Chapter 019: The Prince’s Invitation

“Forgive my boldness.” Though Prince Fischer was apologizing, his expression remained perfectly composed. “I have been a believer of the God of Light since birth, and you, among the nobility, are a rare devout believer. I longed to meet someone like you. I’ve never had the chance to meet you before, and now that I have, I certainly won’t let this opportunity pass…”
Looking at Prince Fischer’s gaze, Du Fan inwardly smiled bitterly, realizing that given his own status, he had no way of refusing the prince’s request. He could only nod slightly and say, “It’s an honor!”
Hearing Du Fan’s words, Prince Fischer’s face immediately lit up with a warm smile. He nodded gently and said, “Then it’s truly an honor for me. Please, Lord Du Fan…”
As he spoke, Prince Fischer waved his hand slightly, and several guards who had been following him rushed to a dark corner of the square. In no time, they brought out a magnificent carriage that approached from afar.
Why did the prince need to hide his carriage like this?
Noticing Du Fan’s puzzled look, Prince Fischer smiled lightly and said, “Lord Du Fan, you must be aware that although I am a believer, the relationship between the royal family and the Holy Church isn’t very good. Since I’m coming here, I naturally can’t be seen—it would cause trouble…”
Du Fan nodded silently, about to say something, but when he turned slightly, he saw Old Mark, who had been waiting for him in the distance, whose expression suddenly changed, becoming extremely ugly.
But it was only for a moment; he quickly concealed it. Once his expression improved, he rushed over swiftly. When he was less than five steps away from Du Fan and Prince Fischer, he knelt down and performed a proper knightly salute, saying, “I greet you, Prince Fischer.”
Prince Fischer glanced at him and smiled lightly, saying, “Stand up, noble warrior. I still don’t know your name…”
Old Mark lowered his head and said solemnly, “I am Master Du Fan’s personal butler, as well as his chief guard…”

“I see.” Prince Fischer nodded, paused for a moment, then said, “How about this… Esteemed Head Butler and Guard Commander, Lord Du Fan and I have some matters to discuss. Please go back and inform Duke Green. Rest assured, with me here, nothing will happen to Lord Du Fan.”
Old Mark’s expression changed slightly, but he still gritted his teeth and said, “Your Highness Prince Fischer, this isn’t quite right…”
Prince Fischer replied calmly, “What’s not right about it? Young Master Du Fan has already agreed. Surely you, the Head Butler, won’t refuse?”
Although Prince Fischer’s words lacked anger, they carried a hint of dissatisfaction. Since he had spoken so plainly, Old Mark, in his position, couldn’t say much more and could only nod silently.
Du Fan, on the other hand, was slightly surprised. He knew Old Mark very well and rarely saw him act so cautious. It seemed Old Mark was extremely wary of Prince Fischer!
Under such circumstances, Du Fan couldn’t stay silent either. He smiled slightly and said, “Grandpa Mark, you’d better go back and tell Father. Lord Fischer and I are just having dinner together; he needn’t worry.”
Du Fan’s words were clever, subtly implying that it was merely a meal with no other implications. Old Mark naturally understood and nodded immediately. As for Prince Fischer, it was unclear whether he had caught on. His expression remained unchanged, merely calm.
The atmosphere once again grew quiet. Du Fan was about to wave for Old Mark to leave.
But at that moment, almost silently, Prince Fischer’s carriage arrived beside them.
It was a pure white carriage, occasionally adorned with a few small magic stones that made it gleam brilliantly even in the sunset. A thin veil covered the windows, obscuring what was inside and adding to its mystery.
On the carriage’s surface was also a beautifully crafted magic array. It was designed so skillfully that those without some understanding of magic principles would think it was just decoration.
Even Du Fan could only recognize it thanks to his extremely strong mental power. He could faintly tell that, aside from having warning and protective functions, the main purpose of this magic array was to make the carriage extremely light, thus preventing jolts while in motion.

The wheels of the carriage were made of precision steel, with a thick layer of cork surrounding the steel rims. Pulling this exquisite carriage were four purebred white horses. In Du Fan’s eyes, these horses were all standard warhorses, even slightly superior to those of the Northern Legion. Yet such fine warhorses were being used to pull a carriage—what a waste! The design of the carriage was also the most popular style at the moment, similar to Du Fan’s new carriage but with a completely different style, exuding an air of royalty. Just the value of this carriage was likely worth millions of gold coins. Aside from sighing inwardly at such extravagance, Du Fan could only say it was a waste. Around the carriage, several people seemed to be following silently. Their figures were hidden in the darkness, but they emitted a chilling murderous aura that could be felt from afar. Du Fan could sense that they were all watching him. If he showed any disrespect toward Prince Fischer now, they would likely strike. Was this the power of the royal family? Although not as strong as the Enforcers of the Mage Guild, it was still formidable. It was unclear whether they were members of the inner court, secret guards, or court mages. Du Fan immediately remembered what President Edward had said earlier—that even if the inner court, secret guards, and court mages joined forces, he wasn’t afraid. Yet, the power that even someone like President Edward had to mention specifically must surely be extraordinary. What Du Fan didn’t know was that these three forces of the royal family were formidable enough that even the major noble families wouldn’t dare underestimate them. Only a mage like President Edward, who could control the entire continent, would dare to look down on such power. Legend has it that the royal inner court is the most loyal army, with each member not only having a clean record but also being utterly devoted to the royal family. These inner court members are mostly selected from various legions, but for some reason, once they enter the inner court, they become extremely loyal and brave. Even spies sent by major families would immediately betray their original masters and side with the royal family. In short, the inner court is one of the most important forces of the royal family. As for the secret guards, they are said to be a group of emotionless monsters trained using some strange techniques. They only obey orders faithfully and care about nothing else.

Finally, there are the court magicians. It is said that these magicians represent a mysterious force that has existed since the founding of the empire. Their methods of cultivation are completely different from those of other magicians, yet their powers are immense. Although no one has ever seen a court magician in action, it is said that even some orthodox magicians fear them, which speaks to their strength. It is precisely because of these three forces—the inner court, the secret guards, and the court magicians—that the imperial power of the Gavin Empire remains stable. Even during times when the Austin faction could not seize control, the presence of these three forces prevented anyone from daring to commit treason; otherwise, this vast empire would have long fallen apart. Du Fan naturally knew nothing of these things, but out of his instincts as a strong man, he could sense the extraordinariness of these figures hidden in the darkness. “Your Highness, please get in the carriage!” At that moment, a deep voice sounded—it was the coachman. With just one glance, Du Fan realized that this coachman was likely no ordinary person. Though dressed in simple robes, he had a resolute expression and deep gaze. The murderous intent from those hidden in the darkness was strong, but it paled in comparison to the coachman’s presence. Indeed, when Old Mark saw the coachman, his expression grew even darker. After a moment, he suddenly let out a low sigh, “I never thought the top expert of the inner court would end up as a coachman… Truly…” At that point, Old Mark couldn’t help but shake his head. Du Fan frowned. In his understanding, Old Mark should know everything about the imperial capital. Now, his expression… Clearly, Old Mark recognized this man and even called him the top expert of the inner court… The coachman, known as the top expert of the inner court, glanced at Old Mark and said indifferently, “So it’s you, Old Mark. You say I’ve fallen to being a coachman, but are you really that much better than me? Once the top expert of the northern army, these years have seen you merely as a servant to this young master Du Fan… In comparison, though I may have done wrong and deserve to be a coachman for a month as punished by Your Highness, I’m still far better off than you, Old Mark!”