Chapter 23 (2/2)
The earl of Esteban Earldom could only politely greet him and his party of twenty holy knights.
“What does the church of Flora have to…?”
“We are here to make an inquiry about Luke Esteban.”
“Luke is currently not here. He is vising Lea Marquisate due to issues with a divorce.”
“Yes, we are aware of that. We are planning on asking him directly when he returns. If it is not too much trouble, may we stay here until he does?”
“It is a matter of critical importance, so please consider it.”
Reynold couldn’t refuse them if they came out like this. He could only give them a place to stay.
He couldn’t stay still however, as this was a matter pertaining to his little brother. Reynold asked his information agent Garfield to investigate Lancaster, which revealed some troubling facts.
“What? A party of holy knights was annihilated due to an ambush, and Isabelle is missing?”
The church of Flora had tried to shut down information from leaking out, but the soldiers of the border patrol had already run about spreading rumors. Reynold’s worry only increased after Garfield’s report.
‘Luke, are you safe?’
Looking at the situation, Lancaster and his holy knights wouldn’t leave until they met Luke.
While Reynold was sick with worry, a merchant party from Tranbel Kingdom arrived at Esteban Earldom.
“Lord, its Benjamin. May I enter?”
“Come in.”
The door opened, and Benjamin, the butler, entered stiffly.
“What is it?”
Benjamin approached and lowered his voice.
“Please, do not be surprised. Lord, a letter from young master Luke has arrived.”
“From Luke?”
“It looks like he sent it via a merchant from Tranbel Kingdom.”
Reynold’s face immediately brightened.
“Show me the letter.”
Benjamin took out a letter from his pocket, which Reynold took and read immediately. The letter’s content was truly simple.
Right then, someone else knocked at the door.
“Who is it?”
“It’s Lancaster, from the church of Flora. May I enter, lord?”
Benjamin’s face paled. He had kept the letter strictly secret, so how had Lancaster come here so fast? Reynold shouted back.
“I am busy! I will take a look at my schedule and let you know later when I am free.”
“I heard that a letter from Sir Luke arrived. I was only hoping that you could share the contents of the letter with me.”
Reynold’s face scrunched up painfully.
“G.o.ddammit… Who was the b.a.s.t.a.r.d that blabbered his mouth?”
This was what was so scary about the church of Flora. Since it was the most powerful and popular church in Hansel Kingdom, many people wors.h.i.+pped Flora.
A faithful church member would do anything for the G.o.d they wors.h.i.+pped. It was most likely a maid or a servant that let Lancaster know about the letter from Luke. Benjamin gripped the pommel of his sword with a stiff expression.
“I will investigate carefully and deal out punishments accordingly.”
“As you should. Be strict, and kick them out when you are done.”
Reynold nodded and said uncomfortably.
“Is it not a breach of etiquette to ask for the contents of a letter from family?”
“Yes, lord, I am aware, but the situation is that dire. The church will formally and politely apologize about this matter.”
Reynold could only sigh, as it seemed Lancaster would not retreat if Reynold did not show him the letter.
“Come in.”
Lancaster and two holy knights entered as soon as the words left Reynold’s mouth.
“Thank you for your understanding, lord Reynold.”
“I don’t understand the whole situation, but I will be asking the church of Flora for repayment in regards to the disrespect shown to me today.”
Lancaster kept his eyes on the letter in Reynold’s hands as he responded.
“We will pay the price gladly.”
“As you wish. This is the letter from Luke.”
Lancaster took the letter Reynold handed him and read it speedily.
Big brother. Something unexpected has happened, and I do not expect I will be returning any time soon. I am planning on looking for opportunities in another country. I do not doubt that you will trust in me, as will the rest of my family. I will visit you in a year, and show you my success. Please, wait for me and believe in me until then.
Lancaster frowned as soon as he finished reading the letter. He had crossed some boundaries with lord Reynold in hopes of finding useful information, but the letter gave him nothing.
‘Curses… He may be young, but he’s still a n.o.ble.’
Reynold looked at Lancaster with a smile on his face.
“Could you give it back if you are done?”
“Is this definitely a letter from Sir Luke?”
“What the h.e.l.l do you wish to hear from me?”
Reynold finally showed his anger, and Lancaster flinched. Even if he was from the church of Flora, he couldn’t show any more disrespect to the lord of Esteban Earldom, a house well known and respected in the Hansel Kingdom.
“Please, I beg for your forgiveness… I have crossed the line in my haste to solve the case.”
“I will be making a formal complaint to the church of Flora. And…”
Reynold coldly turned his back on Lancaster, as if dismissing him.
“I hope you can leave the building reserved for guests as soon as possible. I no longer wish to play the host in the face of such disrespect.”
“As-As you wish. I apologize once more for my behavior.”
Lancaster bowed multiple times before leaving with his holy knights in tow.
Reynold smiled as soon as they left.
“As expected of Luke. He knows not to leave any evidence in his letters.”
“Young master Luke has shown his cleverness since he was young. He is very far from clumsy.”
“He says he will return after a year, so let’s stop worrying about him. He isn’t one to go back on his words…”
Benjamin smiled brightly, baring his teeth.
“You have brightened up considerably since you have read the letter.”
“Is that so?”
Reynold and Benjamin knowingly smiled at each other.
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