Chapter 017: An Accident

The military’s attitude?
Du Fan glanced at his father, his eyes flickering. The military… Hmph… What would the military do?
After a moment, he forced a bitter smile. “So you’re saying that if the military leaders are willing to step in, the matter of me killing Ordas can just be dropped?”
“That’s wishful thinking. Even if you wanted it to be dropped, the Belinger family would have to agree. It’s taken them so many years to produce such a genius, and now you’ve ruined him. Do you think they’ll just let it go? If you killed someone from the Belinger family, even that persistent Emily, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But Ordas… Hmph…” Duke Green sneered again.
Du Fan wanted to ask more, but Duke Green suddenly fell silent, his expression shifting. After a while, he slowly said, “Enough. You’ve just returned and must be tired. I know what you’ve gone through these days—both physically and mentally. Go rest. As for these complicated matters, you’ll find out eventually… Things in the capital are quite chaotic these days. It’s best not to wander around if you can avoid it. If you must go out, bring a few people with you. Oh, and those guys from the Northern Legion who came with you—assign them as your personal guards. I’ll send a few more experts from the mansion as well. It’s safer with more people. By the way, you haven’t met your mother yet, have you? Though she didn’t say much when you left, she’s probably very worried… Since I called you to the study right after you returned, she must be waiting anxiously by now.”
Du Fan nodded slightly. He understood—his father still had some matters he felt weren’t ready to share yet. Even if he asked more, his father likely wouldn’t answer.
Immediately, Du Fan bowed and said, “Then, Father, I’ll go see Mother first…”
“Go,” Duke Green waved his hand. “Remember to have dinner in the hall tonight. It’s been a long time since Father and son have eaten together.”
Du Fan nodded and left without saying much, hurrying away.
But just as he reached the door, Duke Green suddenly coughed and said, “Wait… Du Fan, is there anything else you want to tell me? Like… anything you encountered on the way here…”

At this point, a strange expression appeared on Duke Green’s face—seemingly tinged with anticipation, and also… fear. Du Fan felt a stir in his heart; he began to understand what his father wanted to ask him. Regarding the attack he encountered on his way back, although he had instructed the cavalry of the Northern Legion not to spread the news, he was merely the third son of the family, while his father was the head of the clan. Though those cavalrymen wouldn’t dare speak out against his orders, they certainly wouldn’t hide anything from his father, after all, he was the commander of the Northern Legion… “Well…” Du Fan hesitated for a moment, not knowing how to begin. Duke Green seemed to notice his hesitation. He sighed softly, stared at Du Fan, and said in a low voice, “Du Fan… my son… I heard you encountered some trouble on your way back…” Trouble? Du Fan felt a surge of realization; he understood what his father meant, but he still nodded and said in a calm tone, “It’s nothing serious. Apparently, someone didn’t want me to return to the capital…” As he spoke, Du Fan gave a self-mocking smile. A faint smile appeared on Duke Green’s face, but it was quickly replaced by an artificially displayed anger. He stared at Du Fan and said coldly, “What does this mean? Does someone dare to attack someone from the Green family?” Du Fan nodded gently and said in a low voice, “That’s exactly right… They sent experts, and they had special military crossbows and black fire…” He stopped speaking, staring at his father without blinking. “Military crossbows… black fire…” Duke Green’s eyes narrowed suddenly. “Du Fan, do you know what these two things represent?” Du Fan touched his nose and smiled bitterly. “Why do you ask when you already know, Father?” Duke Green nodded slightly before saying solemnly after a moment, “Du Fan, with your intelligence, you must realize that this matter involves something significant. I will definitely find out what’s going on. As for you, I still say the same thing—no matter what, if you go out, take a few people with you… I don’t want my son to return home only to hear the next day that his body was found abandoned in the wilderness…” Du Fan smiled bitterly and said, “I understand, Father.”

Duke Green glanced at Du Fan again and, rarely, showed a hint of a smile. He said, “Du Fan, I really like your temperament. Although you suffered a loss, you didn’t let anger cloud your judgment—that’s quite remarkable… Don’t worry. No matter who that opponent is, if they dare to attack someone from my Green family, I certainly won’t be gentle with them. My Green family isn’t some dough that can be easily molded…”

After saying that, he pondered for a moment before adding, “Don’t tell your mother about the attack. I’m afraid she’ll worry.”

“Yes…” Du Fan nodded softly, then a faint smile appeared on his face. “Then, Father, I’ll retire for now.”

With that, he slowly turned and walked out of the study.

Only after leaving the study did Du Fan take a deep breath, feeling somewhat puzzled. His father’s behavior seemed to imply that it was best not to pursue further investigations into the assassination attempt. Apparently, he must have deduced something from some clues, which explained such an attitude.

But did the opponent really have such significant influence that even the mighty Duke Green was cautious? Or perhaps he had unfortunately guessed correctly—that the mastermind behind the assassination was indeed the royal family?

But if it was the royal family, why would they target him? Weren’t they afraid of turning the Green family against them?

Or maybe they believed that, for the sake of the family’s future, his father would sacrifice him?

Du Fan couldn’t help but sigh again and quickened his pace.

Whatever the truth, he seemed to need to make some preparations… The family, the royal family, the Church…

He had to find ways to utilize any resources at his disposal—maybe they might come in handy someday.

Given this, he must return to the Holy Church tomorrow. If he didn’t deal with Lord Anthony properly, he wouldn’t be able to rest at ease!

After leaving the small courtyard where the study was located, butler Daniel was still waiting outside. Seeing Du Fan approach, he smiled gently and said, “Young Master Du Fan… Did the Duke do anything to you?”

Du Fan shook his head slightly. “Father was angry, but he didn’t say much… It’s just that…”

At this point, Du Fan sighed softly and said nothing more.

Daniel seemed to have figured something out. He nodded slightly and said, “Young Master Du Fan, you’d better not overthink it. The Duke must just be angry—it’s probably just a matter of a few days… By the way, the lady has already sent word for you to go over. Young Master Du Fan, you shouldn’t keep her waiting too long.”

Du Fan nodded slightly and said nothing more. After saying goodbye, he headed toward the back courtyard of the Duke’s residence.

Daniel watched Du Fan’s retreating figure until it disappeared from sight before shaking his head slightly and turning to enter the courtyard.

When he reached the door to the study, he knocked gently twice. Without waiting for Duke Green to say anything, he pushed the door open and entered.

Probably, he was the only one in the entire Duke’s residence who had such privilege.

In the study, Duke Green was already sitting behind his desk, his face showing a thoughtful expression.

Seeing Daniel enter, Duke Green nodded slightly and gestured for him to sit. After a moment, he asked, “Du Fan… how is he?”

Daniel replied in a low voice, “Young Master Du Fan has gone to see the lady.”

“Is that so? I hope his mother doesn’t notice anything. Otherwise, with her temperament…” At this point, Duke Green gave a wry smile.

After a short while, he sighed softly again and said, “Daniel, have you found out what I asked you to investigate?”

“Not yet,” Daniel sighed slightly. “Although Young Master Du Fan is smart and cautious, he can still be a bit reckless. If any of those assassins survived, or if a few of those crossbows remained, it would be much easier to investigate. But as it stands…”

Duke Green thought for a moment before shaking his head. “It’s useless. Since they dared to attack my son, they must have prepared in advance. Even if they fail, nothing can be uncovered. And even if there are survivors, it’s likely a waste of effort… Still…”