Warrick and Einar frowned as they listened to the conversation.

"I’m just curious." The old duke laughed, nonchalantly waving his hand, seemingly oblivious to the unusual gazes of Sam and the two Transcendent Knights.

"I want to know what kind of man could move Her Majesty’s stone-cold heart." He added.

Hearing his reasoning, the faces of Einar and Warrick eased a bit.

On the other hand, Sam let out a smile. "His Highness is a man of great talent, Lord Duke. It’s not just his outward appearance that is outstanding..."

"His Highness is also known as the foremost sword prodigy of his generation!" The former bishop exclaimed exaggeratedly. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Namgung Ilsun nodded, maintaining a warm smile. "I have heard of his monstrous sword talent. Just hearing his accomplishments makes me want to see him more."

Sam relaxed a bit upon hearing this. His previous worries vanished like a puff of smoke.

"I will convey your intentions to His Highness, but I cannot guarantee that he will agree to see you, Lord Duke." He said with some embarrassment.

"It seems like His Highness is busy with his wedding preparations. If he cannot meet me, then I will go see him in person." There was a gleam in the old duke’s eyes when he said this.

"I will relay your wishes to His Highness."

The topic shifted afterwards as the duke asked about the new orphanage’s situation. The conversation continued for another hour before the old duke excused himself.

"I must go now, gentlemen. I am already old and my health isn’t what it used to be." Namgung Ilsun stood up, shaking his head with a sigh.

"I need to rest early and prepare for my trip to Sorl." He revealed a look of anticipation as he said this.

Sam and the two Transcendent Knights also rose to their feet.

"Your health is more important, Lord Duke," Sam responded with concern.

After exchanging farewell, the old duke left the banquet hall together with his retinue.

"Please enjoy the rest of the evening, gentlemen. We have plenty of surprises in store for you. I’m sure you will like the performances later." Namgung Jae-wan spoke to the trio with a chuckle.

Hearing this, Sam and the other two were too embarrassed to decline so they could only reluctantly stay.

"Alright."

...

Namgung Ilsun headed straight to his study as soon as he left the banquet hall.

As he walked along the hallway with his retinue, he paused his steps and made a beckoning gesture.

One of the four people behind him went to his side with a respectful expression.

"Tell them to get ready. They must answer my call at any moment’s notice." Namgung Ilsun instructed in a cold voice.

"Your servant obeys."

With a ’whoosh’, the man disappeared.

Namgung Ilsun moved his feet, his eyes radiating with power.

Alaric Silversword... I will start with you!

...

The next day, in the Silversword Mansion in Sorl.

Alaric was completely unaware that he had been targeted by the Carefree Duke. He was still busy making preparations for his wedding day.

Later that afternoon, he finally got some time to rest.

Seated on a sofa in the main hall, Alaric was enjoying a back massage from Mathilda.

"Your Highness, the misses have already transcribed a few copies of the book. With their progress, I think they will complete your task in less than a week." Mathilda reported as she gently kneaded Alaric’s shoulders.

Feeling her soft, gentle hands, Alaric closed his eyes to savor the moment.

"Mn. Well done."

Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of him, startling Mathilda into fright.

"Your Highness, my apologies for disturbing your rest." Caecus bowed his head.

He took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Alaric. "There is news from Sir Warrick."

Hearing this, Alaric opened his eyes and took the letter.

Although she was curious, Mathilda tactfully stepped aside and looked away.

After reading the content of the letter, Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

Why would the Carefree Duke take an interest in me?

Warrick mentioned in the letter the exact words that the Carefree Duke spoke during his conversation with Sam.

Alaric didn’t believe it in the slightest.

He incinerated the letter and looked at Caecus. "How is our investigation on the Carefree Duke’s estate?"

"Excluding the main mansion and a few highly guarded buildings, our men have already searched the estate." Caecus calmly responded.

"We discovered a huge number of warriors in the premises. Their numbers don’t match what they have reported to the imperial palace."

When he mentioned this, Alaric raised an eyebrow.

"From the locations we searched, we have already found over fifty thousand warriors. Moreover, they aren’t just ordinary warriors. A huge portion of them are Knight Apprentices and Knights." Caecus added.

A peculiar glint flashed in Alaric’s eyes. "It seems like Her Majesty’s suspicions weren’t wrong. The Carefree Duke is indeed hiding something."

Recently, Yskaela voiced her suspicions about a few notable figures in the country. She believed that they were harboring rebellious intentions. Because of this, Alaric sent his men to launch an investigation into the said individuals.

"Recall the men you sent to the Carefree Duke’s estate. We cannot let the old duke discover our trail." Alaric instructed.

"I obey your command."

Alaric waved his hand, signaling for him to leave.

Seeing this, Caecus bowed his head, turned around, and left with a ’whoosh’.

After he left, Alaric leaned back, gesturing at Mathilda to continue massaging his shoulders.

"What do you think? Do you believe that the Carefree Duke will rebel?" He asked all of a sudden, catching Mathilda by surprise.

She heard his conversation with Caecus so she had some idea of the situation.

Mathilda was silent for a moment, before she replied with a shake of her head. "If I were the Carefree Duke, I wouldn’t dare rebel against the throne."

Alaric was taken aback. "Explain."

"Her Majesty will soon be connected with House Silversword through marriage. This will bolster the imperial palace’s military power. Not to mention that Veronica is now allied with Astania." Mathilda voiced her opinion.

"Unless..."