CHAPTER 806: FOUND OUT?

As Grand Duke Freindor landed not far from the crowd that seemed to be trying to break into the cave, many people turned their heads toward him. Normally, they would look at him with respect and even lower themselves. However, at this moment, there was nothing on their faces that showed respect toward him.

Instead, they appeared tense, angry, and uncertain, wondering if what they saw and heard about this place was true, just as the information had said.

"What is the reason so many people have gathered here? I heard there was a commotion," Grand Duke Freindor asked.

One of them decided to take a step forward, and the moment Grand Duke Freindor saw this figure, he raised his eyebrows.

"To think that the leader of the dark elves is here. As expected, even I couldn’t truly sense your presence. But why would you be here?" he said as a black-robed elf revealed his face—a middle-aged elf with dark skin and the cultivation of a middle pseudo-immortal stage. He was the leader of the dark elf tribe located in the southern region of the continent.

Regnor Ian Revinver.

"I just wanted to visit you personally to discuss some matters. But after I arrived in the city, I heard something interesting instead, and I would like Grand Duke Freindor to enlighten us so there will be no speculation among the populace," Leader Regnor said.

"What is it that the leader wants me to enlighten?" Grand Duke Freindor asked. At this moment, he tried to compose himself, hoping that this dark elf would not ask about the matter he feared most.

"This cave here..." Leader Regnor pointed toward the cave on the ground. "Are you aware that this place was actually a hideout of the devils? I heard information that the devils’ hideout had been discovered from an unknown source. Because this is not a trivial matter, as it concerns the devils, I decided to check it myself. And I have to say, Grand Duke Freindor, that I had some questions arise in my mind after entering this cave."

Leader Regnor then took another step forward. "I found this inside..." He took out a scroll from his storage ring and showed it to the grand duke. "This scroll contains records of the dealings the devils conducted within the empire, including the nobles who worked with them so they could establish a foundation here."

"From this scroll, I also discovered that your family, in fact, has a hidden connection with the devils."

The Valian family’s guards, who had been blocking anyone from entering the cave, were stunned when they saw Leader Regnor holding something taken from inside.

In fact, they had not even known that this robed man was the leader of the dark elves. Using the excuse of danger and claiming that the matter was the family’s responsibility, they had successfully driven out the people who had entered the cave to inspect it.

They were certain that no one had taken anything from the cave, so how could this happen?

The people nearby, who had just arrived, showed expressions of shock when they heard what was said.

Grand Duke Freindor had a connection with the devils?!

Grand Duke Freindor’s heart turned cold the moment he heard what the scroll contained. Even now, this was the first time he had heard that the devils possessed something like that. Of course, he knew this place was a hidden den of the devils, as he had dealings with them himself.

He would close his eyes to their operations within the empire, and in return, they would help him seize the throne. It was a win-win situation.

However, his mind was in chaos at this moment because—

’How could there be something left in this place? I already swept this cave clean of the devils’ traces and even destroyed it, so how?!’ the grand duke shouted inside his head.

Since the disappearance of the devils across the continent, he had visited several of their hideouts to meet them, but he had found none. He then concluded that, because of the strange heavenly lightning that struck at that time, all the devils who had helped him might have already dead.

He then decided to erase all traces of the devils from the hidden places he knew about. But unfortunately, he had not been fast enough to reach them all.

Some of their hideouts had already been discovered, including by the imperial family. The lightning that struck at that time had been too conspicuous and powerful, after all. He could only hope that nothing in the devils’ possession would make the imperial family point their fingers toward him.

However, at this moment, he truly could not understand how the cave that was supposed to have been cleared of any devil traces and destroyed could now appear restored. It did not make any sense.

"And a few interesting things that normally belong to the devils, those items are indeed authentic, as they still contain remnants of devil energy," Leader Regnor continued, his expression turning irritated.

"Care to explain it to us now?"

At this moment, he felt completely infuriated by the situation. He did not know whether the information inside the scroll was true or not, but if it was, his entire family would be implicated.

His dark elf tribe had a transactional relationship with Grand Duke Freindor because the duke had promised him and his tribe a much higher status. Although their tribe led a secluded life, the offer from Grand Duke Freindor was tempting, and he eventually decided to accept it.

However, he had known nothing about the devils working together with certain noble families. When he read the contents of the scroll earlier, he was shocked to discover that the noble families mentioned in it all belonged to the opposition faction. It would be a nightmare if that kind of information were to spread.

He did not even know if this scroll was the only one, as he had heard there were several other places like this one across the city. Because of the uncertainty of the situation and the grim consequences that might follow, he decided to take a radical step, to sever all past connections with Grand Duke Freindor.

To do that, he had to put on quite a show in front of all these people. Many of those who had entered the cave with him had already seen what was inside anyway. Even if the opposition faction were to fall today, he hoped that his performance would at least lessen his punishment if he were implicated.

"What are you talking about, Leader Regnor? Are you accusing me of working with the devils all this time? Even if that scroll says something about me or my family, do you just believe it? Even now, I didn’t know that there was a place like this here," Grand Duke Freindor retorted.

Although what was written in the scroll was true, he had to deny it with everything he had. He had already come this far, and he would not allow himself to fail because of this incomprehensible situation.

"Is that so? You claim you only just learned about this place, but from what I see, your family already knew about it." Leader Regnor said.

"If that’s not the case, then it should be fine if we check everything inside the cave, right? Why would your family’s cultivators block these people from entering and checking for themselves? Are you afraid of something, Grand Duke Freindor?"

"Of course not. We blocked the area because this is under my responsibility, and we don’t know if there is anything down there that could be dangerous. I only wanted to prevent any of you from falling into danger within my territory, as it would cause problems if something happened here," the grand duke replied.

Leader Regnor snorted, then smirked.

"Well, if that’s the case, then there should be no problem if I check whether everything written in this scroll is correct, right? If you say you’re not involved, then you shouldn’t have any issue with it, I suppose? Even if I have to hand this scroll over to the imperial family."

Grand Duke Freindor forced a smile.

"Of course, you can. If I say I have nothing to do with the devils, then there is nothing to hide. You may check it yourself," he replied.

"Alright, then." Leader Regnor vanished from sight.

Grand Duke Freindor, who watched Leader Regnor disappear, was fuming inside. How dare he abandon him the moment things turned against him! Yet, at this moment, his heart was filled with anxiety.

He did not know what was written inside that scroll, which made him unsure whether letting Regnor go had been the right decision, but he had no other choice. If he had stopped him, it would have made him appear even more suspicious in the eyes of the crowd.

He looked at the people who were still watching him with doubtful eyes.

"Please leave this place. My family will handle this case. We will investigate it thoroughly and ensure that there are no devils here, nor any danger to this city," he said firmly.

With the leader of the dark elves gone, the others had no choice but to disperse as well. After all, the grand duke had spoken personally, and no one here could oppose him.

Once the people had left, Grand Duke Freindor could no longer contain his fury. His expression darkened, and his aura began to leak uncontrollably.

’Who is it? Who is the one who knows about my connection with the devils and created this entire mess?!’