67: 67 Go And Find Her

67 Go And Find Her

Bud's POV 1

In the dimly lit underground dungeon beneath the palace, I held a lantern and opened the heavy door of the cell. Inside, I saw several warriors with scarred bodies and they were tossed into a pile of decaying straw.

One person's clothes were stained with dried brown blood. His hair was caked with dust. I could no longer recognize his former appearance.

"How is he?" I asked.

"General, he has passed out from the pain. The doctor administered basic treatment and expects him to regain consciousness tomorrow," a soldier answered respectfully.

"I understand. You can leave now."

"Yes, General."

As the candle flame flickered, the soldiers departed the cell in an orderly manner. The cramped room became somewhat more spacious. I gazed coldly at the face resting on the straw. With my sword, I brushed the hair aside. I recognized a handsome, vaguely familiar visage.

Lancaster.

Wow, what a coincidence, we met again, I thought, mocking.

My sword tip glided slowly down, slicing through his clothes, finding the almost fatal wound on his chest. His injuries were severe, and if he hadn't been rescued, he would have bled to death.

If it weren't for the prince needing his life as a bargain against William, he would have died long ago. Following the prince's style, Lancaster should have died the moment the prince learned that he had killed Bernice.

I slowly drove the sword into his wound, crushing the medicine the doctor had applied. The sharp blade gradually penetrated his skin, dark red blood sliding off its edge.

"Save... save me," a weak voice emerged, pain bringing color to his pallid face. Lancaster slowly opened his eyes.

"You're awake?" I arched an eyebrow.

The sword was swiftly pulled out, and Lancaster's mouth opened soundlessly, seemingly in anguish from my actions.

"...I am the son of Elder William, I am his... rightful heir. I warn you... If you dare lay another finger on me, I promise you... will meet your demise!"

Lancaster was covered in bruises, his limps on the ground. Only his head could move. Despite his condition, he raised his head, attempting to portray an air of arrogance. His black eyes were clouded, his voice soft and feeble, incapable of posing any real threat.

"Oh, so you're noble. Do you know why you're here?" I lowered my voice, holding up the lantern as I crouched beside him.

"Bud! You're August's son! How did you end up here?"

The light illuminated my face; my helmet had already been removed. I observed Lancaster's widened eyes. His face trembled, fueled by fear. I smiled slightly.

"Answer my question first."

"Is it August's command?" He asked eagerly, "Did Elder August send you to save me? Bud, go back and tell him that while I may not have killed Delia, I can prove that Prince Kral entered Wolf's Valley. He violated our traditions!"

Lancaster spoke with excitement, his feeble limbs struggling on the ground. He stared at me intently, as if considering me a savior.

"Hurry up!" he grew impatient, the straw beneath him rustling.

"You truly are foolish," I chuckled coldly.

I frowned with disgust as I looked at him. Suddenly, I heard familiar footsteps behind me. In the next moment, I raised my head and struck his neck. His eyes rolled back, and he passed out.

I picked up the lantern from the ground and walked towards the door, pulling open the cell gate.

"Prince Kral," I saluted respectfully.

In the light of the lantern, Prince Kral's imposing features came into view.

"How is he?" His golden eyes swept over the person on the ground.

"He's alive, Your Highness," I promptly replied.

"Very well, General Bud. Your investigation has produced favorable results. As a reward, I can grant you one request." Prince Kral's lips curved slightly.

I cast my eyes downward. Serving Prince Kral was a personal choice of mine. On the surface, I upheld my father's political views and followed the advice of the Elders. But in fact, it was evident that I had made a different choice from my father, Elder August. I was not loyal to the Elders, but rather to Prince Kral.

"It is an honor for me to serve Your Highness, and I dare not seek any reward," I reflected on Lancaster's words, knowing that my father had done something during the Queen's trial.

Considering Prince Kral's temperament, he would not spare those who opposed him. The thought made me nervously clench my fist.

"What your father did has nothing to do with you. I am aware of that. But you should be concerned. I am here to inform you of two things," Prince Kral's words sent a chill through the dungeon.

"Some packs' territory has been seized by a group of rogues. It is said that their leader possesses some form of magic. Additionally, several packs have reached out to us for assistance."

My heart tightened, and I immediately dropped to one knee, declaring in a resounding voice, "I am willing to eliminate those traitors for Your Highness!"

The echoes of my voice filled the empty dungeon, while the flames burned silently. However, Prince Kral remained unresponsive.

"... Your Highness?" I raised my head in confusion, catching a glimpse of Prince Kral's partially obscured face in the shadows.

"But there is another matter," Kral spoke. His gaze was filled with uncertainty as he glanced at me.

"William had made the decision to send his stepdaughter, Catherine, for a political marriage with the werebears. The king of the werebears has recently lost his third wife."

The werebears shared a border with our kingdom. For many years, we maintained peaceful coexistence.

While their military might not have been superior to ours, their population was substantial. We preferred to avoid conflicts with them unless it was an urgent matter.

"William is in negotiations with me. He plans to use Catherine as a tool to secure the support of the werebears and spare Lancaster's life."

I felt as if a heavy hammer had struck me, causing my head to spin for a few moments. Understanding Prince Kral's words, a surge of anger coursed through my veins, engulfing my body.

"Does Elder William want Catherine to die?" My eyes reddened, and I spat the words through gritted teeth.

The king of the werebears is already very old. There are rumors of his lechery and cruelty. He has numerous mistresses and a penchant for abuse.

I can't imagine Catherine marrying such a man.

"Your Highness, has this matter been confirmed?" I felt a shiver running through my body.

"Elder William has already persuaded others. Catherine will be sent to the Werebears in a few days. I'm not certain if Elder William has any other schemes in mind. For now, I will remain silent and observe their next moves. As for you, you have one day to bid her farewell."

"Bud, go and see her now."

I didn't know when Kral had left. I had only one thought in mind. I needed to find her immediately.

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