Chapter 136
Despite the influx of bad news, Raul remained calm. He had anticipated such developments and was confident in his ability to handle them.
“Relay the information about the surrounding baronies’ troop movements to our territory commanders, and instruct them not to respond. Those baronies aren’t going to invade immediately anyway.”
Territorial wars didn’t occur easily. If lords could arbitrarily attack neighboring territories, the current kingdom structure would collapse.
To declare a territorial war, one needed a justified reason and a formal declaration of war. Most of the time, such wars only began after royal approval.
While it was possible for powerful noble families to bypass these procedures, the conditions for that were exceptional.
‘Even if they want to move, there are still many formalities to complete, giving us plenty of time.’
This is why the Count’s estate had a townhouse in the capital, and why the First Knight Order branch was operational.
If there had been no reports of territorial wars, it indicated that the royal court hadn’t discussed it yet.
Deploying troops to the border was a strategy to distract Raul and keep his focus on guarding the territory.
‘If they see an opening, they will indeed declare war.’
However, their assumptions were completely wrong.
Had it not been for the gate crisis, Raul might have had to hastily dispatch troops to protect the territory borders, but that was unnecessary now.
Reconstruction within the territory, centered around the lord’s castle, meant that distant borders were less critical.
Count Melvin’s order to evacuate the villagers was a strategic decision made knowing that immediate income from those villages was non-essential.
‘With a reduced population and increased agricultural production post-gate crisis, farming near the castle suffices for food supplies.’
Moreover, Raul’s income came from dungeon by-products and rental income from free cities, making him less reliant on territorial taxes.
“Order the scouts and agents to thoroughly monitor the enemy’s movements. And instruct them to feign fear, making it seem like they’re too scared to stand their ground. We want the enemy to underestimate us and make a move.”
Kane, understanding Raul’s strategy, smiled meaningfully.
“I’ll dispatch those best at playing the part.”
If the enemy declared war, it would pose no issue for Raul.
Even with the backing of more powerful forces, the combined might of six baronies couldn’t handle Raul and the First Knight Order.
‘The territories are somewhat scattered, so this is a good opportunity to pave the way smoothly.’
***
In the opulently decorated reception room of a small castle, scores of nobles and knights filled the space, centered around a large, imposing figure seated at the head.
“Apologies for the crude setting. It’s not easy finding a more suitable place….”
“Spare me the politeness. What’s the status?”
The gruff voice belonged to none other than Viscount Jaden de Ashton, Raul’s uncle and the elder brother of Count Melvin.
“According to our informant, Count Melvin is currently at death’s door. The Count’s deputy, Dylan, and the Golden Bear Knight Commander, Viscount Trevor, are away on a dungeon subjugation mission.”
“Hah, serves him right. That fool should have known his place instead of overreaching. Isn’t that right?”
The gathered nobles agreed, mocking Count Melvin’s imprudent ambitions.
“So, have we figured out how they managed to put him down?”
Jaden clearly regarded Melvin as already dead. The advisor, baron Tate, shook his head regretfully.
“We have someone on the inside, but they couldn’t discern what method was used.”
“Pity. If we knew how, we could use it elsewhere.”
Though satisfied with his accomplices’ actions, Jaden’s greed was apparent.
“Dylan took the bait and is out of the picture. Is there anything else we need to consider?”
“With the Count’s deputy, the Knight Commander, and the Chief Commander all away, there should be no one to rally around. However, we have received word that Raul has returned home.”
“Raul?”
Jaden’s face darkened. He wasn’t pleased with Raul, especially after the events in the capital.
‘That young brat is getting too presumptuous.’
Though he regarded the 16-year-old as insignificant, the memory of Raul wielding the mana blade at his investiture lingered unsettlingly.
“His presence could disrupt our plans. How did he return so quickly?”
“It seems they have an information network we haven’t identified. But don’t worry too much. He will have to return to his territory soon.”
“He better. We’ve paid handsomely to have those wretches act. Keep a close watch on Raul and report back.”
“Understood.”
Bang.
Jaden slammed his foot down and stood up, raising his voice.
“The grand endeavor has begun. This is crucial for restoring the honor of the Ashton lineage. Let us purge those who have sullied our family and write the new history of Ashton with our own hands. Comrades! Follow me!”
“Waa!!”
The nobles and knights roared in agreement, consumed by greed and madness.
Unbeknownst to them, their fervor was being observed by someone.
***
“Then, I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me, Viscount.”
Raul patted the shoulder of the knight wearing the Golden Bear Knights’ uniform.
His name was Waylon.
Waylon was a top-level knight in the Golden Bear Knights, and with both the commander and deputy commander absent, he was the most top-level knight present.
Now, a day after Count Melvin had collapsed, members of the Golden Bear Knights stationed at Conford Castle and the nearby areas returned to the mansion.
There were originally six knights on guard duty, but with reinforcements, the total number of knights guarding the mansion increased to fifteen.
After Raul’s thorough evaluation, he determined that these fifteen knights were trustworthy, and he specially assigned Waylon to personally guard the Count.
Naturally, baron Carlo, the Silver Bear Knight Commander, expressed his dissatisfaction.
“Does adding extra guards mean you don’t trust me and the Silver Bear Knights?”
Raul, however, responded calmly with an unchanged expression.
“No, it’s not about not trusting you, baron. It’s that I trust no one. Until the Count recovers consciousness and my brother returns, no one but myself will have access to the Count.”
Baron Carlo couldn’t hide his displeasure, but he had no grounds to oppose Raul’s decision. Raul merely added guards but did not interfere with the Silver Bear Knights’ duties or issue any commands.
Consequently, five knights from the Golden Bear Knights were rotated in three shifts to guard the fifth floor, where the Count’s bedroom was located. No one could enter the room without Raul’s permission.
Click.
Receiving nods of acknowledgment from the knights, Raul entered the bedroom where Bishop Alonso of the Zenith Order and Joel, the family’s dedicated healer, were attending to the Count.
“Is there any improvement?”
Raul asked, but the two, drenched in sweat, didn’t look optimistic.
“I’m sorry. Just maintaining the Count’s current state is proving difficult.”
Raul had no intention of blaming them. Without their efforts, the Count’s condition would have deteriorated further.
“You’ve worked hard. Could you step out for a moment, please?”
Nodding, the two men left the room, and Nakia, who had been standing beside Raul, began to examine the Count.
“What do you think?”
Nakia methodically checked various parts of the Count’s body, spreading mana to assess his condition. She spoke cautiously.
“I believe you were right, Master. It’s definitely symptoms of ‘Mana Filariasis’.”
‘Thank goodness….’
Raul let out a breath of relief upon hearing Nakia’s assured diagnosis.
In his past life, it was discovered too late that key figures in the kingdom had been assassinated using ‘Mana Filariasis.’
This led Raul, upon reincarnation, to suspect that the Count’s death might also be due to the same cause, although he couldn’t be absolutely certain until now.
“Is it treatable?”
“With the materials you provided and the clinical results from treating Niki, we’ve developed a cure. Treating Mana Filariasis itself isn’t a problem. However, I can’t guarantee the Count’s condition post-treatment. We’ll do our best.”
“I trust you, Nakia. If you need any help, let me know at any time.”
“Leave it to me.”
Despite Nakia’s words, Raul felt no anxiety.
He had already confirmed that the medicine she developed matched the one created in his past life, and he knew it had successfully treated similar patients.
Raul left the Count’s chamber and privately spoke with Bishop Alonso and Healer Joel, requesting their assistance in aiding Nakia’s treatment and keeping the Count’s condition a secret.
They willingly agreed, as they were already committed to staying in the mansion to treat the Count.
‘With my father’s treatment settled, it’s time to catch the culprits.’
In his third-floor study, Raul began a discussion with Butler Ivan.
“Here are the documents you requested.”
A stack of thick papers was placed on Raul’s desk.
The documents contained comprehensive information about everything Count Melvin had consumed in the past two months since entering his intensive training, records of all visitors to the mansion, and the movements of all household staff.
“Will these really help? And is it true that someone targeted the Count?”
Ivan, looking haggard and fearful, asked fervently.
As someone who blamed himself for the Count’s collapse, he desperately sought confirmation of Raul’s suspicions.
“Someone definitely tampered with my father. ‘Mana Filariasis’ does not occur naturally in knights who have attained such ranks. While we haven’t discovered the method yet, Nakia should be able to with these documents.”
Nakia had already developed a cure for Mana Filariasis without any documents. With detailed records of what the Count had ingested, uncovering the cause was only a matter of time.
‘This might allow us to prevent future assassination attempts as well.’
Even with a cure, it was useless if not administered promptly. Protecting figures important enough that the Empire wanted them dead would be a major advantage in future conflicts.
“Without drawing attention, I need you to discreetly monitor the servants I mention.”
Raul had already identified several suspicious individuals among the mansion’s staff using his analytical eye.
Tracking their interactions could lead him to the root of the conspiracy.
“Leave it to me. Monitoring the household staff is my responsibility. I will ensure they are watched closely.”
Ivan promised with reddened eyes before leaving to start his task.
‘Now, it’s time for me to make my move.’
Raul gathered the stack of documents into his inventory and, leading Philip and the knights, exited the mansion headed for the portal.
He portrayed a worried and hurried demeanor as if he had just received urgent news about the territory, riding off in haste.
To lure the hidden traitors into the open, he had to pretend to take the bait they had offered.
As who would end up ensnared in whose trap, the many spies watching the mansion’s activities began to move in the shadows.
(To be continued)