Chapter 403 Raid In Portsbury
Despite the harsh reality of his words, Mon gestured for Albert and his daughter to hop onto the wagon.
Their shared journey, while intertwined for a time, will eventually diverge.
Albert and his daughter, though grateful for the ride, couldn't shake the sense of uncertainty that hung in the air.
The landscape, marked by the winding road and the vast expanse, mirrored the unpredictability of their destinies.
"What would happen to us, Dad?" Albert's daughter asked.
"I don't know," Albert replied with a solemn shake of his head. He gazed out to the dusty road stretched out before them, "We will see what options are available once we reach Mindsza."
....
"Are you guys being too harsh on me?" Mr. Steel weakly asked, his voice barely audible.
His body is full of bruises, a result of being beaten by the soldiers.
He almost died because of them.
Unlike Albert, who had managed to sneakily escape before the army arrived, Mr. Steel found himself devoid of that luxury.
Although he had the same intention, the situation is not in his favour.
Connected to the Ferron family through marriage, he understood that it was only a matter of time before the soldiers would reach his doorstep.
Moreover, there is simply too much evidence and testimonies that link him to all of this plot.
The chance of him escaping is low.
"That's what you get for plotting against His Majesty," William said.
It is rare to see William Geoffrey out of his office ever since he became the War and Defence Minister.
The responsibilities that came with overseeing the kingdom's military affairs often confined him to strategic planning and administrative tasks.
However, the monotony of office life weighed on him and the desire for action stirred within.
He needs some action too and moves his stiff body.
Therefore, he took the liberty to offer himself to lead this raid operation and treat it as a light exercise.
Riz gave his permission since Portsbury Province was just adjacent to the south of the capital province. William won't be out of office for too long anyway.
The capture of the Steel family?is very straightforward.
William came to Portsbury with the army, encircled the Steel mansion and breached its defences.
The initial plan was to swiftly grab every single member of the Steel family and throw them in the movable prison they brought with them.
But before his envisioned scenario could happen, Mr Steel foolishly orders his hired mercenary to fight the army.
Obviously, they stood no chance and got beaten up by the battle-hardened soldiers.
The hired mercenaries lacked the discipline.
"Honestly, what are you even thinking? Did you seriously hope that somehow, you could win against us? And do you know that it is illegal to establish, own and hire a personal armed group? You just added another charge against yourself." William said with incredulity and disdain.
He looks at Mr steel as if he's the stupidest person in the world.
"At least I tried my luck," Mr. Steel retorted. "What's going to happen to me?"
"We'll send you to prison island and you'll be judged there. If you're guilty, you will never leave that island." William's words carry the weight of an impending judgment.
He didn't felt sorry for this guy.
"That infamous island, huh?" Mr. Steel remarked, a tone of bitterness laced through his words. "Don't you think it is a bit unfair to bring us to that island first before putting us on trial? It was as if you have decided that we're guilty."
He is aware of the severity of his situation and knows he will end up being executed if he goes with the flow.
However, a glimmer of hope flickered in his mind. A belief that he might still have a chance to avoid the death penalty.
All he had to do was wait for the right opportunity to shift the blame onto Albert and save his own neck.
"Are you not guilty though?" William looked at Mr Steel. He then explained, "We are being cautious because we know you're guilty. We don't want you to run away once punishment is decided. There are many cases where criminals put up a brave front but cowered in the end. Moreover, I doubt you would ever leave that island once you step on it."
William throws Mr steel, his family and his associate into the movable prison.
But before he leaves, Mr. Steel seizes a final moment to speak out his concern, "My family... is there any need to bring them?"
William, pausing for a moment, turned around to face Mr. Steel. He nodded, "Yes. If they are innocent, we will release them. You have my word."
The soldiers, having finished securing everything they deemed worthy of being evidence, bustled about in a flurry of activity as they prepared to return to the capital.
Boxes with documents and assorted items were carried out from the mansion while others catalogued confiscated items.
Amidst all the flurry of activity, William found himself in a meeting with a man dispatched by Governor Samuel.
"It's an honoured to meet you, Minister William." the man offered a respectful bow.
William reciprocated, "It's an honour to meet you as well." His eyes reflected a blend of curiosity and focus as he promptly cut to the chase. "What does the governor want from me?"
The man explained, "Oh...nothing, actually. Governor Samuel was informed about the presence of an army within his territory that he was unaware of. So, he sent me to check things up. Are you here because of that secret plot against His Majesty the King?"
"Yes. Tell Samuel to not worry about it anymore. We just settled everything here and ready to depart for the capital."
"Sigh...That's good. This problem has been plaguing the governor for some time now."
"If you don't have anything else, I will take my leave," William stated.
"Certainly, Minister William. Please feel free to proceed with your matters."
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