狼人祖先的重生

第 3 部分

In a dimly lit dungeon, a figure dressed in black night clothes was bound to a chair, while Kane and two others stood in front, conducting an interrogation.Catherine set aside the torture tools, waiting for Marcus to continue speaking."Let me think. Which nobles in the northwest region would hire an assassin like you?""Motte Territory? Oude Territory? Or Chaskey Territory?"The three mentioned territories were closely related to the Osos people, either being noble lands or having close ties with the Osos.During Marcus's questioning, the shadow lowered its head deeply, making its expression unreadable.Catherine, unable to tolerate the silence, grabbed the figure's short hair and lifted its head."Haven't you heard Sir Marcus speaking to you? Clarify your identity, lad."Evidently, the territories Marcus speculated had no relevance to the figure. The shadow glanced coldly at the three, then shifted its gaze elsewhere."Stubborn, aren't you? There are ways to make you talk." Impatiently, Catherine raised the torture tools to proceed.Suddenly, silently listening, Kane spoke, "Count Mandoville's domain."The figure's body stiffened, its pupils involuntarily dilated. It couldn't fathom how Kane guessed that location."As expected..." After contemplating for a moment, Marcus spoke to Jace, the steward who appeared outside the cell, "Jace, investigate the connections between Mandoville's domain and our family.""Yes, my lord." Jace promptly stood up, ready to investigate."Wait."At this moment, the once motionless figure unexpectedly spoke."Hmm?" Kane turned to look at the figure, waiting for its next words."Give me a quick death."Kane shook his head, "That depends on the information you reveal, whether it's worth it.""I am Quelthorson Bex, swearing by the honor of the Bex family. From this moment on, everything I say is true and without falsehood."Hearing this oath, everyone in the room showed deep respect. You might doubt a noble swearing with their life, but their family's honor was more valuable than their own life."Lord Kane, please also swear not to harm anyone in my family.""Quelthorson, out of respect for noble honor, I can indeed make such an oath. But understand, if someone in your family seeks revenge..."Anticipating Kane's words, the shadow explained, "Please rest assured, my family, besides me, consists of the old, weak, sick, and only my younger sister, whom I haven't informed of this matter."Kane nodded and raised his left hand, swearing, "I, Kane Gerard, swear by the honor of the Gerard family not to harm the Bex family.""Thank you, Lord Kane."After expressing gratitude, Quelthorson, alias the shadow, took a deep breath and said, "Wenley Castle Knight's Territory.""Wenley Castle Knight's Territory?"It was an area subordinate to Count Mandoville, historically held by the Count's knight commander."Yes, my lord should know who it is."Kane furrowed his brow, "I certainly know who, but I didn't expect it to be true.""Anything is possible, Lord Kane."Sighing, Kane said, "Catherine, give him a swift end.""Yes, my lord." Catherine put down the torture tools and took a dagger from Marcus."Do you have any last words?"Upon hearing Catherine's question, Quelthorson suddenly straightened up. He stared at Kane intently, "Lord, keep your promise.""Certainly."Then, Catherine tightened her grip on the dagger and swiftly stabbed it into Quelthorson's heart.Without a struggle, blood flowed from his mouth, and like one asleep, Quelthorson closed his eyes, ceasing to breathe."Jace, take care of his body.""Yes, my lord.""Marcus, Catherine, you've worked hard tonight. Rest well; we'll discuss tomorrow.""Yes, Lord Kane."After giving instructions, Kane returned to his bedroom alone. Watching the flames in the fireplace, he sat silently, lost in thought.Dawn came.As the morning sun illuminated the entire castle, the Baron's domain began a new day.Chefs prepared the Baron's breakfast in the kitchen, maids cleaned the entire castle, gardeners trimmed the branches in the outdoor garden, and soldiers gathered on the training ground for morning exercises.As for the castle's owner, Kane, he remained seated by the fireplace, contemplating whatever was on his mind.However, Kane was soon led to the dining table by his personal servant for breakfast.Lost in thought, he skipped the usual morning training, staying in his study. He waited for Marcus and Catherine to arrive."Knock, knock, knock."It seemed Marcus and Catherine were outside the door."Come in.""Lord Kane." The two entered and bowed respectfully."Take a seat." Kane gestured to the chairs in the room, signaling them to sit.After they sat down, Kane took the map from the desk and placed it in the center."What are your thoughts on the Wenley Castle Knight's Territory?"After a moment of contemplation, Marcus cautiously spoke, "My lord, Wenley Castle's forces are elite and well-equipped. Moreover, its commander, Knight Host, is your uncle..."Host Gerard, Kane's biological uncle, was the brother of the former Baron Rachel Gerard.Their stories were quite similar, entrusted to a titled comrade by their fathers. The only difference was that Host served a count, and his rise to extraordinary rank was faster. In less than ten years, he became the count's knight commander.Shaking his head, Kane self-deprecatingly said, "Yes, my kind and amiable uncle. I've been deceived by him for so many years, never expecting him to harbor intentions for our Baron's domain.""But think about it; it makes sense. After my death as the current Baron, the next heir is inevitably him. By then, he can investigate the cause of my death, use it to push forward a scapegoat, and seamlessly take control of the entire Baron's domain."After speaking to himself for quite a while, Kane, realizing his lapse, cleared his throat lightly, "Marcus, Catherine, don't worry about his identity. Once he decided to harm me, he ceased being my uncle.""Yes, my lord."Immediately, Marcus looked at the territories on the map and continued, "My lord, as the knight commander under the count, he has military strength comparable to our Baron's domain.""Furthermore, from what I know, Knight Host pays great attention to soldier training. His troops are formidable in battle. If our soldiers engage them in combat, it will likely be a fierce struggle. Most importantly, Knight Host is a second-tier early-stage extraordinary. Even if the three of us join forces, we can't match him."Kane nodded in agreement. Marcus made a valid point. The three on their side, all first-tier extraordinaries, no matter how hard they tried, wouldn't be able to defeat a second-tier opponent."Therefore, Lord Kane, my suggestion is to endure for now. Wait until we have the strength, and then challenge him to a duel.""Clap!"Catherine slammed her hand on the table."I object, my lord