Lynn pondered deeply, seeking to utilize his noble status as a stepping stone to meet Lard Rod through trade, which he deemed the swiftest and safest method. Yet, he did not anticipate encountering an obstacle in the first step.

This predicament caused Lynn some consternation, even leading him to question whether Old Lard had received some unsavory news, prompting him to conceal himself deliberately. If this were the case, the situation would be troublesome, as it is not easy to locate someone who is actively hiding.

As Lynn ruminated, the densely populated port suddenly descended into chaos. Amidst a chorus of screams, a grandiose carriage hurtled down the narrow road towards him.

"Which noble's family is so presumptuous?" Lynn furrowed his brow, preparing to retreat, when the carriage stopped directly before him.

After a short while, a well-dressed, tall and thin middle-aged man descended from the carriage, bowing deeply.

"I have finally found you, Sir Laut, please return with me as soon as possible. Lord Pedroral has a very important matter to discuss with you!"

Faced with the sudden invitation, Lynn almost didn't react. Fortunately, recalling Laut's diary, he quickly determined that the man before him was the steward of the Pedroral Estate. A cold sweat then appeared on Lynn's forehead.

He had only intended to temporarily borrow this identity as a means of entering Haygan Town and meeting the disabled Lard. He hadn't expected the true Lord to come knocking on his door.

And much sooner than he had anticipated!

To go or not to go?

Countless possibilities flashed through Lynn's mind, and after a couple seconds, under the respectful and determined gaze of the steward, Lynn nodded his head and stepped into the carriage, pulling the curtain closed behind him.

Tat tat tat....

The forlorn carriage roused itself, clambering along the muddy roads of the port. The ceaseless shaking of the carriage made Lynn somewhat uncomfortable.

"We're entering the estate, it would behoove you to tidy yourself somewhat. If Lord Pedroral espies you in such a state, he shall surely be displeased!" The curtain was once again drawn back, and the tall and slender steward gazed upon Lynn's hands, offering a cautionary warning.

Lynn lowered his head and beheld his hands, covered in a yellow-black powder, likely having adhered to them whilst assisting the old halfling in carrying barrels.

Wait... Lynn suddenly raised his hand and sniffed it.

This aroma seemed to be...

Sulfur?

....

Lord Pedroral's Estate was situated in the northwest of Haygan Town, on the busiest thoroughfare. The deep black iron gates stood tall and commanding.

As the carriage made its way up the winding driveway, Lynn couldn't help but feel a sense of grandeur wash over him. The Lord's Estate was truly a sight to behold, with its sprawling grounds and impressive architecture.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

The main house rose up before his eyes, a grandiose structure with a sweeping roofline and elegant columns. Its exterior was adorned with intricate carvings and decorative flourishes, giving it a regal air. Lynn could just imagine the grand balls and elegant dinners that must have taken place within its walls.

As the carriage pulled up to the entrance, Lynn couldn't help but notice the state of disrepair that seemed to plague the Estate. The once-manicured gardens were overgrown and unkempt, and the paint on the exterior of the house was chipped and faded. It was clear that the Estate had fallen on hard times, despite its former grandeur.

It was, however, to be expected. The Pedroral estate had not engaged a dedicated horticulturalist to prune the flora in quite some time.

Despite its neglect, the Estate's upper level was still breathtaking. The windows were tall and slender, adorned with intricate stained glass designs that shone brightly in the sun. Lynn could just make out the silhouette of a grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.

After a swift ablution, Lynn, accompanied by a servant, made his way to the antechamber of the estate, where Lord Pedroral awaited him at a dining table swathed in a deep red tablecloth.

Also seated at the table was a brown-haired girl of approximately sixteen or seventeen, who turned to Lynn with an indescribable gaze. This must be Iverin, Laut's younger sister, of whom he had spoken...

Lynn took his seat in silence, the only empty chair at the table, to find a steaming plate of steak and several unfamiliar leafy vegetables laid out before him. It was clear that this would be his evening meal.

Compared to gnawing on black bread with only water for sustenance, this was quite a feast!

"Where have you been?" Lord Pedroral inquired, his expression one of displeasure. "My son, I sought you out last night, but you were not to be found in the estate." His gaze drifted involuntarily towards the tall and thin steward who had entered with Lynn.

"I found the young master at the harbor's docks," the steward replied impassively.

The countenance of Lord Pedroral immediately darkened as he gravely spoke. "I should have reminded you, Laut, that a little relaxation is acceptable, but never spend the night in a place of such low repute, consorting with dirty harlots!"

Lynn was speechless. 'You thought I'd gone to engage in licentious behavior, did you not?'

What made him even more uncomfortable was that he couldn't speak out against it. Could he really say, "Your son didn't come home last night and jumped into the sea to commit suicide?"

Calculating Laut's reaction, based on the timid personality shown in the diary, Lynn eventually lowered his head and remained silent.

"I don't want there to be a next time!" Lord Pedroral's tone was stern, and after a pause, he continued.

"Also, pay attention for the next few days. Haygan Town has not been peaceful lately."

"I've heard that Archbishop Anthruk recently led a large number of people to Uer Town in pursuit of the devotees of the devil, but suffered severe losses. Only a dozen out of a hundred elite guards returned alive. Moreover, Archbishop Anthruk himself was gravely injured..."

"Are these wizards truly that formidable?" Iverin averted her gaze from Lynn and asked, astonished.

After all, the Church held sway over everything in the entirety of the Empire of Sika, even though it was ruled by kings and lords. Or rather, it was the messenger of the Great Star Lord, the Creator Goddess, [Ella], in the mortal realm.

And an Archbishop like Anthruk was, without a doubt, the voice of God in Nordland. It was difficult for Iverin to fathom the contrast of such an esteemed figure falling in the process of arresting wizards.

"These wizards have been corrupted by the devil and wield unimaginable witchcraft that is not easily contended with," Lord Pedroral shuddered as he spoke.

A year ago, he had met with Archbishop Anthruk, who had appeared to be around the same age as him, or even younger. But when he saw him again this evening, he was a elderly man in his eighties or nineties. He couldn't fathom what kind of witchcraft could turn a powerful Archbishop into this.

Lord Pedroral couldn't even envision that the other protagonist in his story was sitting quietly beside him, slowly and orderly cutting into his steak with a knife and fork...

Lynn was slightly taken aback upon learning that Archbishop Anthruk had survived. He had initially believed that in such circumstances, the Archbishop had only three potential outcomes: being poisoned, crushed by falling rocks, or sacrificing himself to complete the divine descent ritual.

Alternatively, perhaps the fabled projection of his spell had rescued him once more.

But it was clear that the rescue was not entirely successful, otherwise Lord Pedroral would not have mentioned that the Archbishop had suffered grave injuries...