68: Departure

The next day, Joan received the house deed and keys from Arthur.

She looked around in disbelief.

"You… you're really giving me this house?" she asked.

Arthur shrugged.

Overjoyed, Joan asked, "When are you leaving?"

Arthur looked out the window, "It's almost time, I need to go to the square."

The Black Market Doctor hugged him, laughing, "Perhaps we still have a little time."

Arthur laughed.

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Wolf Den City's central square was packed.

Half the residents stood on tiptoes, craning their necks to watch the pioneering group line up and depart amidst the Pope's elaborate blessings.

Watching his youngest son's gradually shrinking figure, he turned to Bump, his steward, beside him and asked, "Old friend, tell me, I didn't make a mistake with my decision."

Before the steward could speak, the Earl muttered again, "What great deeds can such a person accomplish?"

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Henry Glamorgan put on the loose black velvet jacket with the help of his old servant.

He inherited his mother's long golden hair.

Under his drooping eyebrows were a pair of bright, cunning eyes.

As Evil Wolf Earl's fourth son, Henry was more composed and reserved than his brothers.

He was intelligent from a young age and learned everything quickly.

Thus, after reaching adulthood, his father entrusted him with a heavy responsibility.

He was to lead a pioneering group into the swamps in the southern part of the territory to reclaim land.

In the perilous swamps, Henry not only successfully cultivated a lot of fertile land but also established Black Marsh Town, living a life far removed from imperial oversight.

The male servant, who had been waiting outside for a long time, brought in today's breakfast—beef patties, eggs, bread, cheese, and fern wine.

It was Henry's habit to drink a little refreshing red fern wine in the morning.

Black Marsh Town was famous for its abundance of various ferns.

After improvement, this fern, which originally grew in the swamp, could not only be used for brewing wine but also served as a staple food.

It was indeed a rather good crop.

The noble young master sat down on the chair with feather cushions.

He first picked up his tea and took a sip, revealing a satisfied smile, then began to enjoy his lavish breakfast.

His old servant, who had followed him for many years, stood beside him, holding a napkin.

The young male servant who served the meal held the bottle of red fern wine, constantly keeping an eye on his master's glass.

"Hakso, look, red fern wine is rare even in Wolf Den City.

"But now it's right here on the plate in front of me."

Henry speared a piece of cheese with his fork, "Do you know why?"

The old servant, who was fat and dark, with black hair, a low forehead, and bulging eyes, replied with a smile, "That's because you, Master, are chosen by Heaven.

"A noble existence like you deserves to enjoy such rare delicacies."

Henry smiled and waved his hand, "You're wrong, mainly because this red fern is different from other ferns,

"It can't be cultivated artificially; one can only collect it by venturing into the dangerous depths of the swamp.

"Then, a special method is used to remove its toxins before it can be brewed into this bottle of wine.

"The financial and human resources expended are immeasurable."

Hakso quickly slapped himself once and flattered, "This old servant is foolish, but the young master is wise and mighty."

Henry picked up his wine glass, intending to savor it, but as the wine reached his lips, he suddenly frowned.

"Why wasn't the wine chilled?" he asked the young male servant in a cold tone.

The male servant was flustered, standing there, his face pale.

"I'm asking you?" the noble young master asked again in a calmer tone, his eyes fixed on the male servant.

The poor male servant stood there helplessly, clutching the wine bottle tightly with both hands, unable to utter a word.

Henry shook his head in disappointment and said to the old servant, "Go deal with it."

The old servant bowed respectfully, then took out a small bell and rang it.

Two guards walked in from outside, took the male servant by the arms, and led him out of the room.

"You know, Hakso. I really miss the old days.

"You know, when I first came here from Wolf Den, this wretched place was nothing more than a muddy pit.

"Backward, ignorant, barbaric, and bloody. And there were many dirty mountain people.

"It was I who brought civilization and order here.

"Alas, I truly miss living in the castle.

"The servants knew the rules, did their jobs well, and knew their place."

At this, Henry poured the wine from his glass directly onto the floor.

He looked as if he was disappointed that something could not be improved, and continued, "Now look.

"It's maddening, isn't it, Hakso?

"These domesticated mountain people don't even know to chill red fern wine with cold water.

"Doesn't he know that the value of that bottle of wine is worth his entire family's lives?

"Such good wine ruined just like that, what a pity, what a pity."

The crack of a whip and the male servant's screams echoed in the courtyard.

The noble young master's tightly furrowed brows immediately relaxed, and his fingers tapped the table in time with the screams.

He closed his eyes as if enjoying the moment.

However, a series of hurried footsteps broke this beautiful moment.

Ingabado entered from outside with four others.

They were travel-worn, and weariness was evident on each of their faces.

"Master, the plan failed," Ingabado said as soon as he entered the room.

Henry opened his eyes and raised a hand, signaling the old servant to leave.

Hakso immediately turned and left, closing the door behind him.

"I told you long ago that my foolish second brother is not to be relied upon, yet the Falcon Family still wants to support him to the top. Hakso!"

The noble young master suddenly shouted loudly.

The old servant pushed the door open and entered. Henry immediately ordered, "Tell them to go further away to beat him, oh, it really makes me uneasy.

"Go, hurry, tell them to go to a further place to beat him. You know I can't stand hearing this."

"Yes, Master," the old servant bowed slightly and exited the room again.

"Master, listen to me," Ingabado said again in his sharp voice, "Things are not that simple.

"Our plan was originally proceeding very smoothly, but your brother suddenly interfered.

"We don't know where he got his intelligence and clues; he not only threw us into disarray,

"But also led a team to wipe out the mercenary group hired by the Stag Family in just one day."

Henry's eyes narrowed. He confirmed, "I only have one brother, and that's Arthur. Are you sure you're talking about him?"

"Yes, Master, it's him. All the plans were ruined by him. What's even more incomprehensible is..."

"You're lying!" Henry stood up from his chair with a sudden jerk, glaring at his attendant, "Do you take me for a fool?

"Don't I know what kind of character my brother is? He's nothing but an animal who thinks with his lower half!

"I don't blame you for the plan's failure; after all, this matter involves too many forces, and coordinating so many people is indeed difficult.

"But you shouldn't use such an absurd excuse to deceive me. Even if you said my brainless third brother did it, I would believe it to some extent."

"He is now Cicinius's personally appointed Mother Earth Saint," the female ranger in the hood said, "This is news sent by a scout at top speed."

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Henry waved his hand, letting out a long breath.

After calming himself slightly, he said, "He departs today and should arrive here in about three or four days.

"If it's truly as you say, and my idiotic brother has become so wise and sagely, I will personally meet him!"