Chapter 523: Sending a Message

When Rulans’s letter arrived in Wubei Territory by carrier pigeon, Ronin and Tom had already left for Mist City.

Though Elron was deeply engrossed in alchemy and knew little of politics, he still managed to extract the crucial truth from Rulans’s carefully veiled words—

someone intended to strike against Ronin while the king lay wounded.

“Only a day too late the letter came.”

Elron wasted no time. He summoned David at once, instructing him to take the letter and ride a griffin straight to Mist City.

“Governor, I must report something to you.”

Clarmi strode briskly into Elron’s office.

Once a loyal companion of Rogner who followed Ronin, she was now not only a mother but also the chief magistrate of Wubei Territory.

Recently, with Blanch pregnant, Ronin had assigned her to stay close with Mithy as companions.

“Ah, Clarmi. What is it?”

“The kingdom has sent three griffin riders. The lady is receiving them now.”

“What?”

Elron shot to his feet. Anything concerning Blanch demanded his full attention.

And just now he’d learned of the king’s injury—now royal griffin riders arrived? Could it be that King Bruno’s condition had worsened?

“Is Broar among them?” he asked.

“No. Two are former comrades of Mithy; one is a newly appointed member of the Royal Griffin Knights. Broar did not come.”

A flicker of unease stirred in Elron.

Why hadn’t these three come first to Marshfort, but gone directly to the Academy?

That meant they already knew where Blanch was. Which implied there were royal spies within Wubei Territory.

Not so strange, perhaps.

Wubei had accepted commoners sent by Bruno, drawn all manner of wanderers, and hosted students from every corner of the realm.

Among so many, a few royal informants were inevitable.

And though Blanch was a princess, she was now a duchess, mistress of this land.

For three royal knights to visit her directly, bypassing him as governor, could be justified.

“Let’s go see for ourselves!”

The more Elron thought, the more uneasy he grew. He mounted a griffin and flew toward the Academy.

Meanwhile, Blanch, accompanied by Mithy and Rig, was receiving noble guests from her birth family.

Uno and Lauren she recognized—they had once escorted her to Wushan Fortress with Broar and Mithy to meet Ronin.

Delighted to see old companions, she exchanged warm greetings before asking their purpose.

“My lady, this is a letter from your mother, Queen Windsor. She requests that upon reading it, you depart immediately with us for Goldenfeather Palace.”

“Oh?”

Blanch took the letter, surprised. Unfolding it, she confirmed the handwriting—her mother’s, unmistakable.

But the contents turned her face pale.

“How can this be? With Goldenfeather Palace so heavily guarded, how could Father have been gravely wounded by an assassin?”

The letter declared that Bruno lay near death, longing to see his children one last time—especially his youngest daughter, Blanch.

Over the years, Bruno had not spoiled her with endless care, yet he had always considered her welfare.

Even when she bore ill repute and tarnished the crown’s honor, he never treated her as harshly as Garret had.

And in the alliance between Oduin and the Wushan family, it was Bruno’s support that secured her position as duchess, granting her such a remarkable husband.

In short, her father held a lofty place in Blanch’s heart, and she revered him deeply.

Thus, seeing the words “gravely wounded, near death,” her heart clenched with urgency.

“They say the assassin walked on air,” Uno said gravely. “He descended from the sky—our guards had no time to react. His power was immense. Even Grandmaster Broar fell with a single blow.”

Lauren added, “My lady, the king’s injuries are severe. If possible, you should return with us at once. Perhaps if Magister Elron comes too, the king may yet be saved.”

Blanch’s breath caught. She nodded swiftly. “I’ll go find Elron right away!”

No sooner had she spoken than a hearty laugh rang from outside.

“My lady, I’ve already come.”

Elron leapt from his griffin and strode into the hall, bowing slightly to Blanch.

“I hear we have honored guests from the capital. As governor of Wubei, I failed in my duty to greet them properly—forgive me, my lady.”

Blanch hurried forward. “Master, I need your help!”

She recounted what Uno had told her, drawing a deep frown from Elron.

“The king was assassinated?”

He asked in disbelief, “But my intelligence says he merely injured himself during martial training—a matter requiring rest, nothing more.”

“Indeed, that is the official story Goldenfeather Palace has released,” Uno replied. “But it’s a temporary cover to prevent panic. Two days have passed since the attack, and the king has not appeared. The truth won’t stay hidden much longer.”

Elron nodded slowly.

No wonder unrest stirred beyond their borders—some sought to exploit the king’s misfortune.

Then saving Bruno was not only necessary, but aligned with the interests of the Conqueror’s Duchy.

“Very well. May the Lord of Light watch over the king.”

Elron turned to Blanch. “My lady, I’ll have Carlo take me to Goldenfeather Palace. Healing the king is my task. Your health is paramount—you needn’t make the journey.”

“No, I must go!”

Blanch shook her head. “Carlo flies smoothly, and the trip won’t take long. It’s fine.”

“But you—”

Mithy whispered beside her, “My lady, the duke said you should remain in Wubei.”

Tears glistened in Blanch’s eyes. Hesitation flickered—then resolve.

“But he is my father. I cannot pretend I heard nothing.”

“If I cannot save him… at least let me see him one last time. I couldn’t bear lifelong regret.”

Mithy and Elron opened their mouths—but found no words.

Truly, what child would not return to a dying father, if able?

And they were not omniscient. Goldenfeather Palace was Blanch’s childhood home, not a den of peril. What danger could await her there?

“Very well. I’ll accompany you.”

Elron nodded. “I’ll fetch Carlo. Wait here. Captain Rig, send word to the duke.”

“No need for that, Mr. Elron.”

Bob said, “The Griffin Knights have already departed for the estates of the great nobles to spread the news. They will soon gather in Golden Feather City. Mistveil Keep is also within our notification range.”

“It doesn’t matter. You deliver your message; we’ll deliver ours.”

Elron gave a glance to Rig, who understood perfectly.

Yet none of them could have imagined—nor did even Bob and the others sent to deliver the message—that the tale of training martial techniques, suffering grave injuries, lying near death and awaiting salvation, was all a lie.

Oduin V, King Bruno, had long since passed away. (End of Chapter)