bookpower Chapter 293
Chapter 293
What Harald desired most was for Ash to regain her health.
Now that this wish was being realized, his focus shifted. It was time to dedicate himself to reviving his declining family.
“After the succession ceremony, you’re free to leave as quickly as you wish. I’ll make sure your journey back is as comfortable as possible.”
At Theo’s considerate words, Harald stroked his beard, his sharp eyes glinting with approval.
While the gesture itself was thoughtful, Harald admired something deeper.
“He truly has a remarkable knack for reading people.”
Even in the Beastlands, Theo had demonstrated this ability. He unconsciously read movements, expressions, and gazes, deducing answers from the subtlest of cues.
It was hard to believe this young man was the same age as Ash.
However, Harald’s role in Winterer wasn’t over yet—not just with the blood pact but with something else.
“How could I leave when brothers will shed blood? I must see it through.”
Theo’s eyes widened.@@@@
Despite only spending a day in Winterer, Harald had already grasped the situation.
“As sharp as ever, I see.”
“They say old age sharpens awareness. Haha.”
Harald laughed, then added:
“I thought I’d stay and witness that bloodshed myself. What do you think?”
As a head of his own family, Harald carried a sense of guilt and responsibility.
While the guilt weighed heavily on him, it was this very responsibility that Theo had detected.
“He feels he’s wronged his people but wants to strengthen our bond.”
Harald had confidence in his family’s elders and in himself.
Even if his family were in chaos, as long as he was alive, he believed he could rebuild it. This conviction allowed him to make such an offer to Theo.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but Northern logic is straightforward. Resolving all discord must fall solely to me.”
Though the offer was tempting, Theo didn’t dwell on it and merely smiled.
Harald laughed heartily at Theo’s response.
This young man fully understood what it meant to become the ruler of the North.
His confident dismissal showed that Theo had no intention of relying on Harald in this matter—he had planned for Harald to leave from the start.
“He’s truly remarkable. Such composure at his age...”
Harald’s mood lifted.
“Kyle raised a fine son. His final years must have been satisfying.”
A fleeting thought crossed Harald’s mind—what if Theo had been his own son?
“I’ll gladly accept your consideration.”
“Of course, we’re brothers.”
“Haha! You have a silver tongue.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
For Harald, it felt as if he had gained one more joy in his twilight years.
“Will you be taking Ash with you?”
“Of course. I’ll care for her myself on the way back. I appreciate your concern.”
Harald smiled confidently.
Though the journey might be a bit strenuous for Ash, it wasn’t an impossible task if they paced themselves.
“You’re welcome to leave her here temporarily. With Loddy still here, you could rest assured and travel freely.”
While nothing was likely to happen during the journey, there were no guarantees in life.
If Harald traveled alone, there’d be no concerns, but with Ash’s condition still fragile, she could become a liability.
“You’re always aiming for perfection, aren’t you?”
Harald recalled his first impression of Theo back in the Beastlands.
Theo always sought paths where everyone could be safe and content.
This was Harald’s assessment of him.
And now, Harald had no reason to refuse Theo’s offer.
“The Golden Lion Knights accept His Majesty’s command.”
As the Count handed him the decree, his mocking tone stung like a thorn.
“I leave it to you, Commander. Do make us proud.”
The Count’s party departed, their laughter and hoofbeats fading into the distance.
The Commander slowly rose to his feet, his movements heavy with unspoken frustration.
A shadow fell over his face, his expression clouded by an overwhelming sense of revulsion.
For all his years of service, for all the battles he’d survived, nothing had ever felt as suffocating as this.
“...My lord.”
His lieutenant approached from behind, his voice filled with concern.
The weight on the Commander’s shoulders was as palpable as the unease spreading through the knights.
“Prepare for deployment,” the Commander ordered, his tone steady despite his inner turmoil.
“Sir, this mission feels... unusual. Are you certain it’s wise?”
The Commander’s gaze drifted momentarily before a bitter smile crossed his lips. He already knew what his lieutenant was implying.
This wasn’t just any imperial order; it was orchestrated by the Court Duke.
The ulterior motives behind it were clear, but there was no room for hesitation.
“When orders are given, we must obey.”
“But, sir! Their corruption has already—”
“Enough.”
The Commander cut him off sharply.
The Court Duke’s eyes and ears were everywhere within the palace, even here. This conversation could very well cost the lieutenant his life.
“I understand your concerns. But we are the Emperor’s sword. A sword does not think; it acts. Anything else makes us traitors.”
The Commander’s fist clenched tightly, his knuckles white with tension.
No one hated the Court Duke and his cronies more than he did, but his hands were tied.
“Prepare the men. We march in two days. Make sure they’re well-fed before we leave.”
The lieutenant nodded, though his expression remained troubled.
“As you command.”
“Stay strong.”
The Commander turned and headed toward his quarters, his flowing cape casting a lonely silhouette.
* * *
Seated in his study, the Commander let out a long, weary sigh.
The view from his window was serene, the palace gardens meticulously maintained, yet the bars across the glass made him feel as if he were in a gilded cage.
“Stifling.”
Gripping his sword, he attempted to find some semblance of calm, but his thoughts were anything but settled.
Lately, his mind had been plagued with questions about his purpose and the path he’d taken.
“Ragnar...”
The thought of their opponent brought a grim realization.
The Golden Lion Knights were lauded as the strongest within the capital, but compared to Ragnar’s forces, they were insignificant.
It didn’t matter.
The Golden Lion Knights would march into hell itself if it meant protecting the Empire’s peace.
“But how much more tainted will we become with this mission?”
The Court Duke and his allies had already sullied the Empire’s honor, but the knights remained a pillar of resistance, their strength untouched.
For now.
“They’re waiting for their moment.”
The Court Duke and his faction weren’t fools. They bided their time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
“I must grow stronger.”
When the time came, when their fangs were finally bared, he needed the strength to crush them.
With renewed determination, the Commander rose from his chair, gripping his sword tightly as he left the study.
He would prepare for the mission—and for the battles yet to come.