Chapter 29. Deep in the Night
After the unprecedented train attack, the early evening in Thebe was anything but quiet. Despite rumors of the serious incident having begun to spread, the night of the city remained as lively as ever. Magical lights illuminated the streets, and the night market in the central plaza had a festive atmosphere.
"Quite a view," Caron remarked.
They were inside the ornate conference room of the City Hall, a building that stood at the heart of the bustling city. Outside the windows, the prosperity of Thebe was visible in every direction. Despite the late hour, Caron and his group, along with Thebe's mayor and city council members, were gathered for a meeting. The reason for that was simple.
"Mayor Grine, this is your responsibility!" one council member shouted.
"Why are we being questioned at this hour? There's no one more innocent than us!" another protested.
They had been summoned without warning, and the council members were clearly unhappy about it.
As a small commotion erupted in the conference room, Caron quietly observed Mayor Grine. According to Hans, Grine was a puppet mayor, often swayed by the council and lacking the will to enforce his authority. It wasn't that he lacked political skill, but he simply didn't have the drive to lead. But the man standing before them didn't match that description at all.
"I'd appreciate it if you all shut your mouths. Is there a problem with me, as the mayor, summoning you here?" Mayor Grine snapped.
The passive mayor who usually accepted the council's demands and collected his salary without complaint was now gone.
"Today, the direct descendants of the Ducal Family of Leston almost died in Thebe Autonomous Territory. Do you really think it's an issue that I summoned you all in such an emergency?" Mayor Grine continued.
"No matter the situation, it's late, and—" one council member began, but was cut off.
"You were probably drinking, or being entertained by women? Or perhaps it's both? It must've been one of those, am I wrong?" Grine shot back. It seemed he had been holding back his frustration for quite some time, and now he unleashed it, fiercely criticizing the council members.
Caron decided to lend his support to Mayor Grine as he observed the scene unfolding before him. He said calmly, "It seems that Mayor Grine is the only one here who truly cares about our well-being."
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly changed. The council members couldn't ignore the underlying implication in his words.
One of the council members stuttered, "That's not what we meant... It's just, we thought that an investigation in the morning perhaps would be more thorough..."
"And what is your name, councilman?" Caron asked in a polite but firm tone.
"My name is Viscount Humir. I lead the Humir Trading Company," the councilman answered Caron.
"I appreciate the sincere advice. I'll be sure to pass along your name to my grandfather," Caron replied.
"I-I misspoke! Please, reconsider just this once!" Viscount Humir exclaimed in terror.
After that, none of the council members voiced their complaints, and the room fell into a tense silence.
However, that silence didn't last long.
Knock, knock.
A voice from outside announced, "The Commissioner of the Imperial Tax Office has arrived."
Everyone in the room immediately stood up.
Moments later, the door creaked open, and men in suits entered the room, quickly lining up on either side of the doorway in a disciplined manner. In unison, they called out, "The Commissioner is entering."
An elderly man slowly walked into the conference room. His hair was neatly parted and slicked back; his suit was impeccable, without a single speck of dust on it. Despite his age, his physique was surprisingly robust, and his stern features exuded an air of authority.
As soon as the commissioner entered, the council members held their breath, their nervousness palpable.
People would believe it even if he was introduced as a soldier, not a Commissioner of the Imperial Tax Office, Caron thought, smiling slightly as he saw the Commissioner, his grandfather, enter the room.
Who would ever think that this man was a public official? He seemed more like the leader of a powerful criminal organization.
"So it seems everyone is already here," Commissioner Gyle Periton remarked as he surveyed the room. His gaze eventually settled on Caron and he said warmly, "I'm relieved to see you safe, Caron. I was very worried."
"It's been a while, Grandfather," Caron replied.
"Let's catch up later, my boy. Your grandfather has some business to attend to first," Gyle said with an affectionate smile toward Caron. His expression was filled with a typical grandfatherly warmth that contrasted with the sternness he had just displayed.
That warmth faded quickly as Gyle turned to the other council members. He said, "From this moment, Special Division One of the Imperial Tax Office will be conducting a full audit of your trading companies. We've received reports that some of you have been accumulating wealth through smuggling and tax evasion. This investigation is being carried out under imperial decree. If you fail to cooperate, immediate action will be taken by the royal knights. Consider yourselves warned."
Viscount Humir, who had already been on the receiving end of Caron's remarks earlier, shot to his feet and said, "We will fully comply with the audit, but isn't this investigation rather unprecedented? Our trading company hasn't even had time to prepare."
Despite the complaint, Gyle maintained his gentle smile and asked, "And your name is...?"
"Grandfather!" Caron interjected. "This is Viscount Humir. He was the one who questioned why they were called for an investigation at this late hour!"
With Caron's decisive input, Gyle marched toward Viscount Humir without hesitation. In one sudden movement, he grabbed Humir by the collar and lifted him off the ground, shouting, "So it was you! You're the one who tried to harm my grandson, you worthless scum!"
Humir gasped for air, his voice straining as he protested, "It's a misunderstanding! I swear!"
"A misunderstanding? Fine, we'll see how much of a misunderstanding it is when we thoroughly audit your trading company. There's always dirt to find," Gyle snarled before calling out, "Head of Special Division One!"
A burly man stationed by the door responded promptly, "Yes, Commissioner."
"Start with this man's company. Hunt down every trace of suspicious funds. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
Humir stuttered in desperation, "It's a mistake! We had nothing to do with this incident..."
"The royal court will decide that, not you!" Gyle retorted sharply.
The conference room had transformed into a courtroom, and the tension was palpable. Amid the icy atmosphere, Mayor Grine quietly approached Caron, whispering, "I've never seen your grandfather so furious. Is this a common sight for you?"
Caron smiled and nodded, replying, "I told you, my Grandfather cares deeply for me."
***
After the turbulent events at the City Hall, Caron and Gyle stepped out onto the bustling streets. This was a rare moment Caron had managed to secure by charming his grandfather into taking some leisure time.
"I heard that the train you were on was derailed. Shouldn't you get a medical check-up?" Gyle asked, his eyes filled with concern as he looked at his beloved grandson.
Caron held a skewer of lamb he had just bought from a street vendor. He said reassuringly in a casual tone, "I'm fine, Grandfather. Honestly, there's nothing to worry about."
"There might still be some of those attackers hiding in the city, targeting you. It could be dangerous," Gyle said worriedly.
"I just wanted some fresh air. Besides, I don't think it will be that dangerous," Caron replied, taking a bite of the skewer while subtly scanning his surroundings.
Not far off, Oceanwolf Knights were discreetly keeping an eye on him, along with some other knights who were clad in plain clothes with swords at their sides. Caron recognized the familiar aura emanating from them. It was a kind of power he had known not in this life, but in his previous life, when he was known as Cain Latorre.
They're the Imperial Guards, Caron noted silently. Imperial Guards were trained in the royal family's mana arts, which gave their power a distinct and rhythmic signature.
"It makes sense, given my crucial position in the government," Gyle mused, noticing Caron's awareness. "You've even spotted the Imperial Guards... My grandson has become quite the knight. People say you've already reached 4-Star, is that right?"
"Wait, how did you know that? Only those in Azureocean Castle should be aware of that," Caron said, surprised.
"Your paternal grandfather told me. I pestered him quite a bit to keep me updated on you," Gyle chuckled, his face beaming with pride.
From the moment Caron was born, he had been a source of pride for Gyle. He had worried when Caron entered Azureocean Castle, but the grandson he was meeting for the first time three years had grown remarkably; not just physically, but also in the aura he gave off. Caron was now every bit a knight of Azureocean Castle.
Caron has always been exceptional, Gyle reminisced.
On Caron's first birthday, Gyle had playfully rubbed his beard against Caron's cheek, but was slapped hard enough that his cheek still tingled at the memory. When Caron was five years old, he had ventured outside and beaten the local bullies nearly to death. And when he was seven, Caron had taken down a wild boar with his bare hands on a walk in the nearby mountains. He had always been extraordinary, and was a precious treasure in Gyle's eyes.
But now, thinking about those who had tried to harm his grandson made Gyle grit his teeth in anger. He asked, "Do you have any idea who might be behind this?"
Caron had been clever even from a young age. He was perceptive and quick-witted, sometimes seeming as if he was playing a game that flew over the heads of the adults around him. If anyone could guess the culprit, it would be Caron.
"Hmm. No one comes to mind right now," Caron replied.
"It's not a family matter, is it?" Gyle wondered, his voice tinged with concern.
"My uncles wouldn't go this far. I'm not that much of a threat to them yet," Caron responded casually before taking another bite of his skewer, dismissing the idea that his family could be involved. If it had been their doing, they wouldn't have been so careless.
"They left clues on purpose to make it look like the work of the Pajar Sultanate, almost as if they wanted us to reach that conclusion," he observed. While the information they had was limited, he had no intention of just sitting back. If he lacked information, he would simply have to go out and gather it himself.
"You have a plan, don't you?" Gyle asked directly, sensing the determination in his grandson.
Caron smiled brightly with a nod and said, "Yes, I do."
"Are you planning to tell me about it?"
"I want to avenge my comrades," Caron said, his eyes darkening with a fierce resolve.
Gyle could feel the intensity of his grandson's emotions, filled with clear intent to kill. In this situation, he knew there was only one course of action he could take. He said, "I'd rather you put those thoughts aside, Caron. You'll be going to the capital with me tomorrow."
"Grandfather—" Caron started to protest, but his grandfather cut him off.
"It's an imperial order. His Majesty himself has commanded that I bring you to him. That's the only reason I'm here," Gyle explained.
It was true that Caron was growing stronger every day, but he was still young. Gyle had seen too many gifted individuals, overconfident in their abilities, who had ended up meeting untimely deaths. He couldn't allow Caron to follow that path.
"For today, just spend time with me, enjoy the stroll, and get some rest when we return home," Gyle instructed, leaving no room for argument. This city was objectively dangerous at present. He added, "Your revenge will be handled by me and your paternal grandfather. This is our responsibility too."
He didn't need Caron to ask. He was already determined to destroy anyone who had dared to threaten his grandson's life. He had brought Special Division One along for this very reason: To ensure that, no matter who was responsible, they would be completely eradicated.
The same would be true for his in-law, Duke Halo. There was no way they would allow their grandson to be endangered.
"So, let's enjoy this walk together. Doesn't this remind you of old times? I used to take you around the estate, holding your hand," Gyle said as he tried to lighten the mood.
"You used to visit so often, it drove Father crazy," Caron teased.
"He asked me to visit more often? I should call him up soon," Gyle said.
"That sounds like a great idea."
While Halo was more like a friend, Caron's maternal grandfather, Gyle, had always felt more like a parent. Gyle was someone who had given him unconditional love and care. Caron couldn't just ignore his grandfather's concern, so he decided to take a step back for now.
"Alright, Grandfather."
"Thank you for understanding. You deserve a reward for listening to your grandfather. I'll buy you anything you want to eat. The night market in Thebe has all kinds of delicious treats. It's still early, so we have plenty of time," Gyle said.
"How about some beer?" Caron suggested playfully.
"Your mother slapped me on the back for letting you have a sip of a cocktail when you were younger. Considering whose daughter she is, her slap was surprisingly strong," said Gyle.
"Well... it wasn't my back she was hitting," Caron said.
"You're right about that. Ha ha!" Gyle laughed heartily.
Caron and Gyle continued to walk down the streets as they exchanged jokes and enjoyed each other's company.
So, we're going to the capital tomorrow, Caron thought. He couldn't defy an imperial command, so that only left him tonight. He had already received information about the smugglers from Mayor Grine earlier in the day. Tonight would be a long night.
Although he felt sorry for his grandfather, he had no intention of going to the capital quietly.
***
That same night, Zerath and a retinue of Oceanwolf Knights arrived in Thebe from Azureocean Castle.
"Young Master Caron," Zerath called out as soon as he reached the estate where the Duke's grandson was resting.
Caron, who had been sitting on his bed, greeted him warmly and said, "I was just about to get some sleep."
Beside Caron's bed, the gleaming, polished blade Guillotine lay within arm's reach. Zerath glanced at the ominous sword and sighed deeply. He asked with a raised eyebrow, "Is it usual for someone who's getting ready to sleep to be sharpening their sword?"
"Isn't it a knight's duty to keep their sword in perfect condition at all times?" Caron replied casually.
"Of course," Zerath answered, though he knew Caron was lying. He could see right through it. Considering Caron's nature, there was no way he would stay idle in this situation.
Caron never let things slide. If he was looked down on, he would always seek revenge. That trait had quickly earned him recognition at Azureocean Castle.
Sliding Guillotine back into its scabbard, Caron asked, "Are you here to stop me as well? My grandfather told me not to even think about leaving the mansion."
Indeed, his grandfather had requested the imperial guards to keep a close watch on him under the guise of protection. However, Caron knew this was less about protection and more about surveillance. And if Zerath was added to the mix, escaping the mansion would become nearly impossible. Convincing Zerath was his only option. He had already planned on a way to persuade him.
"Sir Zerath, even if you try to stop me, I—" Caron began.
Before he could finish, Zerath interrupted him firmly and said, "I have a message from the head of the family. Please listen carefully."
He took a moment to steady his voice before delivering Duke Halo's command in a dry tone. "Caron Leston, the youngest grandson of the Leston family, upon receiving this order you are to move out immediately and exact a blood price for the dead. Show them clearly what the laws of Azureocean Castle are."
Extract a blood price in an unknown, potentially dangerous place? Caron instantly realized this was a test that Halo had set for him.
Slowly, he rose from the bed and grabbed Guillotine's scabbard. With a smile, he looked at Zerath and replied, "I, Caron Leston, accept the command of the head of the family."
The moon was hidden behind the clouds; the deep night was just beginning.