章節 130: Unexpected Changes
Translator: Cinder Translations
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Duke Fraule, the largest royal vassal in the northwest region of the Aldor Kingdom, was no longer young. In a short while, he would be celebrating his 45th birthday.
Yet people's impression of the Duke was that while he aged, his heart remained youthful, especially in matters concerning men and women.
Just this July, the Duke took in a new concubine. Including his original wife, he now openly had seven women, and who knows how many more secretly.
The Duke's infatuation with women was not purely for fulfilling his physical desires. As a Duke, over half of the lords in the northwest were either his vassals or vassals of his vassals. Even the other direct vassals of the royal family in the northwest had to consider his opinions when acting. When disputes arose among these lords, they mostly sought his arbitration.
In terms of power, wealth, and status, the Fraule family stood at the pinnacle of the northwest aristocracy pyramid.
By rights, this was already the limit a noble could achieve. To ascend further, one would have to rebel like Giles.
Having spent many years in such a position, one would have enjoyed almost everything possible and should have no regrets.
But Duke Fraule had his own regrets, or rather troubles—he had yet to father a son.
Despite marrying several wives and concubines, he had only produced three daughters. The thought that after his passing, his title would fall to a collateral branch of the family weighed heavily on his heart.
He pinned his hopes on his recently taken concubine, but perhaps due to his advancing age or excessive indulgence in the past, the Duke was no longer as capable in that regard.
Fortunately, the Duke's most loyal hound, Count Maltz Kent, had found a solution for him.
Speaking of this Maltz Kent, he was truly the Duke's most capable vassal. If the Duke asked him to go east, he wouldn't head west; if the Duke told him to chase chickens, he wouldn't go hunt dogs. Moreover, everything he did was to the Duke's satisfaction.
For such obedient and useful service, Duke Fraule naturally spared no effort in granting him more power. Gradually, Maltz Kent became a sharp sword in the Duke's hand, eliminating many who were detrimental to the Fraule family.
As the Duke's trust in Count Kent grew, sometimes he would confide in him about personal matters, such as the aforementioned worries, hoping he could find a solution.
To the Duke's immense joy, Maltz Kent soon informed him that he had found a remedy—a physician who could treat his condition.
Truly, he was the Duke's most trusted vassal, and he acted with remarkable speed.
Now, Duke Fraule sat anxiously in the great hall of his castle, awaiting Count Kent to bring the physician to him.
"Your Grace, Count Maltz Kent requests an audience with you," a servant reported.
"Quick, bring him into the hall immediately," the Duke urged impatiently.
Finally, Maltz arrived, accompanied by a man clad entirely in a black cloak.
The Duke could hardly contain his excitement. "You've finally come."
A slight smile curved on Count Kent's lips as he stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Respected Duke Fraule, I have brought him here. Allow me to introduce him. This gentleman behind me is the wandering physician, Mr. Bennet."
With that, he stepped aside, and the cloaked man lowered his hood, approaching the Duke to pay his respects. "Mr. Bennet pays respects to the Duke of the Northwest."
Duke Fraule carefully appraised the wandering physician before him, marveling at Bennet's appearance. Truly, this was a peculiar man.
However, Maltz had mentioned he had exotic blood, perhaps this was part of their tradition.
In popular perception, those of exotic descent often possessed a few peculiar remedies capable of curing various obscure ailments.
Thinking of this, Duke Fraule became increasingly hopeful. Perhaps this man truly held the ability to cure his condition.
"I suppose you've already heard about my 'condition' from Maltz. What solution do you have?"
Upon hearing the Duke's inquiry, Bennet replied, "Respected Duke, I must personally examine your body before prescribing any treatment."
"Very well, come and have a look."
Bennet glanced around the great hall and awkwardly said, "Um... Your Grace, it seems not quite appropriate here."
Duke Fraule suddenly realized and turned beet red. Indeed, examining that part in the castle hall, used for receiving guests, was inappropriate. Moreover, there were several guards present in the hall. The Duke wasn't open enough to reveal himself in such a manner in front of so many people.
"Alright, come with me."
The Duke stood up and walked out of the hall. Bennet and Maltz Kent exchanged a glance and quickly followed.
Fraule led the "physician" to his bedroom and said, "Let's examine in my bedroom."
The Duke opened the door, and Bennet followed inside.
Seeing a stranger entering the Duke's bedroom, the two guards at the door followed as well.
Duke Fraule hesitated for a moment but eventually instructed the guards, "You two stay outside. I will call you if needed."
Although the Duke valued his security greatly, anyone entering this castle underwent strict searches, so there shouldn't be any issues.
Even if the visitor had any treacherous intentions, Duke Fraule believed he could handle an unarmed assassin. Though past his prime, he still had confidence in his own abilities.
Moreover, at his cry for help, the guards outside would immediately rush in and deal with the assassin.
The two guards were somewhat surprised that their lord wanted to be alone with a burly man in the bedroom, though they didn't show it on their faces. Silently, they exited the room and closed the door.
"So, Dr. Bennet, do you need me to take off my pants?"
Duke Fraule sat awkwardly on a chair.
Bennet was taken aback by the Duke's question. He had only intended to subdue him while the guards were absent and hadn't considered this.
To avoid suspicion, he replied, "Yes, Your Grace. Please."
Duke Fraule felt extremely embarrassed and hesitated.
"Your Grace, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. Please remember, you are a patient, and I am a physician. This is all perfectly normal."
"Very well." The Duke finally reluctantly removed his pants.
Bennet approached the Duke, extending a hand. "Your Grace, forgive my rudeness."
Then, something unexpected happened to Duke Fraule.
In the blink of an eye, a large iron clamp suddenly appeared around his neck, gripping tightly.
It happened so quickly that the Duke barely had time to react, despite his self-assuredness.
A second or two later, his mind finally grasped the situation—he was being attacked.
"Help..." The Duke managed to utter this one words, but the hand around his neck tightened even more, cutting off his voice completely.
Fraule grabbed Bennet's arm with both hands, trying to pry it off. However, no matter how hard he struggled, Bennet's grip remained firm.
His struggles only hastened the onset of suffocation, and soon his face turned purple.
As consciousness faded, he finally collapsed onto the chair. Before closing his eyes, the last thing he saw was Bennet's face, now filled with grim determination.
(End of the Chapter)
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