Chapter 46 (2/2)
“Yorkford was once prosperous. However, it was ruined by an insurrection. Numerous knights and soldiers were killed in that battle both outside and inside the castle. Their recovered remains were buried but some remained unfound. Many of these soldiers were trapped alive by the rebels in secret tunnels and cellars under the castle. After the family had passed on, nobody remembered the hidden rooms under the castle. Therefore, the soldiers who were trapped in the cellars and secret tunnels remained there.” The lodgekeeper smacked his lips and continued in an eerie tone. “It is said that those soldiers died down there and now they had come back to haunt the castle. There they were unable to lend their aid when the rebel army killed their lord. Thus, their souls were filled with hatred …”
Looking at Angus’s expressive chubby face, Hao Ren thought that this bloke must have been a tour guide in his past life.
“There were secret tunnels and cellars under the castle? Was it like a huge labyrinth?” Hao Ren asked curiously. Nangong interjected before Angus could speak. “It’s quite common actually. In those days, the castles weren’t just places for nobles to stay. They’re also the last fortress during times of war. There were usually be huge cellars and secret tunnels extending in all directions under the castles. Some of the castles would even have tunnels which extended to the borders of the territory to allow their lords to escape as far away as possible in emergencies.”
Angus nodded in agreement with Nangong and added, “Most of the tunnels had collapsed. People have also forgotten about the existence of Yorkford Castle. Nobody is interested in it enough to explore it and therefore, nobody knows the secrets buried under the castle.”
“Have you really seen the ghosts?” Hao Ren couldn’t help his curiosity as he looked at the ruddy complexion of the lodgekeeper. He didn’t look as if he had seen ghosts. Who in the world would look so cheerful after bumping into ghosts?
“Of course I did!” said Angus as he raised his voice in reply. “You are not the first to doubt it. I swear, it is the real deal. I saw the souls of the knights and mysterious flames around the castle… It was a dreadful night. However, it also brought me lots of customers. So maybe it’s not that bad after all.”
Hao Ren quickly reassured him that he trusted him when he saw that Angus was getting agitated. They continued to talk about the recent happenings in the vicinity of the castle. After a while, Hao Ren left them and went upstairs.
His room was at the west end of third floor, right opposite of the girls’ room while Nangong’s room was at other end of the corridor, far from theirs. When Hao Ren reached his room, Vivian was already waiting there.
“Let’s talk in your room,” Vivian said while pointing at her room, “The big dog is dreaming now. She was gnawing on the table leg so be prepared to pay for the damage tomorrow.”
“… Why didn’t you stop her!”
Vivian showed him the bite mark on her arm and said, “Hehe.”
Hao Ren had nothing to say.
The condition of the lodge at the countryside was so bad compared to the luxurious hotel in Central London. Each room was furnished with just a bed, a desk and a chair. However, a room like this did more in helping him unwind and relax. Vivian and Hao Ren sat on the bed. He roughly told Vivian about the story he heard just now and was quite worried about it. “I heard that a lot of people are gathering around the castle. Many of which are crazy enough to bring their own tents or drive there in their motor homes. They don’t stay in the town but instead, encamp outside the castle, waiting to catch sight of the ghosts. It’s no longer viable if we want to search for the client discreetly.”
“That means to say that regardless whether we act tonight or tomorrow, there will be not much difference?” Vivian blinked. “I was scouting that area just now and found something interesting.”
“?” asked Hao Ren.