Chapter 594 – Unplanned Meeting.

Several figures slipped into the shadows, hiding from view. Not far from them, a group of five moved through the middle district of the castle. They appeared unaware of the hidden watchers, their attention fixed on landmarks such as the large fountain that depicted one of the former dukes who had once ruled the region.

Although the observers remained concealed from the eyes of passing nobles and merchants, their intended targets were not fooled. Even now, their movements were clearly displayed on a small screen inside the helmet of the man standing at the rear. His mouth was hidden, but he was transmitting voice messages to the other four. Every motion the hidden group made, no matter how subtle, was being tracked in real time.

“We have four on the left and three on the right. They’re keeping their distance, but it’s obvious we’re the ones they’re after.”

Roland said, trying not to act too unnatural. The others received the message through their devices, and the first to respond was Arthur.

“Are we sure they aren’t just part of my father’s guard? Similar people used to watch over my mother and me when we lived here.”

“That’s a possibility. Was there anything distinct about that particular group?”

Roland asked as he turned toward the large fountain. He looked down into the water and saw a surprising number of coins. It was clearly a place for the wealthy, not just because of the coins but because he spotted silver and even some gold coins within the water.

“Regretfully, no. They don’t use any obvious symbols that would give them away.”

Mary replied. She was the only one besides Roland who could sense the presence of these people. She was also the only one here who had previously encountered the guards keeping Arthur’s mother hostage. Whoever these people were, they weren’t doing a very good job. Their presence had been noticeable ever since the group left the teleportation gate, and their numbers only seemed to grow, which exposed their presence even more.

“So we don’t know if they’re allies or not. That complicates things. If we attack people from the Duke’s house, we could get into serious trouble, but it’s yet to be seen if they turn hostile.”

Roland said, tossing a copper coin into the fountain. He watched it sink while Arthur stepped beside him.

“Let’s just leave them alone for now. They might be here for our safety. Maybe Father sent them?”

Roland didn’t answer right away, but after a moment, he asked.

“Was he the kind of man to do something like that?”

Arthur hesitated, searching his memory before finally responding.

“Not really. Father never seemed to care much. Maybe if it were one of my older brothers…”

The Duke had always been a strict and distant figure, much like Roland’s own father. It was possible that Arthur’s recent notoriety had caught his attention and that he was beginning to take his son’s life more seriously. Still, they couldn’t be sure.

“For now, let’s just act normal. Are there any places we can visit without drawing too much attention?”

Mary thought for a moment, glancing around at the shops and carefully watching the faces of passing nobles.

“There’s a tea house near the western edge of the middle district. It’s popular with younger nobles and is known to be neutral ground. No house banners, no guards inside. People go there to gossip, so it’s full of ears, but relatively safe from open conflict.”

Arthur nodded, clearly interested.

“Sounds perfect. Let’s head there. Roland?”

Roland gave a small shrug.

“Sounds fine to me. I don’t think they’ll try anything in the middle of the day, but stay vigilant.”

The group adjusted their course, blending in with several noble entourages heading in the same general direction. As they walked, Roland noticed that their hidden followers had split up. Some moved ahead, while others lingered behind. They might have been trying to set up a trap somewhere up ahead, but more likely, they were repositioning to find better spots to listen in on the group’s conversations.

The tea house came into view a few minutes later. It was a four-story building made of pale blue stone with a wide veranda on the ground floor. Delicate wind chimes hung from the corners of the roof, softly ringing as the breeze passed through. The tea house’s name, “Blue Petal Mansion,” sounded grand, but considering the size of the building, it felt appropriate. It was clear that every noble and wealthy merchant would be given a private space inside.

Mary stepped forward first and was greeted by the doorman, who bowed before them. She made sure there was no immediate threat, and they were soon guided inside. Just beyond the decorative entrance, a young woman in a violet uniform was already waiting. She had the refined appearance of a high-class maid and was quite attractive. She bowed deeply and addressed Arthur directly, paying no attention to the others.

“Welcome to the Blue Petal Mansion, honored lord. May I prepare a private area for you, or would you prefer to sit in the open hall?”

Arthur did not smile. He simply nodded.

“A private room, if one is available. Nothing too secluded. A view from a window would be appreciated.”

“Of course, my lord. This way, please.”

The maid turned with impeccable grace and led them through the main corridor of the tea house. The floor was polished marble, subtly etched with floral patterns that shimmered faintly underfoot. Paintings of mountain landscapes and abstract magical sigils lined the walls. They were not merely decorative; there was real magic at work here, and Roland could sense it.

His gaze remained fixed on the screen. He could already tell that some of their earlier pursuers had infiltrated the tea house and were now hidden on the ground floor. Their clothes had changed, and their faces were visible. They blended in as customers, though none of them posed as staff.

The enchantments present served several functions, but none were harmful. They controlled the temperature, softened sounds, and adjusted the lighting. Clearly, they were meant to enhance the atmosphere rather than to harm anyone inside. There was a notable absence of armored guards, suggesting that the people here were confident that few would dare to cause trouble.

“This room should suit your needs, my lord.”

The maid said, bowing once more.

“Your server will arrive shortly. Please ring the bell if you require anything else.”

Their private room was on the second floor, though two additional floors rose above them. Those were likely reserved for only the highest nobility. Arthur nodded at the woman, and Mary placed a gold coin in the other maid’s hand. She showed no reaction. Generosity was customary here, and they had already set aside a considerable amount of money for their travels.

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Once she was gone and the door clicked softly shut behind her, Roland moved first. He placed a small coin-sized plate in the center of the table. It blinked twice, then emitted a silent pulse.

“The room’s clean, you can talk freely now.”