NOVEL NEXT Chapter 238: Rovert's Step
"My lord, danger! We've received word that the troops sent by the Red Obsidian Trading House have been defeated by the forces of the Marquis Valmire family!"
Rovert was taken aback by the news. He straightened in his seat, his gaze fixed on the door to his study.
"Come in!" he ordered coldly.
The door opened, and a soldier in white armor stepped inside, struggling to catch his breath.
He dropped to one knee and reported in a trembling voice, "My lord, the army sent by the Red Obsidian Trading House has been crushed by the Valmire family forces. The message just arrived, and according to our spies, they are now marching toward Gardian City with their full army!"
Crack!
The sound of shattering porcelain echoed as Rovert crushed his teacup in his grip, shards cutting into his hand until blood dripped from his palm.
He paid the wound no mind, as if the pain meant nothing.
"Are you certain of this news?" His eyes narrowed dangerously. "If you're wrong, you understand the punishment that awaits you, don't you?"
His voice dripped with menace, making the soldier tremble.
Still, the soldier kept his composure and answered firmly, "I know, my lord—and I swear this news is true!"
Upon hearing that, Rovert's expression softened slightly. He set aside the broken cup and pulled a clean towel from the desk drawer to wipe the blood from his hand.
"Alright, I understand. Tell the army leaders to prepare. Bring five hundred—no, bring all of Gardian City's troops to guard the front of the city. If Aston Valmire and his men arrive, intercept them at all costs. Do you understand?" He cast an indifferent glance at the soldier.
"Understood, my lord!" The soldier replied firmly.
"Good." Rovert gave a small nod. "Now go and carry out my orders."
The soldier dared not say another word. He quickly rose to his feet and hurried out of Rovert's study.
Watching him disappear through the door, Rovert shook his head.
Things turned out far from what I expected, he muttered softly, still wiping his hand. The Valmire family is stronger than I imagined. What on earth did they do to defeat the troops sent by the Red Obsidian Trading House?
He had no idea what forces Belfor had dispatched, but he knew that the short, round man would never recklessly hire mercenaries to face the Valmire family.
With a quiet sigh, Rovert stood and walked to the side of the room. Near the bookcase was a lever, and he pulled it down.
Screech!
The bookcase swung open, revealing a dark basement hidden behind it.
Rovert withdrew his hand from the lever and descended the stairs. After some time, he arrived in the basement—an underground prison.
Five cells lined the right side, and another five stood on the left.
The place was dim, lit only by a few torches that cast flickering shadows across the stone walls.
Inside the cells lay scattered bones and corpses in various stages of decay. A closer look revealed that all of them were men.
"Pathetic," he muttered, shaking his head. "So weak you couldn't even survive after facing me. Do I look that frightening to you?"
His gaze lingered on the remains, carrying a strange mix of affection and disappointment.
"Ah, I forgot—you're already dead," he added with a soft chuckle. "But no matter. Even if your bodies rot away, your souls will remain here to keep me company."
He licked his upper lip and rubbed at his crotch, then walked leisurely toward the end of the corridor, passing rows of silent, empty cells.
The stench of blood and decay choked the air, strong enough to make most people gag.
But not Rovert. Instead of disgust, he savored it—breathing it in deliberately.
At the far end stood a massive black iron door.
With a casual push, the door groaned open, revealing a narrow chamber filled with iron chains and brutal instruments of torture.
At the back of the room, a shadowy, man-shaped figure was bound in place, wrists and ankles shackled in thick chains.
Rovert stepped inside and halted right before him.
"Do you want to be free?" Rovert asked calmly.
The shadow raised his head, his eyes burning with sinister red light.
"Are you… really serious?"
His voice was deep and husky, the kind that seemed capable of shaking the soul of anyone who heard it.
"Of course I am," Rovert replied casually. "But first, there's a task you must complete before I set you free."
A faint smile tugged at his lips. "So, what will it be? Do you accept? If not, then…"
He turned, clasping his hands behind his back. "You'll remain in chains."
With measured steps, he began to leave the room—until the shadow's voice stopped him.
"Wait! I… I'm not refusing," he cried hoarsely. "Just tell me what I must do!"
Rovert paused. A playful smile flickered across his face before he hid it once more.
Facing the shadow, he said flatly, "The task is simple. Soon, intruders will arrive. Slaughter them all—but spare one man: their burly leader. Do you understand?"
The shadow blinked, then slowly nodded. "I understand. But you must promise to set me free."
"I promise," Rovert vowed, lifting his index finger. "If I break my word, may the gods curse me."
"Good." The shadow gave a small nod. "Then I'll do it."
Rovert said nothing and simply waved two fingers forward. The chains binding the man's wrists and legs shattered instantly.
"Go now. Wait for their arrival at the city gate. After that…"
A cold light flickered in his eyes as he added playfully, "Slaughter them all… hehehe."
...
Nolan and Malverna walked side by side through the hallway of the Castellan family mansion.
Strangely, whenever servants or guards passed by, none of them noticed their presence—as if the two were completely transparent.
Malverna tilted her head curiously. "So, can you tell me why you came to this mansion? Didn't you say you wouldn't interfere?"
Nolan gave a faint smile. "That's right. I have no intention of meddling. The affairs of the Valmire and Castellan families are their concern. I only came to confirm something that piqued my curiosity."
"Oh?" Malverna's eyes widened slightly. "Can you tell me what it is?"
It was the first time she had seen that irritating man take an interest in anything, which only made her curiosity grow stronger.
"There's an old saying: 'Asking too many questions only brings bad luck.' Are you not afraid?" Nolan asked casually.
Malverna: "(ꐦㅍ _ㅍ)"