Chapter 128: The Steward of the King
The envoy, consisting of a dozen royal guards and a dwarf at the forefront dressed in royal attire, made their way from the teleportation station to Duke Valiard’s mansion. Along the route, the people respectfully cleared a path for them until they finally reached the mansion. Upon their arrival, Duke Valiard greeted them with a warm smile, as if he had been expecting their visit and was merely awaiting the appointed time.
Duke Valiard led them to the guest room, where he and the leader of the royal envoy could have a private conversation.
"What a surprise, Sir Steward, for you to come all the way from the capital. Is there something I can assist you with?" Duke Valiard asked with a smile.
"Duke Valiard, I believe you already understand the reason for our visit. It concerns the recent Heavenly Tribulation that appeared in the skies above Valiard City. Many people are uneasy, and there are numerous rumors and pieces of information we cannot verify. I’ve been appointed by His Majesty to seek clarification regarding this event," the steward explained.
Duke Valiard nodded. "I see. I apologize for the disturbance, but it was related to my recent activities. The Heavenly Tribulation was an unavoidable consequence."
"So the Heavenly Tribulation occurred because of something you did? May I ask what exactly caused it?" the steward inquired.
"As the steward surely knows, a Heavenly Tribulation is only triggered by something extraordinary, something like breakthrough to emperor stage, although that’s not the only trigger." Duke Valiard replied, to which the steward nodded in agreement.
"Recently, I created an artifact," Duke Valiard said confidently. His steady voice carried an unmistakable sense of pride. The steward suddenly stood up from his seat, clearly startled.
"You created an artifact? Does that mean—" The steward’s voice faltered as Duke Valiard nodded.
"Yes, it’s a Divine-grade artifact."
The steward trembled, his voice shaky as he asked, "Did you succeed?"