Chapter 46: Morat Hansen (Part Two)
Inside the reception hall on the second floor of Mindis Hall, the guards ushered the visiting guest inside before briskly closing the doors.
"Say what you came to say, then leave." Under the light of the Eternal Lamps filling the hall, Jinnie stood in front of Tales, facing the black-robed old man without the slightest courtesy.
Tales calmly watched the black-robed, cane-wielding, weathered old man before him, who looked as though he might collapse at any moment. His mind was filled with doubts.
"Still as cold as ever, Buckweir Warden." From the other side of the empty hall, Morat's old, hoarse voice reached Tales's ears. It was unbearably unpleasant and inexplicably unsettling. With a mocking tone, he said, "After all, we've worked together tacitly more than once."
"Worked together?" Jinnie sneered. "Who would work with a poisonous snake? Back then, it was His Majesty's order. We had no choice but to obey."
"You really disappoint me." Morat shook his head as if regretfully, as though he were genuinely heartbroken. "I thought we were on the same side. You know, I've always regarded you as my daughter."
As he spoke, a glint flashed in Morat's eyes. "You know, as the 'biological' daughter I raised myself."
Morat placed particular emphasis on the word "biological."
Tales was astonished to see Jinnie—who had always been haughty and overbearing—suddenly freeze, as though someone had seized her by the throat.
The proud and imposing Female Official immediately turned her head away, so that no one could see her expression anymore.
"If I may be frank!"
Gilbert interrupted the conversation between the two. His expression solemn, he gave a slight bow. "Lord Hansen, you know how important everything here is to the kingdom. Please skip the unnecessary probing and pleasantries."
Tales was even more surprised. Gilbert, who had always been impeccably mannered, seemed somewhat... angry?
"We all know that you are the 'Intelligence Chief,' in control of the Kingdom Secret Bureau that strikes fear into everyone who hears of it. The Starfall Kingdom has also benefited from your contributions." Gilbert's face was cold, and his words were sharp. "Therefore, it is only proper that you meet the future 'Liege Lord' in advance. So please don't delay any further—this is Mr. Tales."
He deliberately stressed the words "intelligence agency" and "Liege Lord."
Tales suddenly understood. The former was meant for him, while the latter was a warning to Morat.
The kingdom's greatest intelligence chief. Tales tucked this information away in his mind.
The atmosphere really wasn't very good.
Solemn-faced, Gilbert stepped back, fully revealing the Tales behind him to Morat.
Morat's eyes passed over everyone and shot toward the boy.
In that instant, Tales felt that there seemed to be some kind of magic in those pitch-black eyes.
As though they were trying to see straight through him.
Tales even had the illusion that he was "having trouble breathing."
Morat slowly walked forward. The sound of his cane striking the floor formed an ominous rhythm.
"Thump... thump... thump..."
Behind him, the Masked Guard Yordel also slowly advanced.
"This distance is enough," Gilbert said coldly.
"Earl of Caso, as expected of the royal family's most trusted Attendant Officer." Amid the sounds of footsteps and cane strikes, Morat's gaze remained fixed on Tales, though his feet did not stop. His old, hoarse voice drifted over. "I truly admire your loyalty to the Liege Lord, whether to the Former King or to the Former King's 'successors.'"
Tales noticed that Morat had once again emphasized the words "successors."
At that moment, Tales suddenly sensed that after Morat finished speaking, Gilbert—whose words had been as sharp as swords—had been completely deflated.
Gilbert's brows drew tightly together, as though he had thought of something unpleasant.
The quick-witted and eloquent Former Foreign Minister, Earl of Caso, also clenched his teeth tightly. He said nothing more, simply allowing Morat to approach.
Watching the black-robed old man slowly draw near, Tales felt cold sweat break out.
What kind of person was he?
How could just a few words and a few emphases make the imposing Jinnie and the seasoned, capable Gilbert willingly retreat and remain silent?
"So, young sir." Morat opened a wrinkled smile, speaking gently yet inexplicably coldly. "It truly wasn't easy for you to escape from Red Quarter, from the hands of the Magic User."
"Magic User?"
Jinnie and Gilbert looked up together at his words, their expressions changing as they stared at Tales.
Tales's heart shook violently.
He instinctively raised his head and glanced behind Morat.
The masked secret guard, Yordel, stood there silently without saying a word.
But Tales keenly sensed that the Masked Guard's posture seemed somewhat stiff and tense.
Yordel.
Was it you who... told him everything?
About my secret?
"Actually, I have a few minor questions to ask you." Morat smiled again, his eyes sharp amid the wrinkles. "In private."
Tales swallowed.
"No, Tales can't be alone with him!" Jinnie reacted first. Her expression grave, she looked toward Gilbert as if seeking the Earl's help.
Gilbert also regarded Morat with an unfriendly gaze. "Mr. Tales's status is distinguished. He has the right to choose whether to meet with the kingdom's Intelligence Chief in the company of his attendants."
Tales frowned as he looked at Morat.
What exactly does he want to ask?
"Of course, of course. Even..." Morat leaned on his cane and bowed seemingly submissively, the corners of his mouth curling up. "Whether he wishes to speak with me should naturally be his own choice."
"After all, in the future, he will be my Liege Lord—if these old bones of mine can live that long."
Gilbert gave the Black Prophet a strange look, seemingly wondering why the head of the Secret Section was being so agreeable. Only Jinnie's expression changed as she looked toward Tales.
Tales breathed a sigh of relief.
But just as he was about to say, "I'm feeling a little unwell today," Morat's next words made his gaze freeze.
"Actually, I also wish to report a few matters to you—something that can only be done in private."
Morat bowed submissively again.
"...For example, the three children in the Lower City District, as well as a young bartender..." When the old man raised his head again, his face was still filled with smiles. "According to my intelligence, the Brotherhood seems to be dealing with an internal escape incident, and..."
In that instant, Tales clenched his right fist.
Three children in the Lower City District?
A young bartender?
Tales's pupils contracted sharply.
Synti, Lane, Colia, and... Yala.
"Fine!"
Ignoring Jinnie's anxious gaze and Gilbert's surprise, Tales stepped forward and said decisively, "We'll talk in private."
Morat's wrinkles bunched together with his smile. He turned slightly to the side. "Please move to the study."
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out among them.
"We'll talk here."
Tales turned around in surprise.
The speaker was unexpectedly Yordel, who had remained silent behind Morat for the entire evening.
"We can leave." The Masked Weirdo's hoarse, indistinct voice came from behind his mask. "Only then can I guarantee his safety."
Morat seemed to freeze for a second. When he turned his head again, his brows were already furrowed.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Gilbert exchanged a glance with Jinnie. The two of them nodded firmly as well. "We'll talk here."
"Thump."
Morat tapped his cane once and turned his head to look at Yordel.
"Why does everyone think that I, who have served Brilliant Star and the Star Kingdom for decades, would endanger the safety of the sole heir, the Bloodline of the Kingdom?" A cold glint appeared in Morat's eyes, but he immediately transformed it into an uncomfortable smile.
"Very well, then. We'll talk here."
Yordel gave a slight nod and released the Supreme Sword he had been gripping inside his sleeve all evening.
"But don't try anything clever, Servant of Shadows." Morat smiled at the Masked Guard and pointed at his own head. "No matter where you hide, I can still sense your presence."
Watching Morat's strange smile, Tales clenched his fists.