Kent spent the entire day gathering information on prisoners, disguised in simple clothes, blending seamlessly into the crowds. His face was shadowed by a dark hood and a normal looking mask, allowing him to move incognito through the bustling streets and hidden alleys.
As the evening came, he went from one old inn to another, seeking out the city’s oldest residents—people who carried deep wells of knowledge about the past and the forgotten individuals held within the royal prison.
Seated in the dim corners of modest taverns, Kent listened intently as elderly people with a white beards recounted tales of those who had been powerful once but were now forgotten by all.
With each tale, Kent carefully noted down names in his leather-bound notebook, categorizing them by the skills or alliances he believed they might offer.
As night deepened, he realized that he had amassed over 500 names—far beyond what he had anticipated. It seemed the royal prison was brimming with individuals who had defied the empire, those who had dared to challenge authority, only to be locked away and erased from public memory.
Exiting the last tavern, Kent felt the importance of the information he had gathered. These were people who had lost everything: their families, their wealth, and, in some cases, their sanity.
But he saw potential in this—these lost souls could prove invaluable to him in the impending war of the Nine Realms. His plans required powerful allies, and he was ready to free those with deep-seated resentment toward the royal family.
Finally, under the cover of night, Kent returned to the distant inn where he had kept the five stunted beastmen he had brought from the city. As he entered, he found them waiting eagerly, their eyes wide with anticipation.
He passed them his notebook, brimming with the names, histories, and potential uses of each prisoner. Also, gave the information sheets and leather bound maps given by Old Ma, to them.
“Find the information about these 500 people in those information sheets. Organize a separate information sheet for every individual,” Kent instructed, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.
The beastmen nodded in unison, their small hands already moving to sort through the information. “And,” he added, “prioritize anyone who has suffered significantly at the hands of the royal family. Look for those who have lost everything, who might bear a grudge worth nursing. Note down their current location in the prison and study the building maps of the prison along with underground, hidden tunnels and escape routes.”
They understood and set to work immediately. Content that his instructions were clear, Kent lay down, closing his eyes for the first time since morning.
–
Next Day Morning…
The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the inn when Kent awoke. He wore his regular usual attire, now with his beast veil mask that distinguished him as someone known to everyone in the capital. Before leaving, he checked on the beastmen, finding them hard at work, scribbling names and details with meticulous care.
One of the beastmen looked up, his face a picture of exhaustion and determination. “We’re about halfway done, my lord. Some histories are complex… but we’ll need more time.”
“Good. Take what you need,” Kent replied, tossing them provisions before stepping out. His next destination was the royal palace.
As he approached the grand entrance, the royal guards stared grimly at his approach, stopping his path with steely spears. “State your business,” one of them barked.
“I’m here to meet Queen Soya,” Kent replied.
The guards exchanged skeptical looks. “The queen is… occupied. Outsiders won’t allow to see her without granted access.”
“Pass information about my arrival. The Queen won’t refuse.” Kent said patiently.
“We don’t carry messages for just anyone.” The second guard replied with a smirk.
Kent’s gaze hardened, his voice cold and edged with menace. “You’ll regret it if you turn me away. I’ve saved the queen’s life twice. If she finds out you denied my entry, you suffer the consequences.”
The guards shifted uneasily, but one of them, sensing the truth in Kent’s words, finally relented. “Wait here.”
As the guard hurried off, Kent held his ground, glaring at the remaining guards who continued to scrutinize him with thinly veiled suspicion.
The entrance gate guard ran and passed information to a higher rank guard, who passed information to the Queen’s personal servant. As queen Soya heard Kent’s name, she became super excited and immediately commanded to bring Kent to her room.
Eventually, a senior guard arrived, nodding stiffly.
“Follow me,” he commanded Kent.
Kent was led through the palace, passing through numerous security checks, each guard questioning his purpose. By the time he reached Queen Soya’s private quarters, irritation simmered just beneath his calm exterior.
Queen Soya sat waiting on a velvet chair, alone in her room, her expression one of pleasure as she saw Kent enter.
“I never thought time would run so slowly. It’s been too long.” she said, her eyes lighting up
Kent dipped his head slightly but didn’t return her smile. “I wish I could say the same. Your guards seem determined to make my life difficult just to see you.”
Soya’s smile faded slightly, her brows furrowing. “Is that so? I’ll see to it that they remember who you are next time.” She held out an ornate medallion. “Here. Show this whenever you wish to enter. No questions will be asked of you.”
Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire
Kent took it without a thought. This is his main agenda in meeting her.
Soya leaned closer, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Now, tell me, where do we start? On my bed or this chair or the pond is also a good place. Hehe…” Her fingers trailed along his arm, and she tilted her head coquettishly.
Kent stepped back, a touch of disdain flickering across his face. “I’m not here to be your toy. If you want me to spend time with you, you’ll need to give me something in return.”
Soya’s eyes flashed with intrigue. “Oh? And what might that be?”
“I want to climb the Fire Mountains, see the Forbidden Army, and to visit your family’s ancestral grounds.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, though a calculating smile soon replaced her shock. “Those are… unusual requests. Why would you want to see these places?”
His face was unreadable as he replied, “Consider it curiosity. I’ve heard of these places, and now I want to see them for myself. Are you saying you won’t grant my request?”
She hesitated, studying him. “What’s really driving this curiosity of yours?”
Kent merely shrugged, offering no further explanation. The silence stretched, and Soya eventually relented with a sigh. “Very well. I’ll make the arrangements, but I’ll expect more than a verbal answer next time. Your body should pay for your wishes.”
Kent turned to leave, but she reached out, her hand brushing his arm. “Stay a moment longer. I’d like to… enjoy your company.”
But Kent smoothly sidestepped her, leaving her grasp empty. “First, fulfill my wishes. Then, perhaps, we’ll talk.”
Soya’s face fell as he strode out, but determination glinted in her eyes. She would fulfill his request, but she was equally resolved to keep him close, even if it meant indulging his demands.
–
Thank You 😉