Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 492: Reginald Ashenheart

Cerdeaux.

It's been months since Audrey was dispatched to the capital of this neighbouring nation.

Her task is to retrieve the runaway governor of Vofors.

His crime? Creating crisis and orchestrating a rebellion. He wants to cause chaos and use that opportunity to break away from the kingdom.

Of course, the plan ended up failing and he was forced to flee for his life.

Currently, Cerdeauxia is sheltering him.

Despite her best efforts, Audrey's attempts to secure the former governor's custody had met with obstacles.

The Cerdeauxian government's responses were polite but evasive.

She wasn't surprised. If anything, their lack of cooperation only confirmed Ryntum's suspicions about their involvement behind the scenes.

Audrey had tried every method available but nothing had worked so far.

And since she didn't like to waste time doing nothing, Audrey used her spare time to investigate the situation in the city.

She also works hard to forge connections with those who she considers influential.

Today was no different. Leaving her temporary residence, she made her way to the nearby cafe.

As usual, some people followed her in secret. She was certain of it.

Even if Audrey didn't have a sharp sense, the constant presence over the past few months will end up being noticed.

Cerdeauxia's government was likely behind this. They want to keep close tabs on the foreign diplomat who is too curious for her own good.

"So persistent..." she murmured as she entered the cafe.

Her eyes searched for the acquaintance she was supposed to meet.

The cafe was filled with the morning crowd. But it didn't take long for her to spot him.

The acquaintance Audrey was looking for was seated at the back, having a clear view of the entrance.

He also noticed her almost simultaneously and offered a small nod at her.

Audrey made her way over to the table and slid into the seat across from him.

"Good morning, Mr. Ashenheart. I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long."

"Not at all, Miss Benett. I'm only five minutes earlier than you."

Just then, a waiter approached their table with a tray of two cups of coffee. He set them down gently before leaving the two alone.

"I ordered coffee for you. I hope you like it."

Audrey took a small sip of the coffee. She nodded approvingly. "It's perfect, thank you."

Her eyes studied the old man before her.

The one she referred to as her 'acquaintance' is Reginald Ashenheart. Known to the locals as a royalist, a staunch supporter of the monarchy that once ruled this place.

To the government, he was seen as an enemy.

A dangerous one as he was a former courtier of the last monarch.

His beliefs ran counter to the republic's values. But, they could not act against him openly.

Reginald Ashenheart was a relic of the past and a witness to history.

People hold him in high regard.

He had seen the monarchy rise and fall and had lived through the tumultuous days when the republic was forged from the ashes of the old.

"Are you still being followed, Miss Benett?"

Audrey nodded slightly. Her eyes darted briefly toward the window.

"Yes… as always."

"Hahaha! Then I suppose I should prepare myself for an increase in surveillance."

Audrey felt a bit guilty, "I truly appreciate the risk you're taking by helping me."

"Miss Bennett, don't trouble yourself with such thoughts. I may be old, but my beliefs have not aged. I support you because of the young man behind you."

Audrey naturally knew who Reginald was referring to.

It's the king of Ryntum, Rizieri.

He was the last of the Cerdeaux dynasty.

Reginald's loyalty to the crown was unwavering even after all these years.

It has strengthened even more since the Kingdom of Ryntum was established.

His allegiance had now been placed on the young king, who carried the weight of his ancestors' legacy.

"If you'd stop spouting about restoring the monarchy, they might leave you alone," she jests.

Reginald chuckled, "Oh, Miss Bennett, you underestimate their insecurity. They won't leave me alone. I can cease my speeches, stop my gatherings and even swear an oath to the republic. It wouldn't matter. My mere existence scared them."

Audrey was pleased by the loyalty of this old man. It's the reason she is willing to work with him.

"If you say so, who am I to say anything? Let's get back to the main topic. Do you find his whereabouts?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Yes, my contact tells me that the criminal you're looking for, that damn former governor, is currently being sheltered in the Presidential Palace."

"Oh wow! Looks like they treasured him quite a bit."

Audrey's initial plan was to find the former governor, kidnap him, and swiftly escape to Ryntum.

But now, she had to discard that plan. Sneaking into the most fortified building in the entire city is simply asking for trouble.

"'Treasured' might be an excessive word, Miss Bennett. From what I hear, he's no different from a bird in a gilded cage."

Audrey tapped her fingers on the table. "So, he's both a prisoner and a guest. It means they're watching him closely."

"Indeed. If you plan to retrieve him, I suggest you not to do it. You'll fail even with the help of men I planted inside the palace. Unless... there's a distraction."

"A distraction?"

"Something that forces their eyes away from the palace."

Audrey stared at the old man in front of her suspiciously.

Clearly, he had an idea or else, he wouldn't bring this subject up.

His facial expression indicated he wanted her to ask about it.

"I'm intrigued by your words, Mr. Ashenheart."

"Then—"

"Unfortunately, I can't make this decision. The scale sounds too big for me to decide. I need to inform the capital first."

She's not going to be led by him.

"That's too bad. I hope you receive their permission. Also, don't forget to tell the king about his loyal supporter here."