The Invincible Young Master

Chapter 170: Chapter 170 - Task

A heavy silence settled over the room as Princess Elize's gaze swept over each of her siblings once more.

"But I don't think city-wide bounty will be enough," she continued. "We'll need backup forces from the Emperor Academy."

Her words sparked a low wave of murmurs. The Emperor Academy housed some of the most powerful ascendants, skilled in ways that few could match.

If they could bring in even a few of the Academy's elite members, they'd have a far better chance of rooting out the attackers quickly.

But the Academy's help wasn't easily secured; their power came at a high price, one that would require significant rewards.

"If only the Holy Scion were here," Elize mused, almost to herself. "With his strength, this entire mess would be over in a heartbeat."

The murmurs grew louder, but they were soon interrupted by Alex's voice. "Actually, I know of someone who could reach the Holy Scion."

All eyes turned to Alex, narrowing with a mix of surprise and suspicion. Elize watched him intently, an eyebrow raised.

"And who might that be?" she asked.

Alex shrugged, barely containing a smirk. "I know from an informant that Scion's sister is currently here in the capital."

"Scion's sister!"

The mention of the Holy Scion's sister sent an unspoken tension through the room.

The siblings exchanged glances, each of them suddenly finding other things to focus on, the gilded walls, the grand chandelier, anywhere but each other's eyes. It was as if they all shared a silent agreement to avoid this subject.

Elize, however, didn't flinch. Her expression brightened with a hint of hope.

"Perfect! She might be able to help us get word to him." She looked directly at Alex.

"Unfortunately, I have other pressing matters to handle, so..." She gave him a pointed look. "Why don't you go and speak with her? Maybe she'll listen to you."

Alex waved a dismissive hand, sidestepping quickly. "I'd love to, really, but I'm committed to an important gathering this evening."

Elize's patience was clearly wearing thin, but another sibling piped up hastily, "I'm tied up too, I just started advanced training sessions."

Someone else coughed and mumbled, "I think I'm sick..."

The excuse sounded feeble; given their strength and constitution, illness was almost unheard of among them.

One by one, they piled on excuses, each more transparent than the last. It became painfully obvious that none of them had any intention of approaching the Scion's sister. The reasons behind their reluctance lingered unspoken.

Finally, Elize's gaze landed on the last sibling standing, the one who hadn't spoken yet, Gilbert.

Her eyes narrowed, and her lips curved into a small smile.

"Gilbert," she said, her tone deceptively light. "You'll take care of this for us."

Gilbert opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off with a raised hand. "Enough. You've been holed up in the palace too long, Gilbert. Get outside; it'll do you some good."

She turned away, making it clear that her decision was final.

Behind him, he could almost feel his siblings' quiet relief, their eyes flashing with smug satisfaction that they'd escaped the chore.

Trapped with no way out, he gave a slight nod, his voice barely above a whisper. "Very well... I'll go."

Zarak noticed their looks but merely straightened his posture, unfazed, ready to step forward.

The old man scratched his head, glancing around skeptically.

"So, are you sure your master keeps an account here?" he asked.

Zarak gave a firm nod. "Yes. I'm sure of it."

With that, they moved toward the entrance, only to be stopped by a guard at the doorway.

The guard, tall and stern, gave them a once-over, his eyes lingering suspiciously on their modest appearance.

"What's your business here?" he asked, his tone both direct and cold. It was clear not everyone received this level of scrutiny.

"We're here for a withdrawal," Zarak replied.

The guard's eyes narrowed, and he extended his hand, silently demanding proof.

With a slight sigh, Zarak reached into his robe and pulled out an old, plain wooden slate, holding it out for inspection. It looked simple, almost unimpressive, but it bore a unique symbol, a mark known only to the bank's elite clients.

The guard's eyes shifted, his expression changing from suspicion to quiet recognition. With a respectful nod, he stepped aside, allowing them to pass.

Inside, the bank was even more magnificent. Tall, fancy columns lined the walls, reaching up to an intricately carved ceiling.

Gleaming marble counters stretched across the room, where finely dressed attendants worked with wealthy patrons, their voices blending in a low hum of laughter and polite conversation.

An assistant quickly approached them, his manner surprisingly courteous, contrast to the guard outside.

After a brief nod, he guided them to an open counter and introduced them to the teller with a warm smile.

The teller, a man with silver-framed glasses, gave Zarak an appraising look as he took the wooden slate.

Adjusting his glasses, he studied the mark on it, his gaze flicking back to Zarak. "This account... it's rather old, isn't it?"

Zarak inclined his head respectfully. "Yes. It belongs to my master."

The teller gave a short nod, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Would you like to verify the balance first?"

"Yes, please," Zarak replied, then the teller pulled out a thick, dusty ledger from behind the counter and flipped it open.

With careful fingers, he turned page after pages.

According to his master's words, this account had been opened nearly two hundred years ago.

His master had spoken of it as a reliable source of support for Zarak's travels through the mortal world, describing it as ample enough to sustain him for years.

After a moment, the teller paused, his face showing a flicker of surprise. He glanced up, his tone hesitant. "Well..."

Zarak's brow creased slightly. "Is there a problem?"

The teller shook his head, but there was a hint of disbelief in his voice. "No... it's just that the balance is..."

"What about it?" Zarak asked.

"It holds only 100 silver coins and a few bronze ones."