Side Story Chapter 38

As soon as the Remdragon Knights learned of the duke's scheme, each man clamored to accompany his commander to the duchy. Riftan quelled the outcry and eventually departed for Croyso Castle with Ursuline, Elliot, Ruth, and three squires.

Apprehension and anger raged inside him as they galloped across the frozen earth. He ruthlessly spurred his horse until finally stopping to rest at a brook.

Elliot paused while unsaddling his mount to inquire cautiously, "How do you suppose the duke knew about your stepfather?"

Riftan took a swig from his flask. "Ordered an inquiry into my background, no doubt."

The duke was setting up a vast intelligence network in the east and beyond, across the whole of the Western Continent. He could have entreated any of the big merchants that did business with the duchy to look into Riftan's past. With his former life as a Blackhorn Dragon being common knowledge, his old mercenary group was likely the source.