Chapter 462: Duke Morothian's Visit to Lanchi
Chapter 462: Duke Morothian's Visit to Lanchi
More than an hour later, as the clock struck five in the afternoon, a torrential downpour lashed at the windows of Principal Lanchi's office in Redmond Tower. Each raindrop struck a resonant note on the glass behind him, and the intermittent flashes of lightning and thunder turned the world outside alternately bright and dark, as if shrouding everything in chaos.
The deep-hued wooden furniture lent the room an air of stability, and an antique bronze lamp stood quietly on the desk, emitting a warm and soft glow that dispelled the chill of the stormy weather outside.
Lanchi sat alone in his office, his back straight and his hands resting on the documents on the desk, with only a cup of now-cold coffee by his side.
His gaze was focused intently on the papers, occasionally picking up a pen to underline important passages or jot down notes in the margins.
Usually, the school day ended at five o'clock.
However, today was a bit special. According to the appointment, Duke Morothian was expected to arrive soon, which was why Lanchi had stayed in his office beyond the end of the school day.
The clockwork gears ticked away steadily, but Lanchi paid no heed to the time, remaining focused and unperturbed by the thunder and rain raging outside. He was immersed in his academic and administrative work, and the world around him seemed to fall into a tranquil order because of his presence.
Until there was a gentle knock on the office door, followed by the voice of a Redmond Tower staff member:
"Mr. Logue, Duke Berenhald has arrived."
"Come in."
Lanchi lifted his head to look at the door before him and replied in a calm, steady voice.
The door slowly opened, and a staff member stood respectfully at the entrance. Following him was a tall and straight-backed man who stepped into the room.
This legendary figure of the Protoss Empire, the current strongest holder of the Primal Tablet, appeared to be in his thirties.
He wore a meticulously tailored dark coat, with the collar turned up slightly, adding a touch of elegance to his bearing. His facial features were distinct, with a tight jawline that exuded strength, and his demeanor bore a slight resemblance to that of Lady Crollys. However, unlike the more casual Crollys, Duke Morothian's eyes seemed to hold a depth of thought that was not easily discerned.
"I've wanted to pay a visit to Mr. Logue for quite some time, but unfortunately, we've both been tied up with official duties lately, and the Empire has undergone too many changes during this period."
Duke Morothian removed his hat and addressed Lanchi as he gazed at him.
He was more approachable than one might imagine, without an overwhelming sense of authority or the pressure of a powerful figure. Despite the pouring rain outside, not a single drop seemed to touch Duke Morothian as he strode confidently into Lanchi's office, his footsteps not leaving the slightest dampness on the carpet.
"I know the feeling. I'm glad we finally meet, Duke Berenhald. Today's events have indeed been exhausting."
Lanchi put down his pen and gestured for the duke to take a seat in the discussion area to the left of the office.
He also stood up and walked over, inviting Duke Morothian to sit on the sofa.
Usually, meeting such an important figure or the strongest person in the world for the first time would cause some apprehension.
But Lanchi had grown accustomed to dealing with Loren, so he didn't feel uncomfortable.
They exchanged pleasantries, the atmosphere formal yet not stiff. As a staff member entered with a tray bearing a pot of tea for the two men, the administrative staff member once again excused himself and closed the door behind him.
"Duke Berenhald, is there something troubling on your mind that brought you here today?"
Lanchi offered a slight smile to Duke Morothian as he observed his countenance.
"Of course.
"Indeed, it concerns one of your associate professors," Duke Morothian replied, a hint of resignation in his eyes as he lifted the teacup on the sofa. "I've been searching for him for quite some time, but he always seems to elude me."
His gaze drifted casually towards the bookshelves in the office, landing on a conspicuous book titled 'The Chronicles of the Holy War'. Beside it sat a thriving demon-world plant, its green leaves vibrant under the lamplight, adding a unique touch to the antique office.
"Could it be Associate Professor Cid?" Lanchi inquired, following the duke's line of sight and guessing the person he was referring to.
Recent media reports had been tracking and following up on the suspected treason of Miss Crollys, the Duke's daughter, and the disappearance of Associate Professor Cid. Although the matter had not yet been concluded, it seemed that due to the influence of the Duke Berenhald family, the charges against Miss Crollys remained vague, and public opinion was being directed more towards Associate Professor Cid.
However, Lanchi had not been sure if Duke Morothian was already aware of the connection between Cid and Crollys.
"He bewitched my daughter," the duke said, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as his tone turned more cautious.
"Then I must apologize for my negligence," Lanchi said, lowering his gaze and averting his eyes.
"No, Principal Logue couldn't have known," Duke Morothian quickly waved his hand dismissively, feeling that Lanchi had misunderstood his intention. "It was my fault for not seeing through Cid's deception, and my daughter, being the clever girl she is, has always been hard to understand, even for me, her father. How could I expect you to know?"
As the two men conversed, on the other side of the administrative office, Planar stood with his arms crossed, his magic eye observing the situation in the principal's office.
With the barrier prepared in advance by Antanas, even the strongest individual in the Protoss Empire, Duke Morothian, could not detect the presence of three eighth-rank professors observing the principal's office from a nearby room.
"Planar, why are you so quiet?" Antanas asked, patting him on the shoulder.
Through her innate magic, she could also sense the situation within the barrier, but she felt that Planar was intently analyzing something at that moment.
Earlier, in the principal's office, the new king had briefed them on the situation in the Protoss Empire over the past three months, including the unrest in the north and the challenges they would face next.
"The new king isn't sure if Duke Morothian knows about his encounters with Crollys and Cid," Planar finally explained to Antanas, interpreting the underlying meanings in their conversation. "The duke's words also seem to contain subtle probing."
"Really? I just thought they were having a casual chat. The new king seemed sincere, even apologizing with a hint of tea in his tone, which made Duke Morothian feel a bit awkward." Confused, Antanas scratched her head.
Planar glanced at Antanas but didn't argue further.
A thousand demons would have a thousand different perceptions of the new king. Whether his behavior was genuine or calculated, naive or cunning, would elicit varying responses. Perhaps he embodied all these traits simultaneously.
(End of Chapter)
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