Chapter 31: In The Shadows Of The Study

    After a few minutes of navigating the grand halls, Ivan located the door to the study with ease. The small lines of wear around the door''s handle and the faint scent of parchment lingering in the air gave it away. Gracefully, he slipped inside, the door closing silently behind him.

    The room was rather modest compared to how grand the rest of the manor was, yet it gave off a certain intense feeling, making it feel no less important. Shelves of neatly arranged books lined the walls, and a large mahogany desk sat at the center, with an inkwell, parchment, and a brass candle holder.

    Ivan moved swiftly but quietly, his gloved hands gliding over the desk''s surface as he searched for any sign of Cedric''s treachery.@@@@

    Back in the dining hall, Cedric finished the last sip of his wine and set the goblet down with a clink. "That''s enough for tonight," he said, dabbing his mouth with a silk napkin.

    "I have other matters to attend to."

    Lady Raine barely looked up, engrossed in adjusting a bracelet on her wrist. "Don''t keep me waiting too long, dear. You promised to discuss the next shipment with me before dawn."

    Cedric offered her a faint smile. "Patience, my dear. All in due time."

    Meanwhile, in the study, Ivan searched methodically, checking drawers, lifting papers, and scanning every inch of the desk. Yet, there was nothing—no letters, no maps, no evidence of Cedric''s dealings. He paused, his eyes narrowing.

    "A man like him may think himself untouchable..."

    "But... he is still human."

    Drawing a deep breath, Ivan sharpened his senses, honing them to their peak. Every detail of the room came into focus... the faint hum of the candle''s flame, the creak of wooden beams under the weight of books, the small breeze slipping through a tiny crack in the window. His crimson eyes scanned the room until they froze on a bookshelf tucked in the corner.

    His eyes narrowed. "A secret door," he muttered. He crossed the room, his steps silent as a wraith''s.

    Before he could inspect further, a sound reached his ears... footsteps approaching. Ivan''s muscles tensed, but his expression remained calm. Activating his Veil of Oblivion skill, he erased his presence entirely, vanishing from sight, sound, and scent.

    "Unfortunately, no... Also, about him."

    Cedric''s expression darkened, his voice low as he continued. "The emperor possesses a strange elven artifact, an artifact that could become an issue if we don''t speed up our plans."

    "It appears to allow him to fortify structures, and if I were to take a wild guess, I believe it could allow him to build structures as well."

    "If I am able to secure such an artifact, it will not only aid my ascent to the throne but also win me the hearts of the people."

    "So, I suggest he be assassinated," he said with a twisted look of excitement on his face.

    Eryndor''s face remained neutral.

    "An assassination? Ambitious. And how do you propose this be accomplished? The royal palace is no place for such theatrics."

    Cedric''s lips curved into a sly smile. "Baron Malkier will soon host a grand celebration... a combined birthday and wedding feast for his daughter, Leorina, and her betrothed from House Drakemere in a month. The emperor has already confirmed his attendance. It will be the perfect opportunity."

    Eryndor chuckled, though the sound carried no warmth. "And you expect me to provide the assassin?"

    "I was hoping you could," Cedric replied smoothly. "Your empire''s assassins are unparalleled. I require someone skilled enough to bypass the emperor''s personal knight and strike true."

    The advisor considered this for a moment. "You shall have Sarakiel, an operative of the Silent Vow. His level is 59, and he has a perfect record. He''s assassinated five monarchs across three continents. But such a resource does not come cheaply, Cedric. Ensure this operation is flawless."

    Cedric''s confidence faltered for a moment as the advisor''s intensity bore down on him. "Of course. Every detail has been accounted for. The celebration will be rife with distractions... music, performances, and games. Sarakiel will have ample opportunity to strike, and once the emperor falls, the nobles present will be implicated. While they scramble to defend their reputations, we will march on the capital."

    Eryndor nodded slowly. "Very well. But know this... our interest in your rebellion lies solely in the remains of the green ring the previous emperor took to his grave. Once the current emperor, Arkanos, has been dealt with, it must be delivered to us immediately. Fail in this, and no force in this world will be able to protect you."