Inside the carriage, Locke Abner lowered the curtains on both sides, activated the Magic Lamp overhead, and leaned against the corner. Looking up at the white light and listening to the wheels roll, his tense nerves gradually eased.
"To speak with a Legend and a Soul Intent Knight face-to-face... I have no idea why I made such a shocking decision back then."
Covering his face, Locke muttered to himself, "I hope what I did tonight was not in vain."
To outsiders, it seemed that he had inherited the title as an illegitimate son purely through luck.
"To survive, to live with dignity."
As he silently repeated those words, the doubt in Locke's eyes faded, replaced by ruthlessness.
A few minutes later, Locke's expression returned to calm. He straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, picked up the history book beside him, and began to read.
Reading history made one wise. Every scheme, open or hidden, every ruthless calculation, was concealed within its records.
That was precisely how he had indirectly killed his father, sent his nominal mother and several siblings to their deaths, lured a dragon into wiping out the entire Direct Lineage of the Abner Family, then offered two-thirds of the family fortune to the governor and the great nobles. With their support and troops, he had become the legitimate heir to the title of Viscount Abner.
The carriage rolled onward, leaving the Provincial Capital of Knas Province and heading toward Viscount Abner's Territory by the sea.
Elsewhere, Clyster and Velin followed the silver-armored guard to the entrance of a courtyard.
The silver-armored guard stopped outside the gate and made a welcoming gesture. "My lords, proceed straight through this gate, and you will reach Her Highness's study."
"Thank you."
Out of courtesy, Velin responded politely.
"It is my honor."
The silver-armored