Scientific Wizard

William's actions were quicker than anyone expected; by that evening, Cody had returned to the estate with an invitation.

Since Lynn was still in Iyeta Harbor, all affairs in the Hadralata were managed by Laut and Theodore.

"The Church has stationed guards at all the entrances to the capital. Lord Theodore might find it inconvenient to go, so I kindly request that you accompany me, Mr. Laut," Cody presented a perfectly reasonable explanation, one that was hard to refuse.

"In that case, let's go," Laut snorted, grabbing his cane and adjusting the ring in his hand, following William's men onto the carriage.

Laut's audacity to attend alone made Cody secretly admire him. He had no desire to oppose Lynn, but the wizards were powerless against the Church; their downfall seemed inevitable. Lord William was determined to align with the church.

The carriage traversed the rugged roads, bearing the emblem of the William family. It smoothly passed through the gates and arrived at the mansion in no time.

Externally, it appeared an ordinary estate, quite understated compared to its wealthy owner.

But once inside, Laut realized it was a miniature fortress, guarded tightly. As William's hiding place, there might even be dungeons or tunnels.

Laut contemplated; this visit wasn't just to meet William, risking William's escape was unacceptable.

However, just before reaching the fortress gate, guards surrounded him. Their leader, a shifty-eyed man, blocked Laut's path, smiling as he spoke.

"Please halt, Mr. Laut. Before meeting Lord William, we need to ensure you're not carrying any dangerous weapons."

"Are you aware of who I am? Your Lord William personally invited me." Laut's face soured in anger, then turned to Cody. "What is the meaning of this?"

Cody, looking embarrassed, eased the tension. "Mart, isn't this going a bit far?"

"We mean no harm; it's just to ensure the safety of the conversation," Mart, the man in charge, maintained a smile, his tone unwavering. "It's Lord William's order."

As he spoke, guards closed in, blocking all avenues.

Laut, furious, thumped his cane, threatening to leave then and there.

"Of course, but at this hour, without our carriage, you can't leave the capital," Mart politely replied.

Laut glared, holding firm to his purpose. Eventually, he reluctantly agreed, insisting he carried no dangerous weapons.

"Just a precaution." Mart shook his head, gesturing for the guards. They soon found a small crossbow, two daggers, and a pouch of blinding alchemical powder on Laut.

"And you claimed not to have dangerous weapons?"

Everyone looked puzzled.

"These are for self-defense, not attack," Laut explained shamelessly.

Two guards, baffled by his cane's usage, coupled with Laut's insistence about his prosthetic leg's inconvenience, returned it.

"May I proceed now?" Laut reclaimed his cane, coldly.

"One more thing." Mart's gaze shifted to Laut's index finger, specifically the ring. "That ring of yours, it's an alchemical item, isn't it? The patterns on it suggest more than mere decoration."

"It's a family heirloom, passed down from my great-grandfather. It's precious, and I won't hand it to anyone." Laut clenched the ring firmly, resolute.

"I assure you; when you leave the castle, it'll be returned to you intact." Mart affirmed. "It's solely for the safety of our conversation."

"Safe my foot."

Laut cursed internally. Losing the Arcane Ring would put him in grave danger.

But Mart wasn't bluffing. Surrounded by guards and their threatening demeanor, Laut realized he had little choice. After about three seconds of struggle, he reluctantly handed over the ring, warning Mart fiercely.

"I promise to safeguard it with my life," Mart joked before stepping aside. "Cody, escort Mr. Laut in. Lord William is waiting."

"Mr. Laut, please. Lord William is inside, waiting for you," Cody said apologetically.

Laut, displeased, thumped his cane once more before reluctantly following Cody inside, his nerves on edge.