Chapter 404 Capturing Evan Part I
Having concluded his meeting and ensured that matters were set in motion, William signalled for the soldiers' departure.
The man silently watched the departing military force, led by William, move further away before gradually shrinking and disappearing from his view.
The rhythmic clip-clop of horses' hooves and the creaking of wagon wheels slowly fade away.
....
While the raid in Portsbury ended with success, another operation was quietly unfolding in the capital of Ryntum.
Compared to the hecticness and chaos of the raid in Portsbury, the atmosphere in the capital was notably different.
Here, things were relatively calm, and, in fact, not a single person seemed to realize that a raid was underway.
Life went on as usual for the inhabitants of the capital, unaware of the covert military operation.
According to SIN's assessment, the target in this particular operation was not deemed as a highly dangerous individual and with limited capability at that.
And so, it is not worth it to disrupt thousands of people's activities just to apprehend this one person.
Due to how harmless the target is, many didn't raise any objection when Riz expressed his intention to join in.
Except for Charlotte, of course, who vehemently told him to abandon such an idea.
Given that Riz is currently standing at 3rd Orange Street in the Industrial District of Bideford, it was clear that Charlotte has failed to change his mind.
"Milord, this is unnecessary," Charlotte insisted. "This operation is beneath you, and your presence may create unnecessary risks. Let us handle this."
Ignoring her blabbering mouth, Riz looks at his surroundings. The streets were bustling with the activity of carriages as it should be.
The distant hum of steamships anchored at the port added a dynamic backdrop, echoing the bustling maritime activities in the kingdom.
"Let's enter, Charlotte," said Riz.
Charlotte sighed and responded, "Yes, milord."
It is futile to change his mind.
She glanced at the disguised soldiers and agents around her.
Her sharp gaze and subtle nods conveyed a message that needed no words.
She is telling them to remain alert, ready to act at a moment's notice.
Both Riz and Charlotte stepped foot into the textile factory belonging to Aunt Tina.
The noise of machinery greeted them as they stepped further into the heart of the factory.
The clamour was so deafening that Riz could barely hear his own words.
"I'm sorry, what are you saying again, milord? Charlotte asked, raising her voice to compete with the relentless din of the factory.
"I said, where is the target at?" Riz repeated the question, projecting his voice louder.
"Over there," Charlotte pointed in a specific direction, guiding the king's attention. "At the office on the first floor."
Aside from her former shop in the city which is now converted to office space that served as the nerve centre of her industrial operations, Aunt Tina's factory has a small built-in office for her to stay in whenever her duties required her presence in this factory.
The small office was built elevated with a large glass window, allowing Aunt Tina to oversee the vast factory spaces below.
Guided by Charlotte, Riz followed closely behind her towards the steel stair that led to the office on the first floor.
The two of them manoeuvred through the labyrinthine corridors of the factory, weaving through the machinery.
Workers were engrossed in their tasks.
Due to that, they didn't notice the king just passed behind them or else, they would be shocked to see a king in this unassuming place.
Unbeknownst to Riz, a pair of sharp eyes keenly observed their every move since they took the first step inside the factory.
Charlotte was aware of this but chooses to ignore it since she doesn't sense any ill intention from that gaze.
Just as they are about to ascend the stairs, a young woman steps forward, blocking their way with a deliberate but respectful stance.
She bowed her head toward the king, "It an honour to me you, Your Majesty. I'm sorry for greeting you in this unkempt appearance."
As the young woman who was slightly older than Riz raised her head, he instantly recognized her.
Her face bore a resemblance to her mother, as if his looking at the younger version of Aunt Tina.
"It's okay, Ellie. It is my fault for coming here unannounced." Riz replied.
"Are you here to see my mother?"
"Yes, she's inside the office, right?"
"She is. Allow me to escort you to her," Ellie offered, her tone carrying a blend of courtesy and dutifulness.
It becomes evident that Ellie not only inherited the resemblance of her mother but also her work ethic.
Ellie carried herself with poise and professionalism.
Each step exudes a sense of confidence.
As they approached Aunt Tina's office, the atmosphere shifted.
The muffled sounds of a heated argument reached their ears before Ellie could even knock on the door.
Two distinct voices clashed from within.
Riz discerned one voice immediately—it belonged to Aunt Tina. The other voice, laced with a tone of disrespect, belongs to a man.
He could already guess the identity of the man.
Ellie's face turned red upon hearing the verbal confrontation unfolding behind the closed door.
She was deeply ashamed that the king had to witness such a spectacle and became a little hesitant to knock on the door.
"Just open it, Ellie. He's the reason why we are here," Riz firmly gave his order.
Although she doesn't understand what the king's words mean, Ellie turns the doorknob anyway, revealing the scene inside the office.
The two people who've been arguing turn their heads toward the door and see three people standing there.
Among all three faces, Aunt Tina recognized two immediately.
One was her daughter, Ellie, and the other was the king.
"Y-your Majesty?! I didn't know you were here." Aunt Tina stammered.
Surprise plastered on her face.
"Sorry for the sudden visitation, Aunt Tina. I'm here for your son," Riz explained, his words cutting through the tension in the room.
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on f(r)e𝒆webn(o)vel.com