Mystery: The Stranger

Chapter 9 Sealed Artifacts

"This is Rodney's idea... We'll need your continued attention to the defense and investigations going forward."

Her words were impeccable, explaining both the reason for drinking and highlighting the current crisis, instantly dispelling most of Arnold's doubts. The two barbarians, who were already powerless against alcohol, immediately picked up their cups and were about to gulp it down.

"The more critical the situation, the more necessary it is to use force as a deterrent," Leah continued, her gaze sweeping over the two barbarians before finally settling on Arnold. Her tone was sincere. "Rodney has decided to personally lead the guards to Rye Village this afternoon to quickly quell the unrest and reassure the people. Castle affairs—including contacting surrounding nobles and gathering intelligence—will require your careful attention, Arnold."

She raised her glass to Arnold, who was still slightly hesitant, and said, "On behalf of Rodney, I'd like to toast you all to thank you for your loyalty to the Hawke family over the years."

The last trace of wariness in Arnold's eyes vanished completely. Leah's words not only showed him sufficient respect but also hinted that he would continue to oversee the baron's foreign affairs, which put his mind at ease—it was a very lucrative opportunity.

"You flatter me, Madam. Serving the Hawke family is my duty." He smiled, picked up his wine glass, and raised it to Leah. "Since it's the Baron's wish, let's drink this and discuss our strategy!"

The two barbarians could no longer contain themselves. Seeing Arnold take the lead, they immediately raised their cups and drank them down in one gulp. The wine dripped down their lips and soaked the animal skin collars on their chests.

The two cryptids exchanged a glance and then picked up their glasses and drank—they already had unwavering faith in Leah, a fellow devout follower of the fallen God, and now they had no doubt whatsoever.

Leah smiled as she watched them drink, occasionally exchanging a few words with Arnold. The conversation centered on the defense of the territory and the details of contacting their new patron, skillfully avoiding any questions that might expose their weaknesses. A bottle of wine was quickly emptied, and the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. Arnold began to enthusiastically explain his plans, while the two barbarians patted their chests and assured him they would defend the castle, and the two cryptids whispered prayers for the protection of the fallen god.

The Shadow Poison was taking effect silently. Arnold felt a slight tingling in his temples, followed by a strange sense of submission. His sharp gaze softened considerably, and his eyes held more trust as he looked at Leah.

The two barbarians' agitation gradually subsided, their ferocity fading and replaced by a simple, honest loyalty; the two cryptic men's prayers grew softer, their eyes becoming devout and empty, as if they regarded everything before them as the will of a fallen God.

Their eyes remained clear, and their minds were not dulled. However, their subconscious loyalty to "Baron Hawke" was amplified, and they no longer harbored any suspicion or wariness towards the "Baron" who was about to arrive.

Seeing this, Leah slowly stood up, still wearing a polite smile: "Please wait here for a moment, everyone. I will go and invite Rodney over to discuss the follow-up matters in detail." As she spoke, she nodded slightly to the five people and turned to walk out of the council hall.

Outside the hall, Leah lifted her skirt in a standard curtsy, the hem spreading out like flower petals before falling back down. Snow nodded slightly, offering silent approval.

A moment later, footsteps approached. Snow Serin, dressed in Rodney's aristocratic attire, strolled into the council chamber. He took his seat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed and casual—leaning slightly back, elbows resting on the edge of the table, legs crossed, a stark contrast to Baron Hawke's usual austere formality. His left foot wore a round-topped boot, and his right foot a pointed-topped boot, perfectly embracing the asymmetrical aesthetics of the Fourth Age.

"Your Excellency Baron!" Arnold was the first to stand up and bow, his eyes respectful, seemingly oblivious to the inappropriateness of the "Baron's" posture.

The two barbarians also stood up abruptly, clasped their hands in salute, and shouted in a gruff voice, "Greetings, Baron!" The two cryptids crossed their arms in front of their chests, bowed in respect, and whispered prayers of blessing.

Snow's gaze swept over the five people, a faint smile playing on his lips. His voice carried an almost imperceptible hint of wickedness, which they automatically interpreted as "the Baron's slightly hoarse voice, a sign of exhaustion from days of work": "No need for formalities, please sit."

After sitting down, Arnold immediately spoke up: "Your Excellency, I just discussed with you all about the extermination of the Heartless in Rye Village. I suggest you take Vernon and Frye, along with twenty guards, to make sure to eliminate them completely, so as to prevent the remaining demonic aura from spreading further."

"As for contacting a new patron, I've shortlisted three suitable targets: Earl Cullen in the south, Viscount Grey in the east, and..."

He explained the plan fluently, his eyes bright and his logic clear; it was clearly not the first time he had offered advice. The two barbarians nodded in agreement, patting their chests and guaranteeing they would complete the task. The two cryptids offered to perform a sacrificial ceremony to bless the departing troops and purify the filthy atmosphere of Rye Village.

Snow listened quietly, finding it amusing. Although Baron Hawke was only a Rank 6 Corrupted Baron, a minor border noble with a small territory, he was quite adept at political maneuvering.

His subordinates were clearly defined: Arnold, a Sequence 9 lawyer, was in charge of planning and intelligence; Vernon and Fry, both lawyers who rose through the ranks, were only responsible for tax collection and suppression; and the Mystics were in charge of religious rituals. The absence of any Sequence 7 Extraordinary in the territory was likely due to Baron Hawke's fear of unnecessary threats.

He was too lazy to deal with these people, leaning back in his chair and saying languidly, "These mere demon remnants are nothing to me; I'll clean them up myself, it'll just be a good workout. Vernon, Frye, I have other tasks for you."

"You will continue searching for the 'Children of the Forest' in the eastern forest—a supernatural baboon with a crown-like deformed horn on its head, and a dark green to almost black color. Report back immediately if you find anything, and do not act on your own."

"Yes, Your Excellency!" the two replied in unison, without asking any further questions. Searching for the Children of the Forest was a regular mission, and the Baron had always valued this extraordinary material.

Snow then looked at Arnold: "You are still in charge of maintaining contact with the surrounding nobles, but there's no need to rush. The situation is chaotic right now, so we can wait and see before offering our loyalty to a certain earl." He didn't want to rely on others too early; at least it had to be one of those prestigious names from the Fourth Age to warrant him paying protection money.

Arnold looked at the still imposing "Baron Hawke" and respectfully accepted the order.

Snow didn't really put on airs; he simply combined Baron Hawke's extraordinary characteristics with a black lace glove to create the seal artifact "Baron."

Because he participated in the formation of the sealed artifact with a fragment of his own soul, initially binding it and strengthening his control over it, the negative effects were very weak. Even though Snow seemed casual, in the eyes of Arnold and his companions who had already drunk the poisoned wine, all they saw was a distorted image: a dignified Lord Hawk, worthy of loyalty and following.