Chapter 227
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Currently, Antonio was being escorted by Stephen and John's men towards Count Casey's domain south of Baron Mendez's domain .
He was pretty much low and angry as he resigned to his fate .
He murmured repeatedly, "It's all that Upstart's fault . He certainly is a traitor who is getting help from Devils . "
Stephen sighed as he always thought that Antonio would be the most loyal son to Baron Mendez but it was different now after his recent conspiracy .
After a long Journey they soon they reached borders of Casey's domain . Near an abandoned house, Amber's men approached and knocked in a certain pattern . It was replied in a certain patter from inside .
They then spoke the passcode, only then did the gate open,
The guy who opened the gate looked at the spy and then at Stephen and others, he had curly hairs and an angry expression, "You guys seem different . Are you new to the information department?"
The spy took out a deed and a token which was related to Count Casey, "No, Look at this . We were told to give you this token and the deed to prove our identities . We wish to meet your superior . "
The guy who opened the gate was quite surprised after looking at the token, at first he was skeptical but after reading the deed, he understood that they were very important guests .
After realizing their identities . The guy invited them with a warm smile and immediately went downstairs to inform his superior, "Come inside and wait for a while, I will be informing Milord immediately . If you have any worries, you can ask the other men . They will guide you immediately . "
Stephen and others nodded their heads as they understood that the token and the deed was very valuable .
Stephen looked at the token and then at the spy's 360-degree change in attitude as he understood, He thought, 'Looks like they indeed made a big deal with Count Casey . I wonder what sort of deal was made with Count Casey'
After a long while, Count Casey came in a hurried manner with his men . Count Casey observed the men, nodded and immediately approached Stephen and others .
He immediately greeted Stephen and Amber's men,
He amicably asked them, "I hope you guys didn't have any problems reaching here . "
Amber's spy shook his head and spoke immediately, "No, but My Lord, King John wanted your help . You see we have a surprise here . " The spy directed his gaze towards a big sack which only opened now .
Casey was surprised a bit but didn't show it outside as he saw the rugged appearances of Lord Irwin's and his men when they were in his domain and other nearby domain .
His attention was then locked at the sack which was opened only now . He was surprised to see Antonio .
Casey thought as he looked at Antonio, 'It seems that guy is done for sure . Surely an Idiot . '
He looked at Stephen amusingly as he knew that this man was usually seen around Baron Mendez .
Stephen sighed and spoke, "No need to be surprised . You see he tried to usurp my Lord (Mendez) Previously and hence his current state . Lord John didn't wish to kill him as he feels that he would be more useful if he lives at least for now . Read this letter to get a better understanding . "
Casey took the letter, saw John's personal stamp and started reading it, he was surprised after reading the plan of Count John which was targeted against Prince Hector, Duke Norman and General Irwin .
Casey thought after reading John's plan, 'Those guys will surely be facing a bitter struggle in the court . '
Casey came near Antonio whose mouth was closed the whole time, he smiled and spoke, "Antonio, I guess you were always a fool . Why would you trust others and become their pawn when you have a stronger neighbor at your borders? I guess Baron Mendez trusted you too much . You shouldn't blame anyone but your own foolish decisions . You know I always suspected that there was something amiss when Count John immediately gave up his ballistas to the Royal family . Most of the people would resist like never end when they have such weapons . You would think he is an idiot but the irony is that those guys also made such an incredible weapon . I guess he was hiding something bigger as I thought Instinctively which was only revealed yesterday . You should never just go by facts alone but also predict others based on their actions . "
Antonio hmphed and spoke, "Hmph, I don't need your lecture . It seems you were secretly in contact with that count . No wonder he was so prepared . When your collaboration with Count John is revealed you too will be toast by Prince Hector and others . "
Casey smiled and said with a smiling tone, "I wonder but I had made my decision when I decided not to participate in the northern campaign and It's not as easy now for Prince Hector and Duke to act against us now that Count John has seceded . At the same time, Duke Norman has faced losses of up to 10,000 men not to mention the radiant church and Lord Irwin . do you want to know casualties of Lord Irwin and Templars who attacked the southern castle?"
He smiled and continued, "30,000 Templars died including Templar Johnson and 10,000 men from General Irwin's army died . not to mention his grave injury . It is not yet revealed so that Army Morale doesn't go down . So you understand what happened when this war took place . The Royal family will only be nailing their own coffin if they decide to act against the ones who didn't wish to participate in this war . And you see, you are the biggest pawn this time around . Your action of blocking that Port led to this big war . "
He continued, "According to Count John's predictions as this war progresses, you will be scapegoated when Prince Hector and others try to save their own skin for abandoning Dolores and influencing the start of this war . And that is when I will present you at the Imperial capital . However, you should be glad because you will be removing a lot of skeletons from graveyards . You will most likely be killed by your own allies but they too would face a great humiliation when you are in the Imperial Capital . "
Antonio had no words to respond as he understood the consequences of his betrayal .
Casey then directed Longmen and others to bring in Antonio, "Come, bring him in . "
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At this time, Felix was with his knights trying to escape through the tunnels built in his castle . The castle was burning as Lukavv's men were directed by Duncan and Lukavv himself to invade the castle .
There was blood dripping from the side of his mouth as he roared and asked his men, "How the hell does he have ballistas with bigger ranges and power? And why was there no information regarding this much movement of troops of Lukavv's end?"
He murmured, "If Lukavv knows that father was the one who helped me killed Apophis, I wonder how would this fare, however, father would be out for my blood and oppose me in inheriting the throne and Lukavv would still bay for father and my blood . "
Felix's personal Knight, "Milord, according to our predictions, all the men were moved in a 3-month gap, this was the reason we weren't able to detect the movement of troops and other resources . As far as Ballistas are concerned, I believe they were given by Count John to him in secret . And it seems our relation with the Radiant church is a bigger factor in Lukavv getting those weapons and accessories . "
Currently, there was a spy among Felix's men who was listening to their talk as coincidently heard Felix's murmur which was related to Red lake incident .
Felix heard his knight and immediately decided, "Okay, we will first head for Imperial Capital . "
The Knight suggested, "I suggest otherwise Milord . There is a big turmoil going on at Capital . "
Felix furrowed and asked, "What's going on there that we need to avoid it?"
"Apparently that count has decided to secede and Templar John and Lord Irwin's army lost against that count's men . Total Casualties remain 50,000 on our side . While that Count didn't lose a single soldier . From our sources, I heard that he had bought forth a new weapon with unmatched strength, power and range . However, it seems they have employed the usage of Black death so that they could rouse the public and recruit them . "
Felix understood the situation and with a keen light gave orders, "Okay, In that case, we will head to the Radiant city, Pope David will shelter us anyway . Where are the Hell mercenaries and our reserves? That Lukavv thinks that I haven't planned anything, hmph, he will be in for a surprise . "
The Knight spoke, "They will be on the way with our reserves, Milord . However, we should be more cautious"
Felix nodded and gave an order in a hushed manner . " . . . "
"Okay, Milord . "
