Chapter 52 : Chapter 52
Chapter 52. The Layout, The Second Prince Is Dead
The war at Dante Fortress continued without pause, causing the Slave Market to become unprecedentedly “prosperous.” Every day, a constant stream of new slaves was transported there.
William appeared almost daily at the Slave Market or the Slave Auction House, his sharp gaze sweeping across the figures bound in iron chains.
Whenever someone tested as having Golden Aptitude, regardless of age or gender, he bought them without hesitation. Sometimes dozens, sometimes hundreds.
After signing the contracts, he sent them to the manor for settlement.
To ensure these slaves quickly shed their wildness and mastered the basics of cultivation, William specifically transferred half of the veteran instructors from the estate outside the Royal Capital, assigning them full-time responsibility for teaching.
These veteran instructors were highly experienced and skilled at teaching according to individual aptitude. They always managed to use the most direct methods to make the slaves understand the importance of rules and strength.
To support this effort, William spent another large sum to purchase several neighboring manors, separating slaves according to aptitude.
One group for those with Golden Aptitude, another for those with Sky Aptitude, each provided with corresponding cultivation resources and instructors.
In this way, not only could he prevent imbalance in progress caused by differences in aptitude, but it also allowed slaves of the same level to form healthy competition.
The activity within the manor grew increasingly intense. Newly built Training Grounds and meditation rooms rose from the ground, while the shouts of training and the clash of metal echoed day and night.
The once numb expressions in the slaves’ eyes gradually ignited with a spark called hope through daily training and instruction.
They might remain slaves forever, but here, at least, there was a path where they could grasp power with their own hands.
Standing at a high vantage point, William looked down at the orderly training grounds below. There was no unnecessary emotion in his eyes.
He knew clearly that the power built from gold coins and contracts would one day become the sharpest sword in his hand.
If not for the great distance between the Royal Capital and Ningshuang City, William would have already ordered all the slaves from the Royal Capital estate to be transferred here.
The results of training within the Secret Realm had far exceeded expectations. He urgently needed more manpower to fill the gap in combat strength.
Looking up at the sky, the setting sun was dyeing the clouds gold and crimson. William turned and walked toward the carriage waiting outside the manor.
He intended to visit Kroll II. The king who had returned to Ningshuang City had recently made several unusual moves.
During this time, William had keenly sensed that his father seemed to be preparing for a major action.
The most obvious sign was the appearance of the Royal First Monster Legion in the Northern Frontier.
He did not yet know whether half the legion had arrived or if the entire force had mobilized. However, considering that the Second Monster Legion was already stationed there, the gathering of two ace legions in the Northern Frontier clearly targeted the stalemate at Dante Fortress.
The carriage left the manor, its wheels rolling over the stone-paved road with rhythmic sounds.
William lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked at the hurried pedestrians along the streets.
The atmosphere in Ningshuang City was far heavier than usual. The frequency of soldier patrols had increased, and inspections at the city gates had grown stricter. Clearly, everyone had sensed the coming storm.
“Move faster,” he instructed the driver.
The carriage sped up and soon arrived outside the fortress. After presenting his token, the carriage entered the inner city directly and stopped in front of the main castle hall.
When William stepped down, he saw several nobles clad in heavy armor walking out of the hall. Their expressions were solemn, and the swords at their waists clanked dully against their armor.
He adjusted his collar and walked into the hall.
Whatever Kroll II’s plan was, he wanted to catch some hint of it.
The stalemate at Dante Fortress had lasted too long. If it dragged on further, more unpredictable variables might emerge. After all, the Kroll Kingdom was bordered by more than just the Kadiya Kingdom.
The hall doors slowly opened, and Kroll II’s deep voice could be heard inside. William took a deep breath and stepped in.
Kroll II was leaning over his desk, reviewing memorials. The tip of his quill scratched across the parchment, leaving neat handwriting behind.
When he saw William enter, he put down the quill and smiled slightly.
“William, what brings you here?”
William stepped forward and bowed, speaking casually.
“Father King, I simply came to see you.”
Kroll II burst into hearty laughter and pointed at him.
“You little rascal. You must have noticed the movements of the First Monster Legion, haven’t you?”
William nodded frankly.
“Haha, that was something I deliberately allowed people to notice.”
A hint of meaning flashed in Kroll II’s eyes.
“If even you noticed it, those spies hiding in the city would have no reason to miss it.”
William’s heart stirred. He knew his father must have a plan and was about to ask further questions when Kroll II raised his hand and waved it dismissively.
“Enough. We will not discuss that for now.”
He changed the subject and looked at William.
“For now, just focus on training those slaves properly.”
“They are your foundation and the sharp blades you will be able to use in the future.”
Though William had doubts, he understood that his father did not wish to elaborate. He bowed and responded.
“This son understands.”
Kroll II picked up the quill again and returned his gaze to the memorials, his voice becoming steadier.
“You must also keep a close watch on the Secret Realm. Do not let that girl Jessy gain the upper hand.”
“As for matters in the Northern Frontier, you do not need to worry. When the time comes, you will naturally be informed.”
“Yes, Father King.”
William bowed once more and turned to leave the study.
As he stepped out of the hall, the evening wind lifted the hem of his robe. William gazed at the darkening twilight in the sky, deep in thought.
His father had deliberately revealed the presence of the First Monster Legion, clearly releasing a smokescreen for certain people. And behind that smokescreen, there must be a hidden move capable of breaking the stalemate.
He clenched his fist. No matter what his father’s plan was, the only thing he could do was ensure those slaves formed real combat power as soon as possible.
After all, in this treacherous situation, only one’s own strength could be relied upon.
The carriage began moving again, heading back toward the manor.
Inside the carriage, William closed his eyes and began planning the next stage of training.
Then a piece of news exploded like thunder, instantly disrupting everyone’s plans.
The Second Prince was dead.
When the news reached Ningshuang City, William froze in place, almost unable to believe his ears.
The Second Prince was dead?
How could that be?
Although he was not particularly close with this second brother, he knew that the man was heavily guarded. How could he suddenly lose his life?
When Kroll II received the news, he was in the study analyzing the battlefield situation. Upon hearing it, he suddenly slammed the table and rose to his feet, fury surging in his eyes.
The Second Prince had been assassinated in the Royal Capital?
This was not only the loss of a beloved son but also an open provocation against his royal authority.
He immediately ordered the Shadow Guard to mobilize in full force and thoroughly investigate the matter.
Several days later, a confidential report from the Shadow Guard arrived in Kroll II’s hands.
He unfolded the letter. The more he read, the darker his expression became. His knuckles turned pale from gripping the parchment too tightly, trembling slightly.
The letter clearly stated that the Second Prince’s death originated from a curse cast by a princess of the Kadiya Kingdom.
And the medium of that curse had been her first night.
“Idiot.”
Kroll II growled in a low voice, his tone filled with anger born from disappointment.
“The two kingdoms are at war, yet he dared to secretly associate with the enemy and even thought about doing business?”
“Doing business would have been one thing, but why provoke a princess of Kadiya? And he did not even take protective measures…”
The more he spoke, the angrier he became. With a sudden sweep of his arm, the memorials and inkstone on the desk were knocked to the ground, scattering everywhere.
“Idiot! Idiot! You are truly infuriating me to death!”
Before his words had finished echoing, his throat suddenly tightened. A mouthful of blood burst from his lips, splattering across the bright yellow tablecloth in a shocking crimson stain.
The Shadow Guards hidden in the darkness were so frightened that they immediately revealed themselves, kneeling in unison. The great hall was instantly filled with figures, yet no one dared make a sound. Only the suppressed breathing of those present echoed in the chamber.
Kroll II supported himself against the edge of the desk, coughing violently, his eyes bloodshot.
He grieved for his son’s death, yet he was even more enraged by the absurdity of how he had died.
What should have been a completely avoidable disaster had turned into a national humiliation because of his son’s reckless actions—and it had given the Kadiya Kingdom the advantage.
“Pass… pass down my order…”
He gasped for breath, his voice hoarse.
“Seal this news. Thoroughly investigate everyone in the Royal Capital connected to Kadiya. Leave no one unchecked.”
“Yes.”
The leader of the Shadow Guard responded in a deep voice and quickly withdrew with his men.
The hall fell silent again, leaving only Kroll II’s heavy breathing.
He looked at the blood on the ground, his eyes dark and unreadable.
The death of the Second Prince was like a poisoned thorn. It pierced not only his heart but also completely disrupted the strategic layout of the Northern Frontier.