Chapter 42: The Kingdom Of Klan

Chapter 42: 42: The Kingdom Of Klan


Grand Duke Leo had his hands on his horse’s reins as he explained "The old man is one of the refugees from The Fallen Kingdom of Klan that settled here in this Kingdom"


"Oh... That glorious fallen kingdom that fought to protect the Emperor during the Great war years ago. The same kingdom that was destroyed in the process of fighting for the Imperial family"


"Exactly" Grand Duke Leo nodded "The Emperor personally helped rebuild the walls of the kingdom till the glory it has now. And so they boast of having the Emperor’s favour"


"But how does all this have to do with this current situation we’re in now?" Elvis interrupted. They were almost getting to the destination and he was already impatient with the info dumping.


Eden was too.


Leo hesitated and then said "Like I said. The old man is a refugee from the kingdom. So he settles here without going back to his rebuilt kingdom. The reason is still unknown to us"


"So?" Elvis asked.


"The last time we threatened to kill him to take back the goods, he threatened us that if we lay a finger on him, war would take off. The new Kingdom of Klan who has the Emperor’s favour would come after this kingdom that has killed one of its members"


As he explained. Elvis and the rest started understanding where he was coming from.


The old man was using war threats of the Klan kingdom to hold the goods illegally. For some reason, the old man claimed that the Klan Kingdom would stage war if they harmed him.


And so Leo didn’t bother pushing further "And that’s why I reported it to the king so he could handle it"


"That’s odd..." Damian observed "If he is so confident in having a powerful kingdom like Klan why doesn’t he go back? But steal stuff from us?"


"The refugees of the Klan kingdom who stays around claims that this place has been cruel to them. And they’re treated like slaves" Leo stared.


"Well are they lying?" Eden asked, his head out through the window.


The three men, Leo, Elvis and Damian stared at him.


Eden shrugged "Well, I mean..we have to at least make sure that they aren’t being bullied or so..."


"I have a lot on my plate to handle" Leo explained "So I don’t have time to go after minor details as to who gets breakfast and who doesn’t"


"Well isn’t that your duty in this Grand duchy tho?" Eden questioned.


Leo stared at Eden "You seem really interested in politics, why don’t you come around and teach me how to get the job done?"


Eden rolled his eyes. He knew Leo’s character and could tell that he was indeed not an angel-like type. He was cruel when it came to handling affairs.


"So what’s the plan?" Elvis asked.


"That’s why you’re here" Leo replied.


Elvis stared at him "Sure. Whatever" He said as he moved his horse forward.


The two clearly weren’t in good terms with each other, and Eden didn’t need a God to tell him that.


********


They soon arrived at the shop where the old man was in.


Guards on horses had surrounded the area, making passersby stop to see what was happening.


They were sure these were noble men. And some were quick to identify the Crown prince.


Soon, the street was filled with people who were there to witness what was happening.


Elvis got down from his horse as Leo followed. Only Eden was left peeping from the window of the carriage.


No one needed to call out the old man. He had already stepped out as soon as he heard noises.


The old man who ran a tea shop was soon out, standing in front of them. He looked shabby in his attire and his long overgrown beard didn’t seem to make him look any better.


"And to what do I owe this random visit?" He questioned. He didn’t seem scared of any of the nobles standing before him.


"You should know why I’m here" Leo said "And today I came with the renowned crown prince of Valencrest"


The old man stared at Elvis, not looking impressed at all.


"And why are you here? To arrest me? To kill me?" He questioned, defensive.


"I don’t hope for any of that. I come in peace and only request that you cooperate and return the goods you illegally took"


Leo scoffed softly "Peacefully" He repeated "How naive"


Elvis ignored him. "I hope you can do that"


"And why would I?" The old man instantly got defensive "You better return now and not disturb me any further. I already said that I won’t be letting go of anything"


The man now beat his chest "If you wish to take it, you can come and have my head then! I’d like to see how this whole kingdom survives after that"


Everyone knew what he was hinting at. Even Eden. Leo had already told them the backstory.


"We can have a sit and discuss if you wish" Elvis said "We can make a deal or something. I’m sure we can reach something at least. Let’s not just get irrational here"


The old man laughed "Irrational? The nerves! When I fight for my rights I become the irrational one?! Interesting!"


The old man continued "You Noble Hypocrites! Putting us through hell for being refugees and now acting as if we’re the problem when we decide to act out?! Wonderful!"


"I shall not back down now. I will fight for my poor people here with the last drop of blood I have. So be my guest and do your worst. If you are brave enough, come take my life if you want to know where the goods are because I won’t be doing the talking!"


The old man added "And if you dare, you should know that the wrath of The Kingdom of Klan awaits you all"


Eden was peeping from the carriage’s window. And it was at that moment that the name struck him.


Klan.


It was now familiar.


He had read about this name in the novel. Although it wasn’t a whole arc or something of grand importance, Eden was sure he had seen it somewhere.


Somewhere along the pages of the novel. The kingdom of Klan had been mentioned. And it wasn’t for something pleasant.