Chapter 105
wuAIt wasn’t something strange. While Lucian had been the third son of House Valdeck, if he were expelled from the family, he would lose his entire support base in one blow. For Jordi, it was enough to provoke the rebellion and block his return.yQDdutz
l2XBut the story changed if Lucian was the lord of Asagrim and Duke of Grimaldi. Even if he were expelled from the family, he would still rule as a legitimate feudal lord—and would also have plenty to gain.KD0Yr
1bbOyeR‘I had already anticipated all of this. It’s not surprising. There’s only one odd thing—the timing of when he found out.’FQLBO
rcIv8xtBy the time Jordi let Hans go without resistance, Lucian had already received Asagrim.kVPdOm
2fCsoNaturally, Hans sighed in relief after safely leaving the family’s territory.Rr1tAIY
sakHowever, just as he was about to reach Asagrim, they sent people to capture him again.IjF
yPI5X‘If Jordi had learned of it the moment the imperial edict was issued, he wouldn’t have let him go at all. And if he had learned of it after I assumed the title, Hans would’ve already escaped to a point beyond reach.’Kc7
SS7MBut Jordi received the information at an in-between time that didn’t match either case.cA63
qTVjGIt was certainly quick, but too imprecise to be called real-time. Meanwhile, the rebellion had erupted the very instant Grand Duke Sigmund died.i2N
SCK41‘It’s all out of sync. Why did it take so long for him to learn I was granted Asagrim, but he knew of his father’s death immediately?’M18s7rh
92uxqt“Is something troubling you, Your Highness?”qaoj
YXQAEisen’s voice pulled Lucian out of his thoughts. Unable to find the answer on his own, he decided to take the opportunity to ask for the others’ opinions.FAreD7a
gcdC7k“The truth is, Jordi’s behavior seems too strange to me.”L2Tfl3m
Y0gFpmo“Strange in what way?”dCU
5sOvaQ“If we go over the timing of when Jordi started moving, the dates on which he received information don’t line up.”Fya
DRDOLucian calmly explained his conclusions an oddly fast but not instant information network; the case of Hans, who was first let go and then recaptured; and the rebellion that began right after the Grand Duke’s death.QKoe
THmGThe moments he acted were so different that it was difficult to draw any clear conclusion.1WWlWF
fnGdp“Don’t you think it’s odd? I understand why he acted, but I can’t figure out where he got the information at such different times.”I17o8G
7Y2w“Hmm… I think I have an idea.”yVKm
zzrNjqV“Huh? Really?”tKpn
acdDjLucian and the other retainers looked at Eisen in surprise. Under their gazes, Eisen gave a faint, bitter smile.EER
ybvUjSq“On the battlefield, this sort of thing happens all the time. Sometimes you learn of something late that happened a while ago, and other times you find out about an event the moment it happens. Usually, the reason comes down to the informant’s capability.”EFzYHAB
cdt“You mean the sources of information were different in each case?”oERJCE
tADG“More like the informant’s position. The death of Grand Duke Sigmund was something anyone could have known the moment it happened. But Your Highness being named lord of Asagrim was practically a unilateral decision by the emperor.”Mp4n
uthI2VEisen’s words made Lucian stiffen.8K5ZW
gRVTZAs long as he didn’t interfere directly in the internal affairs of other lords, the emperor could exercise absolute power.Mr14xa
mtKeDeciding who to grant a vacant imperial territory to was something he could do at his own discretion.Lj4b6
7DYtrgNaturally, aside from a handful of people, the news would be shared only after the fact—so it spread slowly.2wg
OFJmU“Not someone close enough to be privy to the emperor’s most confidential matters, but someone just a step below. After all, the appointment wasn’t announced officially after returning to the imperial palace—it was communicated while still on the battlefield.”mN11
JPHe“Do you have anyone in mind who would be in such a position?”Ren3l
cLhDdK“There are several people who fit, but fortunately, I think we can narrow it down. Before he left, the second young master left behind some clues.”K36
BfHs“Clues?”lEiHxwu
B2ViJordi had left clues? As everyone blinked in confusion, Eisen let out a long sigh.Chbl
nr0QuThen he lowered his gaze slightly, and with a grave voice, began recounting what had happened when he left the family.JeNAbf
T1CZ***TsO
Cj5HAEisen had no permanent duties within House Valdeck. His age was already advanced, and his accomplishments in his youth far surpassed the merits of hundreds of ordinary men.J8M4
tpfyVAs an elder of the family, he was treated with respect and only moved when the head of the house issued a direct order.fab5
gI7X7oEven so, he was still a knight and couldn’t afford to live idly. That’s why he would usually remain in the garden behind the training grounds, treating it as his place of service.n2LHO8
2an8JAfter adopting Felicia as his daughter, he had completely immersed himself in the joy of raising a successor, but even she had ended up following Lucian. Until returning from the north after finishing his duties, he planned to pass the time with the same calm as always.u4kWd
1HROHowever, that day, the atmosphere within the estate was so tense that he couldn’t even enjoy the taste of tea.uORDXw
yrCWWjl“…This isn’t good.”grK6
MFv7kt7Eisen frowned as he looked out past the training grounds. Unlike usual, a rippling killing intent filled the air around him.68rVlMg
XjoG3kAs he feared, he had barely set down his teacup when the shouting began.0JBR
wJid“Fall back! We’re only here to eliminate the rebels hiding out here!”RXK
rEFu9“Rebels?! You’re the ones who started the rebellion!”bTLSD
3rr1“How can it be a rebellion when the second young master is exercising his legitimate right?!”GZuaIDj
XvvqSo the second son had made his move?35WKqAi
6WXDIt wasn’t entirely unexpected, so Eisen wasn’t surprised. Joshua didn’t have the courage to stir something like this, and the other two young masters were outside the territory.Iff
ElsKjoThe only one capable of starting a rebellion was Jordi.8DnAn
kbIAmid the growing uproar, Eisen closed his eyes.q4Qm
5RfCnLe‘What am I supposed to do?’Pn7wBTG
AXyC83If the chaos had reached this far, then the critical matters had likely already been decided. Even if Eisen intervened now, there would be nothing he could change. Without a doubt, the fourth young master and the other consorts had already been secured.FL6
Z7QfAnd it wasn’t even clear who was enemy and who was ally anymore.xYEo7
HTs5zTW‘…How absurd. Enemies and allies. Until yesterday, they all served Valdeck together.’Dr9evky
a6b“Forgive the intrusion, Lord Eisen.”zYq
crdtVAt that moment, a polite voice came from behind the training grounds. While he had been lost in thought, the noise had seemingly subsided.U7izZii
rpMkZEoSoon after, the door between the garden and the back of the training field opened, and a group entered in line.q2K
To7Eisen looked at the man leading them and muttered.fbquX
salmTlk“Lord Hendrick.”5yT
KqOOv“It’s been a while. I would have preferred not to trouble the Swordmaster, but the rebels have reached this area…”8qw
2SW43w“That’s enough. I already have a sense of what’s going on. Get to the point and spare me the needless words.”Z2D35y
96V6aXvEisen’s cold voice made Hendrick flinch. Before he could freeze entirely under that chilling gaze, he gritted his teeth and shouted.DWydhZW
9phmm4“Please remain here just for a few days! We’ll provide everything you need!”EhnL
hnD5“Ha… You think staying still would make me an accomplice? The second young master is as cunning as ever.”y0OIql
YgH“Watch your words. Even for you, Lord Eisen, continuing to disrespect the next duke—”TjLGxst
Qq59h“The next duke?”kwm
6m6A murderous aura exploded from Eisen’s body, silencing Hendrick instantly. One step further, and it felt as if a sword would split his skull in two.lyk
ir1Pc“The one who names the heir is the duke, not you, brat. If you don’t watch your tongue, I’ll hang your head from the wall.”Gr1KEx0
cDLzSUnder the Swordmaster’s threat, everyone present—including Hendrick—began to sweat coldly.1vAsT
aDuWWJust as several knights began to shrink back under the pressure of a single man—XVEVPXh
Hud“My father is dead, Lord Eisen.”Ql3
Oyo5Jordi spoke as he stepped forward from behind the knights.sMExFq
ZEHPt4Eisen blinked, stunned by the unexpected words.diL
W7A7“That’s unlike you, second young master.”zpZX3
X6Y“What do you mean?”T6oOsk
2wTUu1“Why tell a lie that will be exposed soon enough?”5K0
wPmw“You think I’m lying?”WNKf6mW
wHO“Of course. This wasn’t a full-scale war—it was a rebellion suppression. How could someone like him die in such a situation? He didn’t fear leading the front lines, but he knew better than anyone when to advance and when to retreat.”onfdl
cfTrp“There are always variables. Yesterday, he fell victim to the tricks of those cowards and lost his life. What wouldn’t people like that do—those who broke the Grand Pact?”aHE
gpj“…Yesterday?”I9eoOc
lxeEisen’s brow twitched. The frontlines were far from here; saying “yesterday” didn’t add up.2Xt
9iVySrw“You don’t believe me even now? In an era where the Empire moves instantly using magical artifacts and cavalry charges crush armies, does it sound strange that a long-distance communication artifact might exist?”vBGnvz
Fr2Ui“Are you implying you got one of those artifacts?”DJ8R44Z
bvRsKbS“Let’s just say I made a good friend.”F4l
K1ISCF“I don’t know what that friend of yours told you to lead you here.”3nq
y07gsrC“He told me something very important. That my father died without leaving a will—and that the emperor plans to forge one to name Tristan as the next head of the family.”PSF
sEgmymEisen looked at Jordi in silence, unable to tell whether he was sincere or completely delusional. Sensing the gaze, Jordi sneered.ns7LDYh
lOamG“Lord Eisen, do you think I’d do something like this if I thought my father would return? One outburst from him and it would all be over.”2Qx
Tbe“…”8hX
Cdov“At this point, it seems I’m not the one avoiding reality—it’s you. My father died on the battlefield, without naming an heir.”CCGRy
n7lgE9HThe last words were nearly a shout. Jordi’s face had lost all composure—it was clear he was telling the truth.r7xi6g
n5pZbFaced with the shocking news of the duke’s death, Eisen’s brows trembled.ev4NQO1
QEJ“Second young master.”gjfT
XU5SUw“Enough. You must be confused. Rest for a while and clear your mind.”9NSB
djTgM“Out of my way. I’m leaving.”0Dx6
Q5itLc“Where do you think you’re going? The family you swore loyalty to is right here!”JiTg
qMOvm“And the one I serve is not you. In life, the duke had either the first or third young master in mind.”Zc8hrzb
5tasS“…!”LZqsGX
JbiVV0Jordi’s face twisted like a demon in rage. Even if he already knew that truth, hearing it from the Swordmaster—and in front of so many witnesses—was something else entirely.EZaD5Dw
NEB“Lord Eisen!”vGb
cms2“Step aside.”cEs3O
A5QWhooosh—HYOLx
Yk9ijUEisen stepped forward, making it clear he had no intention of listening further.FDZ
hfuxEETAt the same time, a blue aura manifested and spread in all directions—a silent warning that he would use force if they continued to block his way.gL5u
2oplOSeeing Eisen unfazed, Jordi clenched his teeth.H5p
1Nie“If that’s how it is, I have no choice.”lhxg
EnkSX1“You intend to stop me? Or kill me?”bPuU6l
hmpXTeT“Neither.”GAKbT
tO7rD2Splat—ay0
Zik“!?”rH4GXe
Pb3r56As Jordi spoke, a black tentacle shot out from the shadow of the flowers. Sharp like a blade, it pierced Eisen’s thigh in a single strike. Seeing the blood gush, Jordi spoke bitterly.twuNwL
MaUe“I’m only helping with treatment. With that leg, you won’t be able to move—”tm3sq
7O0c“Hngh!”NmN1
roiIFBoom—OFoz
RtM9sQBefore he could finish his sentence, Eisen slammed his leg into the ground. The tentacle was driven into the earth, caught in the muscle.xv7B2
KpNAs it tried to retract with force, Eisen used that very pull to launch himself forward.eCiNh
9l339oG“Bastard!”ESBHwSU
pRH4jBtCrash—PyymQ
y7hQKiiieee!SA0UW
l8YLAS3As he flew through the air, Eisen grabbed a wooden training sword and struck the shadow cast by a nearby column.xZ4x
3DUThe ground split, dust flew, and a horrid scream echoed. From the shadow, black blood erupted like a geyser, and soon after, a figure emerged with mangled fingers.WggkoBd
vN9GpfW“Ghhk… ghhkk…”dwl
PcF6Though far from the direct hit, the creature that came from the shadow was nearly dead. The shockwave had shattered not only its bones but also its internal organs.v6X
W0pN5ASBarely crawling, it vomited up a bowl’s worth of black blood from under its hood and fell motionless.Mci0ff
Ugc6T“…”bUSGo1
wJLdRzE“…”e4Zgw
3pjIn the face of the shocking scene, everyone stared at Eisen wide-eyed. By then, he had already torn out the black tentacle and tossed it aside without a care. Steam rose from the thigh that should have been rendered useless.rw3PSd
WBUD0PAfter flexing his leg a few times, Eisen looked at Jordi and said.VIvH
jLl“What kind of treatment did you say that was, second young master?”xEtYE
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