The Debt Of Fate-Chapter 302: Rival Ernest.

Mary’s gaze swept over them steadily. She knew appearances could be deceiving. Polite words could hide rebellion, and calm faces could conceal ambition. She was here to gauge their loyalty and to see how far they might go to protect their own power.

Her son and his family got kidnapped the moment they arrived. Even if these Dukes and nobles were not involved directly, they might have helped indirectly.

"The prince’s arrival," she said carefully, "is not meant to harm you or disrupt your rule. It is only to ensure the safety of the kingdom and the proper administration of these lands."

There was a pause. Duke Alvin’s fingers tapped lightly against the arm of his chair, the only sign of tension. "Of course, Lady Mary. We understand the crown’s need for guidance. We will cooperate fully."

Mary nodded, though her mind noted every subtle gesture. The polite words were easy; it was the small tells that revealed their true feelings. They were not pleased with a prince coming to the East. They saw him as a threat to their influence over the mines and trade, and if opportunity allowed, they might resist behind closed doors.

For now, however, they were careful. Their faces betrayed nothing, their voices were smooth, and their bows perfect. They most likely were not involved in his kidnapping.

"We will discuss the details of your support and provisions for the prince," Mary said. "But I expect honesty and full cooperation. This is not a time for hidden agendas."

The Dukes nodded again, smiles fixed in place. But behind the calm faces, thought and calculation continued. The Fourth Region was rich, powerful, and proud, and they were not ready to surrender their influence without a careful fight.

"In these past two years, there have only been small conflicts with the people of Krus... We have gathered some information about the attack at the border. I want to know if they have upgraded their weapons recently," Mary asked.

"Your grace, the people of Krus are ever careful. They hardly leave a weapon behind when they fight. I will have to carefully ask the soldiers guarding the border," Duke Albert answered.

Mary nodded her head.

"Then, send for someone from the frontline. We need as much information as possible about the route. The more time wasted, the harder it is to find the prince," Mary said.

"We would do our best to help. If only we had known something like this would happen, we should have sent soldiers to welcome you," Duke Louis said. The prince’s kidnapping had nothing to do with the nobles of the east. Fortunately, they were yet to meet him and had just barely received information about their arrival before the attack.

Mary smiled before exiting the hall. Once she arrived home, the head guard was waiting for her.

"What is it?" Mary frowned. She could tell they had found something.

"Your grace, we just noticed that the two attacks we experienced along the way are connected..." The head guard paused; he could not understand how they had been so careless.

"The first attack was used to plant spies among us. We uncovered one of their spies today, but before we could question him, he committed suicide," the head guard said.

Mary felt her body shaking. How clever must the mastermind be to be able to plant spies halfway through? This was an unexpected action, but they had fallen for it.

"Search, and ensure there are no other spies. Send a message to the king... Never mind, I will send the message," Mary said, shaken. It had been almost two years since her husband died, but there was yet to be a lead, and now her son seemed to have vanished into thin air.

When the news of the second prince kidnapping reached the royal city, everyone was shocked. After all, the prince and his family had so much security with them. Fortunately, the one who brought the message also explained all they had found, so the king was not the prime suspect. Moreover, it would be a foolish move for the king to hurt his brother at such a time.

Ernest had gotten better after over a month of ’treatment,’ and he was packing to go to the second region to help with the battle when a message came from His Majesty.

"His majesty summons General Ernest to the palace."

Ernest and Anastasia looked at each other. In the past months, although Ernest had not gone to the second region, each time news came, the king would summon him to the palace so he could join in discussing countermeasures. His advice had always been useful, and the situation in the second region had been in favor of the royal army. But those who understood war knew that Lord Aureline’s men would definitely become desperate now that they were surrounded on all sides—and desperate men do desperate things. Still, Ernest was sure that Lord Aureline would not make any move for the time being. Besides, he was already preparing to go to the second region—why would the king suddenly summon him? Although he acted surprised, he already had a guess in his heart.

He prepared and followed the palace carriage into the palace.

"Your majesty," Ernest bowed. The king was waiting for him in his study.

"I am sure you have heard of the news from the east. My brother and his family have been kidnapped," Edward paused and looked at Ernest.

"I have heard a few rumors, but I am not sure of the situation," Ernest answered, his gaze clear and honest.

"I know you are preparing to go to the second region, but I want to send you to the east. The report that mother sent shows there was a spy traveling with them for more than half a month. His kidnapping might be related to the people of Krus. I am afraid war could break out soon in the east, and you are the most trustworthy general I can send at this time," Edward said.

Ernest looked shocked. "Are you sure this has anything to do with Krus?"

"Nothing is certain, but the weapons recovered are connected to the Lord of the Dark Sea. Although there has been no news of the Lord of the Dark Sea trading with Krus, for all we know someone might have made a deal with them," Edward answered.

"But your Majesty, I am far from the east, and given my health, it might take a month to travel. May I suggest another approach?" Ernest asked.

King Edward frowned, but he trusted Ernest’s judgment, so he permitted him to speak.

"Although it seems His Highness’ disappearance is connected to the people of Krus, the Dukes in the east might not be innocent," Ernest said and watched the king’s reaction.

Edward frowned, but he quickly dismissed it. "I have been to the east. Although the Dukes and nobles are a bit greedy, they would not do such a thing. Besides, since father divided the region into three, there has been a power struggle within them."

"Your majesty has a point, but the saying ’coming together to fight a common enemy’ is true. No matter how loyal those men are, by naming His Highness the Duke of the East..." Ernest stopped talking, but Edward understood.

Prince Lucan’s position threatened the power of those Dukes, and it affected everyone involved.

"What do you advise?" Edward asked. Although he felt the possibility was small, he still wanted to hear it.

"Send Lord Williams to the east. He is wise and should be able to stabilize those Dukes. He should travel as the hand of the king. This way, the nobles and Dukes would have to obey," Ernest said.

King Edward frowned. It was only speculation that the Dukes in the east were involved. If a war truly broke out, Lord Williams would be of little help.

"I say you send a message to Colonel Edwin. He was one of those who helped quell the rebels in the south. Although just a colonel, his skills are good, and I trust his insight. As long as Lord Williams protects and supports his ideas, even if a war breaks out with the people of Krus, he should have it under control," Ernest said. He did not want to travel to a place as far as the east. He did not want to be separated from his wife. He feared that once he was gone, he would receive bad news.

"Are you sure about this Colonel Edwin?" King Edward frowned.

"We trained together from foot soldiers. He is indeed skilled," Ernest answered.

King Edward gave it a thought. He knew that Ernest would not praise anyone unless they had real skills. Moreover, he was not one to take all the glory. Even those who stood against him during the battle with Gube, Ernest still pleaded mercy on their behalf.

King Edward’s eyes suddenly lit up. If this Edwin had real skills, this would also be an opportunity to raise another general who could rival Ernest.

"I will look into your suggestion," King Edward hid the scheme blowing in his heart, but Ernest guessed he would most likely follow through.