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Chapter 338: Hiberlian Comes to Steal the House
Chapter 338: Hiberlian Comes to Steal the House
In the northwestern province of the Protoss Empire, in the Milford Border Territory, April arrived.
Accompanied by a wind that rang the bells, the spring rain fell gently from the gray sky, covering every inch of Milford's land.
Two squads of gleaming armored knights stood at the ready by the gate of Milford, their gazes sharp and vigilant as they inspected the identities of everyone in line waiting to pass through.
This route leading into the interior of the Milford Border Territory did not border the Kingdom of Atherthan but was instead a commonly used trade route within the Protoss Empire, connecting other Protoss city-states to the Milford Border Territory.
With the help of the loopholes in border control that the Earl of Milford had secretly communicated to the Church of the Goddess of Fate, Hiberlian, along with the executioner, priest, and holy knight, had successfully infiltrated Protoss Empire territory.
After circling around, they were now about to officially enter the interior of the Milford Border Territory's city defense barrier.
At this moment, Hiberlian, who was waiting at the back of the group, looked like a young lady from a merchant guild. Her smooth, long hair fell gently on her shoulders, tied with a red ribbon, complementing her black fitted top and red checkered skirt. She exuded a light and elegant charm with a touch of classical mystery, and her eyes held an indescribable shrewdness.
Each of her movements, whether it was her gestures or her instructions to the attendants behind her, was filled with authority and confidence. She gave off a cold and unapproachable aura, yet she still possessed the unique gentleness and charm of a woman.
Being born into a ducal family, her noble bearing came naturally, and with her exquisite acting skills, she perfectly portrayed the persona she had assumed for this moment, without the slightest deviation.
The three reliable sixth-order clerics had become her bodyguards, escorting the cargo at the back. With their skillful acting, they no longer bore any resemblance to clerics and even exuded a worldly air.
The smooth entry into the territory of the Protoss Empire was made possible by the turmoil caused by the Earl of Milford within the empire.
The Milford Earl, an accomplice of the Church of the Goddess of Fate, held a high position within the empire, but he, too, risked being caught by the extinction branch for his part in this scheme.
"I really want to see that gentleman soon."
The thoughts of the three clerics were written all over their faces.
Having been apart from Mr. Wilford for almost half a year, they missed him dearly.
Just talking to him made them feel the meaning of life, and every second felt real and fulfilling.
"...”
Hiberlian glanced back at the trio but said nothing.
Seeing their unwavering devotion to Lanchi, she, too, began to worry about him.
She wondered how he had been doing during the two months they had been separated, hoping that he was now leading a leisurely life in the south.
After queuing for several tens of minutes, Hiberlian and her escorts finally reached the inspection checkpoint.
The knights in charge of the inspection were clearly on guard against them, not only because they needed to check the legality of their goods but also because the group looked too formidable.
One of the captains among the knight guard, wearing a red-feathered helmet, stepped forward and asked, "Where are you from? The Milford Border Territory does not welcome outsiders."
During this tense period, the border city-states were on high alert, and they would rather deny passage than increase potential risks within their borders.
Hiberlian prepared to explain, ready with a well-rehearsed script for such a situation.
However, just as the atmosphere became tense, a figure emerged from the depths of the city gate.
He looked to be in his early forties, with an unsmiling expression, a determined jaw, a straight nose, and neatly combed eyebrows. He wore an exquisite deep red velvet robe with the Milford family crest and golden embellishments.
"Captain, these are my guests.
"The voice of Earl Milford was steady, yet not as stern as his demeanor."
The captain was evidently taken aback and bowed in response, "Yes, my lord."
Following Nelson Milford's signal, Hiberlian and the three clerics were allowed to pass and approached the Earl.
Hiberlian had not expected to meet the Earl so soon, nor did she anticipate him personally escorting them into the city at this juncture.
The Extinction Branch had eyes and ears throughout the Northwestern Province, and the more active the Earl of Milford was, the more likely he was to leave loopholes that would attract their scrutiny.
The Earl of Milford remained silent.
He merely gestured for them to follow the carriages of the Earl's household, suggesting they first head to his mansion for a discussion.
Hiberlian and the clerics exchanged glances, and the executioner, priest, and holy knight all nodded in agreement. In their eyes, the Earl of Milford was trustworthy.
Soon, they followed the Earl.
As they entered the Milford Territory, the massive city gate slowly closed behind them. Hiberlian didn't turn back, but she remained tense about her journey into the Protoss Empire.
Today, they had finally officially entered the territory of the Protoss Empire.
However, the road ahead was fraught with danger, whether it was evading the scrutiny of the Extinction Branch in the Northwestern Province, ascending to the Protoss Royal Magic Academy in the imperial capital, or the eventual prison break plan—each step was incredibly perilous!
One wrong move could lead to irreversible disaster.
Yet, this was a trial she had to face and a mission she had to accomplish.
As they were led through the city by the Milford Earl's carriages, the city-state revealed its grandeur and splendor—towering skyscrapers, impregnable walls, and meandering rivers combined to form an awe-inspiring border city.
Even through the carriage windows, Hiberlian could sense the tension and vigilance among the citizens of the Milford Territory.
Before long, they arrived at the Earl of Milford's mansion on the east side of the city-state.
The mansion's gate was made of sturdy black oak, adorned with copper rings and intricate carvings. Beyond the gate lay a path paved with cobblestones, flanked by meticulously trimmed low shrubs and cold-resistant plants.
Although it wasn't as frigid here as in the far north of the empire, there were still occasional sharp drops in temperature during early spring.
A squad of red-clad ushers greeted them and took their luggage as the four guests followed the Earl of Milford into his majestic mansion.
Upon entering the mansion, they passed through an entrance garden and several corridors before arriving at a guest lounge. Hanging from the high, arched ceiling was a crystal chandelier that illuminated the room with a warm glow. Deep red velvet sofas and chairs were arranged around a large fireplace, where crackling logs provided a sense of comfort that had been missing for a long time.
Only when all the servants had left the hall and his trusted attendants stood guard outside did the Earl of Milford finally turn his attention back to the guests from the Kingdom of Aethertelan.
"Please, take a seat."
In contrast to the luxurious surroundings, the Earl maintained a consistently solemn and aloof demeanor, but his hospitality was simple and amicable.
"Thank you, Earl Milford, for your support of our church," Hiberlian said as she settled into a seat.
Among the other families in the Northwestern Province, who harbored strong xenophobic sentiments, the Milford family stood out for their positive attitude towards foreign powers and their willingness to lend a helping hand to those fighting for justice. Such an opportunity was indeed rare and invaluable.
Despite the Earl of Milford's peculiar behavior today, seemingly lowering his guard against the minions of the Extinction Branch, the greatest threat in the Northwestern Province, Hiberlian was still inclined to trust this earl.
(End of Chapter)
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