An old and dirty banner was fluttering in front of the city gates. The city was surrounded by an exterior wall adorned with blue flags that stood about 3 meters high. Kassel, visiting Normant for the first time, expected a spectacle grander than Koholrun, but he was hardly impressed. Disappointment was a closer feeling.
The road that led through the city gates into the castle was straight. On both sides, shops and pubs were tightly packed together. Though not as bustling as Koholrun, it was more orderly.
Perhaps due to the escort of the Black Lion Knights, people came out one by one to watch along the main road. Kassel was keenly observing the citizens’ eyes and the behavior of the Knight Bading.
‘Be alert. Don’t show any signs of weakness!’
The other White Wolves seemed to relax the moment they entered Normant. They didn’t seem interested in the surroundings, chattering among themselves instead.
“Do you think that guy arrived first?”
Azwin asked without mentioning the name ‘Loyal’. Sheyden just tilted his head, and Dunmel signaled in response.
‘I need to learn sign language to communicate with Dunmel.’
Azwin crossed her arms and said,
“If he had arrived first, wouldn’t he have found us by now? We’re attracting attention from the entire city, so unless he’s asleep or trapped somewhere, he would recognize us.”
Among the town’s people who came out to see, some did not know they were the White Wolves. There were murmurs of ‘What kind of serious crime did they commit to be escorted by so many knights?’
‘It seems I’m not the only one feeling like we’re being escorted.’
Kassel kept an eye on the conversation as he looked around.
Gerald spoke,
“He might not see us because he’s asleep. Just like when he lost his sword while sleeping.”
“That would be nice.”
Azwin expressed her worry.
Around the time the carriage was passing the market, Kassel looked back and asked,
“Didn’t you say during the second test that all the prospective wolf knights were afraid of him? Then we have nothing to worry about.”
“He’s so meddlesome that he sticks his nose into everything. We’re busy with our stuff, yet he would just run off to help a merchant on his own. He’s probably causing trouble somewhere right now.”
Azwin spoke as if the trouble had already occurred.
The King of Camort’s castle was located at the northernmost part of Normant. Four tall towers stood at the corners of a square formation with a round cylindrical castle in the middle, and a deep moat surrounded the castle. It was designed to withstand a lengthy siege, even if the enemy forces penetrated the exterior walls of Normant and blocked the drawbridge.
Kassel suddenly remembered the battle for honor between Falcon’s Excelon Knights and Meorix’s Camort Royal Knights. This very bridge they were crossing now. He felt a strange thrill and his fist instinctively clenched.
‘It can’t be helped. Even now, I can’t help but recall the epic of the knights.’
Before entering the castle, Kassel spoke to Bading who was riding beside him.
“Knight Bading.”
“Yes, Captain Wolf?”
Bading was as courteous as ever.
“There’s one more of our comrades who arrived in Normant ahead of us. Do you happen to know?”
“Was there another White Wolf?”
Bading looked at Kassel with curious eyes.
‘Did I speak out of turn?’
Kassel, having already spoken, decided to continue.
“Yes. One of us got involved in an unfortunate incident and got separated. It seems he arrived here before us.”
Bading seemed to think for a moment, then laughed and replied,
“I’ve been on guard since dawn, and I’ve only seen some merchants and other guests. With the low amount of traffic in and out of Normant, it’s unlikely I would have missed him. I don’t even recall seeing a man enter alone. By any chance, was this other White Wolf a lady?”
Spotting Azwin, Bading asked cautiously.
“No, it’s a man.”
“Then, maybe he’s not here?”
“Thank you.”
The man named Bading was a struggle to deal with, for quite the opposite reasons from Falcon. Falcon had the intense habit of staring people down as though he would dig up all their weaknesses and secrets. In contrast, Bading gave the impression that he had already figured everything out.
“So, I heard there were five of the White Wolves…”
Bading tossed out a sharp question as if it were nothing.
“Were there six?”
‘Ah, I misspoke.’
Kassel briefly hesitated over how to answer. From just that pause, it felt as if Bading could read all of Kassel’s inner thoughts.
‘Just firmly say there were six!’
Before Kassel could decide on an answer and open his mouth, Sheyden interjected as if to catch him out.
“The White Wolves have never made an official announcement about our number, have we? Where did you hear there were five?”
“I simply heard it as a rumor.”
Bading continued to speak with polite manners.
“And if we find your colleague later, we will inform you immediately. Oh, and Count Godimer informed us that you were to arrive. Was this a matter agreed upon by all?”
Again, Kassel was caught off guard, but Sheyden responded as if it was all part of the routine.
“Is that something you need to report to us now, or are you just curious?”
Bading answered as if following a predetermined response.
“I was just curious. I apologize if it was an inconvenient question.”
Both of them closed their mouths at the same time.
Kassel started to lose his nerve.
‘This is tough. I can’t speak like these two.’
Kassel spotted a number of luxurious carriages in the distance, either stationary or moving. At a quick glance, he could count at least ten. No matter how wealthy the city was, there wouldn’t usually be so many of these carriages around.
“Earlier you mentioned there are other guests, Knight Bading.”
Kassel scratched at his neck as he asked.
“Is there an annual party, or are they gathering because of us?”
“It’s a regular gathering. But Count Godimer sent a letter at that exact moment. That’s why everyone gathered earlier than usual, to see the legendary knight group.”
As they crossed the bridge and entered, a small but beautiful garden unfolded before them. Water flowed on either side of the entrance, and trees extended their branches along the waterway. The garden wasn’t ostentatious, but it was neat and seemed to reflect the character of the estate’s owner.
Many knights and servants were standing in front of the central castle. They bowed their heads deeply as the carriage arrived. Among them were dignitaries. Kassel became even more nervous.
‘These are nobles of the Camort royal court. This is different from a village headman’s meeting.’
Kassel stepped down from the carriage, and the other White Wolves stood behind him. It was obvious that the captain should stand in front, but Kassel felt incredibly awkward. The image of himself a month ago as a foot soldier of the Red Rose Count’s army, having just left his life as a farmer’s son, came to his mind.
The oldest-looking dignitary stepped forward. Kassel felt like he was freezing. Then Azwin kicked him in the calf from behind.
Startled, Kassel bowed his head to the dignitary.
“Thank you for coming out to greet us. I am Kassel Wolf, Captain of the Aranthia Wolf Knights. I wish blessings upon Camort and His Majesty the King.”
“On behalf of the administrative dignitaries of Camort, we greet you. Thank you for accepting our invitation, Captain Wolf. And to the White Wolves. We wish the blessings that have been bestowed upon the Queen of Aranthia until now, continue.”
All the dignitaries bowed their heads at once. Kassel was surprised again to realize that none of them were younger than his own father.
Before coming here, Kassel had reviewed the political structure of Camort with Sheyden. In truth, the foundation of it was something he had learned from his father when he was still a child, yet he still remembered it clearly.
Traditionally in Camort, the aristocrats chosen by the recommendations of other aristocrats would serve as the King’s representatives. Ideally, it was a political system that properly balanced the power between the King and the nobles. However, it had a flaw that could cause it to become drastically weaker when the King’s power waned.
The nobles didn’t want the royal power to strengthen. So they recommended those from weaker aristocratic families to become the King’s vassals. The recommended aristocrats then raise the children or grandchildren of the recommending nobles under the pretext of serving them. As a result, the King’s vassals often had to act as the puppet of the recommending noble, not the King.
‘Camort cannot progress until this damn system changes,’ his father had ranted. Back then, Kassel didn’t understand why that was a problem. But looking back, it made no sense that his father, who spent his life farming, knew so much about the royal system of Camort.
‘How could a farmer, who spent his whole life tilling fields, know about the royal system of Camort? Even the other farmers wouldn’t know who the headman of the next village is.’
The White Wolves had to stash all their weapons, just as they had done at Count Godimer’s mansion. Only Kassel kept his weapon, as it served as a symbol that he represented the Queen of Aranthia.
“His Majesty awaits you in the audience chamber.”
Luror spoke.
“Right now?”
Kassel asked.
“Yes, His Majesty is also eagerly awaiting your audience.”
“That’s fortunate.”
Kassel had wanted to meet the King of Camort as soon as possible without any hindrances. Sheyden agreed with him.
‘If we were to meet other nobles, especially the Black Lion Count or the Red Rose Count first, problems could escalate. If we meet one before the other, the one left out could instantly become our enemy. Moreover, we don’t yet know what the King really expects from us. If one of those nobles gets ahead of us before the King has spoken, we could be manipulated unfairly. The best way to prevent such unexpected situations is to directly face the King.’
Once they had decided against an indirect approach, Kassel aimed to hear about Camort’s situation directly from the King, exchange opinions, and resolve things as quickly as possible.
‘Fortunately, everything is going as planned at the beginning. The best part is that I didn’t have to say that I wanted to meet the King first.’
The representatives led the White Wolves and Kassel to the King. Kassel organized in his mind what he needed to discuss with the King. Most importantly, he needed to forget that he was a farmer in the past.
‘If I think of myself as a farmer while dealing with a King, I’ll freeze and not be able to say a word. I’m here as a representative of Aranthia. My status doesn’t diminish in front of a King. I am Captain Wolf of the Wolf Knights, I am Captain Wolf… Captain Wolf, Captain Wolf…’
Kassel mumbled to himself as he walked down the corridor.
Soon, they arrived at the audience chamber. The door was massive, about twice the height of a person. As soon as the door opened, Kassel realized that his plan had already encountered a setback.
‘So that’s what Bading meant?’
When Kassel said he would meet his lord in the presence of his King, Bading had simply replied that of course he would, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. That’s what he had meant.
The Black Lion Count was already sitting next to the King.
☆ ☆ ☆
“Welcome, White Wolves of Aranthia.”
The King of Camort welcomed them with an innocent, childlike smile and open arms.
“I am Captain Wolf of the Wolf Knights, Kassel Wolf.”
Kassel bowed slowly and respectfully. In that moment, he managed to hide his surprise.
‘Is the King really that young?’
Surprisingly, the king was around the same age as Kassel, perhaps even younger. He appeared to be trying to grow a beard, but the growth on his chin and mustache was still uneven. It did little to disguise his youth.
‘I tried to look older by not shaving, too. I wonder if I look as awkward as him.’
The king’s blue eyes sparkled as if reflecting all the lights in the palace. The laugh lines forming around his eyes were already pronounced despite his youth. His crown, although studded with gemstones, seemed modest.
The Black Lion Count glared at Kassel with a somber expression, like a shadow cast by the candlelight. Even when the king stood up, he remained seated, as if their equal seating positions weren’t enough to represent his status.
‘He doesn’t appear disrespectful. If the other one didn’t have a crown, it wouldn’t be odd to mistake him for the king.’
Nobody had introduced him, but Kassel knew he was the Black Lion Count. The other White Wolves stared at the Black Lion Count, not the king, after returning the king’s greeting. Despite all the attention, the count did not take his eyes off Kassel.
There was another fact Kassel had been ignorant of. Bading had followed the White Wolves into the palace and naturally stood next to his leader upon entering the palace. His face still wore a gentle and soft smile.
Kassel felt defeated even before the battle began. He further tensed up his already strained nerves. This was for the best. His father always stressed that it was better to take a hit at the beginning of a fight you’re confident you’ll win, to avoid losing due to complacency.
“Here is Count Lumerier, who has always served me faithfully,” the king belatedly introduced the Black Lion Count. Only then did the count stand up. Witnessing such an absurd hierarchy, a subtle sense of revulsion welled up in Kassel.
‘This country is being ruined because of this one man.’
It was not easy to hide his anger and greet him.
“Count Lumerier, you lead the famed Black Lion Knights and the army of the Black Lion. Your reputation is well known even in Aranthia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Kassel greeted him, but Count Lumerier did not accept his greeting.
“If you came across this nation, you would have heard countless stories about me, so I don’t see the need for an introduction. Then, I would like to ask, why have you, the White Wolves of Aranthia, come to this far land? Captain Kassel?”
The count suddenly went for the jugular. If it were a war, it was like launching a surprise attack before even declaring war. The king was acting as if he was invisible. Kassel had no intention of following suit with courtesy. He had already forgotten the notion that it was a conversation between a farmer and a noble.
“I’m not sure what more I should explain about the friendly relations between Aranthia and Camort. Isn’t this a place we can visit? Yes, we are here to sightsee.”
Kassel continued in a firm tone, emphasizing that what he was saying was neither a lie nor a joke.
“But, I have to say, I didn’t hear much about you while crossing this country. All I saw on my journey to Normant were bandits robbing travelers of their lives, rummaging through their bodies for loot, and then adding new bodies to the piles of corpses in the fields, without even time to clear them. Is this the process of hearing about the count?”
Kassel regretted it as soon as he said it.
‘Damn, I didn’t just attack the count, but the king as well, didn’t I?’
The king did not show any anger or interrupt Kassel, just maintaining an awkward smile. The count, who was the actual target, responded as if he was hearing someone else’s story.
“Once I finish this war, all of those issues will be resolved. You said you came to sightsee? Then you are a guest of this country, a guest of His Majesty, and at the same time, my guest. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
The count, who seemed like he had more to say, ended his words with a cold smile.
The king barely managed a smile and sat on his throne, followed by the count who took a seat on a chair one step below. Six stewards stood on either side, and behind them, eight guards stood watch.
‘Where are the royal knights?’
As per his knowledge, it should have been members of the royal knight order, not common soldiers, occupying those positions.
“How was your journey? According to Count Godimer’s communication, it seems like you had a tough time.”
The king inquired.
“We did not face too many hardships. However, the envoy who was leading us was assassinated by unknown assailants. I apologize for failing to protect him.”
“We learned about it through Count Godimer’s letter. He too was upset as one of his most cherished knights was murdered by these assassins. In hindsight, we should have sent protective knights along with the envoy.”
“No, Your Majesty. There’s no one in this country who can kill us. You need not worry about that. It’s always been this way and will continue to be. We will handle this matter ourselves. Moreover, if Your Majesty has any concerns, we would like to help resolve them too.”
Even as Kassel spoke to the king, his mind was preoccupied with the Black Lion Count.
‘If he treats us like he treats Count Godimer, we’re in trouble. He doesn’t seem to fear the White Wolves at all.’
The king suggested,
“Count Godimer informed us through a letter that you must be tired from your long journey and possibly haven’t eaten properly. How about you take rest today and tomorrow, and we discuss further matters after that?”
Kassel instantly declined.
“We don’t need a break. We would like to share many things with Her Majesty. Her Majesty is very curious about Camort’s affairs. Although I’m aware it might sound rude, we wish to expedite matters as our journey took longer than expected.”
He wished to act before other nobles could restrict him, given that they failed to meet the king privately in the first place. Although this was the king’s castle, he could not ignore the threat of the assassins. It was more efficient to conclude matters before the assassins could act, instead of predicting their moves and counteracting them.
“But we’ve already prepared for a party. I do not wish to be remembered as a king who neglects to entertain his esteemed guests.”
The young king, realizing his voice had come out too soft, cleared his throat and spoke in a deeper tone.
“Many nobles are staying here or are on their way to meet you. Count Lumerier, in particular, has prepared a party to welcome you. Please do not refuse.”
Kassel closed his eyes for a moment.
‘We’ve been cornered. I should have thought this through.’
Sheyden was worried about this as well. They were not afraid of any fight involving swords, but they were not skilled at political battles. Hence, Kassel was entrusted with it. However, Kassel was just as inexperienced.
‘A party prepared by the Black Lion Count? He has ensured that we won’t have a chance to meet the king alone until the party ends tonight. In the meantime, he will slowly sever any route of contact between us and the king.’
Kassel opened his eyes and gave the king a smile, while he was boiling with rage internally. Not because of the count, but because of his own mistake.
‘Like rushing into a lion’s den, singing and dancing, when you should have sneaked in and set a trap. One of us should have infiltrated and made contact with the king first.’
If they were outplayed here, the White Wolves would be sent back to Aranthia after being fed nice meals and Kassel would have to return to Lurun Village without achieving anything. That was what the Black Lion Count intended.
‘If Count Godimer had come along? No, before the Black Lion Count, Count Godimer would not have been able to exert any power. Let’s back off for now and devise another plan.’
Kassel was about to give up and speak but changed his mind in an instant.
‘We can’t back down here. If we buy time to devise a plan, so will they. If anything is to be done, it has to be done now!’
Kassel spoke, hoping he sounded as natural as possible.
“So, we too should wash off the old blood and look forward to some fine wine. Is the party at the palace, or somewhere else?”
“Of course, inside the palace.”
The king responded gently.
‘Now, I’m going to lie a bit, and you’d better catch on.’
Kassel spoke slowly, regret in his voice.
“So, is our accommodation also within the palace?”
“Indeed, it is. Some nobles are staying in the annex, and you can stay there in the best room for as long as you wish.”
“Let’s do that. Oh, yes. The Queen of Aranthia has a gift she wishes to present to your majesty, the King of Camort. It is not a trifling thing to be unveiled here. If your majesty could provide a safe and quiet place, I’d like to deliver it personally.”
The king wore an innocently naive smile. It was unmistakably the face of someone expecting a ‘real gift.’
“How precious a gift must it be? As I have a personal rapport with the Queen of Aranthia, I look forward to it. After the party, there will be a brief leisure time, I’d prefer to receive it then.”
“As you wish. Then, we will await the party with joyous hearts.”
Kassel gauged the expression of Count Lumerier. The count looked disinterested, seemingly stifling a yawn.
‘Don’t let your guard down. The sharpness he showed for a moment isn’t all there is to him. I should assume he noticed my deceit and move accordingly.’
Ignoring the tension between Kassel and the Count, the King addressed his subjects cheerfully.
“Listen up. Today, we have honored guests in Camort, so let’s begin the feast prepared for tonight to celebrate their arrival. Sound the horns outside the palace, and let the music never stop inside. All the people are allowed to enjoy the festival until this time tomorrow.”
All the subjects and soldiers nodded in response. However, Kassel noted that Count Lumerier and Bading did not bow.
Guided by the royal attendants, the White Wolves unpacked their belongings in their rooms in the annex. They had permission to bear weapons except when meeting the king, and formal attire was prepared for the party. Everyone showed little interest in the clothes, except for Azwin, who had a maid fetch her a different dress.
“I don’t suit pink. There must be a traditional Camortian costume of a white dress with red cloth woven in. Bring me that.”
“We will look for it, but there may not be any made for someone as tall as a knight.”
“Then give me something plain, without ornate decorations. I like white. If you bring something with lace, I’ll rip it and wear it.”
Azwin semi-threatened, and the maid scurried off almost crying. Closing the door, Azwin whirled around and spoke to Kassel.
“The Queen of Aranthia’s gift?”
Sheyden put a finger to his lips.
“It would be best to watch our tongues even within the palace. Let’s just leave that to Kassel.”
“Fine by me. Talking about plans and strategies isn’t really my thing anyway. But a party right after we arrive? Isn’t that a bit funny?”
“It’s being held for us by the generous Black Lion Count.”
Gerald chuckled softly.
“Oh, my, then we must enjoy it wholeheartedly. Even though it’s a party held in an unattractive castle in a country we don’t like. There are absolutely no parties in Nadium!”
Azwin was already inebriated with excitement.
Gerald dampened the mood with his words.
“You whined so much that we had a party half a year ago, remember? The dance party?”
“That isn’t a party, it’s a ‘banquet’. Imagine a bunch of people who can’t dance, just blathering about swordsmanship over their meals! Moreover, there was no one to dance with, so I had to dance with a maid. The only ones who appreciate art in Nadium are probably our dear maids. There should be more knights in this country who want to dance with me.”
“Sure, this place will be filled with men who don’t know your temperament, it should be interesting.”
“Let’s discuss the dance later. Shouldn’t we first decide what to do at the party?”
Kassel spoke in a voice that only the four of them could hear. He didn’t forget to show Dunmel his lip movements.
“Let’s start by establishing our positions. I’ll stand by Kassel as much as possible, providing protection. It would seem more natural if a woman were by his side.”
Azwin was the first to decide her position.
“I will observe the behavior of the other nobles. There might be someone who might side with us. Whether it’s a party or a simple dinner, we should operate independently within it.”
Sheyden suggested.
“So, what should I do?”
Gerald asked.
Kassel replied,
“How about you draw attention, Gerald? If Sheyden is to move freely, someone needs to act convincingly as a White Wolf to keep the nobles’ eyes on us. Of course, I will also do that, but as a warrior, Gerald, you’re the perfect fit.”
“Huh? Now even Kassel has started to tease me! You put him up to this, didn’t you?”
Gerald turned to Azwin, seeking confirmation.
Kassel, taken aback, raised his hands in defense.
“No, I didn’t tease you.”
Azwin glanced at Kassel dismissively and said,
“It was Gerald who was teasing you just now.”
Gerald chuckled and laughed at Kassel, who coughed awkwardly and said,
“From now on, let’s assume that someone is listening to our conversations. If we follow the guidelines, nothing should change. Oh, it would be good if someone could move outside without being marked, but Dunmel’s face is already exposed, so it would be difficult…”
As Kassel pondered, Dunmel signed something. Azwin translated his sign language with an amused expression.
“Dunmel just said, ‘We do have someone who hasn’t been marked.’”
“Ah!”
Kassel’s eyes widened, and he was about to say something but quickly shut his mouth. There was no need to mention that well-known name at this point.
“…Let’s all take a bath now.”
Kassel suggested instead.
Azwin was the first to respond.
“I agree. I’ve missed hot water.”
☆ ☆ ☆
The White Wolves disbanded to rest in their own rooms. Azwin, who was in the room next door, said to call her if anything dangerous happened.
Kassel flopped onto the bed, his wet hair wrapped in a towel hung around his neck. The bed was more comfortable and finer than the most comfortable bed he had ever slept in at Count Godimer’s mansion.
‘It’s time to worry about how to behave at the party.’
The experience of reading about it in a story and actually attending would be completely different. Luckily, his inexperienced behavior at the banquet wouldn’t expose him as a fraud. From their earlier conversation, it was evident that the Wolf Knights hadn’t attended many parties.
‘Forget the party. That’s not important.’
Kassel closed his eyes. But despite his resistance, myriad thoughts bombarded his mind, making it difficult to rest.
“Am I even supposed to be here?”
Kassel mumbled, staring at the ceiling while lying on the bed.
‘If the arrow shot by that bandit whose name I don’t even remember hit the fool Kassel instead of the bard Laure, would the holy sword of Aranthia still be in the hands of a homeless man in the village of defectors? Would the captain of the White Wolves still be a knight named Loyal? Is my presence here then be destiny?’
As if his father were sitting beside him, Kassel asked,
“Is that what it is, father?”
In what seemed a mock knock, the sound of a rap on the door resonated through the room. Startled, Kassel jerked upright from the bed. Clearing his throat, he asked,
“Who’s there?”
A man’s voice echoed from outside the room.
“I’m a servant of Count Lumerier. The Count wishes to see you.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
Cautiously, Kassel opened the door. A frail old man with a short stature and wrinkled skin was standing outside, his head bowed in deference.
“Count Lumerier is looking for me?”
“Yes.”
“For what purpose?”
“He has something to discuss with you in private.”
“What could that be?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know the details.”
“Just the two of us? No accompanying knights?”
“He did not stress the need for privacy.”
‘He’s provoking me. If I bring the Wolve Knights, that alone would start a quarrel.’
Kassel’s concern was not for his own pride, but that of the Wolf captain.
‘The White Wolves must not fear a mere Count!’
After a moment of thought, Kassel responded.
“He didn’t mention anything about not bringing my sword, did he? Alright then. Lead the way.”
The servant nodded and began walking down the hallway.
Passing by the door, Kassel knocked on the room where Azwin was staying. Receiving no response, he turned towards Sheyden’s room when Azwin’s door opened. Half-covered by a towel, Azwin’s face peeked from the slightly opened door. From her dark brown hair that reached her chest, droplets of water trickled down.
“Something urgent?”
In a tone that suggested she if she needed to grab a sword, Azwin asked. The sight of Azwin, half-naked with damp hair falling loosely, was too beautiful for Kassel to handle.
Kassel, taken aback, was momentarily at a loss for words. He finally managed to speak.
“I need to… um, see Count Lumerier. I thought I’d tell you in advance. Ah, you were in the middle of a bath. I’m sorry.”
“No, that’s not a problem. The Count? Why? I can accompany you.”
“I think I should go alone.”
“Are you sure?”
Kassel gestured at the servant waiting in the hallway.
“Yes, I’ll be fine.”
Though he hadn’t seen anything explicit, Kassel found it impossible to calm his pounding heart. As if he was preparing for a battlefield, the image of Azwin with her damp hair and partially visible chest occupied his mind. This gave him a strange sense of tranquillity as he faced the Black Lion Count.
Inside the spacious room, the Count was seated with Bading standing beside him. Despite his long legs, his sword was so long it could touch the ground, and its wide blade could disembowel with a single thrust. Bading nodded at Kassel and whispered something to the Count before exiting the room.
“Welcome, Captain Wolf.”
Without getting up, the Black Lion Count greeted Kassel and gestured for him to take a seat. Kassel did not refuse, he crossed his legs and rested his hands on his knees.
The Count was a bit on the heavier side, but it wasn’t the result of laziness. The weight was due to his muscle mass softening with age. His black hair, fitting his name, stood up in tufts, providing a daunting aura. It wasn’t hard to figure out why he was called the Black Lion.
For a while, the Count just stared at Kassel without uttering a word. Kassel rubbed his cheek.
“Didn’t you call me here because you had something to say?”
“No, I called you here because I thought you had something to say to me.”
“Me?”
“Oh, you don’t have anything to say? In that case, feel free to leave, Captain Wolf. My apologies. It seems I’ve jumped to conclusions.”
The Black Lion Count laid his manicured hand on his chest and looked at Kassel with a casual gaze, as though the King were beside him. His soft gaze revealed no hint of emotion.
‘I’ve been had.’
Several retorts to the Count’s words tumbled and tangled together in Kassel’s mind, unable to escape his lips.
‘Oh, is that so? In that case, I will take my leave. I’ll see you at the party.’
That was his initial response. He wanted to speak coolly, assertively, then turn and leave.
‘The most terrifying person in a gamble is not the one who bluffs well with a nothing hand, but the one who still dies holding a winning hand.’
Thanks to the teachings of his father, Kassel was quite good at card games and chess. At least, he never lost in either game when he played with the men in his neighborhood. His father had said similar things about chess.
‘There are only two types of people who sacrifice their queen without any return. Those who are terribly bad and those who are terribly good.’
Count Lumerier just did that. He wasn’t sure why, but the Count had just tossed away his queen. There seemed to be no tricks involved and, if Kassel took the queen, he’d have a considerable advantage in the ensuing battle.
In terms of card games, he had died holding a winning hand. Even before Kassel could raise, the Count had already given up a significant amount of the stakes.
‘So he summoned the captain of the Wolf Knights to make him walk in vain without saying anything?’
Kassel mulled over what he might say.
‘Lontamon has not fallen yet. If the continental conquest war resumes, Camort will taste the humiliating defeat as it did ten years ago. How about we stop the war and focus on strengthening national power?’
‘I came all the way here because of you. So stop the war with the Red Rose Count immediately and go back to your territory to live quietly.’
‘I have no questions. You called, so you can ask anything right now.’
‘What question are you asking? I’m a bit slow, so I’d appreciate it if you could just say it straight.’
Kassel had now missed his chance to leave.
‘What would my father do in this situation?’
When an unexpected and difficult situation occurred, his father always used brief silence to make everyone nervous. Even when Luchi, the troublemaker in the village, got drunk, beat the village head’s beloved dog to death, and threw its head at his father, he did the same. Instead of speaking, he wiped off the blood of the dog from his clothes while Luchi, taken by surprise, stood frozen. As Luchi tried to run away, his father spoke in a barely audible whisper.
‘Don’t run away, Luchi. If you don’t make amends now, you’ll have a hard time later.’
When Luchi threatened in desperation,
‘I’ve learned to use a sword. I’m excellent at it. I’m not a kid who gets intimidated by your words anymore! It’s your fault for being there in the first place. If need be, I can fight you…’
‘From the way you exaggerate and force things, it seems you know you’ve done something wrong.’
As Kassel’s father dusted off the blood from his shoulder and held the severed head of the dog in one hand,
“Why did you kill this dog with your excellent swordsmanship? Was this dog killing people in the village and putting you in the face of death? If so, you did well. Now, are you going to defeat the dark lord of Lurun village next?”
Everyone nearby felt the tension in his father’s voice. The peers who were making trouble with Luchi, the villagers scared stiff, and the curious children who came to watch, all remained silent, watching the two’s standoff. Although Luchi boasted of his swordsmanship, he had not made such a mental leap as to stand up to the person he had always feared since his childhood.
His father bowed his head and put the dog’s head next to its pitiful body.
‘You’re not the type to apologize to the dead dog, the dog won’t come back alive even if you apologize, and even if you apologize to me now, it doesn’t mean your awful personality will improve. But we need to clear up this situation. So, Luchi, who should I talk to now? Luchi, who killed the dog, or your father, Genec?’
Luchi was terrified then. The person Luchi feared most was not his father or the village head, but his own father.
‘It’s obvious…’
To buy some time, Kassel slowly opened his mouth.
Kassel closed his eyes, and even as he opened them, the expression on the Black Lion Count’s face hadn’t changed a bit.
“First, what should I call you? We don’t have a tradition in Aranthia of referring to people by animal names, should I call you a lion too?”
“Those who fear or respect me call me the Black Lion. Call me as you see fit. Titles are not important here.”
“Very well, Count Lumerier.”
Kassel said this, his hands clasped together. He was exactly mirroring the posture Falcon had assumed when he threatened Kassel.
“I’ve been curious about something. However, feel free to not answer if it’s bothersome.”
“Speak.”
“And this question, I’ve wanted to ask it not only to you but also to another Count. I thought it would only be fair if I asked it while both of you are present. I’m quite unfamiliar with the state of affairs in this country.”
Kassel grinned widely. Very subtly, the count’s expression faltered. Encouraged by this, Kassel immediately added on.
“Should I have interesting conversations related to this country with Count Lumerier present here, or with Count Johnstein, also known as the Red Rose?”
After his question, there was an intended silence.
‘Despite having come this far, acting the fool, my position hasn’t changed one bit. I must not stand at the center of the fight. And now, it’s not me but the White Wolves that must rise.’
Kassel was striving hard to place the two counts at the center of the battleground.
‘Will the count follow? Or will he observe? Whichever side he takes, there’s no benefit for me.’
Kassel kept his gaze steady, looking at the Black Lion Count. Shortly, the count let out a short laugh.
“You’ve done some studying about our country, haven’t you, Captain Wolf? Because the Red Rose is more famous than the name itself, there are many who don’t know the name Johnstein. But why are you asking that question?”
‘He’s going to pretend not to understand? He really won’t follow easily.’
Kassel spoke innocently. He didn’t need to raise his voice or look stern. Instead, he acted younger than his actual age.
“I was worried that if I had an interesting conversation with only one of you, the other might get angry.”
“What sort of interesting story do you have?”
“I came to have fun, not to fight, so I didn’t think to bring up anything particularly fascinating. But I do tend to be selective about who I converse with. Count Godimer of Koholrun? He doesn’t provide many interesting stories. I figured my conversations with His Majesty the King would be more formal. I thought the best conversational partners would be the two of you. Was I too presumptuous?”
The Black Lion Count again laughed loudly.
‘Focus, Kassel. Neither the Count nor I have stepped onto the stage yet. I must never let my guard down.’
Keeping his gaze steady, Kassel waited for the count’s reply.
“As Bading said, you’re a figure among the White Wolves who one needs to be wary of. Alright, Captain Wolf. I will answer your question.”
Kassel appeared relaxed on the outside, but inside, he was clenching his fists.
“You should talk to me, Count Lumerier.”
The count had voluntarily placed himself at the center of the battleground. While Kassel breathed a sigh of relief, he became even more tense.
‘The fight is not over, it’s only just begun. The result of my intense thinking was merely to weigh up whether that man could be a worthy adversary.’
Kassel didn’t lose his smile.
“How can you speak with such confidence? For someone like me, who comes from a peaceful country, it’s hard to be fond of the person who initiates wars.”
“I’m often misunderstood, so it’s hard to dispute your point. But if the White Wolves have truly come here for this country, eventually you’ll conclude that you have to join hands with me.”
The count’s expression and tone did not change. But Kassel could tell from the flow of the conversation.
‘Even if he pretends to be unaffected, in the end, the Count cannot escape the reputation of the Wolf Knights. He is afraid of the White Wolves.’
If there had been a proposal to drive out the Red Rose Count with the power of the White Wolves, Kassel had intended to refuse it flatly. However, as the conversation progressed, he suddenly had a change of thought.
‘Could it really be right to oppose the Black Lion Count?’
Kassel replied with a smile.
“An alliance? I don’t want our discussions to evolve to that point. As I’ve said, we’re here for a visit, not to get involved in something. But why would the issue of an alliance even come up?”
“Don’t beat around the bush, Captain Wolf. I am aware of your true reasons for coming to this country. I didn’t gain my wealth and power from a large inheritance. I single-handedly revived this shaky nation post-war, and after the Duke of Sheffield died, I was the one who rectified the crumbling power structure. Bading, who the Duke praised as the greatest and most loyal knight in Camort, didn’t join my knight corps by coincidence.”
The Count punctuated his statement by pounding his fist on the table.
“Count Johnstein and I are fundamentally different. He came into power by military force after suddenly becoming rich, whereas I am the one who protects the royal family from him. Don’t go around saying you’re just here for a visit. You have a lot to discuss with me.”
The conversation wasn’t flowing as Kassel had envisioned. Despite directing the conversation as he planned, he felt uncomfortable talking, and despite putting his opponent at the center of the conflict, he was the one feeling pressure.
“If that’s the case, I don’t have much to say, Count Lumerier. But as we speak, I recall a question that has been bothering me. I wanted to ask someone else quietly, but since the opportunity has presented itself, I’ll ask you directly. It’s just a personal question.”
“Go ahead.”
“You mentioned that you’re protecting His Majesty the King, does this mean Count Johnstein is coveting the throne? Forgive my ignorance, Count. But I’m not a noble. I still don’t know what triggered the war between the two Counts.”
“There’s no long story to it. From the start, Johnstein was a poor, incompetent noble who couldn’t even manage his own territory properly. He couldn’t repay the money he had borrowed from merchants in his domain and was in a pitiful state, on the verge of selling his title as a Count. But my idiotic third son fell head over heels for his only daughter, which is where everything started.”
‘Oh, a love story?’
Kassel swallowed hard.
“Johnstein seized this opportunity and tried to sell off his daughter at a high price with quite demanding conditions. I agreed to their engagement on the condition that I would pay off his debt and lease part of my territory to him for fifty years. The cost didn’t seem too high if I thought of it as medical expenses for my third son’s lovesickness. Of course, that was until that scoundrel Johnstein betrayed me first.”
Kassel internally expressed his deep regret.
‘How regrettable it is to hear such an interesting story in such a boring way!’
Unable to resist, Kassel spoke in a serious tone.
“So you called off the engagement.”
“It was more of a blow to my pride than a material loss or a smear on my honor. In the midst of all this, my worthless son caused quite a scene. Of course, a war wouldn’t break out over an issue like a child’s marriage. There’s nothing more disgraceful than parents fighting over their children’s wedding. But when it came to territory, wouldn’t it be hard for me to back down? He refused to leave the territory I leased to him as a condition for his daughter’s marriage.”
“Wasn’t it a wedding gift from the start? Shouldn’t he return it if the engagement has been called off?”
“Logically, yes. I even wrote off the debt I had paid for him. But I demanded the land back.”
“And he didn’t return it?”
“I led an army down that road and drove out the tenant farmers from that territory. I didn’t bring a massive army, and I didn’t harm the tenant farmers. But as if he was waiting, Johnstein led his knights to attack my army under the pretext of defending his territory.”
‘If the Red Rose Count hears this story, he would probably claim that his territory was attacked first.’
The Count shook his head as if he was still displeased with the situation.
“I don’t particularly enjoy war. But I’m not such a fool as to step back after being treated like that.”
“That was the interesting story I wanted to hear.”
Kassel rose from his chair.
“I hope for a pleasant time at the party you’ve arranged without any talk of bloodshed.”
“I hope for the same. But you still haven’t told me where you stand.”
The Count asked flatly.
Kassel rose from his chair, positioning himself deliberately to look down at the Count.
“We will act according to the commands we receive.”
“Commands, huh… Are there those who can order the mighty White Wolves?”
That was a question Kassel anticipated the Count, or even the king, would ask. So, he prepared an answer in advance.
“For whom do you believe the White Wolves of Aranthia exist? If the Queen has ordered us to visit this land, it must be because she wishes for peace to prevail here through our presence. You ask where we stand? We stand for the peace of Camort.”
“Righteous words. Assist His Majesty the King, then. That’s the answer I wanted.”
Kassel bowed briefly, opened the door, and exited.
Outside the door, Bading was leaning against the wall. Kassel, finding Bading awkward to deal with, gave him a smile and stepped aside to walk away. Almost simultaneously, Bading pushed himself off the wall to give way to Kassel. Oddly, they both moved in the same direction, which brought Kassel uncomfortably close to Bading, almost face to face.
Kassel, without showing any surprise, stepped aside again. However, Bading didn’t move, but instead apologized with a grin.
“Oh, my apologies, Captain Wolf.”
“No harm done.”
Kassel replied.
‘It was an intentional mishap.’
Kassel realized it immediately. And Bading, hoping Kassel understood, smiled and asked,
“Did you have a fruitful discussion with the Count?”
A sigh slipped out from Kassel.
‘Just stop already. I’m totally spent!’
“Just introductions, nothing more.”
Bading exaggeratedly nodded his head.
“I was wondering when you’d have some time alone. It appears this might be that time, so I thought I would make a request. I’m Bading, a frog in a well, who has only ever learned the sword in Camort. I’ve never lost, but I’ve always wished to be evaluated by a knight superior to me.”
A sinking feeling hit Kassel’s chest.
“I didn’t come here to engage in swordplay.”
“That’s quite alright, it doesn’t have to be right now. There are many spacious fields in this castle where we could spar. Anytime you’re ready, just let me know.”
“I doubt I’ll find the time. I’ll see you at the party.”
Only then did Bading step aside, and Kassel quickly left the scene. His heart paused its beating momentarily before fiercely pumping blood to compensate for the deficit.
He held his breath until he was back in his room, lying flat on his bed.
‘You’re a White Wolf of Aranthia. All the knights in the world gaze upon you with awe, even the Black Lion Count, the most powerful man in Camort, tries to get you on his side. You’re the captain of the White Wolves.’
Kassel covered himself with a blanket, gritting his teeth. He repeated this until his shaking hands stopped.
‘You’re Captain Kassel. Don’t forget, you are Captain Kassel!’
–TL Notes–
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