Reborn, I became the progenitor of the werewolves.

Chapter 3: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

In the dimly lit dungeon, a figure clad in black night attire was bound to a chair, while Kane and his companions stood before him, interrogating.

Katherine set down her torture tools, waiting for Marcus to continue speaking.

"Let me think... Which nobles in the northwest region would hire an assassin like you?"

"Is it the Motte domain? The Ode domain? Or perhaps the Chaske domain?"

These three domains were closely related to the Eosos people, either belonging to Eosos nobility or having strong ties with them.

During Marcus's questioning, the shadow kept his head bowed, concealing his expression.

Seeing this, Katherine grabbed the man's short hair and lifted his head.

"Haven't you heard what Sir Marcus is asking? Identify yourself, boy."

Clearly, the territories Marcus speculated about had no relation to the shadow. With indifference, the shadow glanced at the trio before casting his eyes away.

"So, you're staying silent? I have ways to make you talk," Katherine impatiently raised her torture tools, ready to strike.

Suddenly, Kane, who had been silently listening to the conversation, spoke up, "The Count of Mandibor domain."

The shadow's body stiffened, his pupils dilating involuntarily. He couldn't fathom how Kane had guessed that location.

"Just as I suspected..."

After pondering for a moment, Kane addressed Steward Jess, who had silently appeared outside the dungeon, "Jess, look into the connections between the Mandibor domain and our family."

"Yes, my lord."

Upon receiving the order, Jess immediately rose to his feet, preparing to investigate.

"Wait."

At this moment, the previously silent shadow suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?" Kane turned to look at the shadow, waiting for his next words.

"Just finish me."

Kane shook his head, "That depends on whether the information you provide is worth it."

"I, Jorson Bex, swear by the honor of the Bex family that from this moment forth, everything I say will be true, with no falsehoods."

Upon hearing this, everyone present showed deep respect.

You might doubt a noble swearing on his life, but you could never doubt him swearing on his family's honor, as that was worth far more than his life.

"Baron Kane, I also request that you swear not to harm anyone from my family."

"Jorson, out of respect for noble honor, I can indeed make such an oath. However, you must understand, if anyone from your family seeks revenge on you..."

Seemingly understanding Kane's point, the shadow interjected, "Rest assured, Baron, aside from me, my family consists only of the old and infirm. The only young one is my sister, and I haven't informed them of this incident."

Kane nodded and proceeded to swear, raising his left hand, "I, Kane Gerard, swear by the honor of the Gerard family not to harm the Bex family."

"Thank you, Baron Kane."

After thanking him, Jorson, also known as the shadow, took a deep breath and said, "The Knights' Domain of Wenlai Castle."

"The Knights' Domain of Wenlai Castle?"

The Knights' Domain of Wenlai Castle was a region subordinate to the Mandibor domain, with its successive owners serving as the chief knight for the Mandibor Count.

"Yes, Baron, you should know who it is."

Kane furrowed his brow slightly, "Of course, I know who it is. I just didn't expect it to be..."

"Anything is possible, Baron Kane."

Letting out a sigh, Kane said, "Katherine, give him what he wants."

"Yes, Lord Kane." Putting down the torture tools, Katherine took a dagger from Marcus.

"Do you have any last words?"

Upon hearing Katherine's question, Jorson suddenly straightened his posture and sat up, locking eyes with Kane. "I ask you, Baron, to keep your promise."

Kane stared back fearlessly, "Of course."

Immediately, Katherine tightened her grip on the dagger and swiftly stabbed him in the heart.

Without any struggle, blood flowed to the corners of his mouth. Like someone peacefully sleeping, Jorson closed his eyes and stopped breathing.

"Jas, take care of the body."

"Yes, my lord."

"Marcus, Katherine, you've done well tonight. Rest up, and we'll talk more tomorrow."

"Yes, Lord Kane."

After giving his orders, Kane returned alone to his bedroom. Gazing at the flames flickering in the fireplace, he sat silently, lost in thought.

............

Morning came.

As the rising sun shone upon the entire castle, the entire barony began a new day.

The chefs were busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen, maids were cleaning the castle, and gardeners were trimming the flowers in the outdoor garden. Soldiers had assembled on the training grounds for their morning exercises.

As for the castle's owner, Kane, he remained seated by the fireplace, lost in thought.

Soon, Kane was led to the dining table by his personal servant to have breakfast.

With a heavy heart, he skipped his usual morning exercises and stayed in his study, waiting for Marcus and Katherine to arrive.

"Knock, knock, knock."

It seemed Marcus and Katherine had arrived at the door.

"Come in."

"Lord Kane." Upon entering, the two bowed to Kane.

"Please, have a seat." Kane gestured towards the chairs in the room.

After they were seated, Kane brought a map from his desk and placed it in the center for everyone to see.

"What are your thoughts on the Wenchley Castle fiefdom?"

After a moment of contemplation, Marcus cautiously spoke, "My lord, Wenchley has a strong and well-equipped force. Its master, Knight Host Gerard, is also your uncle..."

Host Gerard, Kane's paternal uncle, was the younger brother of the previous Baron, Rachel Gerard.

Their stories were quite similar; both were entrusted by their fathers to their noble comrades. The key difference was that Host served a Count, which led to his rapid advancement in rank. The Count valued him highly, and in less than a decade, Host became the Captain of the Knights under the Count.

Shaking his head with a hint of self-mockery, Kane said, "Indeed, my amiable uncle. I've been deceived by him for so many years. I never thought he would have designs on our barony."

"But think about it, upon my death as the current baron, wouldn't he be the next in line for succession?"

"By then, he could investigate the cause of my death, find a scapegoat, and seamlessly take over the entire barony."

Lost in thought for a while, Kane realized his emotional outburst. He cleared his throat softly, looking at his two silent subordinates, "Marcus, Katherine, when he decided to target me, he ceased to be my uncle."

"Yes, my lord."

Immediately, Marcus looked back at the map and continued, "My lord, as the Captain of the Knights under the Count, his forces are far superior to other fiefdoms' and nearly equal to ours."

"Furthermore, from what I know, Knight Host places great emphasis on soldier training. His troops are exceptionally skilled and formidable. If our soldiers were to engage with them, it would undoubtedly be a fierce battle. Most importantly, Knight Host himself is a Level Two Novice Extraordinaire. Even if the three of us combined forces, we wouldn't stand a chance against him."

Kane nodded in agreement. Marcus's points were all valid. The three of them were all Level One Extraordinaires, and no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't defeat a Level Two opponent. That was a fact.

"Therefore, Lord Kane, my suggestion is to exercise restraint for now. Let's wait until we have the strength to challenge him directly."

Smack!

Katherine slammed her hand onto the table.

"I object, my lord."