The expedition army’s welcome ceremony continued until the afternoon. Emperor Bartley Griffin lavishly rewarded the generals who had achieved military exploits. Some received higher titles, others more land, and yet others more wealth.
Then everyone returned to the palace. Bartley hosted a grand banquet, inviting all the courtiers and generals.
Kevin, along with his mentor and seniors, once again enjoyed a feast. This was not the emperor’s regular family banquet, but a meal prepared by renowned chefs from the capital.
The evening ended with all the guests departing in high spirits, seemingly satisfied with the banquet.
Kevin, having drunk a bit of wine, which was a bit much for someone unaccustomed to drinking, went straight to his room and fell into a deep sleep.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes and enduring a hangover, Kevin went to his mentor Aldridge’s study.
The scene in the study surprised him. In addition to his teacher Aldridge and senior Mond, there were three others — one of whom was Prince Antonio Griffin, who had triumphantly returned yesterday.
The prince was dressed in ordinary noble attire, wrapped in a hooded cloak, presumably to avoid recognition on his way here.
It seemed they had been conversing in the study for quite some time.
Kevin, unprepared, became nervous and stuttered, unsure of how to start the conversation.
Ambolov winked at him mischievously, as if amused, while Antonio observed him with interest.
“Kevin, come and greet the prince. You met him yesterday,” Aldridge finally intervened, helping his student out of his awkwardness.
Kevin quickly bowed to Antonio, “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Then he turned to the captain of the guard, “Greetings, Lord Ambolov.”
A smile appeared on Antonio’s face, making Kevin feel warmly welcomed.
“You are the new student of the teacher, quite young indeed.”
In fact, the prince was only four or five years older than Kevin.
Kevin shyly replied, “Thanks to Teacher Aldridge for accepting me.”
Antonio patted his shoulder, “Learn well from the teacher! You are indeed lucky, Aldridge hasn’t taken any students for many years.”
Antonio’s gesture reminded Kevin of his father — Emperor Bartley Griffin, their tones and actions strikingly similar.
Antonio inquired in detail about Kevin’s recent life and studies. Kevin answered each question, feeling that today’s prince was like a neighborly elder brother, not the unapproachable figure from yesterday. It seemed that the prince in his private life was not difficult to get along with.
“Teacher, you see…” Antonio stood up and put on his hood, signaling his departure. Ambolov and the presumed court lady also rose.
“Yes, it’s about time. Let’s go,” Aldridge picked up his cane. “Mond, you don’t need to come this time. Stay home with Kevin and entertain any visitors for me.”
Kevin understood that his teacher was leaving with the prince.
Mond responded, “Understood, teacher. Take care.”
Kevin and Mond saw Aldridge and his companions out. Mond muttered, “It seems the teacher is also not optimistic about the current situation.”
Minutes later, a carriage departed from the scholar’s district, carrying Antonio and three others.
Ambolov, sitting opposite the prince, initiated a conversation, “Your Highness Antonio, do you still stand by your original stance?”
Antonio did not respond, his brow furrowed in thought.
Aldridge gestured for silence, “Let’s discuss this when we arrive.”
Carol, sitting beside him, whispered, “Yes, better to discuss with the masters together.”
The carriage quickly left the imperial city, traveling along a highway to a building surrounded by a not-so-short wall patrolled by soldiers.
Apart from the city guard within the imperial city, the Gabella royal family had a standing military force of no less than 50,000, stationed here in the northern camp of the imperial district.
As the carriage approached the camp entrance, the coachman showed a token, and the guards immediately allowed them through, recognizing it as Prince Antonio’s carriage, whose military role granted him unrestricted access.
Upon reaching a building in the camp’s center, the four disembarked. A young red-haired officer, Siegfried Aephis, was already waiting for them. The camp was heavily guarded, even more so here. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel✦fire.net
“Prince Antonio, Lord Aldridge, everyone has arrived,” Siegfried greeted them.
“Let’s go inside,” Antonio led the way into the building, followed by the others.
In a spacious conference room, with a large round table around which sat nine people in black robes. They stood and bowed as the prince’s party entered.
Antonio looked around, “Only nine members of the Ten-Person Group? Master Barnett hasn’t returned?”
An elderly member replied, “Forgive us, Your Highness. Barnett went to the Northwest Bay and hasn’t returned.”
Antonio took his seat at the head of the table, Aldridge, Siegfried, and Ambolov sat on either side of him, with Carol standing behind him.
The prince continued, “I remember he went to the Northwest Bay last year.”
The same elder replied, “Yes, he returned briefly during Your Highness’s campaign, but left again a few days later.”
“Is the planned project not progressing well?”
The elder explained, “It seems so. The latest news is a battle between two factions of lords there, and unfortunately, the side supported by Barnett lost. Thankfully, our people withdrew safely. As for Barnett himself, his whereabouts are unknown. As you know, he is self-reliant and persistent in achieving his goals, especially since he personally planned the Northwest Bay project. He’s likely waiting for another opportunity, hidden somewhere. And…”
He coughed awkwardly, “Barnett always acts alone, often not communicating with the rest of us for months or even half a year.”
Antonio nodded, understanding Barnett’s lone wolf nature.