Chapter 99: Dr. Barnett
TL: Etude
At this time, Bayland Castle had become a massive military encampment, with the vassals of the Kent family continuously converging here.
The first arriving nobles and knights spent their days hunting or holding martial tournaments, transforming the usually quiet Bayland Castle into a hubbub of activity.
That day, Count Kent held a banquet in the castles great hall for the already arrived vassals of the family.
The attendees, while heartily drinking the lords wine, cursed the lord of Alda, unanimously expressing their desire to deal with this insolent and unruly young man on behalf of their lord.
Count Kent, naturally, did not disclose to his vassals the real reason for declaring war which was the refusal of certain demands but rather, he used another pretext:
The lord of Alda, Paul Grayman, had placed Lord Malron Ganard of Baylding under house arrest and sent troops to forcibly occupy the entirety of Baylding. The Steward of Baylding, Viscount Angelo, fled to Emerson for help. Against such tyrannical and bullying behavior by the Grayman family, the Kent family naturally could not stand idly by.
Angelo was also invited to the banquet.
Since their last meeting, when a price was quoted, Count Kent had not summoned him again, and Angelos requests for a visit had fallen on deaf ears, making him increasingly despondent and hopeless by the day.
Just when Angelo thought Count Kent intended to let him fall into despair through neglect, and he himself was indeed disheartened and began to pack his things, contemplating switching allegiances, the Count unexpectedly sent for him to come to the castle for a meeting.
In this meeting, Angelo was joyously informed that the Kent family had decided to dispatch troops to punish Alda and teach Paul Grayman a lesson for his bullying.
Suddenly, Angelo felt as if the dark clouds had cleared. The Counts face didnt seem as sour as before, and the castle no longer appeared as gloomy as it used to be.
The subsequent actions of the Kent family further convinced him of the Counts intention to use military force. Knights and militia began to gather at Bayland Castle. If the Count were still just placating him, he would never have assembled such a grand display of force.
Now, Angelo even felt that Marltz Kent, the Count, was closer to him than his own father.
Before the banquet started, Angelo was informed to be fully prepared. He mentally agreed and had been drafting his speech for several days.
Once the banquet began, in his eloquent speech, Paul Grayman was depicted as an utterly despicable villain, inciting those whose brains were addled by chivalric ideals (and there were such people) to righteous indignation, clamoring for battle.
Marltz Kent, the Count, sat at the head, sipping his drink and watching Angelos performance.
The effect was good. Humph, Grayman, lets see what you do now.
Just as he began to think about how to distribute the spoils of war, his butler quietly approached and whispered in his ear: My lord, Dr. Barnett has arrived.
Count Kent was startled, almost dropping the glass in his hand.
He quickly asked, Have you let him in?
The butler nodded repeatedly, I remember your instructions and have asked him to wait in the small reception room at the back.
Count Kent nodded, gesturing to his son, Jace, who quickly came to his side. The Count said, You take over the banquet for me, I have urgent matters and must leave for a moment.
Without waiting for Jaces response, he stood up and hurried away.
Jace watched his fathers departing figure with a puzzled look. Usually, when his father mentioned urgent matters, he would consult with him, but what was different today?
Count Kent almost jogged to the door of the small reception room. Instead of entering immediately, he first stood outside to straighten his clothes.
He then instructed the butler, Go find ten guards and personally lead them to secure this area. No one is allowed to approach.
Yes, my lord, the butler promptly left to find the guards.
Feeling that everything was in order, the Count gently pushed open the door.
A man cloaked in a black cape stood inside, gazing at a wall painting. He was facing away from the door, and despite the sound of the door opening, he showed no intention of turning around.
Count Kent closed the door of the reception room and bowed to the man, greeting softly, Dr. Barnett, its been a long time.
The Counts posture and voice were uncharacteristically humble and respectful. Had anyone who knew the Count, such as Angelo, Emerson, or even his son Jace, heard him speak in such a manner, they would have been utterly astonished.
The cloaked man slowly turned around and removed the hood covering his head, revealing his face.
He was a robust man in his forties, with a bald head adorned with strange tattoo patterns. These tattoos extended down his face, forming more patterns before disappearing into his collar. The tattoos resembled some form of script or symbols, exuding an eerie aura.
His eyes conveyed a cold indifference, a disregard for others that was completely incongruous with his profession as a doctor.
Marltz, its been a long time, the cloaked man, Dr. Barnett, responded in a deep voice.
Count Kent then straightened up and walked over to the man he addressed as Teacher, saying, Teacher, please sit down to talk.
Dr. Barnett nodded and took a seat, with Count Kent sitting across from him.
Before Count Kent could speak again, Dr. Barnett began, Marltz, you look much better than when I last saw you.
Count Kent replied with a smile, Thanks to your meticulous guidance, Teacher. The secret techniques you taught me are incredibly effective. I feel like Im getting younger by the day. His voice conveyed a hint of gratitude.
However, Dr. Barnett warned, I must remind you, moderation is key. If you practice the secret techniques I taught you gradually, you can fulfill your desires and at least strengthen your body and prolong your life. But if you overindulge and rush for quick results, youll bring unimaginable disaster upon yourself and even endanger your family. Eventually
Dr. Barnett spoke slowly and emphatically, You wont be yourself anymore!
I understand. I will follow your instructions carefully, Count Kent hastily agreed, though inwardly he did not entirely concur with his teachers words.
Dr. Barnett then inquired, When I arrived, I saw quite a gathering of troops near your castle. Whats happening?
Count Kent replied, Nothing significant, just dealing with an insolent minor lord.
So, youre planning to attack another territory? Dr. Barnett asked.
Yes, Teacher, Count Kent admitted frankly.
But what came next puzzled him greatly: Marltz, immediately halt this military operation. I am in the northwest on a mission, and I dont want you causing any complications.
Why? Count Kent asked quickly, but then he realized, Could it be? Is it because
Dr. Barnetts response confirmed his guess: Yes, the Secret Society is making a move in the northwest.
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