The Devil's Cage

Panda Novel

When Viscount Reedral arrived at the slums of Lower Seventh Ring, it was already 9 in the morning.

The believers of Mist had started their busy day in the slums.

Although they were given sufficient resources and it wasn’t necessary for them to work at the moment, cleaning up the ruins, cremating the bodies, and rebuilding the defensive structures required a great amount of manpower.

The only fortunate thing was that the winter in the north was always cold, so there would be no worries about the rotting of bodies and the plague that would arise from them.

But out of the worries about friends and family, the people in the slums still tried to finish up everything as quickly as possible.

Therefore, when Viscount Reedral arrived, he saw was a busy and bustling scene.

There was also a watch tower in the area, since the heir of Edatine’s throne and Snake Sect was the same person. The heir of Snake Sect had a close relationship with the Mist religious sect, to the point that the guards who were obviously there to ‘watch’ over the people switched up their role and protected them instead.

Adding in the patrols and watch tower, which consisted of the Mist’s believers themselves, the defenses in the slums were no longer weak.

Reedral was from a military background, so the moment he arrived, he instinctively evaluated the situation and simulated if all the people in the slums were enemies, how he would take them down in the quickest way with the least cost.

His invasive gaze was soon discovered.

“Hey, you better keep your gaze in check.”

A young man, as strong as a grizzly bear and with a huge double-sided axe on his shoulder, appeared beside Reedral’s wagon without a sound and criticized him.

It wasn’t until the young man spoke that Reedral realized that he was there, his gaze shrinking out of shock.

He started to size up the young man, and when he saw the young man’s physique, he instantly knew who the young man was: Rogart!

Rogart was one of the core members of the Mist religious sect!

‘His own strength coupled with the divine spells of the Mist?’ wondered Reedral, yet his face showed a kind smile.

“Good day, I’m Viscount Reedral. Is Bishop Simon around?”

His narrow eyes made him look even more like a fox than he already was when he smiled. Even that crooked nose of his, which looked like an eagle’s beak, got more pronounced, like a fox with an eagle’s beak.

The young Rogart was not fond of foxes. He used to hunt when he was young but the foxes would always steal from him. Even if he hung it over the trees, the foxes would bite the ropes off. So, the young Rogart said without any courtesy, “Lord bishop is not around!”

Reedral wasn’t frustrated at all by the harsh tone.

“Then what about Mr. Sivalka?” he said with a smile.

“What do you want?” The continuous questions alarmed the young Rogart.

“Don’t worry, I mean no harm. My reputation might not be glorious but it’s not bad either. Likewise, no one can ever impersonate me, the soldiers behind you can prove my identity.”

As he spoke, Reedral walked near to the wagon and pointed at the soldiers of Edatine further away.

Rogart saw the soldiers bowing at Reedral from a distance, frowning.

He wasn’t actually suspecting. Following Lord Colin’s status as heir to the throne being made known to all, the soldiers protecting the slums could be viewed as allies, no suspicions were necessary.

He frowned because of the man before him. He heard of Viscount Reedral’s name.

When he arrived here, the respectful baroness, now Lord of Sicar, had informed them about who in Edatine Castle should they be careful of.

1Among the listed ones, the viscount’s name was there.

Of course, the most important thing was Sivalka’s reminder.

‘Be careful of the orthodox party, they might come with ill intentions.’

Sivalka once told about his encounter with the orthodox party and how they were used to doing things. It wasn’t exactly exaggerating though, they were still nobles who had to preserve face after all.

But to say they had morals or followed the code of knights?

It would be a ridiculous joke, not even a ghost would believe it.

The young Rogart really wanted to shoo the viscount away, but when he thought of the bishop’s orders, he did not do so.

“Wait here,” said the young Rogart coldly before he turned around to the camp.

Inside the camp, which was on its way to completion, Sivalka was applying frostbite medicine for Ellie.

“You are recovering great!”

A huge part of the bruises on the petite hand had recovered, so Sivalka couldn’t help but smile. In order to let Ellie recover better, he even bought the most expensive frostbite medicine.

Now it seemed like his decision was right.

“Two to three days later and you will be as healthy as before. Remember Ellie, don’t touch cold water within these two days,” remindered Sivalka.

“But I still have to help everyone with their work! I am not strong enough to clear up the ruins, but I can wash the plates and boil water. If I can’t touch cold water…” Ellie’s petite face displayed a difficult look.

Sivalka’s gaze was filled with compassion and love. If he had a daughter, he’d never let his daughter to do all those rough chores.

No! He already had a daughter! And if his daughter wished to do so…

As a father, he had to support her unconditionally, even though it cost him tears.

“Then Ellie, promise me that you will be careful. I’ll go buy you a set of gloves at the market later. The kind that allows you to touch water.”

Sivalka rubbed Ellie’s head.

“But mother says I shouldn’t take things from other people…”

“I am not other people! You saved me Ellie, you are my life-saver. It’s only natural that I repay you,” Sivalka said with a smile before he pointed further away and continued, “Now go, go help Ellie, everyone is waiting for you.”

“Okay.”

The little girl nodded, smiled at Sivalka and then ran outside.

After his daughter figure disappeared from sight, Sivalka turned around to Rogart.

“What’s the matter?” Sivalka asked.

“She’s a nice kid!” exclaimed the young man, then he started to feel the gaze of hostility, alertness, and suspicion of a father.

“What do you want?” he asked in a heavy tone, clenching his teeth.

“Please don’t misunderstand! I was simply praising her! Besides, Sivalka you are too tense, not all are…”

“Horny pigs should be castrated,” Sivalka stopped Rogart with some cold words.

Looking at how serious Sivalka was, the young man felt pity for the boys who would fall for Ellie in the future. It would be difficult for them to pass Sivalka, but it was not his concern.

“It’s the orthodox party. That Viscount Reedral is here himself,” said the young man, wisely returning to the topic.

“As expected,” said Sivalka as he headed outside the camp.

When he knew the heir of the throne and Snake Sect were the same person, he knew the orthodox party would never sit back and do nothing.

He knew very well about the noble’s temperament.

“What are we going to do?” asked the young man.

“Leave it to me. Lord bishop has told me what direction we are heading next. As for the rest, I’ll compromise,” said Sivalka.

The young Rogart kept quiet.

Firstly, the love and respect he got from Bishop Simon made him completely obedient to the bishop’s orders.

Secondly, the young Rogart assumed that this was a test given by the bishop to Sivalka.

Although Sivalka had announced that he was going to join the Mist, given his identity and status, it was rather troublesome. Back then, lord bishop did not deny or agree with Sivalka.

It seemed like he was waiting for Sivalka to pass this upcoming test.

Therefore, the young Rogart slowed his steps down, retreating from a side by side walk with Sivalka to following behind him.

He had to witness the whole process and at the same time protect Sivalka.

Although the noble just now looked resentful, he was also a formidable foe.

If without his Majesty’s blessing, young Rogart might not even be a match.

But with his Majesty’s blessing? Rogart could choke the noble to death single-handedly.

Sivalka didn’t say anything about the changes in Rogart, it was only reasonable.

If he wanted to jump into the arms of the Mist from the Dark Hall of War God Temple, he had to display his worth and capabilities, otherwise why would the Mist protect him?

If it was before the encounter with Ellie, it would be fine for him, he would just go to the outskirts and live as a different person.

But with Ellie? He had to give it his best.

…

Standing outside the camp, Viscount Reedral suddenly felt a little cold.

Looking up at the bright and radiating sun, the noble from the orthodox party couldn’t help but shake his head.

Winter in the north was really scary, even in Edatine Castle.

He was used to spending his winter in the south in recent years, so he started to feel uncomfortable in the winter in the north.

That damn decree!

Whenever he thought of the king’s new decree, Viscount Reedral couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

Do note that since he spent his winter in the south in recent years, he had moved more than half of his overall properties to that warm place. Farming, mining, handcrafts etc. were all fields that he was willing to join.

Not just him, Valentine and many other smaller nobles behind them also shared the same thought.

Should the fire of war spread to the south…

He could very well imagine what his investment would be like. Therefore, the new royal decree wasn’t just a simple buying of noble status or land, it was directly related to every family’s survival and existence.

These were things that he would never compromise!

For an instant there, Viscount Reedral’s eyes became sharp and fierce, but it was replaced by a smiling look at the very next moment.

He saw Rogart, who came back, and Sivalka, who appeared with the former.

“Good morning, Mr. Sivalka.”

Viscount Reedral stepped up as a welcome and to show his sincerity.

Sivalka didn’t say anything, neither was he surprised. He reacted like he was meeting a normal friend, walking over and saying with a smile, “Good morning, lord viscount.”

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Sivalka. The things that happened yesterday caused some unnecessary misunderstanding between us. Today, I am here with my utmost sincerity.”

Viscount Reedral then pointed at the wagon.

The wagoner opened the carriage door and right away, Sivalka and Rogart’s eyes squinted into a narrow line.

A mountain of dazzling glow shone before their eyes.

Both of them took a while to regain their senses and return to normal.

Sivalka didn’t even have to count, a quick glance over the mountain of gold and he could tell there were 2,000 Gold Purton loaded in the box.

Among the nobles, the boxes holding Gold Purton, other than its sturdiness and higher quality, the size was also the same, as if only with this they could look different from others.

If it was before Sivalka met Ellie, he would surely be moved by 2,000 Gold Purton, but now? It was not enough.

It wasn’t just because of the task from Bishop Simon. He also had to feed his daughter! Raising a child was costly!

As for Rogart, he didn’t even spare an extra glance.

He even held his axe tight when the golden mountain shone, afraid that it was an attack.

When the wagoner opened the door, Viscount Reedral had been observing their expressions and when he saw neither of them were moved, the viscount’s heart couldn’t help but sink deep.

While he cursed Valentine’s men for not being competent enough deep in his heart, he pointed at the wagon with a smile.

“Mr. Sivalka, I’ve also found two decent relics, are you interested in having a look?” said Viscount Reedral.

“Of course, but two is a little less, it would be better if there were more,” Sivalka nodded and strode to the wagon without even waiting for Viscount Reedral’s invitation.

Bishop Simon’s order was to slay the fat goat! Why should he be courteous with the viscount?

He would be an ass if he couldn’t punch a hole in the viscount’s pocket and his heart.

Looking at Sivalka walking to the wagon and sizing up everything inside the carriage, Viscount Reedral remained smiling but deep in his heart, he was cursing out loud.

Sivalka’s attitude had stated it all. If the viscount wanted to erase the incident that happened yesterday, he would have to pay up.

He didn’t want to but he had no choice, because behind Sivalka was someone who’s bad side the orthodox party wouldn’t want to get on just yet.

The heir of Edatine’s throne and Snake Sect was too scary.

Although the orthodox party still had a backup…

If he could leave it untouched, he would never use it.

Holding his trump card in hand was the most ideal situation.

If he used it right now, he would have no ground to retreat later.

He comforted himself in his heart but what Sivalka said next almost made the viscount draw his sword and stab him.

“The wagon is nice, so are the things inside. What about this, two more wagons with the same content and we’ll talk!” Sivalka said in a humorous way.

Although he was eager to stab Sivalka, Viscount Reedral had to maintain his noble temperament.

“Is that so? Two more wagons? Very well, I’ll tell my men to send them over around afternoon,” said the viscount with a smile.

Sivalka was obviously caught off guard when he saw the viscount agree so quickly.

Sh-t! He demanded too little!

His heart was filled with frustration but if he would back off at such a timing, it wouldn’t be suitable or appropriate.

So, all he could do was nod with regret.

Viscount Reedral saw the regrets and frustration on Sivalka, his hand already holding the hilt of his sword.

‘I can’t kill him! I can’t kill him! I can’t kill him!’

Viscount Reedral kept reminding himself to smile while his heart bled.

As a hereditary noble, Reedral’s family was extremely wealthy but after he invested almost all of his wealth in the south, he’d go broke in giving such a hefty compensation.

Though, as long as he could temporarily calm the heir, it would be worth it.

After that?

Viscount Reedral smiled coldly.

With that thought in mind, Viscount Reedral wanted to board the wagon and leave, for he had no intentions of staying here for a second longer.

Right at that moment, Rogart, who had been silent, stood in front of the carriage door, blocking the viscount.

“This is ours already,” said the young man righteously.

Viscount Reedral was rendered speechless.