoise.
Ronan froze.
Ah... Grandpa.
I must remain calm and steady.
He immediately composed himself and nodded.
Seeing this, Bama breathed a sigh of relief before rushing inside.
Selak and the others quickly followed.
The moment they entered the mansion, however, they immediately sensed that something was wrong.
The atmosphere was heavy.
Even the servants and guards seemed unusually tense.
"Welcome back, Young Master."
The guards greeted Bama, but none of them were smiling.
Bama’s expression changed.
Damn... Is it really true?
Even the guards looked solemn.
But the moment Bama and Selak entered deeper into the mansion, their expressions became even more serious.
Meanwhile, Yen followed behind them.
The moment she stepped inside, her breathing hitched.
What...?
It’s true.
The Duke really was a Supreme Realm expert.
And Yen could sense several terrifying King Realm auras within the mansion.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
If the Duke’s Mansion could somehow be weakened, Bama would lose some of his protection.
Killing him would become much easier.
Of course, the Duke’s family couldn’t possibly be destroyed so easily.
But even if they were weakened...
Even if their influence was reduced slightly...
To Yen, that was still a victory.
"What happened?" Selak asked as he looked toward the members of the Duke’s Mansion gathered outside a room.
Their expressions were solemn, their faces tense.
It seemed the rumors those two men had discussed were true.
The instant Bama saw the scene, however, he immediately charged toward the room.
"Young Master, no! That’s where the Eld—"
Click!
Bama opened the door and rushed inside.