Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1327: Mission From The Grand Duke

“If the young miss is willing to permit the use of the Grand Duke’s name, then even if the Duvelle and Arugant families want to file a formal protest, they will have to consider the Grand Duke’s prestige first. I will see to it that the investigation is carried out with haste.” Mithron said as he gave a meaningful look to Quicksil.

“I must excuse myself. Lady Harpe, it is good to see you looking healthier and brighter than ever.” Quicksil said as he gave a polite bow.

“I will keep your kind words at heart. Walk with caution.” Amelia commented.

Quicksil looked over at Amelia and said, “Miss Dovesing, I would like to get the reward promised to you sorted before I become rather busy. Would you care to accompany me?”

“I appreciate your consideration.” Leah responded.

Leah could read between the lines. It was obvious that an important conversation was about to take place. And, Leah had already heard things that she was not supposed to hear.

While she had her curiosity as a mage, Leah was also mindful of the powers gathered in this room.

“Lady Harpe, I wish you a speedy recovery. Palace Master—may our paths cross once more.” Leah said sincerely.

After a brief exchange of farewells, Quicksil and Leah left the room.

Now, there was only Izroth, Amelia, Mithron and Old Shan.

Not long after Quicksil and Leah took their leave, the atmosphere around Amelia shifted as her expression became serious.

“What I am about to say does not leave this room. This is not a request, but an order as one who carries the will of the Grand Duke of Harpe.” Amelia said sternly.

To give an order that carried the will of a noble house was one that must be followed as if the order came from the person who led that noble house. In other words, it could be seen as being the direct will of the Grand Duke himself.

Of course, no one was crazy enough to throw around something so important casually. The fact that Amelia was willing to do so meant that whatever she had to say must be upheld to the utmost secrecy.

Everyone gave their own form of silent agreement.

“Good. Normally, I would have only discussed this with Uncle Mithron and Old Shan. However, since Supreme Elder Izroth is already connected to this matter and you are my life savior, I want you to hear this as well.” Amelia stated.

She then continued, “Officially, I came to Danaharpe as a guest of the Kroma Family to strengthen the bond between our families and for personal enjoyment. Unofficially, I was sent here by my father to investigate the origins of a dangerous substance that has recently found its way into the Capital City of Amaharpe and other major cities within the kingdom. There is news that this dangerous substance has even spread as far as Proximus, Rosentarus, and O’Tohelm. But, we believe it originated somewhere within the Amaharpe Kingdom’s borders.”

‘Oh? If this dangerous substance was meant to disrupt Amaharpe and its allied force , Proximus and Rosentarus makes sense, but… Why O’Tohelm was well? Is it due to their neutrality? But, if that were the case, wouldn’t it also have also spread to Pzenium?’

Despite the recent attack O’Tohelm launched against the Amaharpe Kingdom’s Terraharpe City, they were still considered a neutral force in the ongoing war. As for the kingdom of Pzenium, they were basically mercenaries who joined whichever side provided the most benefits. Therefore, they could not be seen wholly as allies or enemies. In a sense, they could even be seen as a neutral party.

“This mission and dangerous substance you mentioned—does it have to do with why you were attacked in the Noble District?” Izroth questioned.

“I cannot say for certain. But, that is the highest possibility of why the attack occurred.” Amelia replied.

“That’s right—young miss. What exactly happened on that day? The guards in charge of your protection either perished or cannot remember any meaningful details about those behind the attack. It’s almost as if their minds have been erased or altered.” Mithron said with a frown.

“That day, I mentioned that I was going out for some sightseeing. But, in truth, I was on my way to meet with the person who has been providing me vital information during my time in Danaharpe. Originally, we were supposed to meet at a private place to avoid any unwanted eyes; however, I never managed to make it to the agreed meeting location.” Amelia said as she released a small sigh and shook her head in disappointment.

“This person you were supposed to meet with—is it possible that they betrayed you and set a trap knowing the route you’d take to the meeting location?” Mithron asked.

“No, that person is someone trustworthy. More importantly, she is quite ambitious and good at seeing the big picture. Her goals are not ones that can be accomplished by selling me out.” Amelia confirmed.

She then continued, “I do not know how they caught wind of the route I decided upon, but it’s also possible that they set traps at multiple locations and I simply walked into one unknowingly. That day, as I was being escorted by the guards, I heard the sound of multiple explosions outside the carriage. By the time I stepped out, most of the dangers had already been incapacitated. Then, I saw someone emerge from the cloud of dust, smoke and flames. I could not tell if that person was a man or woman due to the surroundings and the fact that they wore a black cloak with a hood that covered their face in darkness.”

“Before I could respond, that person appeared in front of me and forced me to consume a strange dark liquid contained within a small vial. After that, I remember my consciousness fading. Then, before I knew it, I was back here at the Kroma Family estate and when I opened my eyes, I saw Supreme Elder Izroth.” Amelia explained.

“How dare they!” Mithron said as he exploded in anger and a suffocating aura flooded the room.

The reason behind Mithron’s anger was simple. Not only did he care for Amelia as if she were his own daughter, but if anything happened to her, the Kroma Family would not have been able to escape the Grand Duke wrath.

Not just the Kroma Family, but the entirety of Danaharpe would have been turned upside down!

Of course, the Grand Duke was not someone who would go around recklessly slaughtering innocent civilians for the sole sake of revenge. But, the nobles of Danaharpe would have had no way out. After all, it was practically impossible for a person or force capable of invading the Noble District to gain access without the knowledge of at least one noble.

“Hmph, what’s done is done. What will losing your temper do? If you want a place to direct your anger, save it for when the culprits are found. Be it the Duvelles or Arugants—show them that the Kroma Family does not lack fangs, but simply choose to keep them hidden.” Old Shan spoke calmly.

Mithron calmed himself and retracted his aura as he released a heavy sigh.

“I have shown you all a disgraceful side. It is as Old Shan says. I will make those who caused your suffering pay an appropriate price for their offense.” Mithron stated with convicition.

As Mithron got his outburst under control, Amelia’s gaze had traveled to Izroth. He currently looked to be in deep thought. She was surprised that he had not lost focus for a single moment despite Mithron’s outburst of aura.

Amelia was curious to ask what Izroth was thinking so deeply about; however, she did not want to interrupt his thoughts. But, as if the world could feel her curiosity, Izroth came out of his deep thoughts and spoke.

“The person who approached you, is there anything else you noticed about them? Any symbols or markings? Their voice, perhaps? Did they say anything to you?” Izroth asked.

Amelia squinched her brows together as she closed her eyes. A few seconds later, her eyes popped open as a look of realization appeared on her face.

“Now that you mention it, I think that person did say something..! But, it’s strange. Their voice—it sounded like two people talking over each other. Everything was so chaotic, I wrote it off as my mind playing tricks on me, but… Yes, I am certain. That person said something about… A face? We are a face? I know it does not make any sense, but…” Amelia seemed a bit frustrated as she tried to recall that person’s strange voice and words.

“We are a Faceless One.” Izroth said.

“Yes, those were the words..! I am sure of it. But, how does Supreme Elder Izroth know those words?” Amelia said as she could not hide her surprise.

“Those words are always uttered by those disgusting things that belong to an organization called the League of the Eidolon. The person who attacked you must have been one of the Four Blades of The Faceless One, a cursed weapon that consumes the user. They are used by the League of the Eidolon to carry out its will.” Old Shan stated with a sharp gaze.