The grand bell tolling in the palace summoned all the royal delegates. Aside from the Kingdom of Camort’s five holidays a month, the council convened daily, with no exception even after a party night.
Despite murmurs from the delegates at the sight of Kassel and the rest of the White Wolves present in the council room, none had the audacity to question them directly. The White Wolves remained intimidating, and Kassel wished to keep it that way.
Kassel yawned broadly, his action contagiously triggering subsequent yawns from Azwin and Gerald, who wiped their teary eyes. After spending the entire night awake and catching some sleep just before the meeting, they hadn’t even managed to devise a strategy for today’s council. They were merely glad to have washed up and changed their clothes.
The council room was crowded with much older elders than the delegates they had met on their first day.
‘Age won’t change the situation,’ Kassel thought nonchalantly. But once the youthful king took his throne and commenced the meeting, Kassel realized the severity of the delegates’ age.
“The merchants involved in this affair might severely protest. It would be better to delay the decision.”
There were three matters to discuss before the national assembly, all suggested by the King. However, none were passed due to the delegates’ opposition.
“That law proposal is considerably more reasonable as decided by the previous king.”
“It’s impossible to finance the bridge construction from the royal treasury until a merchant willing to invest appears.”
All that came out were oppositional views. Throughout the council, King Charles III struggled to hold back his words and contain his frustration.
‘It’s like seeing retired elders obstruct the efforts of a hardworking youth.’
The image of the young king showing his vulnerability atop the tower the day before evoked sympathy in Kassel.
“The reason for today’s council is a matter of greater importance than any other issue,” King Charles finally broached the main subject towards the end of the meeting.
“You all are probably aware of the Red Rose Count’s remarks at yesterday’s party. Although you delegates might want to question his rudeness, I would like to discuss a more fundamental issue here.”
Until then, the delegates hadn’t paid much attention to the White Wolves, but now their gaze shifted to Kassel.
‘So it begins now.’
Kassel bit his lip and took a short breath. Until now, his exhaustion had ironically granted him a sense of calm, but the onset of his turn to speak filled him with tension. Despite the council being comprised of nobles lacking real power, they were experienced elders deeply rooted in the royal court. He didn’t feel confident about arguing against them.
‘The advice of the elders is like the winter sun. It shines bright, yet no one listens. Look at the village chief. So wise, yet the villagers barely heed his words. Oh well, not all elders are the same, are they? Well, the council elders, for example, are more like the midsummer sun. Neither shining nor cool, just unbearably hot.’
Kassel once jokingly asked his father whether he’d been humiliated at some council meeting. That joke was possible only because his father was a commoner, unrelated to any council. However, to his surprise, his father looked terribly embarrassed and rushed off to work in the fields, asking him to forget what he’d said.
Luror, the first delegate to speak following the king’s statement, began,
“The Red Rose Count has promised not to attack Normant, and looking at the current war situation between the two counts, Normant has never been harmed. Thus, I believe it is important to send an envoy to him and obtain a firm commitment regarding his statement yesterday.”
Kassel remembered Luror as the first delegate to greet them the previous day. He was probably the representative among the delegates. Kassel attentively noted his way of speaking and laying out his arguments.
“Despite his aggressive nature, the Count values honor. Even if left alone, I do not foresee an attack on Normant.”
Other representatives had already spoken. King Charles missed the opportunity to make the announcement Kassel had anticipated, and the representatives seized the opportunity. At least, that’s how it seemed to Kassel.
“A year ago, he blustered as if he were about to go to war, but didn’t he retreat in the face of the Black Lion Count? It’s no different this time. Your Majesty, you should not worry and wait.”
“I would rather discuss the festival for the state guests from Aranthia.”
An elderly representative spoke slower than a tortoise eating grass. Kassel was taken aback.
‘Huh? What is this old man talking about?’
“This is not just for the royal family but also a festival for all of Normant, deciding on this in the state council rather than leaving it to Count Lumerier alone would be…”
“We do not want a festival welcoming us.”
Kassel interrupted the representative. And then regretted it.
‘Ah, I shouldn’t have interrupted at this moment!’
Kassel didn’t want to interrupt the meeting as much as possible. He planned to speak only after the king had given him the right to do so.
If he were to be greedy, he would have wanted the king to confidently lead all matters, mention the White Wolves at the appropriate time, and Kassel would just add the final comment.
‘No, that was good. If we go on like this, the White Wolves will be treated as mere guests, and the meeting will end.’
Kassel decided to be more assertive, given the circumstances.
“I understand it’s rude for a guest to interfere in another’s household matters. I’m well aware that the festival you’re discussing is not just for the White Wolves, but for the citizens of Normant. However, it doesn’t seem like now is a leisurely time for a festival. If it’s alright with you, we would like to decline the festival for us.”
“Not a leisurely time, you say?”
Luror asked. The expressionless and obedient face he had when he came to greet him yesterday was nowhere to be seen, instead his face hardened like a general preparing for battle.
“I may be saying this because I don’t know the situation of this country very well… But you seem to think it’s natural for the two counts to go to war. So, as long as Normant is not affected, you don’t care whether the two counts go to war or not? The two counts decided everything among themselves, ignoring His Majesty at the party, will you just sit back and watch?”
After Kassel’s rant, he expected the representatives to observe the king’s mood or start an argument. However, the one looking around was the king.
‘He’s looking at me. The timid Kassel who couldn’t even tell Janette that he likes her!’
The representatives blatantly sneered at Kassel. At least half of them did.
“Captain Wolf, what do you think should be done in this case?”
Luror asked as if seeking his opinion. The eyes of the other representatives began to sparkle.
‘No matter what opinion I give, they’re ready to tear it apart.’
Kassel prepared himself for the backlash and spoke.
“Is the Red Rose Count above the king? If not, call him. And put him in his place with the king’s command. Would that not be a punishment?”
“Isn’t it you, Captain, who disrespects His Majesty? His Majesty wants peace in this country more than anyone, and the two counts are fighting a war out of unavoidable circumstances. They are excellent people who care for and worry about His Majesty and this country. Call him, you say? That would only exacerbate the problem.”
Luror spoke in a firm tone.
‘Sly old fox!’
Kassel muttered to himself and slowly approached Luror.
Kassel found himself naturally standing at the center of the meeting room, all eyes instantly focused on him. In the past, the scrutiny of the crowd would have embarrassed and scared him. He had thought that he could never become the village chief, and had often been annoyed at the current chief who kept trying to make him the next in line. But now, this fiery attention didn’t bother him at all. All the gazes combined in the room couldn’t compare to the single, silent, glaring stare from Sheyden.
“Perhaps you will think I oversimplify the current situation in Camort, or this is the arrogance of a young man, but I would like to propose this. In the name of His Majesty the King, make the two counts kneel before the throne. And issue a royal command to cease the war.”
As Kassel finished his statement, a silence descended upon the meeting room.
‘Well, now refute me. Question me as if I’ve declared rebellion! Or be consumed by fear.’
Kassel waited, but there was no reaction. The expressions were impassive. Luror did not react at all. Oddly, only the king seemed frightened.
‘What are you supposed to do when you’re like that?’
Kassel felt disappointed.
‘Please notice. I’m picking a fight so you can step in and mediate!’
But it did not go as planned.
“We should learn from you, Captain Wolf. Coming up with such a brilliant plan.”
Luror spoke casually.
“But didn’t you say you came to this country yesterday with no thoughts of what to do? This obviously seems like you’re trying to exert influence on the royal family of Camort.”
The other counts also murmured and nodded their heads. There were even those who crossed their arms and looked at him with annoyed expressions.
“Captain Wolf’s remarks might seem reasonable to an outsider. It doesn’t particularly seem like he’s trying to exert influence.”
A count who had been watching the meeting finally spoke. The murmuring of the other counts decreased.
“Then let’s say you call the counts forcibly as you say. Would they come obediently? Surely, against the powerful armies of the two counts, even a foreign knight order would not be ignorant?”
The speaker was the youngest among the counts Kassel had seen in the castle, perhaps the only one younger than Kassel or the king.
The young count slowly stepped forward and continued.
“I somewhat agree with what Count Enoa said yesterday. If five great knights from Aranthia visited this country, it is natural to assume they had political intentions. But without an army to match the two counts, it is impossible. In other words, we realistically don’t have the power to summon the two counts here. How do you plan to deal with that, Captain Wolf?”
Like the nobles, the counts also seemed to be divided into two big factions. The older counts would always represent the will of the nobles who sponsored them, so they had no choice but to take sides with either the Black Lion Count or the Red Rose Count. The goal of the counts was to prevent the king from getting involved in the power struggle. Luror’s reaction was expected and just as Kassel had anticipated.
‘You don’t need to win a verbal battle with the king’s servants, and you shouldn’t. You need to make the king say something that reflects his will.’
That was Sheyden’s advice.
It was simple yet extremely difficult. The king was just timidly watching the situation without saying a word.
‘I get it. It’s natural to shrink when you’re hit.’
There was a small hope. Yesterday, on the watchtower, King Charles had mentioned a name.
‘There’s a friend called Gene Dunathan among my servants.’
After showing his tears to Kassel, the king had whispered to him in a much softer tone.
‘He was the one who introduced the names of the nobles at the party today. I wonder if you remember. He’s a distant relative of mine, and used to be a knight of the royal knight order. Feeling the limits in swordsmanship, he left the knight order a few years ago and became a count to help me politically. For a long time, Gene Dunathan has advocated for the training of a standing royal army to check the two counts.’
The Kingdom of Camort traditionally did not maintain an army beyond the royal knights and a small infantry. In times of war, armies were summoned from the nobles of various regions. This system, effective in amassing a vast military force during wartime and ideal for unburdening the royal treasury, shattered in the conquest war of Lontamon, revealing a glaring weakness. The knights of the Excelon Empire managed to crush the armies of each noble as they mobilized towards the royal capital.
‘Didn’t the nobles oppose it?’
Kassel could already anticipate the next part of the story.
‘If the king has an army, they believe their power would weaken. Thus, Dunathan advised me that if I tried to have an army now, I would face opposition from the nobles and should seek external help. The nations that were secretly contacted were Irophis and Carnelock, but there was no response from both. The ambassadors sent then were the royal knights. Since they did not come, the only forces left for me now are the guards defending the castle.’
The king subtly expressed his resentment of not bringing the main army. Kassel did not bother to make excuses for this issue.
Perhaps the reason why the king had shut his mouth might be because of it. Aranthia, which he had hoped for, did not bring an army. Therefore, he did not have the power to fight against the two counts. Dunathan’s words were a given sequence. Now it was Kassel’s turn to answer.
“Before discussing that issue, I would like to ask for Your Majesty’s opinion first. About the forces that can summon the two counts.”
King Charles straightened his slumped shoulders. The representatives were ready to object to his words instantly, and Kassel was prepared to accept their objection. It was the debate Kassel intended. The opponent was a veteran stacked with years of experience on the political stage.
‘This will be a completely different concept of battle from before.’
Just as Kassel was bracing himself for the start, the door flung open and the meeting was interrupted.
“Stand aside!”
The Black Lion Count, who had made the guards guarding the door step aside with a single word, strode into the conference room.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, for my impudence.”
Count Lumerier brushed past Kassel, standing in the middle of the conference room, with a nudge of his shoulder and stood before the king. On either side of him stood Bading and two knights. They were not armed, but they appeared threatening enough.
Bading, after glancing at Kassel, made eye contact. He remembered Bading’s words, “Let’s try it once.” It felt as if a bug was crawling up his spine.
The count, standing upright, scanned the left side of the room and spoke to King Charles.
“I implore you, Your Majesty, to officially grant me the authority to arrest Count Johnstein.”
“What is this sudden request, Lumerier? If it’s about the remarks made at the party yesterday…”
The king shook his head with a voice trying to conceal fear.
“…I cannot grant such authority.”
“That could also be a sufficient reason, but Your Majesty, I paid no mind to such trifling matters. It’s not the first or the last time he’s been rude or threatening to the royal family. It’s nothing new. But this time, it’s different. Yesterday, he bribed an assassin to murder my third son.”
Suddenly, the conference room was in an uproar.
‘What? Really? It’s as sudden as the attack by the Black Knight.’
In other parts of Camort, the two counts waged war, risking hundreds of lives, but never caused trouble in Normant. They also highly valued honor, never directly taking the opponent’s family as hostages or killing them.
In fact, if Lumerier had taken Latilda hostage yesterday, he could have easily ended the war, but he did not. Count Johnstein, who entered the party in armor yesterday, could have attacked Count Lumerier on the spot, but did not. Even if hundreds of soldiers were dying, he seemed not to want to stain his hands with the blood of his opponent.
“If that’s true, the count’s demand is legitimate. But how are you going to prove it?”
Luror spoke on behalf of the king. As the Count glared at Luror, the old representative’s face faltered. Unintentionally revealing his fear, Luror coughed to regain his composure, bowing and raising his head.
The Count spoke.
“Last night, my son was murdered by a knight clad in black armor after meeting with Count Johnstein’s daughter. Two of my son’s servants witnessed it, and if necessary, I can provide more witnesses. Over thirty people saw it. Even after killing my son, the black knight stabbed him repeatedly with a spear.”
As the Count tried to call in his servants who were outside, Representative Luror raised his hand.
“Of course, I believe your words, Count. We don’t need to summon witnesses. But isn’t it true that the only knights who would dare to enter Normant in black armor are your Black Lion Knights, Count? Being killed by a black knight means…”
“Exactly because of that. Yesterday, Count Johnstein said at the party, in front of everyone, that he would go to war because a knight in black armor attacked his daughter. If that was all he said, many people would have been fooled. Even I considered investigating if a knight, excessively loyal to me, had done such a thing.”
The Count turned halfway around his seat, surveying the king’s servants.
“But now isn’t it clear? After leaving evidence that the black knight who attacked his daughter had nothing to do with him, he killed my son without a doubt. There is no clearer evidence.”
“That cannot serve as evidence, Count Lumerier. If that black knight was armored, there should be someone who saw his face inside the helmet, or there needs to be evidence that the existence inside that black armor is related to Count Johnstein. Otherwise, it’s just speculation…”
“Silence, Luror!”
The Count yelled.
Attempting to maintain his authority, Luror shrunk his small shoulders. Not only Luror but also the other representatives lost their spirit at his shout, like children scolded by their father.
Kassel also held his breath. The Count’s voice dominated the entire meeting room.
“What I need is not someone to analyze the evidence, but a summoning order with the royal seal.”
No one dared to respond to his words. The Count seemed to think there was nothing more to discuss with the representatives and spoke directly to the king.
“Your Majesty, it’s been long known that Count Johnstein is a problem for this country. While my son’s sacrifice is heartbreaking, it can be a catalyst. If we do not cut off Count Johnstein now, his power will only grow stronger and soon become a menace shaking the entire country. This is not about avenging my son’s death but my will to not let his death be in vain. Your Majesty, please grant me the arrest warrant. Johnstein is still in Normant, within your Majesty’s reach.”
The hand gripping the throne trembled. The king looked back and forth between the Count and Representative Dunathan several times and then glanced at Kassel, who was quietly standing behind the Count, watching the king. Since it was a matter the king had to decide for himself, Kassel couldn’t send any special signals. King Charles pondered for a very long time and finally opened his mouth.
“Count Lumerier, as Representative Luror said, we cannot arrest Count Johnstein without concrete evidence.”
“Do you mean my words are not evidence?”
“That’s not what I mean, Count. Shouldn’t we catch that black knight first and then ask him if he’s related to Count Johnstein? We need to follow the sequence, don’t we?”
“Do you mean you’ll stick to the sequence even after seeing such a clear case, Your Majesty?”
The Count suppressed his anger and spoke. His voice was like a lion’s growl. Unable to withstand his gaze, the king turned to Kassel as if asking for help.
‘You shouldn’t look at me in times like this.’
Kassel was regretful, but it was already too late. The Count’s eyes had shifted to him. Seeing those bloodshot eyes, Kassel felt as if he had jumped into a lion’s cage with his bare hands.
“Why are you here in a place not meant for guests, Captain Wolf?”
“I’m just observing.”
Kassel responded with a nonchalant shrug.
Hidden from the counts, Azwin burst into sudden laughter, hastily covering her mouth. Still, she couldn’t suppress the chuckles shaking her shoulders.
The Black Lion Count grimaced, casting a harsh glance at Kassel before shifting his gaze back to King Charles.
“Very well. If Your Majesty has decided to heed the advice of a mere knight captain from a foreign land rather than me, I will henceforth act alone. This is a matter of my honor, and I will accept neither interference nor assistance from anyone.”
The count turned to leave the conference room. Just as he was about to step out, he whispered in a low voice as he brushed past Kassel.
“Captain Kassel, the next time we meet, I will not protect the honor of Aranthia.”
Bading, the knight following him, was still smiling with his eyes unnaturally wide. His laughter sent chills down the spine.
‘It seems my very presence here threatens him.’
Now both counts had turned their backs on the White Wolves. All they could trust were the king and the lords. But even that wasn’t easy.
“Are you finally seeing the state of affairs in Camort, Captain Wolf?” Luror asked, after letting out a shaky sigh, turning to the king.
“Your Majesty, I understand that my advice comes too late and might seem futile, but the White Wolves should not be in this conference room. Didn’t you say they were guests at yesterday’s party? Provoking the two counts, especially Count Lumerier, in such a manner is irreparable.”
The other counts concurred.
“It’s not too late even now. Perhaps it’s better to give Count Lumerier the legitimate authority to capture Count Johnstein. He’s not a man to betray the royal family. Rather, after the Duke of Sheffield’s departure, it might be a good idea to entrust the vacant royal protector family to him.”
“Firstly, the White Wolves should be dismissed from this conference room.”
“To any observer, it seems like an interference in domestic affairs. We should heed Count Enoa’s warning from yesterday.”
Kassel clenched his teeth in patience, enduring all their words.
‘Every word they speak feels like a blow to my heart.’
King Charles did not come to Kassel’s aid. Dunathan did not join in their condemnation, but he didn’t speak in defense either. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t have been able to in this situation.
Kassel had no reply to their words. It felt like elderly ghosts armed with swords were stabbing him all over. Even when a blade was at his throat, he had words to say. But now, his lips wouldn’t move.
From the time he had escaped the battlefield, gained a small sword, and met Sheyden, Kassel had faced his enemies by staking his life. Even if he died, it was over as soon as he surrendered his life. Thus, he could throw everything he had into the battle, not thinking about what lay behind. And because of that, he was able to remain calm. But now, it was different.
Kassel was representing the Wolf Knights, a group he had revered and dreamed of. If he failed, he wouldn’t just lose his life, but the honor of the White Wolves. He had read stories of knights sacrificing their lives for honor with amusement, but standing in that position himself, he realized how heavily the weight of honor pressed down on him, as much as his own life.
‘What should I do? What’s the right move in a situation like this, father?’
Suddenly, he found himself in the center of the battlefield with no way out in sight.
“We understand very well what you think of us.”
Sheyden spoke in a thunderous voice.
Kassel jumped, as if he had been awakened from a deep sleep.
Sheyden took large strides towards the others, staring down the counts who were attacking Kassel. For the first time, they encountered a gaze more frightening than that of the Black Lion Count.
“We’re also very aware of which side you fear. But let me tell you this, the White Wolves are a stronger force than you think.”
“Speak up, Captain. About us.”
Azwin stepped forward. She seemed to enjoy the situation.
“About the White Wolves, you mean?”
Kassel was puzzled.
Azwin leaned in and whispered in Kassel’s ear.
“Say what you think.”
Gerald and Dunmel stood behind Kassel as well. At some point, four White Wolves encircled Kassel, as if shielding their captain from arrows and spears.
‘I always avoided standing at the center of the battlefield, but this time, I must. I have fools who stayed up all night with eight bottles of wine to stand with me.’
Kassel slowly opened his mouth.
“I apologize for my direct intervention in the National Assembly. Domestic interference, you say? It could very well be. Yes, Count Enoa got it right. Our military presence here is indeed quite risky.”
“What… what do you mean?”
Luror asked.
“We’re not here as representatives or envoys of Aranthia.”
Staring straight at King Charles, Luror, and most especially Dunathan, Kassel spoke crisply.
“The five of us White Wolves are Aranthia’s entire military force.”
☆ ☆ ☆
“Today’s meeting was quite impressive, Captain Kassel.”
It was Dunathan who first suggested a walk, but in truth, Kassel was the one who desired a private conversation. Since Dunathan was the one who proposed sending a letter to Aranthia, he was also the first one Kassel needed to meet.
Dunathan’s voice echoed pleasantly in the tree-filled garden, like a harmony without dissonance.
“I bet some of the elderly councilors are still catching their breath, their hearts pounding from the shock.”
Kassel strolled leisurely, hands clasped behind his back.
“Really? I bet they all think I’m just an audacious young man.”
Dunathan paused under a towering topiary, cut to resemble a man tossing a spear.
“I too once dreamt of becoming a knight.”
“I heard King Charles mention something like that.”
“Then you know how I feel about the Wolf Knights.”
“Perhaps the same way I felt before becoming one.”
This was a prepared response, ready for the general flow of the conversation. Because his counterpart was friendly, Kassel was even more careful, considering each reply thoroughly.
“That’s right. When you guys arrived, I was as excited as a child. I just couldn’t show it purely because of my position.”
“I understand.”
“I confess, I was happier when you guys arrived than if hundreds of regular troops had come. And I was hoping for you to say exactly what you did at the meeting today. That you five are the entire military force.”
“I said that for more dramatic effect. Of course, I don’t mean that just five of us can take on hundreds of knights.”
“Indeed. The royal family, or to be precise, His Majesty, needs an army. That’s why I asked to meet you urgently.”
Dunathan walked slowly, and Kassel breathed in the crisp air.
He couldn’t remember the author, but a book called ‘Garden of the Sky’ had very detailed descriptions of various national gardens. Although the security of the royal family omitted any illustrations, the text alone made Kassel feel as if he was standing in the middle of the garden. The Camort Royal Garden was described as follows:
‘A calm and wealthy reader appears to have set up an outdoor library in a tranquil meadow filled with dignified statues. The royal gardener, Sam, who also designed the garden at the Dragon Knights Administration in Carnelock, suppressed his signature dynamic strength to create a serene atmosphere. It is a quiet yet dignified garden with picturesque walkways where you’d want to spend all day with a dear friend.’
Kassel recalled the words one by one, enjoying the walk itself separate from the conversation with Dunathan. So, a smile naturally bloomed on his face, and Dunathan caught it.
“You’re still smiling despite this dull and headache-inducing political talk?”
“Huh? Oh, I just like this walkway…”
Kassel stammered, to which Dunathan gave a faint smile, and then whispered.
“Actually, there was supposed to be another party hosted by the Black Lion Count tonight.”
“Two parties in a row?”
To admire the wooden sculpture depicting a flapping dragon, Kassel halted his steps.
“It had been exactly three days. Even now, there are quite a few nobles making their way up to see you. But, with the son of the host of the party, the Black Lion Count, being assassinated, the atmosphere to hold the party has long since shattered. So, His Majesty will cancel the party and will arrange a simple dinner instead.”
“A dinner without the Black Lion Count attending?”
Kassel lowered his voice too.
“That’s the intent. The plan is to call for an army for His Majesty at that gathering.”
“You will ask the nobles for an army?”
“You should know well that the Kingdom of Camort does not have a proper army.”
“Why did the royal knights of the Kingdom of Camort weaken?”
“It happened after the most excellent knight and captain of the royal knights were deprived of their knighthood for an absurd reason a few years ago. Many knights felt disillusioned and quit, and that was when I left the knights too. His Majesty thinks I left because I lacked talent in swordsmanship.”
Dunathan lowered his voice further.
“Moreover, the forces that left for Carnelock and Irophis as embassies were found dead not long ago. With Captain Francis, who was the only person His Majesty could trust, dead, it is difficult to form a new order of knights.”
“We also encountered assassins several times on our way here. It’s clear that there are those within who wish to obstruct us.”
Kassel narrowed his eyes and glanced up at the beating sun for a moment. The beautiful landscape of the garden was no longer visible to him.
Dunathan continued.
“Forming an army for His Majesty… it sounds great. But it’s hard to raise forces with the royal finances, and there’s no time. Neither can we hand spears to the civilians of Normant, who have never been in a war. I do not want to rely on the power of nobles again for His Majesty to escape from the clutches of the nobles. But realistically, that’s what it comes down to.”
Kassel paid attention to the phrase ‘the royal knights that he said he left a few years ago’. Derick and Meorix. Names he could never forget.
‘The thought that meeting Falcon wasn’t just a coincidence is starting to form.’
Kassel decided to forget their names for a moment as he continued his conversation with Dunathan.
“We will need a noble to help with this. A noble who can counter the power of the two counts.”
“It’s hard to mention it here, but there is someone who can help.”
Kassel seemed to know already who it was. But he didn’t bring up the name just yet.
“I’ll try to convince them first, but more importantly, Captain Kassel, you will need to convince the nobles yourself.”
“Me?”
“His Majesty can’t step forward. It could easily backfire.”
“In a strategy to get out of the nobles, the king can’t directly plead to the nobles.”
“That’s not something I can say.”
Kassel quickly understood Dunathan’s true intentions.
‘He’s saying he wants to use the White Wolves for the sake of Camort, independent of his liking for the White Wolves.’
While Kassel continued his conversation with Dunathan, he tapped his foot on the firm gravel floor.
“Do you think the nobles will help the White Wolves? I don’t think the name value of the Wolf Knights in Camort surpasses the fear given by Count Lumerier and Count Johnstein.”
“At this point, we don’t need nobles who are scared enough to worry about that.”
Occasionally, maidens passed by in the garden, bowing their heads and greeting them when they met. There were a few faces they didn’t know, and there were guards they recognized. The two paused their conversation each time someone passed by, but they were essentially assuming that someone was listening to their words. Therefore, they omitted important words or spoke symbolically.
“Push forward. I will help.”
Dunathan’s voice stood out with a strong will to help the king, regardless of whether it was a lie or the truth.
“Alright.”
With a relatively quiet voice, Kassel nodded his head.
The two had agreed on several arrangements for the dinner that evening, and refrained from saying anything more. Dunathan had argued that it was unnecessary to be so cautious within the palace garden, but in the end, he followed Kassel’s advice. They parted ways without fully revealing their intentions to each other.
Kassel retraced his steps through the garden, reflecting on the situation. Who were his allies? Who were his enemies? Who had hired the assassin to target them, and who had attacked the diplomat headed to foreign lands?
Above all, he wondered about the ‘Black Knight’ mentioned by both Counts.
‘Could it be the same Black Knight who ambushed us on our way to Normant? I said not to complicate matters by adding too many factors, but this is something we need to consider collectively.’
Who would benefit from hiring an assassin to eliminate the White Wolves?
It seemed both could profit, but also neither.
The Black Knight had tried to kill Count Johnstein’s daughter, had killed Count Lumerier’s son, and had attacked the White Wolves. Considering they’d also attacked bandits, it seemed indiscriminate.
‘No, the situation with the assassination within Normant is entirely different from incidents outside its walls. Among thousands of citizens, or narrowing it down, among the dozens of nobles visiting the palace, you can’t chalk up the accurate targeting of the Black Lion Count’s son to coincidence. This was a planned murder!’
Considering the heated exchange between the two Counts at the party, the attack by the Black Knight was the decisive blow. If it led to full-scale conflict between the two Counts, it could be seen as a crisis for all of Camort.
Kassel reviewed the timeline. The first attack was on the Red Rose Count’s daughter, followed by an attack on the White Wolves, and then the assassination of the Black Lion Count’s son. The bandits were likely hit between the first and second incidents.
‘It can’t be limited to three events. The Black Lion Knights we encountered on the way said the Black Knights attacked indiscriminately.’
Indeed, the Black Knight Azwin had encountered had only threatened her, not attacked.
‘Wait, why didn’t they attack then? The same fearsome group that wiped out a band of bandits spared Azwin, who, by appearances, is just a young woman.’
Kassel felt a sense of clarity as the scattered puzzles began to fall into place.
‘Maybe the Black Knights only recognized us as the White Wolves after attacking Gerald. That’s why they couldn’t attack Azwin. So, the Black Knight who fought Gerald before was just a random encounter during their indiscriminate attacks! We weren’t their target!’
He had been blinded by the assumption that everything had been planned. It was a mistake to view the assassin and the Black Knight as the same entity.
‘Now, let’s think from the start. Perhaps this will solve all the mysteries.’
Absorbed in thought, Kassel didn’t notice the man blocking his path and walked right past him. The man waited until Kassel had passed, then purposely grabbed his shoulder from behind.
Startled, Kassel spun around.
It was Bading, one of the Black Lion Count’s knights.
“What’s got you so deep in thought, Captain Wolf?”
“Bading, good to see you. There’s just a lot to think about. Were you out for a walk?”
Feeling uncomfortable about engaging in a lengthy conversation, Kassel replied hastily. Bading’s towering figure, good looks, golden hair, and remarkably handsome face were overwhelming up close.
Even now, looking at him reminded Kassel of his own inferiority, a sensation of mental defeat. Perhaps countless men had felt this way when faced with Bading. Kassel had promised himself he wouldn’t think like this, but he ended up doing so.
“Were you alone?”
Bading asked.
“Just taking a walk.”
Unconsciously, Kassel searched for Sheyden, who usually accompanied him as a bodyguard. However, Sheyden was nowhere to be seen in the garden, and a feeling of unease began to creep over Kassel.
“I should go back to my colleagues…”
As Kassel hurried to leave, Bading finally grabbed his arm. Despite the light hold, Kassel felt himself being pulled towards Bading.
“Do not be alarmed, Captain Wolf. I didn’t stumble upon you by accident. I’ve been searching for you.”
“For me?”
Bading nodded.
“Why?”
“Didn’t I mention it yesterday? I wanted to cross swords with you.”
Kassel intentionally furrowed his brows in feigned anger.
“I didn’t take you for the kind of knight who lacks manners, grabbing anyone and wielding your sword.”
“Anyone, you say! Who would dare call the White Wolves just ‘anyone’? As the captain of the Black Lion Knights, I formally request a duel with the captain of the Wolf Knights.”
Bading noticed the sword of Aranthia fastened to Kassel’s waist and smirked.
“You even have your sword. There’s no one around and there’s plenty of space. How about it?”
His hand was trembling. Leaving it as is would draw less attention than trying to hide it by clenching his fist or pulling it behind his back. In fact, he couldn’t even discern whether it was just his hand trembling or his entire body.
‘Damn it, where is Sheyden?’
Kassel tried to appear natural by tucking one hand into his pocket and scratching the back of his head. However, it only made him appear more awkward.
“I do not wish to cross swords in the royal garden amidst such chaotic times.”
“There is no better time than now.”
Bading took a deep breath, smiling at something in the distance.
“Today, our knights left to arrest Count Johnstein. But I’m not expecting an easy capture. Even if he is caught, it’ll be a headache. If we have such an influential figure in custody, armies led by the Rose Knights are bound to march on Normant. Either way, Count Lumerier and I must leave Normant today and return to Leang. We mustn’t cause His Majesty any trouble.”
Despite his claims of acting alone, Kassel had never imagined that Lumerier had already mobilized the knights. The situation was deteriorating more quickly than Kassel had anticipated. In a strangely peaceful garden, Kassel found himself in the most dangerous situation since setting foot in the royal palace.
“Thus, I don’t have much time. If I leave like this, who knows when I will see you again?”
“I cannot accept such a sudden duel request. Once we’ve sorted out this unrest, we can meet again. If necessary, I could even invite you to Aranthia.”
Kassel was trying to diffuse the situation.
Bading expressed his disappointment quite clearly.
“You, the captain of the White Wolves, wouldn’t refuse to draw your sword over some technicalities and formalities, would you?”
“It’s not about the formalities. Now is not the time for us to be hurting each other, don’t you think?”
“Well, I don’t intend to get hurt.”
“That’s some confidence. I, however, do not share it, so I will decline your duel.”
“You’re really declining?”
“I am declining.”
Kassel responded with a laugh. Bading turned his head towards a carved pine that was sculpted like a child blowing a horn, his hand on his waist.
“Is that so?”
While his words were gentle, the look in Bading’s eyes as he stared at the carved pine seemed as if he was holding back anger. Then suddenly, he yelled out.
“Captain Kassel!”
Passing maids in the distance startled at the volume, turning to look. All his restraint and calmness lost in an instant, Bading drew his sword and slashed the little pine blowing the horn in two. The large tree fell on its side with a single stroke.
Kassel hadn’t even seen the movement of the sword.
“I ask just one thing, Kassel.”
Bading, smoothing back his tousled hair, asked.
“Are you really a White Wolf?”
It felt as if all his insides had dropped to the bottom. Kassel couldn’t move, fearing that any twitch of a finger would reveal all his abilities to Bading.
‘Grasp the sheath with your left hand. Look at me, hold it gently. The looser your grip, the more elegant you appear. Got it? Appearance is key.’
Kassel recalled one by one the teachings of Gerald over the two days since his arrival in Normant.
‘Choose a fool for an opponent. Show them your black blade. Put on your most intimidating face. Then they’ll run. Train your expressions by watching Sheyden. But if the opponent is truly strong, don’t draw. By not drawing, it seems more plausible. Loyal and Dunmel are just like that. They don’t draw their swords until they’re intent on killing their opponent. This even affects the atmosphere during duels. Your physique is perfect for Loyal’s shoulder relaxation stance. Do it like this…’
Kassel slowly rested his hand on the scabbard. He neither crouched as he usually would when drawing his sword, nor spread his feet. He hadn’t even learned how to draw a sword yet. He’d endured around twenty-five scoffs from Gerald, such as ‘You really don’t match with a sword,’ and all his attempts at posturing had reached their limit there.
‘When you draw, it means you’re showing an intent to kill me. There’s no need to be ferocious. No need to strain to look strong. Just show your real desire to avoid a fight! Emphasizing, this is a stance only the best can recognize. Use it only then.’
Kassel thought it was nonsensical when Gerald taught him that.
‘Do I even have the skill to distinguish the best?’
Kassel was certain. Bading was one of the best.
“Captain Bading.”
Kassel was holding out his right hand as if it had nothing to do with drawing his sword. At first glance, it was an awkward stance. Making a face as if he didn’t want to fight was very easy.
“Are you ready to fight now?”
Bading rested his curved sword on the edge of the ground and snickered.
“No. There will be plenty of opportunities to duel.”
“I never miss an opportunity presented to me.”
“This is not an opportunity.”
“It is an opportunity.”
Bading bulged his eyes and raised his sword.
“Don’t avoid it.”
Kassel closed his eyes. He even let go of the little stance that Gerald had taught him. He didn’t believe he could fool a knight like Bading for long with a stance he’d only practiced for a few days.
“I will avoid it.”
Kassel spun around and walked away as he was.
Bading yelled out.
“I can attack your back as it is now. Even if I have to forsake all my honor and position! In the end, you will have to fight to protect your own life.”
Kassel felt dizzy at those words.
‘Don’t throw away your honor for a guy like me!’
Kassel didn’t turn around. If he turned here, Bading would really swing his sword. It was better to believe that he wouldn’t forsake his honor as a knight. And somewhere, he hoped Sheyden was watching this spectacle. Anyone from the White Wolves!
‘Where are they when they said they’d always have one of the four next to me when I needed them?’
Bading shouted, taking a step forward as if he would really slash Kassel’s back.
“Kassel!”
He yelled out and suddenly backed away, surprised by something, losing his balance and falling over.
Kassel, who had vowed not to look back, looked back anyway. There was a spear stuck in front of where Bading had fallen. The heavy spear, which had penetrated the stone, was trembling like the tip of a quill.
“If you insist so much…”
From the second floor terrace overlooking the garden, Sheyden jumped down.
“I’ll take you on, Bading.”
Sheyden came roughly across the grass blocking the gravel path where Kassel and Bading were standing. But that formidable momentum stopped in front of the flower bed. After hesitating for a moment, Sheyden, not wanting to step on the flowers, walked around the bed and toward the spear.
“Nice job, Bading. I didn’t target you, but even if I did, you dodged it.”
Sheyden forcefully pulled out the spear stuck in the ground. Dirt and crushed stone clung to the spearhead and then fell back onto the ground with a thud.
Bading also stood up from his place and dusted off his butt.
“Anyone from the White Wolves will do.”
Sheyden looked back at Kassel and sought his agreement.
“What do you think? I don’t like to automatically agree to a duel, but I don’t like to avoid challenges like the captain, either.”
Kassel walked over and lightly gripped Sheyden’s shoulder.
“No. It’s okay. I don’t want to see blood in such a beautiful garden.”
Bading was flabbergasted. He opened his mouth to say something, but ended up closing it again. The aides, who had spotted them from a distance, huddled together, staring at their direction, wondering what was happening.
Finally, Bading sheathed his sword.
“Such lukewarm confrontations disgust me. If fate leads me, I will meet you again. I hope you won’t flee then, Kassel.”
Bading flashed a magnificent smile, revealing a hint of ruthlessness behind it. No longer did he show Kassel the respect due to a captain. Sheyden, having his spear in his arm, responded instead of Kassel.
“Mind your words, Captain Bading. Only a White Wolf can survive after seeing the fangs of the White Wolf.”
“Interesting saying, Sheyden. However…”
Bading left a meaningful statement as he turned away.
“I’m not so sure your captain has such fangs.”
With that, Bading disappeared across the garden.
As Bading left the garden, Kassel walked in the opposite direction. Sheyden followed, his spear resting on his shoulder. When they finally entered a deserted corridor, Kassel leaned against the wall, catching his breath.
“Why… were you late, Sheyden? Weren’t you nearby?”
“No, I was there. Watching.”
Sheyden responded nonchalantly.
“Huh? You were watching and did nothing?”
“I wanted to see how you’d handle it.”
With that, Sheyden passed him by.
Kassel stood shocked, watching Sheyden’s retreating figure.
“So, did I handle it well?”
Kassel shouted in an angry voice.
“You fell short of expectations.”
“Oh, I did? Then why did you show up? Why not just appear after I was definitely killed by Bading!”
“That wouldn’t happen.”
Leaving only those words, Sheyden disappeared around the corner of the corridor. Kassel punched the wall out of frustration, wincing in pain afterward. Suddenly, he realized something odd about Sheyden’s words.
“Fall short of expectations?”
Kassel muttered to himself.
“What were you expecting?”
☆ ☆ ☆
“What were you expecting from Kassel?”
Around the corner, Gerald was waiting.
“Were you watching?”
Sheyden passed him by, asking in response.
“I was watching. From the moment you threw your spear at Bading.”
Gerald caught up with him, asking,
“Why did you do that? Why didn’t you help him? What were you expecting?”
“A better performance.”
Sheyden quickened his pace. Gerald followed suit, hurrying his steps and asking,
“Look here, a former bureaucrat, huh? You’re demanding too much from a mere farmer kid. His opponent is said to be the best in Camort. He might even be a formidable challenger for us.”
“I know. But…”
“But?”
“He raises expectations.”
“Who does?”
“Kassel.”
Sheyden stopped in front of a door. After confirming no one was around, he continued.
“At first, we expected him to be an interim captain. But at some point, he started to command real presence as a true member of our team, a real captain.”
“Hmm, did he now?”
Leaning against the wall, Gerald tilted his head.
Sheyden said,
“He doesn’t flaunt the captain’s title we gave him. He’s not overwhelmed even though he shoulders the duties that even we find burdensome. In the council room, he was genuinely concerned about the honor of the Wolf Knights, hesitating. We provided the opportunity, but who else would dare to speak up in front of the king?”
Gerald, with his arms crossed, chuckled.
“Did you two rehearse this? You’re saying the same thing.”
“With whom?”
“Azwin.”
“What did Azwin say?”
“Azwin quietly told me this before we entered Normant. If Kassel made a mistake and his fake identity was revealed, she would just pretend not to know and flee to Aranthia. But do you know what she said in the council room just now? It’s serious. She can’t leave easily now…”
Sheyden nodded, as if he agreed.
Gerald scratched the back of his head while smiling.
“Isn’t everyone expecting too much from Kassel? Don’t do that. You’re hoping he can do something even we can’t.”
“You’re right.”
Opening the door, Sheyden spoke with a somewhat regretful tone.
“The expectation we initially set was too easily exceeded. Without realizing it, I started demanding more.”
Inside the room, Dunmel was tensioning his bowstring.
“What are you doing?”
Gerald had asked, and Dunmel responded with sign language.
‘I have a feeling something bad is going to happen, so I’m preparing.’
Sheyden didn’t inquire further about it and continued the conversation they were having outside the door.
“Yeah, I thought he would somehow pull through and beat Bading this time as well.”
“So he couldn’t pull through in the end? Given that you intervened.”
“No, I intervened before I could see the end.”
“Why?”
Sheyden confessed truthfully.
“Because I was too anxious.”
–TL Notes–
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