Prewell with closed eyes fell into a deep thought.
'As a neighbor and trading partner, Zalbaag is too important. Any possible action that could ruin the relationship of both houses is not a viable solution.
There are many reasons why Zalsac shouldn't involve itself in Zalbaag's succession war.
First, involving Zalsac in the succession war will affect the two baronies relationship.
Once, Zalsac touched Zalbaag's interest, the future leaders of Zalbaag will have to take into consideration whether Zalsac have another intention meddling with its affairs.
There's a high risk that is will destroy the current agreements of both houses, something which Zalsac currently heavily relies on.
Secondly, Zalsac is too preoccupied at the moment. The planned goblin incursion is still on progress, Lancel and Lucius have not returned yet.
A bronze knight and an earth mage, both are pillars of the army, without them I'm not confident in commanding an army of thousand men alone.
Zalzac's available military power is required here at home, not at a foreign territory.
Third, the issue regarding the suspected rebellion of the nobilities in the region is a topic Zalsac must not be implicated in.
Goblin incursion is fine, the church in Waldr were able to see the casualties that I have received from the last goblin ambush.
It's understandable that I will launch a follow-up operation to clean up the dangerous factors in my land.
Leading an expedition towards Zalbaag, on the other hand, may raise some eyebrows. Zalsac may be implicated if it overstepped its authority.
Fourth and the most important reason, Zalsac does not want to see a strong Zalbaag.
Zalbaag is rich in iron and coal, but due to their lack of fertile land, they mostly sell their ores for food and daily necessities.
Once a strong figure sat on power. Zalbaag issues may be dealt with.
Zalbaag may begin its rise and affect Zalsac, not just through economics but also militarily.
With what I've observed of Delita. His personality tends to be of someone who refuses on a compromise. I doubt he will deliver his previous promises when the time comes.
Although not enough concrete proof, but I'd rather not support him in his claim..'
Finally opening his eyes and looking at Delita, Prewell spoke.
"Iron, Coal, and some Coins for my house's involvement in your family feud. It's not worth it. I'll entertain no such motion from you or your brothers.
Zalsac is busy dealing with goblins who have recently began appearing in our land. I have no plan of sending troops away while my land is in turmoil. If this is the only matter you're here for you can go.
Zalsac will take no part in you house's conflict"
Prewell making up his mind, he declared in a steely and cold voice. His firm attitude and indifferent face shows the seriousness in his decision.
His decision is final, there's nothing that Delita can offer that can change his mind.
Delita's face turned ugly at Prewell's blatant rejection. He planned to argue and try to persuade Prewell one more time, but he stopped himself.
Prewell's rejection itself is not a bad thing.
At least he knows that the barony of Zalsac is occupied with something and is unable to show any support to any of them.
With the number of men at his command and with Alex, the bronze knight, at his side. The balance of victory still favors him.
Still, despite this, Prewell's attitude vexed him. Letting out a humph, and turning around. He heads towards the door.
The decorum gone, blatant disrespect to Prewell was shown. He left without saying a word to the master of the house.
Ecish which brought him here turned ugly. A silvery film surrounds him. Anger at the disrespect for his Lord. He couldn't wait to smash Delita's head to the ground.
Prewell seeing Ecish action shook his head. "Let him go. I doubt that Orlando knew nothing of his son's action. Him dying here may result in his wrath.
Though we're not afraid of him. Our people are still under the constant threat of goblins. Making an enemy of a dying man is not worth it."
Ecish, took a heavy breath and exhaled. Hot mist were form under his breath as he calm himself.
Ecish the old butler of Ih Leviathan was once the right-hand man of Arguile Ih Leviathan, Prewell's father.
A silver knight who served loyally and dutifully even after his master's death.
He is called by many as Ecish, the Ogre slayer, The right-hand man of the Old Leviathan, and the wielder of Leviathan Hammer.
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Delita, stormed out of the castle. Asking a random servant where his men are. He heads towards the locafion given.
Meeting with his entourage, he ordered them to quickly make preparations to leave. His men upset at their young master's sudden orders can't do anything but follow his command.
They have just arrive at Saint Gerald Castle, not even an hour after their Lord left for an audience with the Baron of Zalsac. Now he returned and told them to pack up.
They took a week's worth of trip, with no rest and warm food, to reach Zalsac. Now they'll go on another trip, but this time to go home.
Although they're heading home, the men are not happy. They knew of the situation in the barony.
The three sons of Lord Orlando are preparing for a confrontation while the Old Baron is incapacitated in his room.
Some of them will die. They knew it, that's why they're not happy.
In addition to the fact that they'll face the forces of the first and the second son of their liege lord, they'll also go without any reinforcements from Zalsac.
They knew it, they saw their lord storming towards them. The deal failed, they will fight alone with no help from the rear.
Because Delita is the third son, although he controls a vast amount of his father's men. He has no way of procuring weaponry, medicine, and fodders.
The eldest son although a legitimatized bastard is still the heir apparent. He can control a small portion of the treasury.
The second son, although he seems like he has given up, decided to be a homebody. He has connections with the dandies in Zalbaag, those dandies are backed by powerful and wealthy families in the area. They can provide resources to assist the second son.
Either a quick victory or a quick death. That's what is waiting for Delita in the eyes of his men.
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The Great Forest of Pluma
*Shiiiiing* A swift slash chopped a goblin into two.
*Puchi* A sudden thrust of sword stabbing a goblins chest.
*Bang* Grabbing a goblin's head and smashing it to the ground
"107, 108, 109… so many goblins." A golden haired knight appeared in our sight, it's Ser Lancel Od 'The Knight' of Zalsac.
It has been somedays since he left Lucius and his companions.
Since then, he had been dealing with goblins left and right. From individual to grouped goblins, he cleared them all.
With a serious expression on his face, Lancel is now worried about Zalsac. Although the fortifications of each settlement are enough to hold on until reinforcements arrive, the number of goblins he had encountered more than quadrupled the amount when they were still looking for the Ancient City.
This doesn't bode well for Lancel. His plan backfired, he shouldn't have separated with his companions.
Now he's not sure how Lucius and the rest are doing. What's more, the goblins are heading towards the west. That's the location of Zalsac and Zalbaag, the northwest part of the Order.
He is given the choice of either rushing home to Zalsac or returning to his companions.
Rushing to Zalsac to learn of the situation there may put Lucius and rest in grave danger.
Without him clearing the way, Lucius and the rest may be slowed down until they are unable to advance any longer. At that point, it's just a matter of time before they'll be overrun.
On the other hand, returning to Lucius and the rest, will slow down his journey back home. The massive migration of the goblins may place Zalsac in danger.
Although Prewell is safe at the confines of Saint Gerald Castle, but with his Lords attitude towards his people's well-being.
He will definitely lead an expedition to rescue the settlements. By then his Lord will be in danger while he is stuck in this forest.
Biting the nails in his thumb as he slashed his sword at an incoming goblin.
More and more goblins started appearing. As the battle gets louder and louder, more were getting attracted to the commotion.
Seeing this Lancel starts to become irritated. Finally fed up with the goblins interrupting his thoughts.
He started breathing hard then exhaling, as a thin bronze film filled with silver spots started appearing around him.
A loud bang was heard as Lancel vanished from his location. Then across from where he was standing a while ago he appeared.
*Thud*
Goblins fell as their heads were separated from their bodies. Without knowing even realizing it, their life ended.
A fast and merciless execution, what Lancel displayed is the power of a knight. A bronze knight about to reach the next level.
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Knights the term used for beings who began to enter the path of a warrior.
Lower Tier Knights
Knight Squire, the threshold needed to be reached before entering the Knight's path.
Bronze Knight, the weakest of among the knights. Twice reaction speed, Faster, and slightly stronger than adult man.
Silver Knight, a level above bronze, same bonus abilities but someone capable of tapping their inner strength, then making it appear visible. Once the inner strength is activated, capable of twice the feat of a Bronze Knight.
Gold Knight, a master amongst warriors. Slightly higher abilities than a silver knight. Inner strength can be condensed from a gaseous state to a solid state. Capable of wielding energy as an offensive tool.
Platinum Knight, a master amongst masters. Twice as fast and strong compared to a silver knight. Mastered the energy arts. Capable of wielding energy both in offense and defense.