TFR 413

Prison of Terror [Part 2]

♠♠♠

"It's here. Because this place is the safest in the Kingdom."

Joshua got off the carriage and held the approaching knights at bay.

Several carriages carrying the knights, Joshua, and the detained Imperial magicians arrived at the gate of House Stuart's Royal Capital Mansion. As Joshua predicted, nothing unusual happened in the Royal Capital late at night. As far as he could see from inside the carriage, there was no sign of damage to the buildings or roads. Many homes had their lights turned off, and the city seemed to be peacefully sleeping as if to show that there had been no attack. A sea of fire was nowhere to be seen in the dark, silent streets of the Royal Capital. Though Joshua would have to wait until morning to be sure, the fact that their carriages could drive to the Stuart Mansion without any stops was strong evidence that all was well.

The Royal Capital was safe.

The knights followed the Rothschild Company carriage leading the way and were relieved after seeing the peaceful Royal Capital. Still, they couldn't help but protest when the company carriage stopped in front of the Stuart Mansion. They believed they should go straight to the Royal Castle first to submit their report. Numerous knights were stationed at the Royal Castle, which also had a prison for holding captured prisoners. Although the king was away, they still had the queen in the Royal Castle, who, frankly speaking, would settle this matter in a much more peaceful manner than the king. Moreover, the knights had heard that the first prince had returned to the Kingdom for a short while and was currently staying at the castle.

The Royal Castle was just around the corner. The knights didn't know Joshua's intention for especially stopping by the Stuart mansion.

"The Royal Castle isn't guaranteed to be safe. We should review the situation first."

Joshua politely explained to the confused knights.

Holy Maiden Joanna was the Empire's magician. No one was certain whether the Royal Castle, in which she resided, was truly safe or not.

It was also suspicious that the First Prince, who had been studying in the enemy country, just happened to return at this time. Whether the First Prince's return was a coincidence or planned, and whether he was sane in the first place, were also questionable.

If Joanna's magic had taken over the whole Royal Castle, it would have been tough to handle it with just Joshua and a few knights. Their side didn't have much fighting power since the Imperial Japanese ninjas were left to watch the captured Imperials other than the magicians, who were soldiers and sailors. Depending on the situation, Joshua thought he should also consider asking for the cats' help.

"I have more or less contacted Concubine Rose using a method of utmost secrecy. However, I'm not certain to what extent the information has been conveyed to those in power at the Royal Castle, so..."

Joshua lowered his head to the knights, asking them to refrain from going to the Royal Castle directly.

"!"

The knights were surprised by the frightening quick wit and well-preparedness of the boy before them. While he was a boy, his identity was that of a merchant. Even knights couldn't communicate secretly with the Royal Family.

"Let's go check the situation in the Royal Castle with just us first. It's not too late to take them there afterward."

After persuading the knights, Joshua knocked on the small door next to the large gate of the Stuart Mansion. This was the only place he could send the serious sinners who attempted to turn the Royal Capital into a sea of fire.

"Oh? If it isn't Young Master Joshua?"

Evan, the gatekeeper, sleepily opened the door to greet him, rubbing his eyes.

"Mr. Evan, sorry to bother you late at night. I have a few people I want you to look after for a little while."

Joshua glanced at a carriage parked neatly in front of the gate.