17: Night Talk

The cargo handling work wasn't completed until nightfall. After Bard properly settled Olaf and the seven guards, he hurried back to oversee the necessary tasks.

Arthur, meanwhile, met with the captain and other important crew members of the merchant ship named Barracuda.

The ship's financial officer, who also served as a scribe, handed him a box containing information about the slaves.

So, for the entire afternoon, he focused on understanding the six slaves who had caused the riot, investigating the root cause of the incident, and trying to figure out why they had done it.

This directly related to whether these individuals would stay or go; if they remained incorrigible, only the gallows awaited them.

Once all the work was handled, Arthur paid out of his own pocket and led all the workers to the Red Hook Tavern for a meal.

Initially, the dockworkers thought this noble young master was just speaking casually, but when tankards of ale were actually placed before them, they truly realized it was no joke.

This action naturally won over everyone.

Arthur had intended to stay and eat with them, but a castle servant informed him that the Earl wished to see him.

So, he left Bard with enough money and instructed him to send the same food to the six slaves guarding the warehouse.

After an afternoon of in-depth investigation and analysis, Arthur generally understood the cause of the riot.

In his opinion, the fault for this riot did not lie with the slaves; the culprits were actually Olaf and his soldiers.

At the same time, he arranged for Airo to closely monitor the slaves to prevent any further incidents.

With everything arranged, Arthur returned to the castle by carriage, heading towards his father's study.

However, halfway there, he was stopped.

Anna seemed to know he would come, waiting in a necessary passageway.

As soon as she saw Arthur, she eagerly asked, "Are you going to see Earl?"

"Uh-huh. If you have something to say, you'd better be quick; you know my father has always been impatient."

"It's not me who has something, it's Kiran, the stable master."

"Tell me."

Anna pulled Arthur into the shadows and whispered, "He's worried the Earl will punish him, so he wants you to put in a good word for him."

"Oh, and by the way, your foolish brother has been banished to guard the border; he leaves tomorrow morning."

Hearing this, Arthur chuckled, "He got what he deserved. If that's the case, then this matter should be settled, Kiran doesn't need to worry."

Anna rolled her eyes, "Is this your first day knowing Earl? Someone always has to take responsibility for something like this."

"The relevant investigation has already begun, and those two beast tamers who tried to kidnap you were Kiran's subordinates. Do you think the Earl will let him off easily?"

Arthur pondered for a moment; he didn't think his father would severely punish Kiran.

After all, he was an excellent beast tamer, and their family had been training direwolves for the Evil Wolf Family for generations.

However, he was willing to use this opportunity to do someone a favor.

"Alright, I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee it will work."

"That's enough."

"That's enough," Anna said, her gaze suddenly falling on the blood-stained bandage on Arthur's hand.

"Give me that," she said.

Arthur looked puzzled.

"As a condition for helping, Kiran agreed to help you choose a direwolf cub."

"He suggested bringing an item close to you so the cub can get used to your scent."

"That way, when it's time to choose, you'll know which one to pick."

"Interesting." Arthur untied the bandage and handed it to Anna.

The maid quickly took it, tucked it into her pocket, then suddenly lunged forward and kissed his lips.

After a long moment, she softly whispered, "Be careful, my young master, I don't want to lose you so soon."

"I really should thank you."

The maid smiled charmingly, reached out and squeezed Arthur's crotch, teasing, "You can repay me with your body."

After arousing Arthur's interest, she quickly pulled away, urging, "Hurry, Earl will be getting impatient."

-----------------

"Have you eaten?" his father asked when he saw him.

Arthur shook his head, "I've been busy until now, haven't had a chance to eat."

The Earl beckoned to him and said, "Perfect, I haven't eaten either, let's eat together."

Arthur sat down at the small round table in the study, and Steward Bump quickly brought a set of cutlery and a wine glass.

The flickering candlelight illuminated and darkened his father's face, making it difficult for Arthur to gauge his father's mood from his expression.

After a few rounds of wine and several dishes, the Earl finally spoke, "Richard won't bother you anymore."

Arthur nodded, acknowledging it.

He had never thought that such a matter would lead his father to condemn Richard.

No matter how many mistakes his brother made, he was still of the Evil Wolf Family bloodline; unless there was irrefutable evidence and public opinion was overwhelmingly against him, he would never be condemned.

Because it would damage the family's prestige.

"Don't worry, I've already sent people to investigate, and I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."

"Father, I don't think we need to waste any more time on this matter," Arthur carefully advised.

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

"Cultivating professional talents like beast tamers requires many years of effort and is by no means easy; today we have already lost two."

"Now Black Mane has added three cubs to the family, and these cubs urgently need specialized training. Continuing the investigation will only breed discontent among the beast tamers."

Evil Wolf Earl put down his knife and fork, staring deeply at his youngest son, "You must understand your identity, Arthur."

"No matter your ability, you are always my son, flowing with noble Evil Wolf blood."

"Those commoners offending you are challenging the entire family. If this matter is let go, the Evil Wolf Family's prestige will be damaged."

"But the beast tamers will be grateful for it," Arthur interjected, "becoming more obedient and loyal, and working harder."

"If this small humiliation of mine can bring stability within the family, then it's absolutely a worthwhile deal, anyway, my reputation is already in tatters."

This rebuttal made even Bump, who was standing by, look sideways.

The Earl slammed his fist on the table, words on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed them back.

After taking a deep breath, he nodded in approval, "Yes, you are right."

"The border war is tense, the temple inauguration ceremony is about to be held, and too much has happened in the city recently."

"This matter indeed needs careful consideration. But are you sure you want to do this?"

"After the inauguration ceremony, I will leave here, Father. My reputation is irrelevant."

"As for the family's reputation, in my opinion, the two dead beast tamers are enough to explain everything."

"Then let's eat." The Earl said no more.

After Arthur finished his meal and left the study, Earl asked Bump, "My friend, do you think I made a mistake?"

Bump bowed respectfully, "Whatever decision you make, Master, it is for the Evil Wolf Family."

"He has changed a lot, I think you've noticed too," the Earl sighed, "I'm starting to wonder if sending him to Qingfeng Valley was the right decision after all."

Bump hesitated for a moment and said, "No one expected the young master to grow so quickly."

"How much money is left in the treasury to support him?" the Earl asked.

"Probably not much; the front lines are tight, and most of the money has been invested in the army."

"Regardless, at least put together enough for him to last a year."

"I understand, Master."