57: The dust has settled (thank you all for your recommendation and monthly tickets))

Sheriff had a private room in the castle, but she rarely used it.

Instead, she preferred to live at the Sheriff's office, as it allowed her to handle cases more quickly.

Wolf Fang Keep's lunch today was fried fish, bread with stew, and fruit pie for dessert.

"We were one step too late," Sheriff sighed after taking a sip of wine. "We had Eldred, no, Ingabado, in our sights from the beginning."

"But unfortunately, we could never find conclusive evidence."

"As a clergyman, he is not within our jurisdiction, you should know that."

"And he is also a favorite of the local bishop, all these factors led to us missing the best time to apprehend him."

Arthur distractedly cut his fish, digesting his aunt's words in his mind.

"I sent people to investigate. Church records show that Father Eldred was first assigned to Rotten Wood Village, and then dispatched to a border outpost."

"By virtue of his military achievements, he was transferred to Wolf Den City, and in just two years, he became Gutierrez's personal assistant."

"He is highly respected in the local church, and everyone believes that the next bishop will undoubtedly be him."

Sheriff paused, taking another sip of wine.

Arthur took over, asking, "Since you told me to eat in peace, you must have found a breakthrough? What is it?"

"Anton Grinski."

Arthur raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "I've heard that name. He's the manager of Thumb Bank."

"He's responsible for managing my mother's assets. Ah, I understand."

"He's involved in the corruption case. Is he still alive?"

"Why would you think he's dead?"

"The enemy is eliminating everyone connected to this conspiracy."

"Since this bank manager is involved, I can't think of a reason why he wouldn't be eliminated."

Sheriff stirred the soup with a spoon, "That's right, they sent someone, or to be precise, they sent a beastman."

"A beast that could be abandoned. Fortunately, your people successfully rescued the manager."

Hearing this, Arthur breathed a sigh of relief, "So he's the breakthrough?"

"Yes, Hoffman, the foreman of the New Temple, gave Anton a portion of the temple blueprints before he disappeared."

"He told him these things were for his safety and that he must hide them well."

"The bank manager did as he was told. He hid all those blueprints in the sewer of Thumb Bank."

"Apparently, he didn't trust his own bank's vault, even though those halflings claimed it was safer than a red dragon's lair."

Arthur did not rush to express his opinion.

According to his aunt's character, those blueprints must have already been retrieved.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be so calmly having dinner with him here.

Sure enough, Sheriff immediately followed up, "I've already sent your attendant to retrieve them."

Arthur nodded, then brought the cut fish to his mouth.

"You have a very good group of subordinates," Sheriff praised. "I really don't know how you managed to assemble such a team in such a short time."

"However, as I've said many times before, you're like a changed person. I saw William give you the Wolf Ring."

Arthur glanced at the wolf head ring on his left pinky finger.

"Do you know what this means?"

Arthur shook his head.

"It means my brother, your father, is afraid."

His aunt's words left Arthur perplexed.

He smiled faintly, "My father has never known what fear is."

"Everyone gets scared, and your father is no exception. And I know very well that he is afraid you will betray the family."

"Because he personally sent you to a desperate place."

"You know, nephew? Our grandfather locked up the Wolf Ring."

"Because he didn't want to see the tragedy of kin killing kin and infighting happen again."

"And for all these years, the Evil Wolf Family has done just that. Our family has been united like a wolf pack, until your generation..."

Adelaide used her fork to retrieve a piece of carrot from the soup, "We face many enemies, orcs..."

Then, she took out a piece of parsnip, "Westerners."

Finally, she forked out a piece of beef, "And those hostile families led by the Falcon Family."

"Once, they acted independently, like vegetables scattered in a basket."

"But ever since the Falcon Family became a member of the Council of Five, all these vegetables have been put into one pot."

"They are like a pot of poison, constantly eroding us."

"Today, the Eastern Noble Alliance is already a name in vain."

"Spies and merchants from the west, with the tacit approval of the Falcon Family, have infiltrated the East, leaving it riddled with holes."

Sheriff sighed heavily, "The united wolf pack no longer exists. Richard is the best example."

"Your father is worried you will become another one, which is why he gave you the Wolf Ring."

Arthur spread his hands and said, "My dear aunt, first, I have to survive in Qingfeng Valley."

Adelaide laughed, "I don't think that will be a problem for you."

"By your good words."

The Dwarf and the Half-Elf followed the noblewoman closely.

Anyone who approached was considered a potential threat by them.

The noblewoman held a large package in her arms, almost with all her might, as if afraid it would grow wings and fly away.

The three hurried, their expressions anxious.

Vanka, who was leading the way, was also infected, almost trotting forward, which clearly did not conform to the etiquette a personal maid should have.

As they rushed into Adelaide's room, Arthur was about to eat his last bite of food.

He was indeed starving; he hadn't had a drop to drink or a grain to eat since morning.

And he was also very tired, with many complicated matters swirling in his mind, leaving him exhausted.

However, upon seeing Catherine and the package in her arms, Arthur instantly perked up.

"Tell me, did you bring the item back?" he asked eagerly.

"Yes, my lord. Iron Shovel checked it carefully on the way. He used to be..."

"I know he used to be a stonemason," Arthur interrupted the noblewoman. "Get to the point."

Catherine nodded, then bowed to Adelaide who was present.

Then she took the parchment blueprints out of the backpack.

Arthur cleared the table so she could spread out the blueprints.

The Old Dwarf quickly walked to the table and explained, "If I'm not mistaken, these blueprints are only a part of the New Temple, but they are enough to explain the problem."

"That New Temple has a considerable underground space, and the only entrance is in a tomb within the temple's graveyard."

As he spoke, the Dwarf extended his finger and pressed it on a spot on the map.

Arthur and Sheriff looked at the map simultaneously and said in unison, "Family Crypt!"

"I'm not sure exactly what that place is, my lords, but in my experience, there's only one entrance."

"What about the exits?" Arthur asked.

"There are two," the Dwarf said, pointing to two locations.

One was the main hall, and the other was the temple garden.

"Take the items and follow me," Arthur ordered.

Without any hesitation or unnecessary formalities.

After Arthur presented these new discoveries to his father, the Earl immediately ordered the steward to inform Robert to assemble the troops.

He had only one request, which was for Arthur to stay in a safe outer perimeter to avoid any accidents.

He would personally command this battle.

Robert did not act with great fanfare but secretly organized a team of nearly fifty people.

The team was led by him and two family cavalrymen, divided into three routes, heading to the temple.

This would avoid causing a disturbance in the market.

The Earl, accompanied by ten castle guards, rode on horseback to the temple.

Sheriff and Arthur traveled together by carriage.

Evil Wolf Earl originally did not want Adelaide to follow, but he eventually couldn't win her over.

In Amn, any officially recognized temple belongs to the gods and is not under the direct jurisdiction of the lord or the council.

Even the emperor back then could not arbitrarily order the destruction of a temple, as this would be equivalent to challenging the authority of the gods.

Fortunately, before Evil Wolf Earl arrived, Mayor Yann had already smoothed out relations with all parties.

Once the team was assembled, Evil Wolf Earl led ten guards and twenty soldiers directly to the graveyard.

A portion of the soldiers were assigned to the two exits.

Despite Robert and Adelaide's repeated persuasion, the Earl remained stubborn, insisting on personally leading the team to eradicate these rebels.

Following the clues left by Foreman Hoffman, the soldiers opened the secret passage beneath the largest coffin.

"Damn bastards!" the Earl cursed angrily.

This kind of malicious design was clearly a desecration of the Evil Wolf Family.

He led the soldiers into the secret passage without hesitation.

After moving a certain distance, everyone arrived at an open area.

Everyone gasped, not shocked by the dense, strange symbols on the walls of the place.

But by the barrels of blazing glue stacked next to the load-bearing columns.

The Earl speculated that they were currently beneath the main hall of the temple.

This was also the place where the inauguration ceremony was to be held.

Once these blazing glues were ignited, even if they miraculously survived on the spot, they would be buried alive by the collapsing temple.

He secretly rejoiced that he had chosen to trust Arthur and launched an investigation.

"Who's there?" Suddenly, someone shouted loudly.

Evil Wolf Earl sharply caught a quickly flashing figure and immediately chased after him.

The guards followed closely behind.

They found a group of priests in simple robes in another empty room.

Their clothes were adorned with various terrifying symbols related to the Mad God.

"Kill them!" The Earl decisively gave the order.

As the enemies issued warnings, more and more Cyric cultists surged into the room like a filthy, overflowing torrent.

"Protect my back!" William shouted loudly, "For the Evil Wolf Family!"

He brandished his longsword and charged into the enemy crowd.

Each swing of his sword was powerful and lethal.

Enemies blocking him fell one after another, blood splattering and limbs shattering.

The cultists tried to resist, but their clubs and machetes were either easily parried by William or only left shallow dents on his armor.

The battle quickly turned into a one-sided slaughter.

The Cyric cultists realized that their resistance was meaningless against well-equipped enemies.

Panic spread rapidly like a plague, and this disorganized mob instantly fell into chaos, turning and fleeing for their lives.

The Earl saw that familiar face in the enemy crowd, the face of his second son.

At this moment, there was no pity in his heart, only the urge to tear this rebellious son into a thousand pieces.

He ignored his own guards and charged towards Richard, but he didn't notice the strange smile on Richard's face.

Something was wrong with this place!

As he followed Richard into a corridor, the Earl began to notice that his movements were becoming increasingly sluggish.

The force of his strikes also became weak, and his physical strength grew weaker and weaker.

And his heart was beating wildly.

Upon noticing these anomalies, he grabbed the nearest guard beside him and ordered, "Go back, go back and inform Robert.

"Tell him to bring people to support the exit, and never come down. They used magic, this place has been enchanted!"

After giving his instructions, Evil Wolf Earl showed no intention of retreating.

He closely followed his prey, continuing to slay any enemy who dared to block him.

"Look at you, you're like an old dog, guarding your rotten land."

His second son's twisted yet clear voice echoed in his ears.

"Stop playing tricks here, you bastard!" The Earl roared furiously, "You shouldn't have been born, you are a disgrace to the family!"

"Curse me, keep cursing me. When you kneel before me, I'd like to see what expression will be on your face."

"Bah, dream on!"

The Earl quickened his pace and rushed out of the corridor. The view suddenly opened up before him.

He saw the bodies of soldiers, the magnificent goddess statue in the main hall, and his rebellious son and his cronies standing on the steps, waiting for him.

"You're old, Father." Richard said condescendingly, "You're too many steps behind. I have already received the grace of the gods.

"I will end you here with my own hands, just as He prophesied. I will eventually ascend to the family throne."

Evil Wolf Earl no longer responded; he had to conserve his strength. Whatever magical trap the opponent had set underground, its effects were still ongoing.

"Poor old man, let me end your suffering!"

Richard and his retinue slowly walked down the steps.

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

On the other side, the messenger servant struggled out of the coffin secret passage and reported the situation underground to everyone.

"Magic?" Robert frowned, asking anxiously, "Where's the Earl? How is Earl doing?"

"He... he said... said he wanted you to... to support the exit..."

After saying this, the servant foamed at the mouth and fainted.

"Which exit? Speak up! Damn it, speak!"

Robert shook the servant's shoulders, but received no response.

Arthur stepped forward and said, "Uncle, he fainted. Take your men and go support them."

"But I don't know which one to support." Robert said with a frown, "You, yes, and you are here.

"I'll give you some soldiers, Arthur. Take them to the main hall, and I'll go to the garden. That way it'll work out."

Arthur had the same intention.

When he arrived at the main hall, he just happened to see his father pressed to the ground, kneeling humiliatingly before Richard.

"Dear brother." Richard revealed a triumphant smile, "You've come at just the right time to witness the birth of a new king. I..."

Before he could finish speaking, a crossbow bolt suddenly shot towards Richard.

He had no choice but to raise his sword to block it, and taking advantage of this opportunity, Arthur's retinue launched their attack.

Orcs and Dwarfs charged at the forefront, while Jessica and Newt launched a flanking attack.

Airo reloaded her crossbow and disappeared into the shadows, and Arthur also began to chant a spell in a low voice.

Facing the fierce offensive of the crowd, Richard and his cronies had no choice but to retreat.

The Earl was rescued by the soldiers during the opportunity.

Under the encirclement of the crowd and Arthur's magic, the rebels were quickly cornered in front of the statue.

But even in such a desperate situation, Richard still refused to surrender.

His eyes showed madness, and he constantly shouted the name of the Mad God.

It wasn't until all his subordinates were eliminated, leaving him alone, that this mad noble young master laughed and shouted to his younger brother: "Arthur!

"Can't you see clearly? The man who calls himself your father personally sent you to the cursed land!

"He is not worthy to be our father. Have you forgotten how he viewed us?

"He considers us a disgrace. When will you finally wake up!"

Saying that, he leaped onto the altar, spread his arms, "Support me as the new king, brother!

"You can't even imagine how powerful I am!"

Arthur shook his head at Airo, who was preparing to attack. He said to his brother, "You are already a pawn, Richard.

"Stop deceiving yourself, put down your weapons and surrender. You've lost!"

"Shut up! You bastard! What do you think you are, daring to speak to me like that!

"You are a complete scoundrel. What if you become a Mother Earth priest?

"Can this change your nature? Can it erase your past deeds?

"No! You are as hypocritical as your god!

"At least I have the courage to resist him, while you are like a dog at everyone's beck and call!"

"The reinforcements you're waiting for won't come." Arthur exposed his brother's trick, "Don't you understand yet?

"Your so-called power, your so-called rebels, would only arrive if the conspiracy had not been exposed.

"Now, the conspiracy is exposed, and your allies have chosen to watch. And you have already disappointed them."

These words seemed to hit Richard's sore spot, and he roared in anger: "Then come, Arthur!

"Duel me like a man! In our noble way, not like these inferiors.

"Come on! Let's see whose god is more..."

Arthur sighed and waved his hand at his retinue.

"I want him alive." He said indifferently.

Not long after, Richard was brought before Arthur by Jessica and the Orc.

"Cyric always deludes believers with unrealistic fantasies." Arthur looked at his brother and said, "I bet Father would be very happy to interrogate you personally."

Just then, a strange voice suddenly sounded in Arthur's mind.

"Kill him! Kill your brother, kill this traitor!"

Arthur's hand uncontrollably reached for his sword.

But he quickly resisted this inexplicable urge.

"Only I can save you, little wolf pup, only I can save you!"

In an instant, a blood moon hung high, and the entire world was dyed blood red.

Arthur found himself standing covered in blood on a pile of corpses.

Airo, Vanka, Drax... all familiar people lay in pools of blood.

"Your fate is already sealed, only I can change it. Surrender to me, little wolf pup.

"Kill this loser, kill him! Kill him! Save yourself!"

Seductive whispers echoed continuously in his mind.

Arthur painfully raised his right hand and gave the middle finger towards the direction of the voice.

"Fuck you, I'm sticking with Shanteya's thigh!"

The next second, Arthur returned to reality.

Only one second had passed, yet he was already drenched in sweat, cold and clammy.

"Take him away." Arthur wearily waved his hand.