Chapter Thirteen: Conspiracy!
Night falls.
The Port Area of Arendelle remains vibrant. Since the introduction of a southern trade route, trade within the kingdom has increased by at least thirty percent. As one of the few countries that has not been affected by any occupation, Arendelle has become a prime target for many merchants, with some even discreetly relocating their assets to settle here. The powerful protection of the Princess ensures that as long as she is in Arendelle, few dare to provoke the kingdom.
In a dark alley.
Two sneaky figures are approaching each other, exchanging an item before quickly slipping into a nearby alley.
“The eldest son of the Duke of Thornflower is on his way.”
A sinister-looking man leans slightly forward and slowly says, “Our undercover agent is within his entourage and can obtain their movements at any time.”
“I wonder what plans His Highness the Second Prince has?”
The other person, an elegant-looking middle-aged nobleman, has a somewhat cold expression as he makes a slitting gesture across his throat and says in a low voice, “Can we k*ll him?”
The sinister man hesitates slightly and replies slowly, “It’s difficult. There’s a powerful wizard by the eldest son of the Duke of Thornflower’s side.”
“If we are to do this, our casualties are likely to be significant as well.”
“Moreover,”
“If we act, won’t that provoke the Princess of Arendelle? Her strength is immeasurable, and even the Shadow Thieves do not dare to offend her easily!”
The middle-aged nobleman glances at him and says sternly, “As long as we do it before he arrives in Arendelle, there should be no problem.”
“Once he arrives in Arendelle, he will naturally be under the Princess’s protection. She will not allow anyone to assassinate her guests on her territory; that would be a provocation to her authority. But if he is killed on the way before arriving in Arendelle, then it will have nothing to do with her.”
“The Duke of Thornflower’s second son has already died, and the third son is a good-for-nothing. The fourth son is still quite young.”
“If we could eliminate his eldest son! Then…”
At this point, he can’t help but chuckle, clearly implying that the other person understands the result as well.
The sinister man hesitates for a moment and slowly says, “I can contact the Shadow Assassination Guild, but I can’t guarantee success. Their prices are very high!”
The middle-aged nobleman nods, “No problem. I will allocate funds for you immediately.”
As night deepens.
The two continue to converse for a long while before departing to different places. One enters a tavern, while the other returns to the residence of the Second Prince of the Hawk Kingdom.
………………
In the Southern Duchy, Spearwind Hills territory.
In a beautifully decorated mansion, groups of young noblemen and women are holding a banquet.
On the long table are exquisite pastries, and a bard from the tavern has been invited to perform. The focus of attention is a beautiful woman with golden hair. Young noblemen desperately showcase their merits in front of her like peacocks trying to attract a mate. Other noblewomen occasionally throw envious glances, but upon witnessing the beauty and the expensive jewelry she wears, their faces reveal a hint of defeat.
Young, beautiful, and wealthy.
Possessing noble birth and excellent bloodlines, this woman has become the object of admiration for the young nobility of the Southern Duchy since her appearance.
Princess Anna of Arendelle’s close friend. A royal court guest with her own trading company.
Adele Isabella watches everything before her with boredom; to her, the ostentation of these noble disciples is laughable, as many of them are merely uneducated fools who rely on their forebears’ legacy. Especially those few attempting to show off their martial skills in front of her, she could easily handle all of them with one hand. At this moment, her appearance has changed greatly from before. She has always been a woman adept at learning and is smart enough.
With simple training, she mastered everything a noblewoman should know.
Her hair has transformed into beautiful golden locks, and her demeanor is forever elegant and adorned with an appropriate smile. Whenever her gaze alights on a young nobleman, it instantly excites and thrills them. No one can guess what she’s truly thinking; although she has attended various banquets recently, she maintains perfectly fine relationships with everyone.
Many young noblemen wish to win her heart, but none realize that to her, they are nothing but a joke.
“My dear sister.”
Lafis Isabella, her nominal cousin, approaches. He is a young, handsome man with golden hair, inheriting his forefather’s noble lineage, but his complexion is pale, indicating a bit too much indulgence in drink. Ever since returning to the Southern Duchy, this nominal cousin has pursued her madly, not solely for her beauty but also for her astonishing wealth.
Adele Isabella reveals a trace of an elegant smile and subtly avoids his attempt to take her hand. When she sees the surprised look on his face, she then offers a perfectly timed smile and gently says, “Cousin Lafis, this place seems a bit dull; why don’t we go for a walk?”
The young noblemen cast envious glances, and Lafis nods with a delighted, almost smug expression.
Adele Isabella watches everything with a calm gaze.
Likely no one knows that in her heart, this cheap cousin has already become half a dead man; the nature of a pirate has already seeped into her bones. According to her original plan and her mission, this cheap cousin will soon d*e in an “accident,” perhaps at the hands of bandits or due to other reasons.
The process is unimportant; the crucial thing is that he must d*e!
As a descendant of the Isabellas, she too will have the right to inherit, which will entail a not small territory near the Southern Coast.
The mission has begun.
All plans are functioning normally; although she nominally controls a trading company, in reality, Adele Isabella is manipulating an army from behind the scenes.
Including elite troops disguised as merchant guards, along with assassins from Modo.
Recently.
Some minor accidents have occurred in the Southern Duchy, resulting in the deaths of lesser-known nobles. No one knows who is manipulating behind the scenes, and it’s likely no one is willing to investigate during such times.
After all, these accidents seem to pose no problem whatsoever!
Before leaving, Adele quietly gestures to a bystander, and soon a Wanderer disguised as a servant quietly departs. No one knows where he has gone, but Adele knows the time is ripe.
The tasks entrusted by Lord Soren.
Soon!
She will be able to complete it beautifully and surely earn Lord Soren’s commendation.
………………(To be continued ~^~)
