Chapter 47: Shoulder the Blame
Jarl Drainwood stepped forward with a warm chuckle, clasping Lordi Payne's arm firmly. "Young friend, your words are far too generous! We are both comrades of the Holy Sect—lifting each other up is only natural. Ah, speaking of which, have you met my son, Drainwood Morbid? He's also studying in the outer sect, on a mountain known as Murder Pine Peak. When you return, do pay him a visit in your spare time. I'm sure he'd enjoy your company."
The two exchanged pleasantries like old friends reunited over tea, but soon enough, Jarl Drainwood steered the conversation back to the matter at hand. His tone grew earnest, though his smile remained gentle. "Young friend, I must urge you to return to the sect without delay. It's not that I wish to cut our time short—believe me, I'd gladly enjoy a longer conversation. But this is for your own good. You and your squad ventured out together on a mission, yet you alone return unscathed. In the eyes of others, wouldn't that raise questions? Suspicion, even? Some might whisper that you had a vicious hand in your comrades' fate."
"Jarl, I would never—" Lordi Payne began, his voice barely above a whisper, but Drainwood raised a hand, his expression calm and reassuring. "Peace, young friend. I know you're not capable of such treachery. But gossip spreads like wildfire, and suspicion is a venomous beast. If too many voices rise against you, the Punishment Crypt will drag you in for questioning. They'll strip you bare, grind you down until your spirit falters. Your time will be wasted, your cultivation stalled—such a senseless ordeal, don't you think?"
He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret. "So, my advice is this: return to the sect at once and report the matter to the Punishment Crypt. Let their enforcers come to Lothgar and uncover the truth. When the time comes, I'll vouch for you personally. Together, we'll clear your name of any shadow of doubt."
His gaze sharpened, though his smile never wavered. "But if you let this matter linger? Someone, somewhere, will surely use it against you. A hidden thorn, waiting to pierce you when you least expect it. Neither of us wants that, do we?"
Lordi Payne's protests died on his lips. Stay longer? If this cunning old fox grew suspicious or, worse, connected him to the Sagwon trio's family or clan, he'd be as good as dead. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
"Jarl, your honor, is absolutely right," Lordi Payne said, nodding with exaggerated gratitude, his voice thick with sincerity. "I'll gather my things and depart at once."
Jarl Drainwood's smile widened. "Excellent. I'll escort you to the cloud platform."
"The cloud platform?" Lordi Payne's mind flashed to the towering structure they'd arrived at earlier. He shook his head quickly. "No, Jarl, I couldn't possibly! Corpse Clouds are far too costly—I can't afford such luxury. I'll make my way back on foot."