Work Prophet
Chapter 566 - 184 Duren’s Request

Chapter 566: Chapter 184 Duren’s Request

Sir Duren was sent to Red Rock Island without knowing when he would return, so Li Yu had agreed to leave Lion Heart Castle tomorrow, surely unable to wait that long.

Thus, the original plan was no longer viable, and they had to take a slight risk, but only if Duren agreed to be rescued.

Making such a choice was not easy for Duren, as it meant he could no longer retain his title or reputation.

For many nobles, this was worse than death, not to mention it might also implicate his family.

Duren pondered for a long while until he remembered Li Yu’s previous words: if he just went to Red Rock Island, no one would seriously investigate the real murderer of Edward II afterward.

Based on Duren’s understanding of Gars and the nobles of the Royal Capital, they would likely find a scapegoat to take the blame for everything.

That way, the matter would be considered satisfactorily resolved.

Realizing this, Duren finally made up his mind and whispered, "If your man rescues me from Black Heart Jonny, how will we leave the Royal Capital afterward?"

"You don’t need to worry about that, just remember not to resist when the time comes," Li Yu said.

"Resist?" Duren was puzzled.

Li Yu patiently explained, "I definitely cannot let people just rescue you like that, as it would not only destroy your reputation but could also make me a suspect.

"After all, I had previously pleaded for your case and even had someone bring you the Holy Artifact of the Double Rest Sect, so next, we must play along in a drama where you ’die’.

"If it’s just a body being taken away, all these complications vanish, and people will only think that those who came to snatch you harbored a grudge against you, to kill you is not enough, they even had to take away your body.

"Plus, this will preserve your reputation and minimize the impact on your family. However, the cost is that you will have to live under a new name and identity afterward.

"Green Field is far from the Royal Capital, so you don’t have to worry about being recognized there."

After some thought, Duren said, "I can go with you and can even join the Double Rest Sect to worship the God you follow, but I have one condition."

"What condition?" Li Yu asked.

"You must allow me to continue investigating the death of Edward II, find the real murderer, and, when the time is right, let me return to the Royal Capital to seek revenge for Edward II. If possible, I hope you can also provide some help when I need it."

"No problem," Li Yu agreed without much hesitation.

Because he knew this was the biggest reason Duren was willing to give up everything and return with him to the West.

After chatting with Duren, Li Yu went to find Ge Lipeng and asked him to forge a weapon overnight that could "kill" Duren.

Then, he left Lion Heart Castle before nightfall.

Because tonight, Li Yu would return to another plane, he needed to arrange everything before he left.

......

The next morning, as expected, the guards of the dungeon informed Duren that he was to be taken out for execution.

The place of execution was Crow Square.

This was where prisoners in the Royal Capital, especially noble ones, lost their heads.

The guard, while informing the man locked in the dungeon, hoped to see a look of panic and fear on his face.

However, to his disappointment, Duren’s expression hadn’t changed much; as usual, he appeared calm.

The guard was slightly disheartened, "Don’t worry, you won’t die. His Majesty, considering the many years of service the Betak family has rendered to the Empire, will only subject you to flogging, not take your life."

"However, the executioner is Black Heart Jonny, my lord. I guess you’re in for a rough time next."

The guard seemed to take pleasure in the misfortune, but Duren remained silent, simply standing up from the cell and following the guard out.

He knew why Gars had chosen Crow Square as the execution site, as it was a place where idlers usually gathered, waiting to witness the scene of a beheading.

Although Gars did not really plan to kill him, he clearly would not miss any opportunity to humiliate him.

As a noble, being stripped bare and repeatedly whipped in public stripped him of all his dignity as a noble.

Duren was just glad that his wife and daughter were not in the Royal Capital, so they didn’t have to witness this cruel scene, and whatever worse things that might happen afterward.

Otherwise, the former Imperial Forest Guard Captain really doubted whether he could continue with the plan.

Leaving the dungeon, Duren felt the long-missed sunlight on his skin. Surprisingly, some people had even learned of his situation and were waiting outside the guardhouse dungeon to see his disgraceful state.

Some people were also cursing under their breath, seemingly indignant about Duren offending the New Emperor.

Duren paid no mind to those fellows, instead squinting to look at the carriage outside.

"I’ll walk there."

"No way, this carriage was personally found for you by Lord Jonny," the escorting guard said. "You have no choice; you must ride in it."

Duren didn’t argue further and just silently got on the carriage.

However, he soon realized that the carriage was not heading directly to Crow Square. Instead, it took several slow loops around the city.

It was nearly noon by the time they reached their final destination.

And a man wearing a black robe, with a long nose and small ears, was already there waiting for him.

"Guard Captain Duren, I’ve long admired your renown." The man grinned, showing his yellow teeth, "Oh, sorry, look at my memory, you’re no longer a captain."

Duren raised an eyebrow, "Black Heart Jonny?"

"Surprised that someone of my low status is known to you," Black Heart Jonny seemed very pleased.

Duren said, "Your name is not unheard of, and it has even reached the Royal Capital, though all the rumors are not very flattering."

"Well, I’m not very friendly to my enemies. His Majesty probably called me here to execute you for that reason, but please don’t misunderstand, I have no personal grudge against you.

"At least not before the execution." Jonny chuckled, "But afterward, you might come to hate me."

"Stop talking nonsense," Duren said unflinchingly. "Go ahead and start, His Majesty must be waiting for your report."

"Good, that’s straightforward. Now, I won’t be polite, Sir Duren. I’ve even custom-ordered a whip just for you."

As Jonny spoke, he had someone bring out a bullhide whip thick as three fingers, and then dipped it in a barrel of saltwater.

He made Duren kneel on the platform in front of the crowd, while he himself stood behind Duren.

Spitting saliva into his hand, he tested the whip and then swung it viciously.

After a loud crack!

The skin of the former Imperial Forest Guard Captain was immediately marked with a horrific welt, and the skin split open from the intense impact, with blood pouring out from the wound.

However, Duren merely let out a soft grunt.