Warhammer Divine Throne

”Mr. Marlebaz, you know why I’m in this line of work. Is it entertaining to keep rubbing salt in people’s wounds?” Jerald said impatiently, his goatee swaying gently as he spoke. The words had a peculiar accent, clearly not quite fluent in Brittania’s noble tongue. His accent was strange, like a curse.

Mathew Bade was somewhat unsure: ”Did you return to Brittania because you wanted to visit your hometown?”

”Would you believe me if I said so? Is there a need for me to explain anything if you don’t believe me?” Jerald seemed too lazy to explain his identity. He slapped away Mathew Bade’s hand, appearing infuriated by Mathew Bade’s presumptions: ”Just like earlier, if I kept calling you the runner-up of the Knight Tournament all day, would you be pleased?”

”...” Being exiled is a very shameful thing, and no one would want to bring up the details. Just like how Mathew Bade wouldn’t want to mention his failure at the Knight Tournament. Thinking of this, the young Ranger Knight felt some empathy, though his brow still carried a heavy hostility, his expression slightly eased: ”I apologize for my rudeness, how should I address you?”

”My name is Ronald.” Jerald lied without blinking: ”Ronald de Galle.”

”Mr. Ronald de Galle, would you be willing to accept my employment? I need someone as outstanding as you to assist me.” Mathew Bade suddenly felt something was amiss.

It seemed the entire rhythm of the conversation was controlled by the person before him. Having been trained from a young age under Witch Demon King Akhan, Mathew Bade sensitively realized he was being manipulated.

The young knight began to doubt these people again: ”Perhaps you would like to dine with me?”

”You need a guarantor. I won’t casually dine with others, especially with someone who earlier suspected I was an undercover agent. Without basic trust, you can arbitrarily detain trade partners, so why should I dine with someone like that?” Jerald refused, visibly offended: ”If my employer wishes to go, that’s his business. I won’t go.”

”Oh! I’d be willing to go!” The chubby merchant raised his hand: ”That way, I can save on dinner costs.”

”... Maybe next time.” Mathew Bade noticed the appearance of Vampire Lord Har, who had apparently come upon hearing the news. Mathew Bade knew he had no real power. His authority completely stemmed from his godfather, Witch Demon King Akhan, who didn’t actually oppose trading with humans. In theory, he was destined to be at a disadvantage.

After whispering with Vampire Lord Har for a while, Mathew Bade waved to signal the Desolate Tomb Guards to step aside.

...…

An hour and a half later, inside the inn.

”That scared me to death, we almost had our plans ruined by a madman. Jerald? I didn’t expect you to be quite so agile.” Laine shuddered at the thought of previous events, undoubtedly aware that Mathew Bade suspected their identities. Initially, he attempted to steer the conversation to make Mathew Bade angry and forget about it, but it turned out that Mathew Bade, who seemed genteel and dignified, was actually a madman in private. He had murderous intentions simply from being infuriated, nearly ruining Laine’s plan.

”Lying is unethical, and I will confess to the Lady, but in the face of greater good, in the duty of protecting the nation, these minor matters are secondary.” Jerald leaned against the cushion, his clothes soaked, also feeling relieved: ”In the face of greater good, my personal honor is of no importance.”

”Hmm! I’m sure the Lady will certainly forgive you.” Laine nodded repeatedly.

At this moment, Estelle and Des returned: ”My Baron, there’s new information.”

”What is it?” Laine stood up.

”We’ve been following Old Dike and found that he’s indeed still gathering hardwood and stone materials. Tonight, his transport team will leave the city, moving the materials to a location outside.” Des said in a low voice.

”Great! Prepare to take action!”