NOVPUB
Chapter 75: 75:Can I Join The Team?
"Lord Kael, what is this?" he demanded, his voice sharp with anger.
Kael tilted his head, amused. "What do you mean, what is this?"
Hela reached out, placing a hand on Altross’s arm, her expression filled with concern. "My dear, what happened?"
Ariana flinched slightly at the sight of the Baron’s tense expression, then turned to Kael.
’What did he do now?’
’Did he already find something?’
Thinking about the possibility, his expression brightened up.
Altross’s eyes locked onto Kael, silently demanding an explanation.
Kael leaned back, wiping his mouth lazily with a napkin. "Baron, why are you so worked up? I simply had my men do a routine check around the area. Standard procedure. Surely, there’s no reason to be upset about that?"
Albert, who had been watching quietly, clicked his tongue in irritation. "A check-up? On someone else’s land? Who gave you the right to do that?" His voice was dripping with disdain. "You aren’t even officially recognized as an heir. You don’t have the status to act like one."
Baron Altross stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.
"It seems," he said coldly, "that we can no longer extend our hospitality to you, Lord Kael."
"We ask you to pack your things and leave immediately."
Kael exhaled, shaking his head as if disappointed.
Then, he grinned."It seems someone is hiding something."
"We’re not hiding anything!" Altross snapped. "And you better leave while I’m still being polite!"
Kael paused for a moment, then smiled wider before turning away.
As soon as he left, Hela turned to Altross in shock. "My dear, what was that? You might cause trouble with this!"
"Trouble?" Altross scoffed. "Would you rather I let him poke around freely? He has an agenda, Hela. I won’t sit here and let him act as he pleases."
Albert, who had been watching silently, narrowed his eyes in thought before returning to his meal. Something isn’t right.
Across the table, Ariana noticed the change in Albert’s expression. She remained quiet, pretending not to notice.
"Okay whatever...I will take my leave then."
Kael folded his hands and walked up whistling as if all this didn’t.
...
Upstairs..
Kael stood near the window, staring down at the small town below. His hands rested behind his back as Ramos entered the room.
"Well?" Kael asked without turning around. "What did you find, old man?"
Ramos sighed and shook his head. "Nothing. Everything seems normal."
"I see,"Kael spoke raising his brows and then laughed off
"No, there’s definitely something wrong."
Ramos frowned. "And why do you think that?"
Kael finally turned, his eyes glinting with madness. "Because if there was nothing—" he gestured downstairs, where Altross had been fuming just moments ago, "—then the good Baron wouldn’t have reacted like that."
He chuckled softly, the sound both amused and chilling.
"No one panics unless they have something to hide."
"It’s time for Plan B." Kael muttered pulling out a handkerchief with a hidden diagram on it given by Ariana during the dining table.
...
A loud commotion filled the courtyard as the knights who had accompanied Kael stepped forward, preparing for departure. The carriage stood ready, its black exterior gleaming under the morning sun.
Kael climbed in, Ramos following closely behind. Before shutting the door, Kael turned back, meeting the gaze of Baron Altross, who wore a polite but stiff smile.
"You leave so soon, Lord Kael?" Albert asked, his voice carrying a forced warmth. "What a shame. I had hoped to host you longer. You shouldn’t mind my father’s words.’’
’What a good act!’Kael sneered but didn’t reply.
Beside him, Baroness Hela stepped forward, her smile laced with condescension. "Do travel safely, Lord Kael. I hope your journey is as... fruitful as your stay."
Albert crossed his arms, clicking his tongue. "Leaving just like that? What a waste of effort. Next time, don’t waste our time if you’re just going to run away so easily."
Kael merely smirked. "Oh, don’t worry. I never waste effort. I simply know when the game isn’t worth playing anymore." His words carried a subtle edge, making Baron Altross’s fingers twitch slightly.
Among those watching, the most shocked was Ariana.
Why? she thought, her heart pounding. Why is he leaving?
Had she misjudged him?
Just last night, he had asked for information—about secret passages, hidden routes, everything. And now, without warning, he was walking away?
Her desperate gaze locked onto Kael who just ignored her.
’I thought... he believed me.’
Her fists clenched. If she were awakened, she could chase after him, stop him. But she wasn’t. She was still trapped in this weak and helpless body. She couldn’t move fast enough, couldn’t act strong enough.
The carriage door shut with a final click. The wheels rattled as the horses trotted forward, leaving the estate behind.
Ariana stood frozen, watching her last hope disappear into the horizon.
Meanwhile, Baron Altross let out a long breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Finally..." he muttered under his breath before turning and heading straight into his office.
As soon as Baron Altross sat in his chair, a deep, raspy voice echoed through the dimly lit room.
"His presence delayed our plan."
Baron Altross stiffened. His eyes darted toward the dark corner of the room, where shadows twisted unnaturally. From within the swirling darkness, a humanoid figure materialized. A shadow clone.
The Baron’s jaw clenched. "It’s not my fault."
"You didn’t expect this?" the clone’s eyes glowed faintly as it leaned forward, its voice sharp. "I told you not to involve the mercenaries. You brought unnecessary risk."
Baron Altross scoffed. "So what? It was a golden opportunity. If things had gone as planned, we both would have benefited."
"Think about the future prospects.She had a chance to enter the list and achieve so many things.If I did a favour now I could cash it out in the future."
The clone was silent for a moment before speaking again. "We’ve delayed too long. It’s time to act. If everything follows the plan, you will break through to B-rank. You’ll have enough power to crush the neighboring Barons... and take the title of Viscount for yourself."
A greedy glint flashed in Baron Altross’s eyes. "Fine. I have no problem with that. Begin the sacrifice ritual today."
Baron approved but just then,a sudden voice interrupted them.
"Wait a minute. Did I just hear ’sacrifice ritual’?"
Baron Altross and the clone froze. Their eyes widened as they spun around, scanning the room.
Without warning— 𝓃𝓸𝓋𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝒸ℴ𝓶
CRACK!
The wooden floor beneath them exploded as a blackish blade pierced through, sending shards flying. Dust and debris filled the air as a figure emerged from the wreckage.
Kael stood there, brushing off his coat, his sword gleaming in the dim light. A wide grin stretched across his face.
"I love watching sacrifices," he said cheerfully, resting his sword on his shoulder. His eyes gleamed with amusement, but beneath that was something far more dangerous.
"So..." Kael stepped forward. "Can I join the team?"
