Chapter 558: Chapter 28: The Prince’s Epilogue

A list?

Robson frowned. He hadn’t gotten a clear look at who was on the list.

Now, Robson hesitated, wondering whether or not he should read the list.

Sometimes, ignorance was a blessing.

A dying Marshal who had once been part of a cult... Who could guarantee what was on his list? Who could guarantee whether the list was real or fake?

’What if this is the beginning of some grand drama? What if it’s a plot by the cult?’

This thought didn’t linger for long before Robson pushed it to the back of his mind.

’When did I become so hesitant and cautious?’

Information was power, and he trusted his ability to weigh it properly.

The large characters at the top of the list made Robson’s heart pound: Members of the Frankish Cult.

Thankfully, there weren’t many names on the list.

Most importantly, it didn’t contain the names of any of the kingdom’s truly powerful nobles. It was mostly merchant guilds and local thugs; the highest-ranking person was only an Honorary Earl.

Lanks, the mayor of Barishik City.

Of course, it was also possible that the Marshal simply hadn’t known who the other members were.

"Robson? What are you doing out here?"

As Robson was reading, a pleasant voice suddenly called out from behind him.

He turned to see Valentino stepping out in a nightgown.

’Bombed by Magic Crystal Cannons during the day, and now she’s in a nightgown at night. She’s got some nerve,’ he thought.

"Valentino? You’re awake already?" Robson asked in confusion.

"Mmm... I can’t sleep," Valentino said.

"I’m used to holding something when I sleep. After you left, I just couldn’t drift off."

"Well, it’s a good thing you’re awake. Come take a look at this."

As he spoke, Robson took out the items from Marshal Grantham.

There was no need to hide anything. Robson could always claim he just found the items. Even if the kingdom found out, the most they would do is take back the Marshal’s Seal.

As for the cult list, it wasn’t a major issue. With his current power, Robson could easily defeat everyone on the list, provided they didn’t have powerful backers.

The only thing he needed to worry about was the officer’s guide compiled by Marshal Grantham. But Robson was confident Valentino wasn’t foolish enough to publicize it.

Valentino took the items and looked them over, her expression growing slightly excited.

"Are these real or fake?" Valentino asked.

"I don’t know if the list is real, but the other two items should be," Robson said.

"What a find."

The Count’s eyes shone, like a dragon that had just spotted a treasure hoard.

"Perhaps we should find an opportunity to have the royal family put us in charge of the military faction’s rebellion case," Valentino said.

"You’re certainly ambitious," Robson said with a laugh.

This was the first rebellion case in Frank; Louis III would surely handle it personally.

Even if he didn’t lead the investigation himself, it would at least go to someone of Marquis Oscillate’s caliber.

"With these two items... if I could also secure the right to adjudicate the rebellion case, I can’t even imagine how much we could gain from it," Valentino said.

She wasn’t wrong. With the Marshal’s Seal, they could win over a part of the military faction. With the list, they could gain control over some of the factions in the Royal Capital.

Even though those people were connected to the cult, well, if trash could be recycled, so could people.

"Besides..."

Robson was about to discuss it further with Valentino.

Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats echoed from the distance.

"General! General!"

The man’s armor bore the crest of the Edward family.

"General, the Marquis requests your presence for a council."

"A council?"

Robson and Valentino exchanged a look.

Robson knew it was most likely about Prince Noah.

The Prince’s life now hung in the balance, and with it, the future of Robson’s strategic plans.

"We should go at once."

...

After the battle had ended and Prince Noah and Princess Yifulei were found, Marquis Oscillate had summoned a Golden Ninth Tier Priest from the army to treat them.

In all of Frank, only the Archbishop was a Legendary Priest; a Golden Ninth Tier was already the highest-ranking priest in the entire army.

When Robson and Valentino arrived at the command tent, a crystal imbued with the Lighting Technique hung overhead. Everyone looked dejected, and the atmosphere was somber.

"Robson, you’re here," Earl Lu Wen said, stepping forward.

"Earl, what is the Prince’s condition?" Robson asked.

"He’s hanging by a thread..."

"Alas. His Highness the Prince once said that you were the only man in the army he looked up to as a brother. Go and see him."

Hearing this, Robson felt an indescribable emotion well up inside him.

Just a few days ago, the two of them had been talking endlessly about reform.

Robson respected Prince Noah’s methods and vision.

If Prince Noah became King, with his capabilities, he would likely be the next Oscillate.

And now, the Prince was on the verge of death...

Hearing this, Valentino took Robson’s arm and instantly put on an expression of deep sorrow.

The two of them walked toward the inner part of the tent.

There was no light crystal in the innermost part of the tent. Robson remembered that His Highness the Prince had a problem with his eyes and disliked bright light.

On a modest bed lay a figure completely wrapped in white cloth, with one leg missing.

Standing before the bed were Marquis Oscillate and another old man with a white beard and hair.

"Marquis."

Hearing Robson’s voice, Marquis Oscillate’s stiff expression softened into a slight smile as he turned around.

"You’re here. Just call me grandfather."

"His Highness is..." Robson looked toward Prince Noah.

"His Highness’s internal organs are shattered. His Life Seed has been extinguished. He’s only being kept alive by Divine Arts..." the white-haired old man said.

This must be the Golden Ninth Tier Priest.

Marquis Oscillate sighed.

"Ngh... Nnngh..."

As if sensing Robson’s arrival, Prince Noah suddenly grew agitated, staring intently at him.

Robson didn’t understand why, but after a moment’s thought—whether for political show or for the sake of their past friendship—he knew he should move closer. He took a step forward.

Prince Noah grew more agitated, shifting on the bed and staring fixedly at Robson’s waist.

Robson was baffled. ’What does this mean?’

"Hmm, General, perhaps... you could check Prince Noah’s back," the white-haired old man said.

At his words, Robson reached out and felt the Prince’s lower back through the white cloth.

The Prince had clearly been injured by a Magic Crystal Cannon blast, yet on his lower back, there was a knife wound.

Robson was stunned.

At this, Prince Noah’s gaze finally calmed. He slowly raised his left hand, his eyes fixed on Robson.

Seeing this, Robson reached out as well, tightly gripping the Prince’s left hand.

’What does he mean? Is there a traitor? But who?’

Robson didn’t know the Prince well enough to be certain.

But the Prince was about to die. He couldn’t let the man pass on with regrets, could he?

"Your Highness, I think... I think I understand what you mean."

At this, Prince Noah closed his eyes and let his hand fall.

After an unknown amount of time, the Prince’s breathing gradually ceased.

Just then, a Knight burst in from outside the tent, shattering the silence.

"My Lord! My Lord! Princess Yifulei is awake!"

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