Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 119 - Through the Hidden Gate

119 Through the Hidden Gate

William had assumed that, since the mechanism was built into the wall, it would have weak points susceptible to impact. But as the heavy stone slabs closed behind them, sealing the entrance seamlessly, he realized the truth.

’If no one opens it from the inside, there’s no way in.’

"Lord William!"

As soon as they stepped inside, the knights waiting on the other side removed their helmets and bowed deeply.

William swiftly dismounted, waving them off.

"That’s enough. This level of formality makes me more uncomfortable."

"How could this be excessive, my lord? Even now, we vividly recall the day you risked your life to rescue the First Prince—and us."

William sighed, suppressing a wry smile.

It seemed these knights regarded him as an emerging hero.

If they were already seeing him in that light, there was little point in trying to dissuade them.

Rather than waste time arguing, he decided to lean into their goodwill instead.

"If you insist, then allow me a favor in return. I’d like to go about my business quietly—I’d rather avoid drawing attention, as this isn’t an official visit."

"Of course, my lord. We’ll ensure your presence here remains discreet. Also, please accept this."

One of the knights pulled something from his coat and held it out.

William took it and turned it over in his hand. It was a medallion, engraved with the talon of a black dragon.

"The city is still tense after the war, and security checks have been greatly strengthened. If you show this, it should help you avoid unnecessary trouble."

William accepted it with a nod, taking Raymond’s medallion as well.

"I appreciate your generosity."

With the knights leading the way, William and Raymond made their way further into the capital.

Inside the wall, the passage connected to the outer grounds of the Black Scale Knights’ barracks.

Had they entered unknowingly, they might have been mistaken for intruders—an unfortunate error that could easily have ended with them cut down mid-stride.

"This is practically a secret passage," William muttered, scanning their surroundings. "Are you sure this is a publicly known entrance?"

"It has been… officially recognized for about fifty years," one of the knights admitted. "We don’t exactly advertise it, though. Those who need to know, know."

William arched a brow.

’So, they were forced to reveal it at some point. That means there must be more entrances like this, still hidden.’

If this were truly a one-of-a-kind secret passage, the Empire would have silenced anyone who discovered it, rather than openly acknowledging its existence.

A shiver ran down William’s spine.

Even with this much hidden infrastructure, the Empire still crumbled during the chaos of the war…

Just how far had things spiraled out of control?

"This passage connects to the outer section of the knight’s compound," the lead knight continued. "It’s a quiet spot with little foot traffic—ideal for handling your affairs discreetly."

"Much appreciated," William replied. "I won’t forget today’s kindness."

"Will you be staying within the barracks, my lord? We can provide accommodations if needed."

"No need. I’ll find my own lodging."

He had already received more assistance than expected—he saw no reason to burden them further.

Besides, his next priority required discretion.

’I’m here to track down the true creator of Nectar. The last thing I need is to be under watchful eyes.’

"The Empire’s Jewel, huh…? I see why they call it that."

William murmured his thoughts aloud as he took in the city around him.

Compared to Kelheim, Tibron was on another level entirely.

Kelheim was a major city, but this… this was the heart of the Empire.

The grandeur of its architecture, the sheer scale of its roads, the way sunlight danced off the immaculate white stone of its buildings—it was breathtaking.

It was only a shame that—

"If not for the lingering gloom from the failed rebellion, this would be perfect," he sighed.

"Nothing we can do about that," Raymond replied. "The Emperor hasn’t made any official statements, and all people have are vague rumors."

"True. A lack of real information only fuels worse speculation."

But then Raymond gave him a curious look.

"My lord, if you came here to find an alchemist, why are we just wandering the streets? Shouldn’t we be heading to the Guild?"

William chuckled at his bodyguard’s confusion.

"He’s not someone I can just find at the Guild. There’s hardly any information about him."

Raymond frowned.

"So… what’s the plan, then?"

William’s lips curled slightly.

"There’s always a way."

He had spent the past few hours surveying the city, studying the distribution of the guard forces.

It was subtle—but the patrol density around the northern slums was noticeably lower than elsewhere.

"Starting now, we’re heading to the north gate," he said. "And while we’re there, I’m going to act like a clueless country noble."

Raymond’s expression twisted.

"…You do realize that’ll attract criminals, right?"

William tilted his head.

"Well, that’s exactly what I want."

Raymond’s brow furrowed in clear disbelief.

"My lord, even if you’re a noble, these backstreet thugs won’t care. If they think you’re just some title-holding fool with no real power, they’ll jump you without hesitation."

"Good. That’s what I’m counting on."

"…?"

William’s eyes gleamed.

"If I want information without revealing my identity, the best way is to ask someone from the underground."

Raymond’s face lit up with realization.

"…Ah."

Now he understood.

It was reckless—but efficient.

As crude as the method was, nothing gathered information faster than talking to people who made a living out of knowing things.

Even with increased security, criminals wouldn’t just abandon their business overnight.

They’d still be lurking in the shadows, waiting for easy prey.

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And if they mistook William for such a target?

They’d be in for a surprise.

"You’re right," Raymond admitted. "It’s dangerous, but it’ll get results."

William smirked.

"Have you tried this approach before?"

"Not often, but I’ve done it a few times."

"Then I look forward to seeing how it plays out."

The two men exchanged knowing smiles.

It was time to cast their bait—and reel in some fools who thought they were hunters.