Steel Empire
Collecting Evidence Part 2
While Linde was on his way to Heltzer Manor, Lord Arnulf von Thiersee was currently standing at Wildschonau Castle with his retinue; he had just arrived and was currently paying his respects to the new Ruler of Wildschonau who just happened to be a child. It was a pity that these two Lords lost their fathers who were so close to each other. Indeed, they were in very different circumstances, but he could understand the pain the von Wildschonau family was experiencing at this time.
Although God did not bow to the son known as Theobald von Wildschonau, he nevertheless acted with respect. After all, they were two Lords of the same status, and as such, there was no need for arrogant formality.
"Lord Theobald, I offer my condolences for the passing of your father, Ulrich. I've come to pay my respects to your family."
Theobald was almost 8 years old; despite this, he was under intense scrutiny by his Regent and was aware of things happening around the world.
"Thank you, Mr. Arnulf, it means a lot to me. I also want to say how sorry I am that your father died so suddenly. He really is a royal tree. You are free to stay here for a while, and I will have my servants fulfill your every wish. I am glad to see that there are still people of conscience who will not leave my family because of the foolish actions of my late father."
Arnulf smiled at the flattery. Clearly, the regent had prepared such a complicated statement for such a small child, Arnulf decided to entertain the regent's efforts and avenge the young man's praise.
"You are wise for your age, and I'm glad to see that you have good advice. I'll accept your offer and enjoy my stay to the best of my ability. Thank you for the hospitality you have shown me. "
It was not until late at night that he decided to sneak out of his room and personally investigate the private study room of the late Lord Ulrich. Therefore, he quietly slipped through the corridors of the castle. He was very careful with the patrols that lasted all night. On one occasion, he was almost discovered by a guard following his route; if it were not for the man half-asleep, Arnulf would have had trouble explaining his actions. Eventually, he found his way to the location where he wanted to enter without being caught.
After retrieving the key, Arnulf sneaked inside with a small oil lamp in his hand; only after the door was properly closed behind him did he turn on the lamp to provide illumination in his search for evidence. After spending several hours searching through every piece of paper in the office, Arnulf realizes that even if Ulrich's betrayal is somehow connected to his father's death like he was led to believe. All evidence of his treasonous actions will be confiscated by Sieghard's forces as they seek evidence of his guilt.
Or so the man thought; however, after tripping over the falling chalice, the man clumsily crashed into the bookshelf where a Bible fell to the ground. However, when the Bible fell to the ground, it was revealed that its contents had been hollowed out, and hidden within the scriptures was a small unmarked black ledger. After flipping through the ledger, Arnulf could not believe his eyes. The book is a secret journal kept by Ulrich with details of his illicit dealings with Lambert and the Count of Tyrol. Every conversation Ulrich had with the two men about their plan to eliminate Berengar was recorded in great detail in this ledger. The reason for the book's existence must have been a form of leverage; if Ulrich had ever been captured and allowed to be hanged by his evil comrades, he would have used this as a means to buy his life.
Unfortunately, the man had been killed on the battlefield, and he had never been able to exchange such valuable information for his own security. Hidden in the Bible inside the bookshelf, Sieghard's men handling the investigation never even thought to open it. The most important part of this information is that Arnulf's father was never mentioned in the book. As a devoted son who regards his father as Marshal personification of justice, Arnolf concludes that Lambert had killed his father because his father had discovered the boy's plot to commit the brother's murder and seize Barony.
He had to bring this ledger to the Baron as quickly as possible if this information was correct. However, the more he thought about it, he thought Berengar should be aware of his brother's efforts in his life. If he were to hand the ledger over to Berengar to act as evidence against Lambert, Arnulf and his family would most likely be able to reap more rewards. Due to a misunderstanding made out of ignorance of his father's moral failings, the von Thiersee family from today will become loyal supporters of Berengar and all his actions.
After tidying up the workspace to make it seem as if he had never been there, Arnulf turned off his oil lamp and returned to his room, where he carefully read the entire contents of the ledger he found. It was truly incriminating evidence, which, when coupled with the network compiled by Berengar, would allow Berengar to build a strong case against Lambert. God has no way of knowing that he will help his father's killer in his plan to ensure power over the kingdom.