Chapter 338
Chapter 338
Chapter 338
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 338 – Huperion Comes to Raid the House
Early April, in the Protos Empire.
Northwest Province, Milford Border Territory.
With a wind that set the bells jingling, a gentle spring drizzle fell from the overcast sky, blanketing every inch of Milford.
Two squads of knights in shining armor stood in strict formation at the gates of Milford. Their eyes were sharp and resolute as they scrutinized the identity of every traveler in the line.
This road leading into the heart of Milford was not one that bordered the Kingdom of Aetherthalan but rather a major trade route within the Protos Empire, connecting other imperial city-states with the Milford Border Territory.
Thanks to the timing and route gaps deliberately arranged in advance between the Count of Milford and the Church of the Goddess of Fate, Huperion had already successfully infiltrated the Protos Empire’s territory together with the Executioner, the Priest, and the Paladin.
After circling around, they were now about to officially step inside the defensive warding barrier that protected Milford’s domain.
At this moment, standing toward the rear of the line, Huperion looked every bit like the daughter of a wealthy merchant family. Her silky hair draped softly over her shoulders, tied with a red ribbon, paired with a fitted black blouse and a red checkered skirt—light yet carrying a touch of classic elegance, adding a mysterious charm. Her eyes shone with a wisdom that could not be put into words.
Every motion she made, whether a small gesture or a word of instruction to the attendants behind her, exuded authority and confidence. She seemed cold and untouchable, yet without losing the subtle grace and allure unique to a woman.
Born to a ducal house, her noble bearing was innate. Combined with her skilled acting, there was no trace of dissonance between her disguise and the person she played.
Three reliable Tier Six clerics acted as her guards, following behind and escorting the “goods.” Under their performance, not a hint of their true identities as holy clergy could be seen—if anything, they even radiated a faintly streetwise air.
Their smooth entry into the Empire owed much to the internal disruption created by the Count of Milford.
Though the Count held a high station in the Empire, his assistance carried great risk—if the Annihilation Branch discovered any gap in border control, it would invite immediate suspicion.
“I really can’t wait to see that gentleman again.”
The same thought was written across all three clerics’ faces.
After nearly half a year apart, they longed to see Mr. Wilfort again.
Just speaking with him filled their lives with purpose—each second spent with him felt real and meaningful.
“…”
Huperion glanced back at the three but said nothing.
Seeing how they still missed Lan Qi, she could not help worrying about him as well.
They had been separated for just over two months. She wondered how he was faring in the Protos Empire, hoping he was living peacefully somewhere in the south.
After queuing for dozens of minutes, Huperion and her guards finally reached the inspection point.
The knights in charge clearly kept their guard up. They not only needed to check the legality of the goods but also found this group too strong to be ordinary travelers.
One of the knights—a captain wearing a helm adorned with a red feather—stepped forward.
“Where are you from? Milford does not welcome outsiders.”
In such a tense time, when every border city-state was on edge, they would rather turn travelers away than introduce potential threats into the territory.
Huperion was ready to answer—she had long prepared her cover story for this scenario.
But just as the atmosphere grew tense, a figure emerged from within the gates.
He looked to be in his early forties, stern-faced, his jaw set firm, nose straight, brows perfectly aligned. He wore a finely tailored velvet long coat in deep crimson, adorned with golden trim and the sigil of House Milford.
“Captain, these are my guests.”
Count Milford’s voice was steady—not as harsh as his appearance might suggest.
The captain was clearly surprised, then quickly bowed.“As you command, my lord.”
At the Count’s signal, Huperion and the three clerics were allowed through and brought before him.
Huperion had not expected to meet the Count so quickly—nor for him to personally come to receive them at the gates.
With the Annihilation Branch’s spies spread throughout the Northwest Province, the more openly the Count acted, the more likely he would leave traces that could attract an investigation.
The Count said nothing further.
He simply gestured for them to follow the carriages of the Count’s household and head to his manor.
Huperion and the clerics exchanged glances. The Executioner, the Priest, and the Paladin all nodded—in their eyes, the Count was a man to be trusted.
Thus, they followed him.
Once inside Milford’s domain, they passed along roads paved in pale-gray stone, the massive city gates closing slowly behind them. Huperion did not look back, but tension filled her heart—her journey into the Empire had truly begun.
Ahead lay perils at every step: evading the Annihilation Branch’s scrutiny in the Northwest Province, gaining access to the Protos Royal Academy of Magic in the capital, and ultimately executing the prison-break plan.
A single misstep could lead to utter ruin.
But this was the trial she had to face—her mission, one she must complete.
As the carriages of House Milford led them deeper into the city, the grandeur of the border city-state unfolded before their eyes: towering spires that seemed to touch the clouds, unyielding walls standing sentinel, and winding rivers that gave life to the bustling streets.
From the carriage window, Huperion could clearly sense the tension and vigilance among the citizens of Milford toward their daily lives.
It was not long before they reached the Count’s manor on the eastern side of the city.
Its great gate was fashioned from solid black oak, inlaid with brass rings and carved embellishments. Beyond it stretched a cobblestone path flanked by neatly trimmed shrubs and hardy seasonal plants.
Though this place was not as frigid as the Empire’s far northern frontier, early spring still brought sudden drops in temperature.
A group of attendants in red livery stepped forward to receive Huperion’s party, taking their luggage. The four followed Count Milford into his grand residence.
After passing through the entrance garden and several corridors, they arrived at the receiving room. A crystal chandelier cast a warm light from the arched ceiling. Deep crimson velvet sofas and chairs were arranged near a massive fireplace, the crackle of burning logs adding a rare sense of peace.
Only after all the attendants had been dismissed and his most trusted valet posted at the door did Count Milford finally turn back to face his guests from the Kingdom of Aetherthalan.
“Please, sit.”
Despite his severe and distant expression, his manner of receiving them was simple and courteous.
“Thank you, Lord Count, for your support of our Church.”
Seated in the receiving room, Huperion spoke with sincere gratitude.
In a province where most noble houses were openly hostile to foreign influences, House Milford’s willingness to aid outsiders and create such an opportunity was remarkable.
Though the Count’s behavior today seemed a bit unusual—almost as if he had lowered his guard toward the Annihilation Branch’s agents—Huperion chose to believe in him.
(End of Chapter)