Chapter 25

Chapter 25
Players were excitedly discussing the results of the limited-time quest, and poor Claude’s post sank to the bottom before long.
Yet the Golden Rose Estate was abuzz with activity, for this was truly a momentous occasion for the estate!
Count Aikin Ashcroft, a close friend of Eagle Langno, suddenly arrived with dozens of armored knights after traveling a great distance to seek refuge with him.
As a nobleman wielding real power and governing his own territory, Count Aikin would rarely leave his lands; he and Eagle had not met in many years, maintaining contact only through correspondence.
Judging merely by the count’s disheveled appearance, it was evident that some major catastrophe must have struck his domain.
Although the Kingdom of Asmia ranked among the larger realms on the continent of Yali, nobles like Count Aikin who commanded vast territories were few in number. Eagle could not fathom what circumstances had driven Aikin to such desperation. Much like the Golden Rose Manor, Count Aikin had previously commanded considerable military strength, for virtually autonomous lords like him always maintained their own defensive forces.
“I’m afraid something may have happened to that person,” Akin Ashcroft said tactfully. Knowing Eagle did not wish to hear the name Luther Asmia, he simply referred to him as “that person.”
Eagle shook his head. “That shouldn’t be the case. He was indeed ill before, but he later recovered.”
Akin fell silent for a moment. “Then it seems he has already forgotten the agreement made with the Ashcroft family back then.”
In truth, Akin’s family was not considered an ancient noble house. Eagle maintained good relations with him because the Ashcroft and Langno families had always been on friendly terms; they were neighbors for generations. In other words, neither family belonged to the great nobility of the Kingdom of Asmia—both were marginal figures among the aristocracy, forced to eke out a living from barren lands.
Later, during the reign of His Majesty Orinton, the Langno family threw their support behind Lether. Ashcroft seized the opportunity to align himself with Lether as well, aiding him in campaigns across the realm and crushing all rival princes beneath his feet; that struggle was notoriously brutal.
Although Lether was born to the first queen, many were aware of his connection to Burkan’ge. Moreover, given his volatile temperament and difficult nature, he was never considered a favored heir.
Thus, upon ascending the throne, Lether executed nearly all of his siblings; only Princess Carolina, his full sister by the same mother, survived.
Many ancient noble houses were utterly destroyed during that conflict, as those they supported were slain by Lether. While Lether did not completely exterminate these nobles, their decline was inevitable. Meanwhile, the Ashcroft family rose abruptly during that period, becoming a noble house wielding real power. Yet, for Lether’s sake, the Ashcrofts were also nearly wiped out, with almost all their members perishing.
Thus, Aijin’s father was ennobled as the Earl of Silver Eagle and granted a rather prosperous territory. However, his health had already deteriorated long before; he fell ill and died a few years later, leaving the earldom to Aijin, who was still a minor at the time.
When Ryther ascended the throne, he made a pact with the Ashcroft family, who had fought for him at the cost of nearly their entire lineage: as long as he remained on the throne, the Ashcrofts would stand as an unshakable great noble house in Esmia.
Yet only a few years have passed; Aijin has fled alone, and his territories, barring any surprise, have already changed hands to the Boswick family.
Before the Ashcrofts were granted that fiefdom, it originally belonged to the Boswicks; they simply backed the wrong candidate back then, leading to their family’s decline. Who could have imagined that fortune would turn so quickly? In less than a decade, they have reclaimed what they once lost.
Aijin curled up in the chair, hugging his knees, his expression utterly bewildered.
Eagle sighed and patted his shoulder. “Get some rest first,” he said, then led Pei Sen out of the room.
Once outside, Pei Sen glanced back. “Is this really how Esmea works? A territory can just vanish like that?”
Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t happen,” Eagle replied. “It’s clear Aijin has been abandoned by the capital.
“Abandon?”
“I don’t know what’s been happening in the capital recently; it’s probably nothing good.” Eagle sneered. “But that has nothing to do with me.”
Just then, Atwell appeared in the corridor, accompanied by two priests. Hearing Eagle’s words, he smiled and said, “No, young master, it might actually concern you—or rather, it relates to the recent assassination attempts against you.”
“What?”
“The capital is already in chaos; that’s why someone is in such a hurry to make a move against you, Young Master.” Artwell glanced at Pei Sen, hesitating as if he wanted to say more but held back.
After all, Eagle’s territory was far too distant from the capital, making it difficult for news to reach them quickly. Sardin might have better sources of information; Burkang would surely notify him of any developments. Keso likely had his own channels as well, given that the Mages’ Tower possessed dedicated magic circles for transmitting messages.
However, whether they would choose to share this information with Eagle was another matter entirely.
This was precisely why Eagle found Artwell more reliable: Artwell would not follow orders from Sardin or Keso. Although he addressed Eagle as “Young Master,” Eagle was nominally the Divine Son of the Church of Light, meaning Artwell needed only to obey Eagle’s commands.
At first glance, Eagle should trust Atwell the most, yet when Pei Sen previously asked Eagle if there was anyone he could trust, Eagle did not mention Atwell’s name.
In essence, the relationship between the Church of Light and the nobility is one of mutual exchange. Although Eagle knew that Atwell was useful, he did not consider this to be loyalty.
Atwell owes his loyalty to the Church of Light, and to the Church of Light alone.
“You can speak your mind directly; Peisen is trustworthy.” Eagle understood Atwell’s hesitation.
Atwell seemed slightly surprised, yet not entirely unexpected, and smiled as he said, “I’ve looked into the previous assassination attempts; they all trace back to Viscount Frey.”
“Viscount Frey? Who is that? Why would a viscount want to assassinate me?” Eagle asked puzzledly as he walked with Atwell toward the study.
“He is merely a minor viscount, but he bears the name Esmea; his father was Prince Latimer.”
Latimer was the younger brother of His Majesty Orinton and Prince Lether’s own uncle. After Lether ascended the throne, he secretly had Latimer executed by hanging, solely because Prince Latimer had once plotted against Duke Burkanger and Princess Carolina.
Yet, as Prince Latimer’s eldest son, Frey Esmea remains very much alive and is even said to be highly capable, governing the former prince’s territories with remarkable effectiveness.
Though his noble rank is low, to speak plainly, his vast holdings are undeniably substantial, making him even more prominent than Eagle, who holds the title of earl.
However, due to the matter concerning Prince Latimer, Viscount Frey has remained remarkably low-key, appearing almost like a ghost among the nobility.
Eagle frowned but said nothing. Attwell sincerely advised, “Young master, please be extra cautious lately. However, since Steward Sartin won’t be leaving the estate in the near future, there shouldn’t be any issues.”
No one in the manor would dare mention the issue of succession rights in front of Eagle, but given who Attwell is, how could he not know something that even Ferre could deduce?
Frey is also a heir to the throne of Asmia, as he too possesses royal bloodline.
Pei Sen, listening from the side, felt like sighing. Staying in Sardin was indeed safe; the problem was that his young master now planned to sneak out of the estate with him.
Even if they succeeded, Pei Sen worried that upon their return, Sardin would outright split him apart.
It was truly a cause for deep concern.
Atwell noticed the expression on Pei Sen’s face and said with a smile, “Pei Sen, those kin of yours seem quite interesting.”
Recently, Atwell has been away from the estate investigating the assassination attempt, but that hasn’t prevented him from hearing about certain events. Unlike others, clergy members like Atwell hold no disdain for the Bix race; he is somewhat curious about them and naturally willing to interact with them.
Pei Sen, however, felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that in the original timeline of the game “Bix Cube,” players never established any connection with the Golden Rose Estate. Instead, those who appeared before them out of curiosity were miserably tricked by Atwell, the priest.
So, as for anything being “interesting,” better forget it…
Upon reaching the study, they found Fat Cat Pex curled up asleep on the sofa. After Atwell’s departure, Pei Sen poured a cup of black tea for Eagle and continued explaining the language of magic to him.
“Young Master, Count Aijin has arrived recently; please spend more time with him at the estate. I promise I’ll only be gone for a day and will return very soon.”
This was the last resort Pei Sen could think of—to minimize his time away, even though the dungeon he anticipated might be somewhat distant.
However, once the Young Master agreed, even if his return was inevitably delayed, all it would take was a little extra coaxing of the spoiled child; his anger would likely subside within a few days.
However, Eagle had intended to appoint Pei Sen as the head steward precisely so they could venture out together; he never anticipated this sudden complication involving Aijin.
“Count Aijin is your friend…”
“Hmm, I know,” Eagle replied expressionlessly. “But it’s still not possible. I won’t let you go out alone.”
Pei Sen felt a headache coming on and even began considering whether he should just sneak out by himself.
“If you dare sneak out alone, don’t bother coming back!” Eagle said angrily.
Pei Sen: “…”
Eagle glanced at his spellbook. “Rest assured, I won’t hold you back too much. At least let me master a few spells before we go out.” Artville had returned; he was even planning to secretly visit those clerics to see if there was any way to learn divine magic, though of course, he hadn’t told Pei Sen about this.
“That’s not the issue, Young Master. These are sensitive times, and I cannot guarantee your safety if I’m alone.”
Yet Eagle suddenly spoke softly, “Am I truly safe within this manor?”
The once domineering and arrogant Eagle seemed, in an instant, fragile and uneasy.
Pei Sen suddenly realized that throughout this vast estate, there was not a single person Eagle could trust.
Indeed, if he remained here, would he truly be safe?
On the original timeline without his presence, how exactly did Eagle lose his sight?
Without him, Eagle would certainly never have left the manor, remaining under layers of protection at all times. Yet even so, he still lost both of his eyes.
Is this place truly safe?
“Pei Sen, wait two more days for me. I’ll send Mary to Kaixi City; meanwhile, those Bix people can also help me build the new city.”
“The matter concerning Aijin still needs investigation, but don’t underestimate him. My friend Aijin managed to lead dozens of knights across thousands of miles to seek refuge with me even after his own territory fell—he’s not merely some frivolous noble. Besides, what he needs most right now is peace and quiet. I heard he was betrayed by someone he trusted most… As for me, apart from you, there isn’t a single person in this manor whom I can trust.”
In other words, if Aijin could be betrayed despite having someone he trusted, then my situation—having no one in this manor whom I can trust—is even more terrifying.
“I’ll just follow you out for a few days, okay?” Eagle looked at him with pleading eyes, an expression almost impossible to refuse.
Pei Sen was deeply conflicted. Eagle stepped forward and grabbed his hand. “You said we would grow stronger together. So we should stay together, not have you leave to seek strength while leaving me behind in the manor.”
“Take me with you, Pei Sen.”
For a moment, Pei Sen felt utterly overwhelmed. Even if he took Eagle along, it would only be to clear a dungeon briefly; they would return soon enough.
Yet Eagle’s tone and demeanor made it seem as if he were about to elope with him.
…There’s no need for that, Young Master.
“Fine, I’ll take you with me,” Pei Sen said in resigned surrender.
Eagle broke into a smile, and Pei Sen finally understood that the phrase “spring mountains smiling” found in those novels was no exaggeration—there truly are people whose smiles can outshine the brightest hues of spring.
Eagle rarely smiled, yet when he did, even Pei Sen, who prided himself on his strong resistance, found himself momentarily dazed.
Suddenly, Pei Sen understood His Majesty Lether; some people’s beauty transcends gender entirely, easily swaying one’s heart.
However, Pei Sen was the type who, once he made a decision, would immediately begin considering how to implement it. He never wavered back and forth, regretting his choices after making them; indecisiveness was simply not part of his nature.
No matter how much one considers the next steps, preparations can only begin after Lady Mary steps down and departs for Kaixi City; thus, however urgent the matter may seem, a wait of several days remains unavoidable.
Construction tasks for the players were promptly scheduled. In fact, after Wallis and the Dragon Star Knight Order were eliminated, Pei Sen did not order the players to demolish the Lord’s Manor. Originally, Wallis had amassed considerable ill-gotten wealth, which he never used to develop Kaixi City, yet he had constructed his own Lord’s Manor with extravagant opulence.
Pei Sen believed the Lord’s Manor could be preserved, as it would not hinder the city’s overall development.
Moreover, when Lady Mary relocates to Kaixi City, she will certainly require a suitable place to conduct official affairs.
“Young Master, we could temporarily assign some construction tasks to Lady Mary’s side. That way, the Bix race won’t have to run back and forth to the manor every day.” Pei Sen was considering that after he and the Young Master departed, if players needed to redeem items while he, as a faction merchant, was absent from the manor, they could establish a temporary redemption point in Kaixi City. Routine quests could also be accepted directly there.
Eagle nodded. “Then let Neil go assist Mary for now, along with a few other male servants. Take some unused items from the warehouse to Kaixi City; we can distribute them as rewards to the hardworking Bix people.” He hesitated slightly. “Should we perhaps increase the Bix race’s compensation a little?”
After all, the Bix race currently received extremely meager wages while performing the most arduous and exhausting labor. Furthermore, following the siege on the Governor’s Mansion, even those in the Golden Rose Manor who had previously looked down upon these alien races had begun to change their perceptions of them.
“There’s no need, Young Master; what we have now is sufficient.”
More monetary rewards? Players actually don’t care much; even if given more money now, they wouldn’t know where to spend it.
In comparison, experience points and contribution values are clearly far more important.
Now that the manor residents’ attitudes have improved, players have noticed a twenty percent increase in task contribution values and are currently in high spirits.
…There’s absolutely no need to offer anything else.
Today’s forum was as lively as ever. Pei Sen noticed that everyone’s excitement for the third closed beta had grown even more intense. With ten thousand slots available for this test phase, he figured that once those ten thousand players arrived, it would be time to make his move on Archi Town.
“Hmm, this news… is it from abroad?” Pei Sen came across a post featuring introductions to Bix Cube by several foreign media outlets.
After all, there were still far too few players in the game at present, and no foreigners among them yet—but that might change during the third closed beta.
In today’s world, interest in virtual reality technology and holographic games isn’t limited to domestic audiences. Certain foreign companies originally held technological advantages over their domestic counterparts. Who could have expected that China would now release such a groundbreaking game while foreign nations remain completely unable to replicate it? No wonder some of these companies are eager to investigate further.
Before Pei Sen transmigrated here, the Bix Cube had already been running for quite some time. There were already many foreign players in the game, and with the built-in language translation system, players from any country could communicate freely. For instance, on the Yali Continent, a language similar to English was used, though slightly different. Regardless of their nationality, players faced no barriers in any aspect after entering the game.
“It’s only been a little over two months,” Pei Sen sighed with emotion. In fact, according to this timeline, the game had officially launched just two months ago, yet it felt as though much more time had passed.
This time, Pei Sen found himself viewing things from a completely different perspective. When looking at other players, everything felt unlike before; so much had happened within such a short span of time.
At this moment, he closed those posts filled with excessive flattery, routinely ignored any threads whose titles suggested relevance to him or his young master, and focused solely on those containing clues related to dungeons.
Ever since the designer posted about the dungeon, an increasing number of players have begun paying attention to dungeon-related information and uncovering traces of its location; by now, their efforts can be said to have yielded significant results.
“It seems we need to hurry, otherwise players will surely locate the dungeon.”
Even if they do find it, Pei Sen doesn’t believe that, given the current skill level of the players, they could easily clear the dungeon.
Lady Mary has already moved to Kaixi City. After taking charge of internal affairs, Pei Sen rearranged the personnel stationed near Eagle’s bedroom, reducing the number of watchful eyes on this area. Naturally, having fewer people monitoring them is advantageous when planning to take the young master out.
Moreover, Pei Sen had been constantly scanning the nearby defenses for any exploitable weaknesses.
If all else failed, he would have to use his precious teleportation scroll, randomly transporting himself to a location within three kilometers; the only fear was that he might not even make it out of the estate, which would be rather ridiculous.
Pei Sen had deliberately positioned two “not entirely trustworthy” maids nearby. Barring any unexpected developments, they were undoubtedly spies for certain individuals. Pei Sen had noticed that everyone else appeared as green units, whereas these two maids were yellow neutral units. This meant that under normal circumstances, they remained neutral unless attacked; however, once combat commenced, yellow units would instantly turn red.
There was something wrong with these two.
Even among the male servants, Pei Sen spotted a mere handful marked in yellow.
It seemed Eagle was indeed surrounded by trouble on all sides.
These “spies” would undoubtedly possess strong mental fortitude. Pei Sen wanted to test whether he could leverage them to conceal the fact that both he and the young master had “disappeared.” If those behind the scenes truly harbored hostility toward Eagle, his disappearance would likely prompt these individuals to immediately consult their superiors on how to proceed. However, if the disappearance served the interests of those pulling the strings, they might very well choose to suppress the news—at the very least, ensuring that Sardin remained unaware.
“Young Master, let us pause today’s lessons here; I shall go fetch your lunch.”
Eagle was about to say he wasn’t very hungry, but glancing at Pei Sen, he swallowed his words. “You’re a steward now; you don’t need to go yourself. Just send one of the footmen outside.”
Pei Sen said softly, “I need to go out and scout the route more thoroughly.”
Avoid using teleportation scrolls whenever possible; every bit saved counts. Losing the Ring of Thousand Illusions was already heartbreaking enough.
Eagle immediately fell silent.
Pei Sen stepped outside, treading as lightly as possible. He wanted to observe the guard shift change more closely; no matter how diligent the guards, they still needed rest. He had already roughly learned the timing of the shift change and hoped to find an opening to exploit.
Perhaps because his footsteps were too light, two male servants whispering around the corner ahead didn’t notice Pei Sen approaching at all.
“Tsk, newly appointed and already making major changes, moving us all far away from the young master’s side.”
“Stop talking. He’s in charge of internal affairs now. If we offend him, he might even kick us out of the manor.”
“Young Master just lets him order people around like this? When Lady Mary was here, things were far more fair; he wouldn’t have been allowed to do whatever he pleased. Besides, what right do Kara and Linnie have to serve the Young Master?” These two maids were precisely the ones Pei Sen had noticed behaving strangely.
“Probably because they’re quiet and know how to read the situation. Normally, Kara and Linnie hardly say a word anyway.”
“Tsk, and have you noticed? Almost everyone near the young master’s bedroom has been reassigned.”
“Exactly. They’re not even allowing guards to stand watch outside his door at night anymore.”
“Really, anyone can guess what he means by that…”
Pei Sen was utterly bewildered. What does he mean? What could I possibly mean?
“Yes, with no one outside the door, it’s perfect for him to go and… you know, with the young master.” The tone was laden with unspoken understanding.
“Sigh, our young master is an adult now, after all.”
“Being good-looking certainly has its advantages; one can climb the ranks quickly just by leveraging that aspect.”
“I suspect driving Lady Mary away was precisely the intention; otherwise, with her keeping watch, things would always be rather inconvenient.”
“Yes, now no one cares what Pei Sen and the young master do together.”
“Heh, no matter how loud things get in the bedroom, no one will hear…”
Pei Sen: “………………”
Wait a moment, could they possibly mean what he thinks they mean?