Published at 19th of January 2026 8:46 am

Chapter 1427: Paranoid Marlow

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At the same time that Queen Amira and Nilrem sat in conversation over tea, the Cult’s machination had already been set in motion.

Marlow sat in the royal carriage as it moved through the Palace District, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery beyond the window.

The rhythmic clatter of the wheels faded into the background as he remained lost in thought, his expression tense and contemplative.

Anna, I’m glad you’re safe...

For the past twenty-five years, his little sister’s disappearance had cast a dark shadow over him. Last night, after finally learning that she was safe, the relief Marlow felt was so profound he could scarcely put it into words.

It gladdens me that Kaspar, Ada, and Daryl are also safe and sound, he thought to himself.

House York has been devastated ever since learning of the disappearance of their family head. I’m sure they’ll be happy to learn that Kaspar is fine.

Duke Quinn and Duke Daryl will also be greatly relieved.

His expression turned solemn, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

But the fewer people who know about this, the better. For now, I’ll confide only in the two Dukes and the current head of House York.

After learning that the kingdom might be in greater danger than House Fireborne realized, Marlow had grown very cautious.

And he didn’t doubt Anna’s words, for she had mentioned the existence of the Cult of Bones and the Twilight Brotherhood.

This information was highly secretive, and in House Fireborne, only the King, the Queen, and he knew about this. It was decided not to make Anna privy to this knowledge because she had never shown any interest in the throne.

Marlow also knew that these two ancient clandestine organizations had been supporting the Haynam Empire and the Sovereign Union for years. The Empire and the Union were their puppets. That alone spoke volumes about the strength and influence the two secret orders wielded.

The Twilight Brotherhood is said to be an ancient order whose goal is to maintain peace, preserve knowledge, and protect the innocents of this world.

But to think that this organization’s upper echelon has been infiltrated by the Cult of Bones...

Marlow’s face darkened when he thought of that.

No wonder the war between us and the Empire has intensified so much in the past two decades.

It’s because the organization that is supporting the Union has already been compromised!

If that’s the case, then...

He looked out of the window, gazing in the general direction of a certain district inside the city.

Could that man really be trusted?

Damn it!

It felt like he was surrounded by ravenous wolves. The fate of House Fireborne and the Ignisra Kingdom had never seemed so fragile as it did at the moment.

Marlow’s eyes narrowed, his ruby pupils flashing with a cold light.

And it just so happens that Count Ward has managed to get acquainted with a famous courtesan from overseas.

The timing couldn’t be more suspicious!

His heart was gripped by cold killing intent as he thought, Burne Ward...

You’ve played the long game, haven’t you?

You gained my trust bit by bit over the years, made me believe you were a friend I could rely on, only to turn out to be a fuckin’ rat!

If it wasn’t for Anna’s timely warning, perhaps I might have fallen for your schemes.

Although Marlow had no concrete evidence that Count Ward was working for their enemies, Anna’s recorded message that he’d seen last night had left him deeply unsettled.

The revelation gnawed at him, breeding paranoia until he began to doubt nearly everyone around him.

Hell, he had even started to suspect that foolish, wandering Magus, Nilrem!

Marlow lowered his head and began massaging his temple.

Ultimately, it all comes down to strength, he thought with a helpless sigh.

Amberfall holds an important place within the Union. However, its ruler is only a Mana Vortex Magus.

I’m still too far away from ascending to the next rank, but Father... he’s been stuck at a bottleneck for the past several years.

If only he had enough time and some guidance, he could have formed the Mana Core.

But considering the internal politics of the Union, and the fact that it is already being secretly manipulated by the Cult through the Brotherhood, will they even allow my father to advance?

Is this truly the end?

Marlow’s sanguine eyes gleamed with ruthlessness.

No! I refuse!

If Count Ward is truly the enemy I suspect him to be, then I will use my weakness to gather intel on them.

If I succeed and prepare beforehand, then there is still a chance!

As long as a Mana Core Magus isn’t involved, I’m confident in my abilities to deal with them.

I just hope that I’m wrong about him...

Amidst Marlow’s turbulent thoughts, the carriage finally arrived at its destination. It was an opulent two-story manor where he was supposed to meet Count Ward and the foreign courtesan.

Count Ward warmly greeted Marlow at the steps leading to the entrance of the manor.

"Your Highness," he said with a deep bow. "It is wonderful to receive you!"

Marlow nodded curtly. Then, his lips curled into a slight smirk. "I trust this is worth my time."

"Of course!" Ward replied with a knowing smile, gesturing inward. "Have I ever let you down? Please, come inside. We can speak freely within."

They walked through the grand halls of the manor, their footsteps echoing against marble and pillars. Scarcely clothed, beautiful female servants silently opened the doors as they passed, leading them into a private sitting chamber.

Marlow appeared calm and collected on the surface, but inwardly, he was on high alert. For now, he didn’t sense any powerful presence within the manor.

He couldn’t help but wonder, Could it be... that the Count really isn’t the enemy?

But soon, his thoughts came to a standstill.

Inside the chamber, a woman stood waiting.

Leila turned as they entered, her posture graceful, her beauty immediately striking. Her eyes sparkled with allure as she offered a slight bow.

"Your Highness," she said softly, her voice smooth and inviting. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you."

Marlow was awestruck, his gaze settling on Leila’s beautiful figure. He could swear that he’d never seen a prettier woman before.

Noticing the Prince’s expected reaction, Count Ward smiled. "Allow me to introduce Lady Leila, an associate of mine. She has talents that I believe will interest you."

The Enchantress’s lips curved into a seductive smile as she said:

"I hope I won’t disappoint... My Prince~"

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