章 20: Chapter 20: The Awakening V
The entire thing went smoothly and Herbert felt pleased. Now all he needed was to get the tax collector and he could finally leave. As he commanded some of his guards to help Clive and his family, he also asked Clive to call for the people who were in his gang.
Once they had been gathered, Herbert gave them an ultimatum, they would either die or come with Clive and his family. He did not mince his words nor did he give them any other choice. The first man who had tried to reason against him had been instantly killed by one of his guards. Seeing this, three more followed and the rest obeyed Herbert's command.
Herbert wasn't a saint, and he did not plan to leave anything that could be used to trace his involvement with Clive and his family. After he had dealt with everything, he led the group back to the inn and temporarily placed them there to stay. Compared to Collins who was placed in a tricky situation, the tax collector that he was about to pick up was less complicated to deal with.
In the northern part of Tenebra City, there lies the home of the tax collector. His house was lavish and incomparable to the one that Clive had. He was thriving and it was extremely visible in his lifestyle.
Undeniably, he was a corrupt official. Even though he was known as such, nobody ever came to go against him which highlights his control and cautiousness. However, in Herbert's eyes, he was nothing much. He outclassed him in every category and he judged that it would be far easier to deal with him once he shows his identity.
So, he decided to keep things simple. With one command, he sent a group of guards to go after and capture the tax collector.
"Bring him to me, I want him alive with everything intact."
The guards quickly left and did exactly as Herbert instructed. By the next morning, Herbert had left Tenebra city with more people joining his caravan.
Following more than three days' worth of travel, they soon reached the outskirts of the territory of the Ravenmoons. All that they had left to do was to cross the river that marked the border between Umbra and the neighboring territory.
The entire journey was exhausting to Herbert, he had to deal with Ingrid who always stayed with him in his carriage, and Collins who seemed to be somehow attached to him. After talking with Clive, Herbert realized that although Collins had the potential to be used, his father who was fully developed would be a better match to serve him for his current needs.
"My lord, we will be reaching the manor by nightfall."
As a servant came and informed him, Ingrid who was sitting in front of him looked at him with glitter in her eyes. He didn't understand why she still got the nerve to remain excited when her existence would later be questioned. After all, Herbert should instead be courting the affection of the ninth princess. As marriage would give them an excuse to take over the throne.
Knowing that he would soon be meeting his father, Herbert could already feel the pressure. The pressure of a father who looks at his child with disappointment was something that had been a trauma to him as Albert, and he knew that this wouldn't be able to change in the short term.
He was only able to keep his composure because he was still a mile away from actually seeing his father.
As their carriage slowly approached the most prosperous city in Umbra, Herbert sent Clive and his company away to a temporary location where they could stay until he contacts them again. On the other hand, he sent the carriage containing the tax collector away to a place where he could keep him locked up. By detaining him, Herbert would not have to deal with the talks of an arrogant man, he believes that this would also help him in lowering his defenses so he could easily subdue and persuade him later on.
After passing through the busy streets, they eventually reached the Ravenmoon's manor. The place was well-decorated and brightly lit. After taking a deep breath, Herbert got down from the carriage, thereafter, he helped Ingrid down and escorted her all the way inside. Feeling the atmosphere, he recognized that there seem to be an awkward tension in the air and Herbert guessed that this should have stemmed from Ingrid's presence being near him.
"Sir Herbert, the lord calls for you in his study. Your lady friend is also welcome to join you in meeting him."
Herbert nodded in understanding.
"Send some maids to show her to the guest room. Ingrid, I'll come to see you later."
Herbert took Ingrid's one of Ingrid's hands that was wearing a leather glove and lifted it up to his mouth. He then made a not-so-loud kissing sound without actually touching his lips with her glove. Taking on the cue, Ingrid blushed and naturally smiled back at Herbert.
"I will be waiting for you, my dear."
After saying such words that made them look like they were deeply in love with each other, the two separated and each entered their own room. The moment Herbert closed his door, the butler who watched the entire scene had a confused look. As the current duke's right-hand man, he was one of the most trusted people in the house and he was also naturally aware of Herbert's actual situation. He had also been observing Herbert's abnormal desire for cleanliness and his obsession with the ninth princess so he understands that the current situation was very unusual for Herbert.
After seeing the strange yet familiar room, Herbert thought about how he would interact with his father who he had not seen for half a year. Originally, his mission was to become engaged with the ninth princess to have a claim to the throne. From there, the Ravenmoons would slowly infiltrate the royal court and replace them with their men. Once that has been finished, they would soon take over the kingdom with Herbert as the king. Of course, the Ravenmoons also had a backup plan which is to have enough military strength to push through with a rebellion. Due to the family being in its golden age, the dukedom had been eyeing the crown for a long time. In the book, this all will eventually lead to a civil war with the Ravenmoons losing badly.
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