Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 85: The Enigmatic Earl in the Haunted Castle

Translator: Cinder Translations

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Viscount Ankiro treaded cautiously through the corridors of the castle. Despite having visited many times before, he still hadn't grown accustomed to the environment inside.

Dark, eerie—these characteristics resembled an underground dungeon inhabited by creatures from horror stories. Why would the master of this place prefer to live in such surroundings?

Earl Kent, truly a man shrouded in mystery in every aspect.

Concealing his thoughts, Ankiro turned a corner and stopped at an empty spot.

He adjusted his attire and approached a grand and ornate door.

Flanking the doorway were two halberd-wielding guards. As Ankiro approached, they swiftly crossed their weapons, blocking the door.

The guards coldly scanned Ankiro up and down, their gaze making him feel like a lamb stared down by hungry wolves.

Remember, he was a nobleman, and these were just two soldiers. He was a guest of their lord.

Regaining some of his pride, Ankiro tried to sound resolute, projecting the confidence he had cultivated in his position as the Chamberlain's steward:

"I am Ankiro, Viscount and Steward of the Byerldine, invited by Earl Kent."

Damn it, he had met the Earl several times already, yet these two personal guards acted as if they didn't recognize him at all.

Ankiro was not only angry but also wounded in his pride, sensing a lurking fear within himself.

The hope he had when he first came seeking refuge was now gone, replaced only by a nervous unease as a guest under another's roof.

The two guards remained unmoved, still blocking the door with their weapons.

Ankiro closed his eyes and waited silently.

One minute, then two—every moment felt like an eternity.

Finally, a voice came from behind the heavy wooden door, "Come in."

Ankiro let out a quiet sigh of relief.

The guards lowered their weapons, and one of them gently pushed open the door.

Adjusting his mindset, Ankiro walked slowly into the room.

A loud "thud" behind him as the door closed made Ankiro involuntarily shudder.

This was Earl Kent's study. Despite its spaciousness, the atmosphere inside was even more eerie than outside.

Though it was broad daylight, thick curtains tightly covered the windows, blocking out even a sliver of sunlight.

In such a large room, the only illumination came from a floor-standing candelabrum, casting a faint glow. A man sat beside the candelabrum on a wicker chair, completely absorbed in flipping through a thick book.

"Can he even read the words on the pages?" Ankiro wondered, just as the man on the wicker chair spoke, though he didn't lift his gaze.

"Viscount Ankiro, please, take a seat."

Earl Maltz Kent gestured towards another chair beside the candelabrum.

He was a man with pale skin and a forbidding countenance—sharp nose, faint dark circles around sunken eyes. Despite being in his prime, his hair was already thinning at the crown.

"Thank you, Lord Kent."

Ankiro swallowed hard, bracing himself on weak legs as he approached the wicker chair and sat down. He wasn't sure why his legs felt so weak.