Babol Village

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

At the entrance of Babol Village, a few knights dressed in armor were sitting on their horses, gazing far down the eastern road.

"Lord Ferguson,"

a younger knight asked the leader, "do you think Paul Grayman will come?"

Ferguson glanced at him. "Chacon, Lord Grayman is a man of his word. Since I received his reply, and it was a positive one, he will definitely arrive on the agreed date."

The young knight fell silent, continuing to watch the end of the road.

At that moment, a cloud of dust began to rise in the distance.

Gradually, the dust became more pronounced, as if a troop was approaching.

"They're coming! They're flying the lord's family banner," someone with good eyesight shouted in confirmation.

Ferguson felt a weight in his heart, as if a stone suspended high above finally fell, landing heavily on his chest.

He said in a low voice, "Everyone, the lord is coming. Keep your thoughts to yourselves and be careful in your hospitality. Don't let anything slip."

"Don't worry, Lord Ferguson,"

the others patted their chests in assurance.

As the troop drew closer, they could finally see the size of the group. Ferguson estimated there were over fifty people.

His heart tightened again. What's going on? Why are there so many people?

Is the lord here for a hunt, or… or… is he here to arrest someone?

He knew that the guards protecting the lord were all highly skilled fighters; those fifty people could easily overpower five hundred of his own men.

But now, the bows were already strung, and there was no turning back.

Ferguson braced himself and gave the reins a gentle shake. His steed, sensing its master's complicated emotions, was unusually restless and did not move as obediently as usual, instead turning anxiously in place.

"Shak! Easy, behave."

Ferguson stroked the horse's neck, calming the restless beast. Finally, the horse began to move forward with small steps.

As he approached within about a hundred yards of the troop, two knights galloped out from the group.

"Stop right there! State your identity!" one of the knights shouted at Ferguson.

"I am Ferguson, a knight of the Grayman family! The lord knows me."

Ferguson replied loudly, feeling a bit annoyed. However, it had been a few years since he left Alden Town, so these two might be new and not recognize him.

The troop had stopped, and Paul recognized Ferguson. He called out, "It's fine; let him through."

The two knights stepped aside, clearing a path for Ferguson.

Ferguson urged his horse forward and quickly reached Paul. He dismounted and performed a traditional knightly bow to Paul.

"Thank you for coming to meet me, Lord Grayman. My friends and I are honored by your presence today."

"Long time no see, Ferguson!" Paul laughed heartily. He had intended to hug Ferguson but was immediately reminded by a sharp glance from Victor, the captain of the guards.

Since a while ago, the head of the intelligence department, Cecil, and Victor had repeatedly advised Paul not to get too close to people he didn't often interact with, no matter how familiar and trustworthy they had been in the past.

Considering the sensitive matters he had been involved in lately, Paul decided to heed their advice.

He looked at the family knight with a hint of apology.

"I should be the one thanking you for inviting me to such an interesting event. Ah, I've been too busy lately, so I had to decline your several invitations. I'm very sorry. Hahaha!"

"Not at all!" Ferguson responded with a laugh. "It is a great honor for me that Lord Grayman can come. It's just…"

He glanced at the long line of people, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"Oh! It's all Victor's fault."

Paul didn't hesitate to place the blame on the captain of the guards, "I said it's just a short trip on my own territory, not a grand audience with the king; there's no need for such a grand display, but he wouldn't listen and insisted on doing it this way."

His tone carried a bit of indignation.

Victor, unphased, dismounted and warmly embraced Ferguson.

"Long time no see, Lord Ferguson."

"Indeed, it has been a long time. Victor, you've matured. Are you now in charge of Lord Grayman's security?"

"Yes!"

"What about Ross?"

"Lord Hayden is now in charge of public safety, and I've been pushed into this position."

Victor and Ferguson were old acquaintances. He explained why he brought so many guards, "Lord Ferguson, you've been living in the countryside, out of touch with the outside world, but today's Alden is no longer the remote and dilapidated place it used to be. There are countless people, both openly and secretly, coveting Lord Grayman's power and wealth, including his life. So now when Lord Grayman goes out, I have no choice but to arrange for so many people."

He put on a complaining expression, "Sigh, you know, I'm under a lot of pressure now." He tossed his hair back. "Look at my hair now; I have much less than when we last met."

Ferguson's anxious heart eased slightly upon hearing their words; it seemed they didn't bring so many people just for him.

"Please, Lord Grayman, come to my manor first. I will welcome you and help you shake off the fatigue from your journey."

Ferguson smiled, inviting Paul. "Oh, right." He pointed to the few people still waiting at the entrance of the village.

"There are a few friends who came to welcome you with me. Let me introduce them to you later."

Paul nodded, "Alright! Take me to your manor, Ferguson."

Ferguson mounted his horse again and led Paul's troop toward the village.

…

"Grayman has arrived!"

At the village entrance, the remaining knights watched as Ferguson approached the lord's troop.

The young man referred to as Chacon expressed some unease, "Why did he bring so many people? Could he have found out something in advance?"

"Just wait and see what Lord Ferguson decides,"

Replied another slightly older young man.

"Hmph! What does it matter how many people he brings? This is our territory. Once they arrive, we'll be the ones in control. More people will just serve as company for Grayman's burial."

The young man's eyes were cold as he looked at the troop.

(End of the Chapter)

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Translated 4 Series, 1.65K+ Chapters and 2.01M+ Words.