At this moment, Dustin’s eyes burned with determination. His eyes reflected a silent resolve. Though once estranged from his father, the passage of time had woven a deeper comprehension of the choices he made.
Particularly upon learning of his father’s deteriorating health and limited time, any residual discord had gracefully dissipated.
His singular aspiration now was to address the concerns surrounding the Dragon Guard. Then, in his father’s remaining days, he would do his duty as a son with utmost sincerity. 3
Unexpectedly, a tragedy struck, and now his father fell victim to an assailant before their reunion. This sudden and devastating event left him profoundly shaken.
“Celestial Blade!” Dustin roared in a burst of emotion, beckoning the Celestial Blade to his side, readying himself for the challenges outside.
Fueled by the profound grief of the loss of his father, he was determined to eradicate every remnant of the Dragon Guard.
“Your Highness! Please calm down!” Seeing Dustin on the brink of emotional turmoil, Rodrigo quickly stepped in, halting his advance.
In a somber tone, he advised, “The Dragon Guard is well-prepared. Charging out recklessly won’t bring justice for your father. It might only put you in harm’s way.”
“Step aside!” Dustin’s eyes blazed with anger as the Celestial Blade’s edge pressed against Rodrigo’s neck. There was a sharp cut, creating a small wound where blood trickled out.
“Your Highness! Even if you kill me, I must stop you. I cannot watch you head straight to death!” Rodrigo declared.
“His Highness is gone, and you cannot afford any mishaps. Our efforts will be in vain if you jeopardize yourself.”
Rodrigo bravely stood in front of Dustin, ready to face the consequences.
Dustin clenched his teeth, his sword trembling mildly. After a few tense moments, Dustin took a deep breath and lowered the blade. Rodrigo was right; he needed to remain calm.
With Rufus dead, the castle was undoubtedly in a state of chaos.
The remnants of the Dragon Guard would likely make their move. Losing his composure now would hinder his revenge and put him in danger.
To neutralize the remnants of the Dragon Guard, he understood the importance of restraint.
The timing was crucial-waiting for the opportune moment when the vulnerabilities of the Dragon Guard would reveal themselves. Only then would he unleash a precise and decisive strike.
“What’s the situation at the castle now?
“Dustin asked with a stern tone.
“The castle is on lockdown, only allowing entry, not exit. They’re probably searching for the traitor,” Rodrigo replied solemnly.
“His Highness’s death was too sudden. The assassins couldn’t have infiltrated the castle so easily without an inside connection.”
“Who do you think the traitor could be? “Dustin inquired.
“It’s hard to say,” Rodrigo shook his head. “For the assassins to infiltrate the castle, the traitor must have significant authority.
“Everyone from the castle steward Albert to the captain of the royal guards, Jaxon, and even lower-ranked officers is under suspicion.”
“What about Eloise?” Dustin raised an eyebrow.
“Her Highness?” Rodrigo’s eyes constricted. Then, he quickly denied, “Highly unlikely. If she were the traitor, she would have struck long ago.
“Besides, as the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh, she has no motive, both publicly and privately, to do such a thing.”
“I guess I’m letting my imagination run wild.” Dustin nodded.
Since the betrayal by Cinna, he couldn’t help but harbor suspicion toward everyone. Even though he knew Eloise was the least likely culprit, he still couldn’t shake off the habit of thinking the worst.
“Rodrigo, can you arrange a disguise for me so that I can infiltrate the castle? I want to see him one last time,” Dustin suddenly requested.
“This…” Rodrigo furrowed his brow, hesitating. He feared that Dustin might lose control, creating more problems.
“Don’t worry, I’ve regained my composure. I know what to do. I just want to go in and take a look. I won’t expose my identity,” Dustin assured solemnly.
