Clip-clop, clip-clop.
“Whoa, whoa.”
A detachment of cavalry made their way towards Conford Castle, halting in front of the gate. The commanding officer on the battlements called out.
“State your business!”
The standard-bearers raised their flags and shouted,
“We come from the House of Viscount Austin. Accompanying us are Viscount Austin de Ashton and his family.”
Seeing the red banner with the brown bear’s paw insignia of House Austin, the commander confirmed their identity, and the heavy gate slowly lifted.
“Proceed. From the first outer wall onwards, your soldiers must set up camp in the temporary barracks.”
Soldiers were waiting behind the opened gates to guide them.
‘Looks like something serious is definitely happening,’ thought Viscount Austin.
Almost 1,000 cavalrymen, led by Viscount Austin, rode through the gate in orderly fashion. Among them stood out fifty knights donned in brown armor.
“Sir Albert, lead the men to the camp and set up accommodations. Trevor, come with me to the main castle.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Yes, Father.”
Sir Albert, commander of the ‘Brown Paw’ knights of House Austin, led several knights and soldiers to the camp, while Viscount Austin and his eldest son, Trevor, headed towards the main residence.
“Is it true that our second uncle has met with an unfortunate end?”
“Rumors are just that until confirmed. It’s crucial to verify such important matters personally.”
“Understood.”
Viscount Austin had declared his independence from the House of Ashton early on, carving out his own territory through sheer effort. Aware that he wouldn’t inherit the county, he received soldiers and funding instead of lands, and headed north to establish a stronghold and village in uncharted wilderness.
However, this did not mean he was entirely free from the influence of House Ashton. Post-establishment, tax collection, military operations, and trade were naturally conducted through the count’s house.
The distinction between House Ashton’s vassal families and independent lords was significant. An independent lord was seen more as a collaborator than a subordinate.
That was why Viscount Austin had remained silent during the internal strife, only appearing now. There was considerable buzz at the first outer gate where many cavalrymen had gathered.
With over ten standard-bearers, it was clear that at least ten other lords were present.
‘Strict control. Likely due to recent events.’
As they approached the gate, familiar faces appeared.
“Ah, you’re here! Viscount Austin.”
“It’s been a while.”
Various lords greeted Viscount Austin with bowed heads. Raising his hand to acknowledge their greetings, he exchanged pleasantries until the gate opened.
“You’ve come, Uncle.”
Raul rode out personally to meet him. Given that Viscount Austin was the most influential figure outside the House of Ashton, Raul showed utmost respect.
“It’s been a while. I’ve heard the rumors, but you’ve grown so much I hardly recognize you.”
Despite his warm demeanor, Viscount Austin felt uneasy. He recalled his youngest son, Dion, being beaten up by Raul at the coming-of-age ceremony. But the gap between the two had grown too vast to compare.
‘Life is unpredictable. Just two years…’
Dion had given up on enrolling in the academy, isolating himself in their territory to focus on swordsmanship, vowing to one day get revenge on Raul. As a father, he was pleased to see his son dedicated to serious sword training instead of frivolous pursuits, but his son’s revanche seemed an unlikely dream.
‘Even if only half the rumors are true, the House of Ashton is poised for great success, provided we navigate this crisis well.’
“Come inside. There’s much I wish to ask you.”
“Yes, follow me this way.”
Guided by Raul, Viscount Austin and the other lords proceeded to the temporary conference room within the first outer wall.
***
“Report. Currently, about a third of the lords have entered Conford Castle, including Viscount Austin.”
Meanwhile, in the camp of Viscount Jaden de Ashton at Gariet Castle. As expected, rumors of the count’s death had prompted some lords and nobles to gather, making the meeting room much more crowded than before.
“It was anticipated that Austin would head there. But given his nature, he won’t necessarily side with Dylan. He’s always been quick to weigh benefits. If he sees our strength, he might withdraw.”
Independent lords, like Austin, would likely be cautious. To many, the identity of the Count’s leader was insignificant, so long as their interests were preserved.
Thud.
The board in the center of the meeting room displayed the names and allegiances of the lords and key nobles.
The balance of power was about 3 to 1, favoring Dylan. Excluding neutral lords like Austin, the gap narrowed to 2 to 1.
“Impressive. Despite being away for so long, you still command this much support! You are indeed the future of House Ashton!”
Baron Tate, an aide, applauded, prompting the gathered nobles to join in and chant Viscount Jaden’s name. Feeling confident about their chances, they believed victory was within reach.
“Well done, everyone. Tomorrow, an envoy from the capital will arrive. They’ll bring a statement from the Royal Court supporting me, Jaden. At that point, we will march to Conford Castle with legitimacy!”
“Hurrah!”
Though it might set a bad precedent for the Royal Court to interfere in a noble family’s succession, Jaden didn’t care. With House Ashton under his control, he planned to quietly manage any fallout from the declining Royal Court.
Drunk on dreams of victory, the traitors raised their glasses in celebration.
*
“Haha. I’m glad to see you well, brother.”
Viscount Austin showed no surprise at seeing Count Melvin in the conference room, warmly embracing him. Other lords and Austin’s son, Trevor, couldn’t hide their shock.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you so flustered, haha.”
But Melvin, being his brother, quickly sensed Austin’s underlying anxiety.
“You can’t fool me. So, what’s the story?”
Visibly, Melvin still appeared frail. He had lost muscle mass and looked pale. Most importantly, his aura of mana was absent. Usually, his mere presence would dominate the room, but now that was gone.
In truth, Melvin had reached the Master’s realm, condensing his muscles and repressing his mana for control, but Austin couldn’t discern that.
‘He’s not in normal condition. Inviting everyone here means….’
Dylan had formally invited the lords, citing the need to discuss succession and stabilize the territory amid Count Melvin’s illness. The lords assumed the count had already passed or was critically ill.
As Melvin took his seat, Dylan stepped forward.
“Thank you all for accepting our invitation despite your busy schedules. We’ve convened this meeting to…”
Dylan briefed them on recent events, reassuring them of the count’s condition.
“This meeting is to ensure no further disruptions within the House of Ashton.”
“Indeed. It’s a relief. Things will return to normal.”
The count’s return signaled stability, but the situation was more complicated.
Viscount Austin asked, “What will you do about Jaden? If left unchecked, he might cause trouble again.”
“Raul will explain that part.”
At Count Melvin’s words, Raul took the podium.
“First, let me introduce you to our allies: Carissa, a 6th-circle mage from the Magic Association, Archbishop Osvaldo from the Zenon Church, and Master Alchemist Nakia.”
After brief introductions, Raul proceeded with the main topic.
“This recent collapse of the Count was no accident. It was an assassination attempt!”
“What?!”
“What do you mean?”
“Is this true?”
Dozens of assembled lords and prominent nobles leapt to their feet, shouting in disbelief. An attempted assassination—especially against the head of the House Ashton—was not something to be taken lightly.
In the knightly Ruben Kingdom, such underhanded tactics were utterly intolerable. If found guilty, the punishment for assassination ranged from the stripping of titles to execution.
Though such deeds often went on discreetly among noble houses and lords, being caught would change everything. But once publicly exposed, the consequences were drastic.
“Do you have evidence? This is a critical matter.”
Viscount Austin inquired.
Raul responded confidently, “Indeed. We have not only evidence but also witnesses, accomplices, and even the mastermind. Bring them in!”
At Raul’s signal, a few individuals with bowed heads and hands bound were brought into the meeting room by soldiers. Among them were kitchen staff, servants from the mansion, and even some nobles caught during the recent crisis.
“We will now reveal the full details of the incident.”
As Raul began his explanation, the hall plunged into a state of shock and outrage.
*
In a field camp near Gariet Castle, occupied by Viscount Jaden’s forces. The camp was established near where Jaden and his entourage had made their base.
Buzz.
A magical circle on the ground glowed brightly, and several figures emerged from its light.
“You have arrived.”
Awaiting them, Kane greeted Raul with a bow. The sun had set, and twilight blanketed the surroundings. In the camp, soldiers were having their evening meal.
“What’s the status of the castle?”
“So far, no significant changes. According to our intelligence, they plan to remain in the castle until the envoy from the capital arrives tomorrow.”
“Ha. They must be elated.”
“I hear the music from the banquet hall hasn’t stopped.”
“That’s good. Let them enjoy their final feast.”
Raul had teleported here immediately after the meeting. While Jaden’s camp dropped their guard, assuming nothing major would happen within a single day, house Ashton had secured the justification to strike.
“Soon, orders will come from the main castle. Not only here but all stationed troops will begin a nighttime march to surround the castle. Make sure our agents are well-positioned to prevent any escape.”
“Leave it to me. We have already blocked all major escape routes with our cavalry.”
“Good job.”
“But…”
“Yes? Something on your mind?”
Raul was about to leave the tent, but Kane’s hesitant expression stopped him.
“Are you really planning to go alone? If you’re doubtful, let me accompany you.”
Raul chuckled and patted Kane on the shoulder.
“You know my skills well, right? It’s not that I don’t trust you—it’s just easier to move alone. Besides, if things go south, I need you to secure the retreat.”
“Phew, still, if Sir Philip finds out you went alone, he’ll raise hell.”
“Ah, you realize Philip must never know, right? If the knights break through the gate, it could cause a lot of trouble.”
Though currently away temporarily commanding the troops, Raul knew it would be problematic if Philip discovered this.
“Understood, Master.”
As Raul disappeared into the night, Kane’s expression grew serious. The camp buzzed with men preparing for the upcoming engagement, unaware that the final showdown was about to begin.
“If you’re concerned, just return as quickly as possible. Contact us immediately if there’s any trouble.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not as dangerous as you think.”
Later that night, while everyone was asleep.
A dark shadow silently soared above Gariet Castle.
(To be continued)