Chapter 293 - 291: The Letter

Chapter 293: Chapter 291: The Letter

「Sea Cliff Castle. Garden Courtyard.」

Lately, in addition to her usual studies of magic and Magic Potions, Natalia had also been spending more time learning about territorial governance, finance, and other related subjects.

She had to. Thinking of how exceptional Duane was, she felt compelled to improve herself, lest she prove ignorant after their marriage.

Of course, this was also at her father’s request.

According to Count Kais, while Duane was powerful, that power was limited to him as an individual.

Black Forest Island had a very shallow heritage, and the Brian Clan’s was even more so—they didn’t even have an heir.

That was why Count Kais had suggested Natalia learn more about the subject of Territorial Power.

Furthermore, once she was married, her primary task would be to bear Duane several children to ensure the continuation of the Brian Clan’s bloodline.

While Natalia wasn’t quite ready for the second task, she had already begun the first.

"Miss!"

Her personal guard, Eleanor, walked in. "Housekeeper Moer is here."

Natalia hummed in acknowledgment, her eyes still on the book in her hands as she took notes.

"This must be about finding a male servant for Duane. Please show him in."

With Owington leaving to oversee the development of the Silver Jade Territory, Duane was in need of a male servant.

When they last parted, Natalia had taken it upon herself to find him a personal male servant.

Soon, Moer, dressed in a clean and tidy housekeeper’s uniform, entered and bowed respectfully. "Miss, a letter has arrived for you."

"Hm?"

Natalia set down her book and pen. "From Duane?"

"Yes, Miss. A Messenger Bird just delivered it."

As per the Count’s instructions, all letters from Black Forest Island were to be delivered directly to Natalia.

Natalia’s mood brightened considerably upon hearing the letter was from Duane.

She rose from her seat, took the letter, and broke the seal, preparing to decipher it.

At the same time, she asked, "Regarding my proposal to have your grandson, Logan, serve as Duane’s personal male servant—have you given it some thought?"

"Your recommendation is a great honor for me and all of Logan’s family!"

Moer bowed deeply. "I’ve already brought Logan from the countryside. He’s at my quarters now."

He was taking this matter very seriously, as he could see the relationship between Count Duane and the Kennedy Clan—especially Miss Natalia—was far from ordinary.

Through a series of recent events, Moer had shrewdly deduced that Miss Natalia was very likely to marry Count Duane.

Thus, having his grandson serve Duane would be highly beneficial to the interests of the Blitz Clan.

"Excellent!"

Natalia smoothed out the letter and said, "Black Forest Island is developing at a rapid pace, and Duane needs capable aides. When you have time, you should instruct and guide Logan, so he can quickly get accustomed to his duties."

"You can rest assured, Miss. I’ve already had him assisting me these past two days to familiarize himself with the duties of a personal male servant."

As the veteran housekeeper of Sea Cliff Castle, Moer knew the responsibilities of a personal male servant like the back of his hand.

Moreover, Logan had grown up by his side, learning through observation, so he would only need a little guidance on the finer points to be more than competent.

The room fell silent.

As Natalia deciphered the letter, her expression grew increasingly grave.

When she learned that Orisien and Thomsen had landed on the island, injured his people, guards, and officials, and undermined Lord Duane’s authority, she grew furious.

As she deciphered the section about Duane’s battle with Thomsen, her heart was in her throat, fearing it was a plea for help after a defeat.

But upon learning that Duane had not only emerged victorious and unscathed but had also crippled Orisien, she breathed a sigh of relief, the corners of her lips turning up in an unconscious smile.

Clearly, he had done it, in part, for her.

Then a flicker of worry crossed her mind. ’Was this going a little too far?’

Sure enough, as she deciphered the rest, she realized Duane wanted to work with her father to orchestrate the next steps.

"Moer, is my father in the castle?" she asked, rising to her feet.

"His Lordship the Count went to Fengshui City this morning. As you know, they’re building the Fire-Furred Rabbit farm there, and he went to check on its progress."

The Knights had already captured a good number of live Fire-Furred Rabbits from Silent Peak and were ready to begin breeding them in captivity.

"Prepare a carriage and guards. I’m going to Fengshui City."

Moer froze for a moment, then immediately understood. There must be urgent news from Black Forest Island.

He didn’t dare to delay and immediately went to make the arrangements.

Fengshui City was managed by the Count’s eldest son, George. He had his own office and estate in the city.

Accompanied by George, Count Kais finished his inspection of the Fire-Furred Rabbit farm. The father and son then returned to the estate to discuss pressing family matters.

"It’s the busy farming season right now, but your mother, several of our family’s vassals, and I have agreed on a date. We will hold the engagement ceremony for you and Fiona on the twenty-eighth of August."

George was taller than Kais, and unlike his father’s staid temperament, he seemed much more cheerful.

"The twenty-eighth? Isn’t that Natalia’s birthday?"

Count Kais nodded. "We’ll handle a few things at once to save trouble. It’ll be the agricultural off-season, so you’ll have plenty of time."

"I have no objections."

George said with a smile, "Finalizing and announcing Natalia’s engagement to Duane sooner rather than later would be a great boon for us as well."

An alliance by marriage with a Silver Moon Level expert would undoubtedly elevate the Kennedy Clan’s prestige, and his own engagement to Fiona would finally wipe away the shame of being suppressed by Count Kudro for all these years.

"I will announce the date for your and Fiona’s wedding at the same time."

Count Kais added, "The wedding is set for December twelfth of this year. It’s a bit rushed, but it should be just enough time to prepare."

Typically, a noble family would prepare for the eldest son’s wedding a year or even more in advance, so the Kennedy Clan’s timeline was indeed rushed.

But George didn’t mind. To be free of his troubles and finally be with Fiona was more than enough for him.

After they finished discussing the wedding, George brought up another matter.

"Father, someone from the Royal Capital, a man claiming to be a Priest of the Holy Radiance Court, has been in contact with me recently."

"Heh. They must be looking for another way in since I wouldn’t budge. Someone has also approached your mother, as well as Jick and Cruz."

George nodded, his tone worried. "Some rumors have started spreading in Fengshui City... that you don’t want the people of Silent Shore to undergo the Church Court’s rites and become Extraordinary."

"I’ve already put out a counter-narrative based on Duane’s advice, but there are always some who refuse to listen."

Count Kais said, "That’s normal. The hearts of the people are not so easily controlled. Just ensure there are no large-scale gatherings or organized movements. If you see the slightest sign of one, find a pretext and crush it."

As long as the leadership remains firm, any agitation from below will be hard-pressed to succeed.

Unless King Eric is willing to pay any price to intervene with force.

As they were speaking, the sound of hurried footsteps grew closer.

They looked over to see George’s personal guard, Knight Dorion Kent.

"My Lord, Young Master, the young lady has arrived!"

Hm?

Both men were surprised. George said, puzzled, "Natalia rarely comes to visit her older brother. What could have brought her here today?"

"George, don’t you dare slander me in front of Father!"

Natalia strode in unannounced. "I visit a few times every quarter, don’t I?"

"Hahaha..."

George couldn’t help but laugh, teasing, "You should come visit once a month."

"Why don’t you come home more often to see me, then?"

The siblings bantered for a moment.

Count Kais steered the conversation back on topic, his eyes on the letter in his daughter’s hand. "A letter from Duane?"

’Only Duane could make my daughter go to the trouble of delivering a letter herself,’ he thought.

"Yes, Father. Something major has happened on Black Forest Island!"

Natalia handed him the letter.

Count Kais was filled with doubt. ’What major event could possibly happen on Black Forest Island?’

’Could Duane have discovered another unique resource?’

’Or perhaps... a Secret Realm has appeared there?’

He unfolded the letter, and after reading it, he sucked in a sharp breath.

"Hsss... This Duane... is unbelievable!"

George leaned in. "What is it, Father? May I see?"

Count Kais handed the letter to his son, his heart a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

He was excited because Duane had given him a massive surprise—he had defeated both Thomsen and Orisien all by himself.

Thomsen, in particular, was the newly arrived Chief Judge, whose fearsome reputation preceded him. It was said he was the strongest expert in the Kingdom, second only to Duke Kelvin, and even more powerful than Count Kudro.

And now, Duane had captured him alive.

"Duane is that strong?" George exclaimed.

Count Kais grunted in affirmation and looked at his daughter.

"Natalia, your future husband is now the second most powerful man in the Kingdom. How does that feel?"

Natalia flushed slightly and changed the subject. "Father, I think we should focus on how to handle this situation for now, don’t you?"

Count Kais dropped his playful tone and mused for a long moment before speaking. "Black Forest Island is isolated overseas. It will be at least half a month before Mitchell and the others discover that Orisien and Thomsen have been captured."

"We must use this time to unite with Sean, Orlando, Haydon, Stewart, and the other nobles."

"Just as Duane proposed in his letter, we will submit a joint letter of protest to the King, accusing the Holy Radiance Court of interfering with the rights of Lords, carrying out extrajudicial punishments, and acting with cruelty!"

George looked up from the letter. "After this, I suspect His Majesty’s new policies... will be dead in the water."

The Holy Radiance Court’s reputation is in tatters, and their threat of force has been greatly diminished. I’m afraid the only thing they have left to win over the people is Mitchell’s Great Blessing Technique.

"It’s all because that Orisien was a complete fool!"

Count Kais was secretly thankful he hadn’t been persuaded into that marriage alliance. Otherwise, taking on such an idiot for a son-in-law would have undoubtedly dragged down the Kennedy Clan.

George sighed. "I’ve met Duane twice. He seemed so mild-mannered. I never would have expected him to just go and cripple Orisien."

Count Kais, however, understood completely.

"Duane is young and exceptionally talented; he’s bound to have a proud heart. Orisien provoked him time and again. Anyone would have a temper, let alone someone like Duane."

He couldn’t help but imagine the look on the King’s face when he heard the news.

’Besides utter disbelief, what else could there be?’

"Father, will Duane be all right?"

George asked worriedly, "Do you think His Majesty will revoke Duane’s title and territory because of this?"

"Don’t worry, that’s impossible."

Count Kais stated with conviction, "If Duane were merely at the Shooting Star or Celestial Tier, he would most likely be made an example of to deter other dissenters."

"But he is the second strongest warrior in the Kingdom. Unless His Majesty can eliminate him in a single blow, he won’t risk offending him. If they were to push Duane into the arms of the Akutas Kingdom, it would be a grievous loss for Pruck."

A top-tier Extraordinary is, in and of themselves, a strategic-level asset.

"Alright, I won’t linger here any longer. I must return and deal with this."

That being said, Count Kais knew it was necessary to put pressure on the Royal Family.