Berserk: The Prophet

The shadow puppeteers quickened their pace, knocking over wardrobes, overturning beds, and shattering precious porcelain pieces on the ground.

Just as Madwood was about to feel utterly disappointed, one of his confidants suddenly shouted, "Sir, look at this wall, there seems to be something fishy about it!"

Madwood rushed over and saw a slight bulge on the wall, almost imperceptible without close inspection. He pressed down hard, and a dull creak of a mechanism turning echoed. The once smooth wall slowly opened, revealing a narrow and deep secret passage.

A smug smile appeared on Madwood's face: "Folda, let's see where you can run to now." With that, he led his confidants cautiously into the secret passage.

The secret passage was filled with the damp, decaying smell of earth. The dim and narrow environment was extremely uncomfortable, and torches were the only means of illuminating the path ahead. They moved slowly along the passage, their footsteps echoing in the silent space.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, a glimmer of light finally appeared ahead. Madwood was overjoyed and quickened his pace. When he emerged from the secret passage, he found himself in a secluded courtyard.

In the courtyard, Folda stood in the center with the guards, her eyes coldly fixed on him. She had heard Madwood's voice earlier in the secret passage, but the underground environment hadn't allowed her to hear what he was saying.

Unlike her usual luxurious silks and elegant tulle skirts, Folda, the former matriarch of the Halvorsen family, has now changed into a smart riding outfit.

"Madwood, why are you pressing me so hard?" Folda's voice was calm, yet it still revealed the same dignity and grace she once possessed.

Madwood sneered, "Madam, you should know that if you come with me, you might be able to save your son's life."

Folda tilted her head slightly: "What if I don't?"

Madwood waved his hand, and the Shadow Hands quickly surrounded Folda, attempting to trap her in the middle. "That's not up to you."

The guards who came to greet Fulda drew their swords, and the atmosphere between the two sides immediately became tense, as if a conflict could break out at any moment.

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Madwood's eyes as he slowly stepped forward and said, "Lady Folda, please don't force me to use force. You know the Grand Duke's methods. Edward is currently under his control, and his life or death is in the Grand Duke's hands. If you come with me obediently, I can still put in a good word for you with the Grand Duke and ask him to be lenient with you."

Folda bit her lip tightly, her brows furrowing slightly.

These shadow warriors are no match for the guards in front of them who have little combat experience. If a fight broke out, they might not be a match for the shadow warriors who have served the Duke since childhood.

She was well aware of her predicament, but still stubbornly replied, "How can I believe your empty words? The Grand Duke is now determined to eliminate our Halvorsen family. If I were to walk into his trap, wouldn't that be exactly what he wants?"

Madwood sneered and pulled out an exquisite badge from his pocket. It was engraved with the coat of arms of the Halvorsen family and was stained with a few traces of dried blood.

"Madam, do you recognize this? It was found on Edward. The Grand Duke asked me to show it to you so that you would understand that your son's life is now just like this bloodstained badge, in constant danger!"

When Folda saw the badge, her heart ached, and she seemed to lose her former strength; a flicker of hesitation crossed her eyes. Could it be that Edward...?

Seeing this, Madwood pressed his advantage: "Madam, if you come with me to see the Grand Duke and confess your family's 'crimes,' perhaps the Grand Duke will show leniency and spare Edward's life out of consideration for the bond between father and son."

"Otherwise, I will have no choice but to have my men raze this courtyard to the ground and forcibly bring you before the Grand Duke. Edward will surely pay a heavy price for your stubbornness."

Folda was struggling with inner turmoil as she gazed at the badge, Edward's constant companion and the symbol he wore on his shoulder at noble banquets. Edward's face involuntarily surfaced in Folda's mind.

The courtyard was deathly silent, save for the heavy breathing of Madwood and his shadow puppets, as if urging her to make a decision.

After a moment's hesitation, Folda straightened up again. "I'll go with you, but you must guarantee Edward's safety."

Mad Wuxiu nodded and then sent his men back to the secret passage to inform Grand Duke Hekun.

“A wise choice, madam. I will do my best to preserve your dignity as a nobleman.”

Madwood followed Folda back through the secret passage to the Halvorsen family mansion.

.........

At this time, the two sides in the Nordkahuatti were still deadlocked, and many of the city's old nobles had long been anxious and secretly sent men to General Kirsten's tent.

Anyway, they had almost finished their talks, and this was a situation that General Kirsten could have controlled as long as he brought his troops over in time.

Grand Duke Hochkin was still engaged in a verbal battle with Edward, both of them knowing that it was just a delaying tactic.

They all need the right time.

Soon, a commotion of synchronized footsteps arose within the city, signaling the end of this pointless war of words.

It was the Grand Duke's personal guard and the ranks of his supporters.

Upon seeing the arrival of his personal guard, Grand Duke Hekun revealed a subtle hint of smugness. He raised his hand slightly, signaling the procession to halt.

He Kun looked up and saw a royal hawk circling high in the sky. He raised his right hand, and the hawk landed on his arm. When he saw the contents of the letter, He Kun couldn't stop smiling.

...Everything was proceeding as he and Madwood had planned.

"You dare to openly challenge me here, you must have called for reinforcements, right? Well then, let me guess... when will General Kirsten arrive with his personal guard?" He Kun said calmly at the front of the battle, his confident expression making Edward feel uneasy.

"My foolish son, don't you understand yet?"

"...Why hasn't Kirsten replied to you yet?" A strange smile crept onto He Kun's lips as he looked at Edward meaningfully. "Compared to me, your methods are still too naive!"

A chill ran through Edward, but he tried to remain calm. "What scheme have you been plotting?"

He Kun burst into laughter, his laughter echoing throughout the entire area. "How could it be that I'm plotting something? It's clearly Kirsten who doesn't want to come and support you. He wants to see us fight it out here so that his adopted son can reap the benefits."

"Do you really think you can rest easy by magnanimously handing over the throne to your brother, Gurenbelud? After all, my blood still flows in your veins. How could Kirsten possibly miss out on this spectacle of father and son killing each other!"

"Don't waste your energy, Edward. Surrender now, and I might consider sparing your life out of consideration for our father-son relationship!"

"How could someone who isn't even related by blood possibly leave you as a potential threat to become a stumbling block for Gurenbelud in the future?!"

"He's clearly the one harboring malicious intentions!! You've been used, my foolish son."

“Kirsting won’t be bringing his army here at all! He’s probably heading towards the Dragon’s Nest right now. Tell his adopted son to seize the opportunity and reap the benefits!” Hokun swayed like a venomous snake, targeting Edward’s most vulnerable spot, as if he wanted to tear a crack in his heart without any scruples.

Edward clenched his fist, but a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes. He knew that Hokun was cunning and treacherous, but Kirsten was by no means a treacherous person.

Even the old nobles who were on good terms with him sent him letters. Although he hadn't received a reply from General Kirsten, Edward believed that he would come once he received the message!

However, the situation at this moment left him no choice but to think it over.

"Hmph, even so, I will not yield to you. I believe General Kirsten will arrive with his troops!" Edward said, forcing himself to remain calm. He knew this was a crucial time to maintain morale and boost the troops' spirits!

...even though he didn't know whether Kirsten would actually be as Hokun had said.

...viewing him as a threat to Gurunberdo.