Later on, the middle-aged man arrived at the front gate of the Turner family’s estate, his face etched with exhaustion, as though he had traversed countless miles in a sprint.
Two robust guards stationed at the entrance, dressed in leather armor and armed with spears, immediately took notice of the man’s agitated and weary demeanor. Reacting promptly, they positioned themselves to block his path.
“Halt! Without proper permission or appointment, you cannot enter!” one of the guards declared sternly, asserting the family’s protocol.
“Let me through! It’s a matter of utmost urgency! I bear crucial news for the Lord that cannot wait,” the middle-aged man implored urgently, his voice laced with seriousness.
“We’ve heard similar claims before, only to be met with deceit. I’m sorry, but you won’t enter without a valid reason or an appointment,” the other guard countered firmly, unmoved by the man’s pleas.
They had encountered numerous individuals attempting to gain unapproved access under the guise of urgency, often with ulterior motives. The guards, however, were well aware that such actions frequently resulted in them facing the Lord’s wrath.
Frustration flickered across the middle-aged man’s features. Did the guards not comprehend the gravity of the situation?
“Sigh! Listen to me! I have crucial information for Lord Turner concerning Young Master Henry and his servant Peter. It’s a matter of the utmost urgency,” the man sighed, his voice tinged with exasperation.
“Concerning Young Master Henry? Has he caused trouble again?” one of the guards inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“It’s not a matter of trouble. It’s something grave! T-T-They have been murdered!” The middle-aged man’s words hung heavily in the air.
“What?!” Both guards exclaimed, their features contorted in shock.
In stunned silence, their eyes widened with disbelief. The notion that someone could have murdered the Young Master was beyond comprehension.
“You’re saying the Young Master was killed? How is that even possible?” one of the guards blurted out, his voice tinged with incredulity.
“It must be a lie, it must be a lie! Who in their right mind would dare to murder the young master in the Pinebrook village? This is simply impossible, even the Monroe family can’t do that…” The other guard exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.
However, witnessing their reactions, the middle-aged man couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He had expected such disbelief from them upon hearing the news.
“Believe it or not, it’s the truth! I had the same reaction when I saw their lifeless bodies on the road earlier, and I came straight here after identifying them to inform the Lord about this…” The middle-aged man’s voice was somber, understanding the guards’ state of mind.
Despite his words, the two guards were reluctant to accept the news of their Young Master’s demise.
A minute later, one of the guards addressed the middle-aged man, “Even if you claim that, we can’t allow you inside just because of that. We can’t risk losing our jobs and potentially angering the Lord, which could lead to dire consequences.”
The guard continued, “How about you wait here? I will go and inform the Lord about Young Master and his servant’s passing on your behalf. There’s no guarantee that he won’t react harshly if he sees an unfamiliar face entering his manor with such news.”
Indeed, the character of Lord Turner was well-known within the village—a quick-tempered individual who easily succumbed to anger even over minor issues.
‘I’m here to convey the news of Young Master Henry and his servant’s passing, not to put my own life at risk. It’s best to let the guard handle it. I have a family to care for,’ thought the middle-aged man inwardly, agreeing with the guard’s suggestion.
“Very well! Please inform the Lord on my behalf about the Young Master. If that’s all, then I’ll be on my way. My wife is waiting for me at home, and I’d rather not upset her by arriving late.” The middle-aged man breathed a sigh of relief and spoke to the guards, careful not to reveal his relieved expression.
“I’m sorry, but you can’t leave just yet. You’ll need to wait until I return. The Lord may wish to see you after I deliver the news to him,” the guard informed him.
“… Alright…” The middle-aged man nodded helplessly at the guard’s decision.
“Tim, keep an eye on the man until I come back,” the guard instructed before leaving the scene.
Meanwhile, inside a spacious room adorned with towering shelves along its walls, a portly middle-aged man sat at an expansive table strewn with piles of paperwork. The man meticulously examined various documents using a feathered quill held in his right hand.
Standing by his side was a man in his sixties, sporting a mane of white hair and a dignified beard. The older man clutched several files, presumably awaiting the Lord’s signature or approval.
The individual seated at the table was none other than Henry’s father, Harrison Turner. His assistant and butler, Geoffrey, stood beside him—a loyal servant who had faithfully served the household for a remarkable 45 years. ．𝙘𝙤𝙢
“Excellent, excellent! We’ve garnered 45000 gold coins this month from our merchandise sales in the capital. It has far exceeded my expectations. Hahah!” Lord Turner chortled with glee, his spirits lifted by the profitable report.
“Congratulations, My Lord. Here’s another report concerning the additional products we’ve successfully sold in the capital. The projected earnings amount to 27000 gold coins. Please take a look.” The butler handed over the file he held to Lord Turner.
Upon hearing this, Lord Turner’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. Extra profits were always a welcome sight, and his happiness was palpable.
“Hahah! Let me peruse this report… If we continue to profit like this, there’s no way my friend’s daughter, Rose, would decline my son’s marriage proposal this time,” Lord Turner chuckled, addressing his butler Geoffrey as he accepted the file.
“Naturally, my lord. Who doesn’t like money? I’m sure Miss Rose would be delighted to hear the proposal,” Geoffrey said to Lord Turner, his smile hinting at a premonition of future events.
“Indeed…” Lord Turner nodded in agreement.
“Young Lord would jump in excitement if he heard this news, as he’s been enamored with her for quite some time and wishes to be with her,” Geoffrey added.
Indeed, it was well-known within the family that Henry’s deep infatuation with Rose Monroe, the acting head of the village, was reciprocated. Rose was not only a beauty but also highly capable, earning the support of everyone. Lord Turner also desired this union to bring happiness to Henry.
“Of course, of course. That’s why I intend to arrange a marriage proposal with the Monroe family. I’m confident they will gladly accept,” Lord Turner affirmed.
“With the marriage between the Young Lord and Miss Rose, your standing within the village will undoubtedly rise. Perhaps you may even become the next village head, considering Lord Monroe’s prolonged illness,” Geoffrey suggested.
“Indeed! That’s why I’ve encouraged my son to establish a connection with Rose. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain. As a father, I am determined to secure Rose as my daughter-in-law, thereby strengthening our influence over the village,” Lord Turner declared.
Knock! Knock!
At that moment, a few raps echoed on the door.
“Come in,” Lord Turner called out.
The door swung open, revealing a guard with an anxious countenance. He glanced at Lord Turner, who was seated at his study table, and spoke with a deep bow, his fear evident, “Please forgive me for interrupting your work, My Lord. But I’ve received distressing news about the Young Master. I’ve rushed here to inform you immediately.”
Concern etched Lord Turner’s features. “What news have you brought concerning my son? Has he caused trouble with the villagers again?” he inquired, a hint of displeasure tainting his voice.
‘He appears frightening even before anger takes hold. How much worse would it be if he were to learn that his son had met an untimely end?’ the guard pondered inwardly, recoiling from the thought.
“T-T-T-This… I-I-Its… ” The guard’s voice trembled in fear, leaving him unable to articulate the news.
“Why are you hesitating? Has someone stolen your ability to speak? Spit it out now or leave. You’re wasting my precious time!” Lord Turner’s irritation was palpable as he chided the guard’s behavior.
“I-I will say it… I-I-It’s like this… A middle-aged man arrived at our doorstep and informed me that…” The guard faltered, his courage dissipating before the enormity of the revelation.
“Told you what? Out with it, quickly, or face the consequences!” Lord Turner’s voice thundered with impatience, stringing the guard along.
“H-He told me that… The Young Master was slain, along with his servant Peter. He found their lifeless bodies at the roadside, not far from the heart of the village!” The guard blurted out with urgency, his fear of reprisal lending his voice volume.
A heavy silence blanketed the room.
Lord Turner and butler Geoffrey were left dumbfounded by the revelation. Had they misheard, or were their ears deceiving them?
“W-WHAT DID YOU SAY?! MY SON IS DEAD?! HENRY HAS BEEN KILLED?!”
Lord Turner’s rage erupted like a storm, his voice resonating with the fury of a wounded lion.
‘Young Lord Henry was killed? How can this be… It’s impossible…!’
The butler, his expression one of disbelief, struggled to grasp the unfolding tragedy. How could this be?