Chapter 534

534
“Don’t rush. Let me explain everything,” Federico said as he sat down beside Caillin.
“Ever since we put out the raissing person notice, the studio has been flooded with calls from fans and well–meaning strangers from all over. Many of them claimed to have seen someone matching Ashfall’s description. After careful vetting by the team, we were finally able to narrow it down I double checked it myself–there’s no doubt. It’s him.”
“That’s amazing! Finally, some real progress!”
Caitlin’s eyes lit up with excitement as she smiled, visibly relieved. Federico handed her a few photos that had been sent in by a tipster.
“This is what Ashfall looks like now. He’s somewhere around the Rocky Mountains, making a living by painting in the streets.”
In the photos, a rugged–looking man with disheveled hair and a weathered face–yet with a distinct artistic aura–was shown sketching on a cartas by the roadside. A small crowd of tourists and locals watched him work.
“Can you reach him? Or at least the person who sent the tip?”
Caitlin asked eagerly as she handed Federico back the phone,
“I already had the studio get in touch with the source. They just sent me the phone number.”
The message arrived right as Federico finished speaking. He checked the number and said, “Got it. Let me call and ask.”
He dialed the number, but after a short conversation, he hit a snag.
“Trinity, you talk to them.”
“Alright. Give me the phone.”
Caitlin took over the call and spoke to the person directly. After a bit of conversation, the tipster agreed to help her locate Ashfall.
Ten minutes later, the phone rang again. This time, it was Ashfall himself.
“Ashfall! It’s me, Federico!”
“Hey, old friend!”
The two greeted each other warmly. Federico quickly steered the conversation to the reason for his call.
“Do you remember a painting you once made called *Despair*? You created it in Country A, right?”
Ashfall paused, trying to recall. “Yeah, I think I remember that one. Why are you asking about it?”
“I’m helping a friend. She needs to know if you remember where the woman in that painting was being held.”
Federico had the phone on speaker. Caitlin listened closely, holding her breath. They all waited in silence for Ashfall’s response.
In the background, they could hear the wind howling through the mountains. If they weren’t listening carefully, his voice would’ve been lost in the noise.
“Hmm… I’m not sure. It’s kind of a blur.”
Ashfall had traveled through so many places over the years–it wasn’t surprising that he couldn’t recall every location.
Caitlin’s expression dimmed with disappointment. Federico noticed and quickly followed up.
“I get it–it’s been a long time. But please, try to remember. It’s really important. The woman you painted could be my friend’s mother. We need your
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help
Ashfall feil quiet for a moment, then replied, “I might not remember exactly where it was… but if I retrace my steps, I’ll find it Fire
Federico’s eyes lit up. “You’re saying if we bring you back to Country A, you can lead us to that place?”
“Exactly.”
It wasn’t a perfect answer, but it was the first real hope they’d had in a long time.
“Perfect. Please, I’m begging you–do this for me.”
Ashfall agreed, and Federico thanked him profusely. “Stay where you are. I’ll send someone to get you. Please don’t go wandering off”
After ending the call, Federico turned to Caitlin. “All we need now is to bring him back.”
“I’ll take care of it. But we’ll need someone reliable for the job.”
She called for James. When he arrived and heard they had contacted Ashfall, his face lit up.
“I’ll go. I’ll take a team and bring him back as fast as possible.”
“Good. I trust you. Take as many capable people as you need, and catch the earliest flight.”
“Got it.”
Federico handed him the contact info and location. James packed quickly and prepared to leave.
Sebastian, after getting updated, assigned King and others to accompany James on the retrieval mission.
Two hours later, they successfully boarded the earliest flight out.
Once they left, Sebastian sat with Caitlin and briefed her on the latest developments in Country S.
“The international coalition has been pressuring the S Kingdom. Given the lack of conclusive evidence against Greystone, the royal family had no choice but to withdraw their troops. The standoff is officially over.”
Caitlin let out a long sigh. “Zorro’s a master tactician. This round ends in a draw. I just worry what he’ll do once he regroups.”
“No need to worry. Whatever comes next, we’ll be ready.”
“Did you get through to Xero? Zeke’s back–we need to make sure Xero doesn’t go to Greystone and walk into a trap.”
“I tried, but couldn’t get through. I’ll try again later.”
They both kept their eyes on the shifting political landscape. With the Greystone conflict defused, the royal family and Zorro signed an agreement.
Greystone pledged loyalty to the monarchy, but in exchange, the royal family agreed not to interfere in its internal affairs. In effect, Zorro had carved out a semi–autonomous region for himself.
Zorro soon held a public announcement: Greystone was now an official independent state under the S Kingdom, with internal governance entirely in his
hands.
After a formal audience with the king, Zorro returned to Greystone, only to be hit with a bombshell.
“My lord! Bad news! The deputy leader is missing!”
Zorro’s expression darkened. “What?! Wasn’t he locked in the chamber?”
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“He’s gone. During our rounds, we found the two guards locked inside. The deputy leader has vanished,”
Zorro slammed a fist onto the table. “How could this happen? Bring those two guards here now!”
Soon after, the two dazed, neatly unconscious guards were dragged into the room.
Once they saw Zorro, they spilled everything: Alicia had helped Zeke escape,
Zorro listened, then erupted in rage. He drew his blade and cleaved a wooden chair in half.
“That damn girl! She pulled a bait–and–switch right under my nose!”
The timeline added up. Alicia had rescued Zeke two days ago–and he’d been completely unaware.
Zeke could not be allowed to escape the country alive. The consequences would be catastrophic.
“Men! Find Alicia immediately! Track Zeke down! If she refuses to talk, bring her back. I’ll deal with her myself!”
“Yes, sir!”
AD