Loyalty 3
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Your Highness."
McDonald looked at Prince Antonio, hesitating to speak.
Jonny had already been rescued from the D'Arshi family. Regardless of whether it was McDonald's doing, it meant he had completely severed ties with the D'Arshi family. The D'Arshi family had gained McDonald's temporary loyalty through Jonny as a hostage, but now that the hostage was rescued, that temporary loyalty had instantly transformed into hatred, and the rift between them could never be repaired.
"Sir."
Antonio could understand the meaning in McDonald's eyes.
Or rather, McDonald's thoughts were exactly what he hoped for.
"If you don't mind… oh, I mean I don't have much experience in caring for children, but at least his personal safety can be guaranteed. If you're comfortable, you can let this child stay with me, and I will put him under my protection."
McDonald let out a gentle sigh, feeling a heavy weight lift from his heart.
"Your Highness, that's exactly what I wanted to ask of you. However, you have already gone through the trouble of rescuing Jonny, and now I'm asking you to provide him with protection. I truly feel like I'm imposing on you too much."
"Haha!" Antonio waved his hand. "You're being too polite. Have you forgotten that this child is also a descendant of the Griffin family? Heishares the same blood as I do. If we go by seniority, he should call me uncle. In every way, my obligations to him far exceed yours."
A warm feeling surged in McDonald's heart. Even though he knew this was likely a display put on by a prince pursuing the empire's highest power, it was still effective.
"Your Highness, I appreciate your kindness. I swear that Jonny will never pose a threat to you. He and his descendants will live as ordinary citizens of the empire for generations to come."
"…Under you and your descendants' rule."
The last line from the old marshal was evidently loaded with meaning.
Prince Antonio smiled, knowing that McDonald had now taken his side—at least he wouldn't obstruct him.
"No, no, no! Don't you think it's too cruel for Jonny? Just because of an error that, strictly speaking, can't even be called a mistake in his ancestor's actions, he is unable to enjoy the glory that comes with his bloodline. That's too unfair."
"What do you mean?"
"Marshal McDonald, I assure you that if I… if at some future point I have enough power, I will restore Jonny's status as a royal family member and give him the glory and treatment he deserves."
At this moment, McDonald finally made up his mind. He would do everything in his power to support the prince before him.
…
The guards knelt motionless before their master, quietly awaiting his inquiries.
The guard's master was an elderly man with white hair and beard, in his sixties. His beard was carefully trimmed, naturally hanging in front of his chest, and he wore a long silk robe, exuding an air of scholarly elegance.
He was Duke D'Arshi, the chancellor of the Gabella Empire, and also the current emperor's father-in-law and the grand prince's grandfather.
"So, you're saying…"
The duke, who had been sitting quietly with his eyes seemingly closed in meditation, finally spoke.
"The Somolet family has… all perished?"
"Yes, my lord. When we went to inspect today, we didn't find a single survivor—only ashes of corpses, no way to identify who was who."
The old man maintained his calm demeanor.
"The child is also nowhere to be found?"
"Yes… he may have perished in the fire."
"Do you think this fire was an accident?"
"No, my lord. I believe this fire was most likely deliberately set."
The old man half-opened his eyes. "Reason?"
The guard thought for a moment and replied:
"First, the center of the disaster area just happens to be the Somolet family's residence. Secondly, according to the night watchman's recollections, when the fire started, a column of fire shot straight into the sky and then scattered. We don't know how that was done, but such a scene certainly doesn't look like an accidental fire."
The old man clenched his hands tightly, pondering a huge question in his mind.
What about that child?
If the child had indeed perished in the fire, McDonald would surely pour all his wrath onto the grand prince and the D'Arshi family. If the child had been rescued, the D'Arshi family would lose their leverage over McDonald and still bear the brunt of his anger.
Regardless, McDonald would undoubtedly sever ties with the D'Arshi family and the grand prince.
The situation had escalated to a tricky point.
The Duke of D'Arshi quietly thought, was there an insider on his side? Or had McDonald and Antonio colluded long ago, seeking Antonio's help after being threatened by him? But would he not care about the child's life and death?
A sound of footsteps interrupted the Duke's thoughts.
The guard who had previously reported to him saluted the newcomer. "Your Highness, good day."
The grand prince Felix of the Gabella Empire looked anxious as he faced his grandfather.
"Grandfather, I've heard that something has happened in Heisha Town?"
The Duke of D'Arshi frowned. His distinguished grandson could never contain his temper. How could he bear the responsibilities of a ruler?
He signaled for the guard to explain the situation to Felix.
The guard, feeling pressured, recounted the situation in Heisha Town to the grand prince.
"Worthless! All of you are worthless! You can't even keep an eye on one person!"
The prince vented his anger on the guard, stomping his foot on his face. The guard licked the blood from the corner of his mouth, remaining silent.
Felix immediately concluded that the fire was man-made.
This was a provocation! A serious provocation!
That Antonio guy had the audacity to slap him in the face with such arrogant means.
"Felix, you're too impatient!"
The Duke of D'Arshi could no longer stand it and reprimanded him.
"But, grandfather,"
Felix waved his arms, "What if that old coot McDonald stands on Antonio's side? It would greatly enhance his military strength."
The Duke of D'Arshi spoke sternly:
"Felix, if you truly intend to inherit this empire, you must cultivate the ability to remain calm even when mountains crumble before your eyes."
"McDonald is indeed a powerful force, but he hasn't reached the point of being able to destroy us. Otherwise, this country would have long been the McDonald family's territory. What are you and Antonio still fighting over?"
Felix's face turned red from the Duke's words.
"Grandfather, I was wrong. But what should we do now?"
The Duke of D'Arshi opened his eyes completely, a glimmer of sharpness in his gaze.
"Since it has come to this, some plans must be moved forward ahead of schedule."
(End of the Chapter)
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