Chapter 87: The Ominous Beginning!

"Modus! The Mad King!" Goethe's heart skipped a beat.

He had speculated countless times about what had happened in Hesitins, but never once did he think it would be related to the 'Mad King'.

Based on the notes and books from the 'Voice of the Raven', Goethe could deduce that the flow of time in the 'Anchor World' and the 'Secret Realm' was not the same. The former might have only been a hundred years, but the latter? It was impossible to accurately count.

It had even become a legend.

At least, in this 'Secret Realm', according to the description of the 'Voice of the Raven', Modus was not only crowned with prefixes such as 'Great', but also had records of becoming a 'God'.

If Goethe didn't know the Mad King's final fate, he might have believed the convincing descriptions in the notes.

But he knew.

Others didn't.

Even Grand Duke Gratz in front of him believed in the legend of the 'Mad King'.

"That Majesty left this place, but the knowledge he left behind drives countless people crazy."

"You can hardly imagine that in the legendary 'Dark Ages', there were prototype drawings of steam engines, the bud of electricity, not to mention small things like firearm improvements - these technologies are not outdated even today. I can't imagine how His Majesty did it. Maybe that's why His Majesty became a 'God'."

"In the colorful brilliance, sitting on the clouds, entering his own kingdom!" Grand Duke Gratz murmured, his face filled with undisguised longing and curiosity.

Such a description was consistent with that of the 'Voice of the Raven'. It made Goethe even more suspicious that these descriptions were artistic embellishments by the outstanding 'Robert Family' heir back then.

In that situation, in order to maintain the stability of the 'Dawn', it was highly possible for him to do such a thing.

Becoming a God was better than traveling far away or disappearing, right? Goethe recalled the notes of the 'Voice of the Raven'.

The Grand Duke continued, "This time, His Majesty Modus' laboratory was accidentally discovered by my advisor. According to my advisor's preliminary investigation, there might be... the Elixir of Immortality inside!"

The Elixir of Immortality?! Goethe could no longer hide the surprise on his face.

He looked at Grand Duke Gratz, who nodded seriously.

"When I first learned about it, I was just as incredulous as you, Mr. Mapur. But the Elixir of Immortality really exists - although I can't tell you why, I can assure you!"

Conspiracy! This was the first thought that popped into Goethe's mind after hearing Grand Duke Gratz's description.

It wasn't targeted at him, but at all the extraordinary individuals attracted to Hesitins.

As for the Grand Duke in front of him? He was probably the 'bait' introduced into the game!

After all, having a Grand Duke endorse it was obviously something very convincing.

Especially when this Grand Duke had also gained some benefits! When Gratz said he couldn't tell, Goethe guessed that this Grand Duke must have gained a lot from that laboratory, and it was because of this benefit that he confirmed the existence of the 'Elixir of Immortality'.

"I hope to cooperate with you. The 'power' of the Lane royal family has been fully mobilized, including my advisor. They hope to open the door to His Majesty Modus' laboratory in a short time."

"Therefore, the entire Hesitins has become extremely unsafe. Except for some necessary positions, there are almost no powerful extraordinary individuals with 'power'."

"As long as you are willing to help me at the necessary moment, I can promise you that you will have a share of the benefits from His Majesty Modus' laboratory."

The Grand Duke looked at Goethe expectantly and made a promise.

Then...

Goethe nodded.

Extraordinary individuals wouldn't refuse Modus' laboratory, let alone the 'Elixir of Immortality' inside.

If he refused at this time, it would definitely cause unnecessary trouble.

Did he really think the Grand Duke in front of him was a fool? How could someone who ruled a country be a fool?

Once he refused, the Grand Duke would definitely be suspicious. The Grand Duke's advisor would also be suspicious. Even the extraordinary individuals of the entire Lane royal family would be suspicious.

So, agreeing first and then observing from the sidelines was the best choice.

As for leaving?

Unless it could be done without anyone knowing, otherwise, leaving rashly was a worse option than refusing.

Imagine, Modus' laboratory was about to be opened, but someone who was supposed to stay suddenly left, what would happen?

Most people would think that the person who left had gained benefits!

Not to mention, there was a mastermind behind this!

Goethe could totally imagine that as soon as he left, the mastermind would spread the news of 'Mapur obtaining the Elixir of Immortality' throughout Hesitins.

"That's wonderful!" Grand Duke Gratz said happily.

"I have one more request."

"I want to obtain secret techniques related to divination."

"If there are any, I can appropriately reduce my share of the benefits from His Majesty Modus' laboratory."

Since Goethe had made up his mind to stay in Hesitins to 'observe', he naturally didn't mind seeking benefits for himself.

"Secret techniques related to divination?"

"The Lane royal family doesn't have any related secret techniques."

"It's rumored that the former Snake royal family had similar secret techniques, but... the Snake Kingdom perished forty years ago."

"However, maybe other Excellencies possess similar 'powers'. I will help you inquire." The Grand Duke promised.

"That would be wonderful." Goethe showed a well-timed smile.

The Snake Kingdom was also a country established by one of the seven heroes who overthrew the 'Dark Dynasty', but it had long since weakened. In the end, all its territories were annexed by the Lane royal family, and it declared its demise forty years ago.

Not only the Snake Kingdom, but also the once most powerful Chig Kingdom, now has less than one-sixth of its territory at its peak. The remaining land was also annexed by the Lane, Wolfe, and Beta royal families. The descendants of heroes who once fought side by side have long since turned against each other.

Phew!

Seeming to have accomplished a major task, Grand Duke Gratz breathed a sigh of relief. Then, a slightly embarrassed expression appeared on his face.

"Can I ask some questions about Andinan?"

"I'm sorry, I still don't know how to face him, so I want to ask, what kind of young man is he? Although I've read a lot of information, I hope to hear your description." The Grand Duke's face showed a wry smile.

"Smart, motivated, and grateful." Goethe gave an honest evaluation.

Immediately, the Grand Duke's eyes lit up.

"Please elaborate."

Faced with the Grand Duke's request, Goethe didn't refuse. For the next half hour, Goethe was talking about Andinan.

"After hearing your description, I have some confidence to see him."

"I hope he won't blame me and can give me a chance to explain." The Grand Duke sighed.

"He will." Goethe replied, and then, under the guidance of the butler, left Grand Duke Gratz's study-cum-bedroom.

The polite smile on his face disappeared the moment the door closed behind him.

It was true that the serious but not stubborn, and sincere Grand Duke Gratz was easy to gain好感from, but this Grand Duke was too purposeful - or rather, his sincerity was all purposeful.

This gave Goethe a false feeling.

In short, he was someone you could get along with, but you needed to be wary.

Especially when your goals were not aligned with his, you had to be careful!

After all, there should be more than one extraordinary individual by his side.

Just now in the study, Goethe could hear another heartbeat besides the Grand Duke's - when meeting with an extraordinary individual, how could he not prepare some measures?

As for him explicitly stating that his advisor went to open 'Modus' laboratory?

That was naturally a lie.

"Clear purpose, mixing truth and lies, and with great power."

"If he were an enemy..."

"I must strike first!" Goethe told himself.

And Grand Duke Gratz, sitting in the study, also recalled his meeting with Goethe.

He intuitively felt that this Mapur was hiding something.

But, most of the time, he was honest.

That was enough!

Who didn't have secrets?

As long as they were utilized well and didn't hinder his plans, then they were friends.

Thinking of this, Grand Duke Gratz stood up, walked to the mirror, adjusted his clothes, and combed his hair once again.

For meeting his illegitimate son, Gratz wanted to be more formal.

But...

He didn't have time.

Being able to meet him at this time was already him squeezing time out of his busy schedule of handling official documents.

However, it would be soon!

As long as he found the 'Elixir of Immortality', everything would change!

"How is it?" Grand Duke Gratz asked.

"You are definitely a qualified father." The extraordinary individual inside the wall replied.

Hearing his advisor's answer, Grand Duke Gratz satisfactorily pulled the bell, signaling the old butler to bring Andinan in, and then sat back in his chair.

...

Goethe saw Andinan calmly observing his surroundings in the castle's front hall.

Unlike his previous feigned calmness, the young man was truly calm this time.

Facing Goethe's gaze, the young man shrugged.

"When he chose to see you first, I knew what kind of person he was. Naturally, I abandoned some unrealistic fantasies." The clever young man sighed.

Then, he immediately shook his head.

"I'll go see him, and then... let's go back to 11 Kimmel Street!"

"Hopefully, Maria followed your instructions and didn't make any strange food."

"Otherwise, poor Kai will probably have to resign." The young man finished speaking with a grin and walked towards the old butler who was leading the way.

Goethe stood there, waiting quietly.

He believed this meeting wouldn't be too long, nor too pleasant.

However, a smart young man like Andinan definitely knew what to do.

Goethe had considerable confidence in Andinan.

Then, about ten minutes later.

Noisy shouts, hurried footsteps.

Goethe turned his head and saw Andinan holding a blood-stained dagger, running out in a panic. Behind him, the old butler and many soldiers were chasing and shouting -

"Stop him!"

"Andinan assassinated the Grand Duke!"

(End of Chapter)