Chapter 103

Episode 103

The room buzzed with commotion once again. Even Duke Kalisto, who had ruled the family for decades, hesitated to make a decision.

“This is absurd! The ownership of the treasure rightfully belongs to House Walker, legally and morally. Are you out of your mind to declare war?”

“Withdraw your declaration of war immediately!”

Condemnations arose from various corners of the room.

The lords who were politically neutral, or rather, those with less at stake, raised their voices. They criticized Roman’s decision as an emotional one, lacking any practical benefit.

On the other hand, those who remained silent were the ones who were good at calculating their gains and losses.

War was like that.

The lords near the war zone would have a golden opportunity to profit by selling supplies.

“I understand Baron Roman’s frustration to some extent. This is a matter that should be considered from a moral standpoint, not just a legal one.”

“Perhaps it would be best to offer him a share…”

Opinions began to diverge. Scribe Maxim, unable to bear it any longer, intervened.

“You’re making outrageous claims. Baron Roman, let me ask you this. Are you aware that Lady Lucia is currently residing at House Walker?”

” …!”

His expression betrayed his realization. My groundwork hadn’t been in vain. Absolute rage often blinded people to the obvious.

Scribe Maxim’s gaze turned cold.

“And yet, you declare war without even giving Lady Lucia time to relocate… Interesting. This could be considered treason, depending on the circumstances. Do you understand?”

“I was too hasty, Your Grace. I’ll wait patiently until the Lady returns.”

That wouldn’t do.

I decided to escalate the situation.

“Your Grace, I, O’Brien Walker, swear to protect the Lady’s safety with my life and the honor of my family.”

“Are you planning to use my daughter as a shield?”

“No, Your Grace. The enemy won’t even come close to the castle. You know the reason why.”

The Duke chuckled and nodded. The vassals were confused. What was this “reason” he was talking about?

Meanwhile, Baron Roman’s pride was wounded once again. Of course, it was intentional.

After a moment of contemplation, the Duke spoke with a stern voice.

“As the head of House Kalisto, I hereby declare: I approve the immediate declaration of war by House Gerard against House Walker. Both families shall fight honorably to protect their rights.”

“But Your Grace, shouldn’t we give Lady Lucia time to relocate…?”

“It’s alright. I trust Sir O’Brien’s promise. And I also trust your loyalty, Roman. This concludes today’s meeting. Hylix, Romero, stay behind.”

The vassal meeting ended. As Deneve and I were leisurely exiting the room, Scribe Maxim stopped us.

“I tried to buy time for House Walker, but it was all for naught. Can you tell me what you’re thinking?”

“Don’t worry too much, Scribe Maxim. This war will end quickly.”

“What are you hiding?”

The fact that the Duke’s closest aide was unaware of my true identity meant that the Duke hadn’t told him. So, there was no reason for me to reveal it.

“I’m not hiding anything. I’m simply saying this because I know House Gerard’s weaknesses better than anyone else.”

“I advise you to keep the Inspection Unit out of this war. The Inspection Unit must remain strictly neutral.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Scribe Maxim was a wise man. He still hadn’t let go of his suspicions about me.

Deneve and I walked down the hallway and exited the castle.

“You’re about to experience a major war, even though you’ve only been a knight for a short time. This is your last chance to run.”

“What are you talking about? I’m always ready to fight.”

“You think war is child’s play? It’s different from fighting monsters. It’s more cruel and brutal. I’ve been thinking about human nature lately. The ability to think can be a curse.”

I chatted with Deneve as we walked towards the stables. Baron Fontaine of House Regulus called out to me.

I greeted him politely, giving Deneve face.

“I’ve heard much about your reputation, Baron Fontaine. It’s an honor to meet you. I couldn’t greet you properly earlier due to the circumstances.”

“Oh, what reputation? I’m just grateful that you’ve given my son a job.”

“He’s not lacking at all. What are you talking about?”

He reminded me of a parent visiting their child’s teacher. I patted Deneve’s shoulder and continued.

“Your son has the talent to be recruited anywhere. He’s already trustworthy enough to escort me, even though he was just knighted a few days ago. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

“You flatter me. But in my eyes, he still has many shortcomings. Please discipline him properly.”

“Don’t worry too much. I apologize for causing you concern.”

A territorial war had broken out. Even knights couldn’t guarantee their survival in a real battle.

“I’ll have no regrets if my son dies an honorable death as a knight. Please use him well.”

“I have no intention of sending my knights to their deaths. I’ll guarantee your son’s safety.”

Baron Fontaine might have thought I was just being polite, but I had a plan. A way to end this war without suffering heavy casualties.

“Instead of standing here, why don’t we have some tea together? I’ll invite you to my mansion.”

I also had a mansion in the capital. Even though all the competent staff had been transferred to the territory, it was still better than most tea houses.

“No, thank you. I know you have a lot to prepare. We’ll send you some supplies from our family.”

“Thank you for your generosity. But I’ll decline your offer. I don’t want this war to escalate. It should remain a conflict between our two families.”

If the vassals started taking sides, it would be no different from a civil war within Kalisto. I didn’t know who would side with Baron Roman, but I had no intention of seeking help.

If it were a dangerous situation, I might have considered it, but since I had a way to win, I had to consider the aftermath as well.

I didn’t want this kind old man to suffer any harm.

“Then, please take care. I’ll invite you to my family after the war is over. We’ll talk again then.”

“May the grace of God be with you…”

Before mounting my horse, I summoned “Thunder.” I wrote a note informing Selendis and Jericho about the declaration of war and sent it flying into the sky.

The messenger hawk would deliver the news to them before we arrived.

“Sir Deneve, we need to reach the territory by tomorrow. Keep up.”

“Yes, my lord!”

We galloped towards the Walker castle without rest.

***

Silence filled the meeting room after the vassals had left. Duke Kalisto sat on his throne, deep in thought.

His gaze was fixed on the gold nugget O’Brien had left behind.

Grand Duke Hylix and Sir Romero stood beside him.

“Father, I would like to know why you asked us to stay behind. Do you have any orders for us?”

The Duke had ordered his two sons to stay behind as he concluded the vassal meeting. It had never happened before, so they were nervous.

The Duke finally looked away from the gold nugget and asked Hylix, “What do you see in that gold nugget?”

It was an unexpected question. He had expected a question about the territorial war.

“I believe it’s the fruit of your wise rule, Father.”

He was pleased with himself. He thought he had given a good answer.

But Duke Kalisto just chuckled.

“You still lack insight.”

“…Excuse me?”

“I said you lack insight.”

Hylix felt his face flush. His younger brother was standing right next to him.

“Please enlighten me, Father.”

“Romero, what do you see in that gold nugget?”

“I apologize, but I honestly don’t know.”

Romero thought he had earned more points by being honest. But he was wrong.

Duke Kalisto was disappointed.

His two sons, who had grown up with every luxury imaginable, seemed inferior to a commoner-turned-noble.

He couldn’t help but worry about the future of House Kalisto.

“Do you know when the last territorial war occurred within our family?”

“Yes, Father. It was twelve years ago, when House Celaeno and House Peacock clashed.”

“Why did they fight?”

“If I remember correctly… it was because the eldest son of House Peacock died in an accident in the Celaeno territory.”

Duke Kalisto nodded. Hylix sighed in relief.

“That’s what war is. It rarely occurs without a clear justification. But what about this situation? That gold nugget brought by Sir O’Brien has easily triggered a territorial war. Even before we could confirm whether it was truly a treasure. Do you understand what this means?”

The two brothers seemed to grasp the implication, but they couldn’t articulate it.

“It means Sir O’Brien has been preparing for this war for a long time. That gold nugget… is just a catalyst. The war was inevitable, regardless of what he brought.”

The two brothers finally realized that they still lacked the insight to inherit the family.

Duke Kalisto continued.

“One last question. Who do you think will win this war? Hylix, you answer first.”

The eldest son was given the first opportunity. Hylix answered immediately.

“I believe Baron Roman will win. House Walker has just established its knight order. House Gerard, on the other hand, has been operating its knight order for a long time and has recently strengthened its forces.”

“Romero, what about you?”

“I disagree. I believe Sir O’Brien will win. He’s a skilled warrior who defeated Prince Arthur. As you said, Father, if he’s been preparing for this for a long time, he must have a solid plan.”

Hylix scoffed inwardly. His brother had no idea how much he had invested in Baron Roman.

“I see. Let’s see how this war ends. I’ll say it again: this is a conflict between two families. Do not interfere.”

“We understand, Father.”

Duke Kalisto left the meeting room first. The two brothers were left alone.

“Did you say House Walker would win because you had no other choice? Or was it your true opinion?”

“It’s my true opinion. I have a high opinion of Sir O’Brien. And Baron Roman acted too hastily. He’ll lose the support of the people.”

“We’ll see who loses the support of the people.”

When had it started?

He suddenly realized that things had started to go wrong. It probably started after the “Inspection Unit” was established.

Hylix walked down the empty hallway, muttering to himself.

‘Lucia, are you truly planning to inherit Kalisto? If so, I won’t go easy on you anymore.’

He had to eliminate an obstacle.

O’Brien von Walker.

An opportunity to eliminate him legally had presented itself. Hylix returned to his room and picked up his pen, writing a secret letter to Baron Roman.

‘Kill him by any means necessary!’