“Young Master, the Earl requests your presence in his study.”
Bump, the castle steward, spoke from the kitchen doorway.
His appearance instantly quieted the previously boisterous kitchen.
Arthur was still pondering what he could have done to incur the beast tamers' resentment.
As the youngest son of the family, he had almost no inheritance rights, and coupled with his poor reputation, he had yet to hold any position within the family.
Most people in Wolf Den City knew that a noble scion like Arthur, with no real power, would sooner or later be driven out of the territory to fend for himself.
Consequently, most of the castle servants were outwardly compliant but secretly disobedient, even tripping him up behind his back.
Arthur temporarily pushed aside his thoughts, entrusted Vanka to Anna's care, and rose to follow Bump to his father's study.
Along the way, he tried to extract information from the old steward, hoping to learn why his father was so eager to see him.
However, the loyal castle steward revealed nothing, his lips as sealed as a prostitute's thighs before payment.
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Earl William had been swamped with work recently, needing to prepare for the upcoming Temple inauguration ceremony while also monitoring the movements of the beastmen on the border.
When Arthur entered the study, the Earl was bowing his head, reviewing a document. He gestured for Arthur to sit and dismissed the steward.
Only after the study door closed did the Earl look up at Arthur, his fingers tapping repeatedly on the border map on the table.
“I heard you went to the stables and demanded the veterinarian conduct a thorough examination of Black Mane?” he inquired.
Arthur's mind raced, unsure of his father's intentions, so he merely gave a simple affirmative as a reply.
The Earl rose from his chair, slowly walked over to Arthur, and asked again, “How did you know Black Mane would have a difficult birth?”
Arthur had already prepared an answer for this question.
He replied, “These past few days, I've been visiting the stables frequently. I could sense that Black Mane's condition wasn't right, which is why I asked the veterinarian to examine her multiple times.”
In the past, the Earl would certainly not have believed such an explanation, but this time, he did not press further.
The Earl nodded, praising unexpectedly, “It's rare for you to show such concern.”
This praise brought a sense of relief to Arthur, and he guessed what had happened—Black Mane had likely given birth successfully.
As for why the other servants weren't discussing it, it was because direwolves, as crucial war assets of the Evil Wolf Family, had their numbers kept under strict secrecy.
If outsiders discussed matters concerning direwolves, they would face flogging for minor offenses or even be directly hanged for serious ones.
The Earl sat down on the single sofa, his face showing fatigue but unable to hide his joy: “You did well in this matter. I must admit, you are not entirely useless.”
He looked at Arthur, “I heard from the stable master that if it weren’t for you, Black Mane would most likely have died from difficult labor.
“She is an old girl, who fought alongside me for many years. Now, she has given birth to three little wolves for the family…
At this point, the Earl paused, then continued, “In short, there is now an extra direwolf cub. You know, direwolves are only bestowed upon those who truly deserve them.
“Before this incident, I never considered giving you one. I know it sounds cruel, but that's the truth.
“If you cannot conquer a direwolf, then he will only become an immediate threat; he will challenge your authority and then take your life. Do you understand what I mean?”
“I understand, Father.” Arthur nodded, “I never thought of…”
The Earl raised a hand to interrupt: “No need for more words. You can choose one of the three direwolf cubs. Consider it Black Mane's and my repayment to you.
“Also, I have already taught those beast tamers who mocked you a lesson.”
Arthur did not respond immediately. In the two seconds of his daze, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
Direwolves were undoubtedly excellent; an adult wolf could grow to the size of a warhorse, not only serving as a mount but also as a war beast for battle, but the premise was that they could be tamed.
His father would not be so foolish as to directly give him a direwolf cub; he would surely arrange a beast tamer.
However, those beast tamers had been punished because of his “meddling,” and they probably harbored resentment.
Moreover, he was going to Qingfeng Valley, a place only truly desperate people would choose to go.
Additionally, he had to solve the feeding problem. Although direwolf cubs could drink milk, the journey to Qingfeng Valley was long, and cubs separated from their mother wolves were prone to various problems.
If this wolf died halfway, it would be a net loss.
No matter how he thought about it, this direwolf was a hot potato.
But refusing his father's kindness was clearly unwise, so Arthur thanked his father, expressing that it was a great honor.
Seeing his son accept the direwolf, the Earl's face showed relief, and he continued: “The supplies provided by the Supreme Council will arrive at the dock tomorrow afternoon.
“Have you checked the list? Don't miss anything then. Additionally, whether you need people, money, or supplies, the Evil Wolf Family will try its best to satisfy you.”
Saving Black Mane had indeed improved his relationship with his father. Arthur mused inwardly.
He had briefly reviewed the supplies provided by the Supreme Council; they were merely better than nothing, with the most valuable items being the fifteen hundred gold coins and twenty slaves.
These gold coins were equivalent to half a year's income for a barony; if used to form a guard, they would quickly be depleted.
Arthur's plan was clear: since Qingfeng Valley was fraught with danger, he would convert all his available resources into military power to first establish a foothold there. As for other matters, he would deal with them once he survived.
Therefore, the team members had to be carefully selected, with loyalty first and ability second; resentful beast tamers were naturally not considered.
He looked up at his father and requested, “Father, can I choose the people who go to Qingfeng Valley myself?”
The Earl did not expect his son to make this request.
He was already troubled about which “unlucky souls” to send to Qingfeng Valley, as this task was inherently offensive.
Even as an Earl, he could not force free people to do what they were unwilling to do, at least not openly.
Arthur's request not only solved the problem but also preserved his reputation, so there was no reason to refuse.
“If you insist.” The Earl suppressed his inner joy and said solemnly.
Arthur then asked, “I remember that joining the Qingfeng Valley pioneering group exempts one from all crimes, even treason, is that right, Father?”
The Earl's expression darkened; he realized what his youngest son intended to do.
“Listen, Arthur, slaves are more reliable than criminals. The people in the dock prison are not good sorts; bringing them into the team is like inviting wolves into your home. You should think carefully.” He advised earnestly.
Arthur naturally understood this principle, but he had few choices. Nevertheless, he readily agreed verbally to avoid displeasing his father.