Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 196: Taking Action

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"The mantis hunts unaware of the bird behind it, such is the cruelty of the world!"

Earl Kent instructed his servant to bring the young mage Andy over. A while later, Andy, who had just finished breakfast, stood before him.

"Andy, my young friend, tomorrow we will visit the local Duke and proceed with the next phase of our plan. Although under Master Bennett's guidance, the Duke is likely to comply with us, it's still necessary for you to exert some influence on him to prevent any surprises."

"Yes, please instruct me as you wish, Earl. I will do my best."

"Uh... Andy, don't you want to ask why we are visiting the Duke?"

"Huh? What are we visiting him for?"

Earl Kent was speechless for a moment. If someone hadn't escorted him, this kid would probably have been kidnapped and sold off by traffickers halfway.

"We are visiting him to secure his ducal position. This isn't just for me but for the Arcane Order, for the mage community. Only by gaining control of the power at the Duke level can we provide substantial support to the Order, challenge the Church's dogs in the northwest, and seize the opportunity to strike behind their backs when the kingdom's attention is focused on the south. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Uh... I think I understand a bit!"

Seeing Andy's still confused expression, Maltz wasn't sure how much the boy had grasped.

Well, as long as this kid follows his instructions, it's fine. So he detailed what needed to be done tomorrow.

"Is there no better way?"

"If the Duke listens to me, then there won't be any need for you to intervene. Now, rest up for the night and tomorrow we'll head to the Duke's castle."

A night passed quietly...

The next day, after breakfast with the young mage Andy, Earl Kent rode in a carriage to the Duke's castle.

Unlike the castles of other lords along the Northwest Bay, Duke Fraule's castle leaned more towards artistic and ornamental decoration, making the others appear purely defensive fortresses by comparison.

It must be very comfortable living here.

At the castle gate, the guards led them inside. Earl Kent had already informed them yesterday of his visit today.

"Is everything normal with the Duke?"

Squinting, the Earl asked the leading guard.

"Yes, Earl Kent, the Duke is as usual. He will surely be happy to see you."

The guard smiled in response, giving him a meaningful glance.

As a cautious person, Maltz Kent naturally made several preparations. The worm in the Duke's head couldn't completely set his mind at ease. Therefore, he had developed his own network of informants within the castle, overseeing all affairs that even the Duke's own spies might miss.

However, there might also be others' informants within the castle, such as the Duke's brothers.

After arriving in the hall, the guard said, "Please wait here."

Maltz and Andy waited quietly in the hall for a few minutes. Soon, the guard returned to inform them, "The Duke requests your presence in his study."

So the two of them proceeded to the Duke's study and met the current Duke of the Northwest, Lord Fraule.