622. Activation

In the reception hall of Count Bona's manor, the hearth fire was burning strong.

Marquis Ravencrow was like an uninvited, unwelcome guest. Even after being shown to the most luxurious seat, he did not show the slightest hint of a pleasant expression.

Bona had first avoided him for half the day on the excuse that he was not in the manor.

Only when he truly could not hide any longer did he hurry over to meet the Marquis.

"Your Lordship personally pursued and suppressed the remnants of the evil cult. It must have been truly exhausting!" Bona's face was piled with a flawless smile as he personally offered up a steaming cup of mead mixed with precious spices. "You've had a dusty journey. I've already ordered hot water prepared, and—"

Ravencrow did not take the cup. His gaze fell straight onto Bona's face.

"When I return to my castle, I will naturally rest. But right now, I am here to find answers. My soldiers are buried here, and I need to know immediately the exact circumstances of the day they died in battle, including every detail!"

The hand with which Bona held the wine cup trembled almost imperceptibly. He gave two dry laughs and took the chance to set the cup aside, his movements slightly hurried.

"My Lord, I don't understand. What is there to investigate? Your Lordship's men were brave and fearless, but they met with a vicious counterattack from the evil cult's priests, and that was why none survived. These are all facts that were written in the report long ago."

"None survived?" the Marquis snorted coldly. "The remnants of an evil cult who were being chased until they were running for their lives could still silently set up a trap on your territory capable of wiping out