Chapter 107: Fran Lurein

"I sincerely apologize for any disrespect shown to the priests of the Church. I hope you find your stay in Cove comfortable."

Fran Lurein had led Karyl and his companions to a mansion in downtown Cove. From a window looking out over the hills, Karyl saw a massive castle.

Fran's castle must be there... He’s not showing us everything just yet, I suppose.

The mansion they had been taken to was undoubtedly luxurious and comfortable but situated in the middle of the city, surrounded by buildings on all sides.

It would be difficult to escape if anything were to happen. Plus, it's a suitable place for surveillance.

Not that Karyl had any intention of fleeing.

"..."

Being a port city, the market was bustling with traders. From the mansion's window, Karyl could see a few particular individuals weaving through the crowds, and they weren’t moving like ordinary people. They had to be trained.

Karyl watched them blend into the crowds and thought,

They’re not just suitable, but they've already been positioned.

They were excellent.

Judging from how he was handling Karyl and his crew, it seemed that Fran Lurein had already considered various scenarios. Of course, if he knew the extent of Karyl's abilities, he would realize that such precautions were futile.

But...

Karyl was puzzled by how meticulous Fran Lurein was. He was undoubtedly skilled in combat but was aggressive and hot-tempered. That was why he always lost to Tuli at crucial moments.

The smell of paint hasn't even faded yet. The mansion must’ve been built recently, after that day.

The purpose for that was obviously to ensure that they would remain here. However, the Fran Lurein Karyl knew wasn't the type to make such meticulous preparations.

Does he have an advisor?

Karyl slightly squinted his eyes. Of course, it was unlikely that a duke like Fran Lurein wouldn't have a strategist. But the issue between him and Fran wasn't just a simple matter—it involved the Wooden Cloud.

Then, that person must also be involved with the Wooden Cloud. Maybe even higher ranked than Fran.

Perhaps that individual was the root. Karyl thought it was necessary to delve deeper.

In the Wooden Cloud, mere secular positions weren't important. Otherwise, back when the principality had fallen, the Wooden Cloud would have perished with it. The haughty nobles wouldn't tolerate having someone above them.

"Are you heading north? Are you going to seek out the Dawn Society?" Fran asked the group as the mansion’s servant offered refreshments.

Karl Mack, coming from the countryside, was wide-eyed at the sight of the luxurious food he was seeing for the first time. He grabbed a handful of snacks with both hands, only to receive a disapproving look from Yurin.

Karyl was quite amused at seeing Karl like that, knowing that in a few years he wouldn’t even glance at such snacks.

"We’re heading even further north."

Yurin Huygar's response slightly shook Fran's composure. Perhaps he thought the Ivory Tower of the Dawn Society was the furthest the empire could extend into the principality's territory.

"Further north... Are you speaking of the lair of the Fire Dragon?"

"That's correct," Karyl responded without hesitation.

"There should be no problem. It's under the empire's control."

"Haha, indeed. But more accurately, it's jointly managed by the empire and the principality."

It was a sort of warning, a hint that they could interfere if they wanted to.

"Don’t worry. The Church has recently discovered a manuscript related to the Red Dragon. We just want to verify the texts."

"Hmm... The contents of that document do intrigue me."

"Why not join the Church then? The bishop would be delighted."

"Hahaha... Thank you for the offer, but that's something I'll need to think about."

"Yula’s embrace is ever-welcoming.”

At that, Fran went silent.

He’s a lot better than I expected.

Karyl was intrigued by the exchange between Yurin and Fran. Having only seen the so-called Madman in battle, wielding a blood-soaked mace, Karyl had almost forgotten something about him.

He can fight with words too.

Initially, Karyl had debated whether to disclose their destination to Fran and just how much he could reveal to him. But Yurin Huygar had opened the conversation first. Karyl thought it turned out well.

After all, sparking the curiosity of the Wooden Cloud was the main goal.

Fran would certainly be confused, if only by his disdain for losing, which was fueled by his twisted nature. Not knowing why they would seek the lair of the Fire Dragon after the investigation was complete would drive him mad.

Given his nature, he'll seek me out today.

Their brief exchange ended on a satisfactory note. Also, since Yurin would now receive the suspicion that was meant for Karyl, Fran would even start to wonder if he and Yurin he were conspiring.

At that moment, a man entered the hall and said in a low voice, "It's time for your inspection of the port's guard,”

"Is it that time already?" Fran looked at the clock and nodded slowly. "Well, I have to go. Rest well."

Karyl looked at the man standing by the door and frowned.

"Wait a moment."

At that, Fran turned around and asked, "What is it, Karyl?"

"Who is that man...?"

With slicked-back grey hair and slightly brighter silver glasses, the neatly dressed man gave a slight bow when he caught their gaze.

"I am Anthem Howard, the captain of Cove's navy."

"Ah, it seems you felt his distinct aura as well, Karyl,” Fran boasted. "He's a direct descendant of Nelson Howard, known as the King of the Archipelago two hundred years ago, who ruled the islands of the continent. Given his legendary bloodline, it’s only natural that he serves as our navy’s captain.”

“You are too kind."

Karyl looked at the man in front of him and remained silent.

"..."

It had to be him. He was considered a battlefield genius, surpassing even the empire's strategist of the Bran Gamunt family. He was definitely one of the strategists Karyl had wanted to recruit.

"Wow, our ship is also named Howard. That's interesting,” Karl Mack remarked as he looked at Anthem, his mouth full of pastries.

With a light nod to everyone, including Karl, Anthem opened the door.

"Then, I'll take my leave."

"Thank you once again for your consideration."

"We are grateful."

As Fran and Anthem left the room, Yurin glanced at Karyl, who seemed lost in thought, and followed them out.

Click-

As the door closed, Yurin asked, "Why are you standing there like you've lost your mind? Do you know him?"

"..."

"Really, you’re such an odd one. Joey, if we're heading north, we need to prepare thoroughly. Let's leave the dazed fellow behind and check it out."

"Ah, yes, Master."

Joey, too, looked briefly at the stunned Karyl before following Yurin.

He looks exactly like the Anthem Howard I know, even his appearance. But...

There was a significant difference.

The Anthem Howard I know was just a commoner,

Karyl recalled. He had seen Anthem Howard only once before, before the Oracle had been prophesized.

Karyl, who had stayed at home during the Imperial War, had seen Anthem Howard's last battle near Kuwell's territory.

He even led a war against my father and won.

Ironically, at the time, he had considered Kuwell MacGovern the strongest out there, downright invincible, so his defeat had come off as a shock.

Then, following the Oracle’s prophecy and Olivurn’s ascension to the throne, learning of Anthem Howard's death was shocking in another sense.

Olivurn didn't keep him because he could’ve become a threatening presence.

That was all Karyl knew about Anthem Howard's life.

Why is he here now? Maybe it's a past I'm unaware of.

Karyl felt confused and shook his head a few times as if trying to clear it.

Then why was he a commoner?

There was a gap in history that Karyl didn’t know about.

This time, I'll get him before he dies

. His eyes gleamed with determination. But then, a question suddenly flashed through his mind.

Hold on...Did he really die...?

On second thoughts, he had merely heard of Anthem’s supposed death. After all, Karyl hadn’t been interested in the affairs of the nobility, as his main focus had been fulfilling the Oracle.

"What’s going on?" Karl looked at Karyl.

Normally, he would have been delighted by such a coincidence. Suan Hazar, Aidan Hamil, and now Karl Mack—the talents he had acquired for the empire's top seven were certainly the result of fortune.

However, Anthem Howard was different. There was an inexplicable feeling of alienation, and Karyl quickly realized where it stemmed from.

Anthem Howard is now under Fran Lurein.

Fran Lurein would later get involved with the Wooden Cloud, the precursor to the Blue Roar fanatics that would stir the continent.

Karyl slowly looked around the newly completed mansion. Then, feeling something foreign weighing on him, he thought,

No... There’s no way you’re not the advisor I thought you were.

Crack-

Karyl turned his head.

"Ah, sorry."

The last remaining cookie crunched loudly, startling Karl, who quickly covered his mouth. As he was brushing off the crumbs, Karyl said, "Karl, there's something you need to do now."

The streets were deserted. As night took over and the previously bustling market had closed, only the waves crashing against the breakwater could be heard.

Thud, thud, thud...

The sound of footsteps echoed through an alley, coming to a halt before a time-worn sign.

C.P.S.U.

The last letter creaked and dangled as though it could fall off at any moment.

"..."

Karyl stared at the sign before lowering his gaze to the building's wall where the full name was written.

"Cove Port Security Unit."

This was the place Anthem Howard had mentioned he needed to inspect earlier that day. The locked door featured only a small peephole.

How much time had passed?

Click—

The lock released and the door opened as if someone had been waiting.

I came here just in case...

As he peered through the small gap, Karyl shrugged lightly at the eyes scrutinizing him.

As I expected.

Seeing the familiar face, Karyl smirked.

"You've managed to find your way here."

As he stepped into the building, a voice echoed from among the masked figures standing inside. Karyl looked at the person in the center and scanned around as if searching for someone.

Is it pointless to look for him?

It was impossible to identify anyone, as they all wore robes and masks, making their figures indistinguishable.

Well... It wouldn’t be easy to find him anyway.

However, the voice he had heard moments before was unmistakable.

"As you said, I do have a good eye,” Karyl addressed the man in the center wearing a robe, "Your Grace."