Chapter 71: The First Signs of Conspiracy

After some inner struggle, Moira finally nodded her agreement.

Seeing Moira relent, Flora let out a sigh of relief and immediately lay down on the bed to rest. It wasn’t long before she was sound asleep.

Moira, helpless, pressed her hand to her forehead, then deftly removed Flora’s armor. She stepped out of the tent to fetch a basin of hot water, and gently wiped Flora down.

More than twenty minutes later, after finishing her chores, Moira lay down beside Flora and began to rest as well.

At the same time, in another isolated tent, Verin was studying a map of the kingdom’s western provinces, summarizing and speculating on the information gathered that day.

“The defensive line of the Rensa, Ist, and Dani provinces has come under large-scale attack. The neighboring provinces are sure to pull troops for support. And in September, there is supposed to be an outbreak involving the Famine Cult. Is there a connection between these events?”

Mulling over the facts, Verin felt a nagging uncertainty.

“My lord.”

Kyle stepped through the curtain, saluted with a fist to his chest.

“Kyle, you’re here. Sit.”

Verin set aside his documents and turned to pour a cup of tea for Kyle.

No sooner had Kyle sat on the bench than he hurriedly stood up, accepted the teacup with both hands, and sipped it cautiously.

“Take a look at these materials. I want to hear your thoughts.”

Kyle set the cup aside, took the documents from the low table, and compared them with the map, reading carefully and thinking deeply.

After more than ten minutes, Kyle put the materials down and shook his head. “Forgive my dullness, my lord. I see nothing unusual in these events.”

Verin stroked his chin and muttered, “So it is much as I thought. The higher-ups will likely label this as simply another monster incursion at the border.”

Without knowing about the Famine Cult incident, Kyle’s conclusions, drawn from the available intelligence, were entirely reasonable. For a knight who had clawed his way up from serfdom, Kyle had little experience, but his judgment already surpassed that of many.

“You may go. Say nothing of tonight’s matters to anyone.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Kyle stood, bowed, and left the tent.

Verin then burned the notes he had written on parchment, tossing them into the brazier. When the flames had consumed everything, he snuffed out the oil lamp and lay down to rest.

...

Late that night, in the Monni Province, in the domain of Count Forkris, the bustling city of Forkris—home to more than two hundred thousand souls—lay under a blanket of darkness.

In the basement of the city lord’s mansion, four figures in black robes gathered.

“We’ve received orders from the front. Two knightly orders and fifty thousand troops from Monni Province have already set out. At the same time, the province’s two marquises and six counts have been commanded to assemble an additional eighty thousand soldiers. Count Forkris is gathering his forces and is expected to leave the city within three days,” one robed figure began.

Another promptly reported, “I’ve received dispatches from the bishop of the Life Church here in Monni Province. The Life Church in Forkris must send three hundred priests and eight hundred church knights to the front. In the end, only about a hundred priests and two hundred knights will remain.”

“My side is much the same,” said a burly, muscular man beneath his hood. “The Forkris Adventurers’ Guild must send eight bronze-ranked parties of over a hundred members each. The rest are nothing but riff-raff—no threat at all.”

“In five days, our people will begin the offering. Let us present sacrifices to our god.” The leader’s voice trembled with fervor as he performed a blessing gesture.

“For our god.” The others lowered their heads in silent prayer.

...

At dawn the next day, waves of noble troops arrived, turning the encampment into a hive of activity.

After washing up, Flora made her way directly to Verin’s tent.

Kyle, standing guard at the entrance, bowed as Flora approached. “Good morning, Lady Flora.”

“Is Verin still resting?”

“Yes, my lady. He retired very late last night.” Kyle remained steadfast at his post, showing no sign of stepping aside.

Just then, Verin, having dressed, heard Flora’s voice from within.

“Kyle, let Lady Flora in.”

“Yes, my lord.”

At his master’s command, Kyle stepped aside and lifted the curtain.

“Please, my lady.”

Flora nodded and entered.

“Aunt, you’re here.”

“Yes, it’s been some time,” Flora replied, sitting straight-backed on the bench.

Once he’d finished tidying up, Verin turned to her and asked, “Aunt, is there something you need?”

“I assume you’ve received word—the knightly orders are marching to support the Rensa-Ist-Dani provincial defensive line. Will you stay here, or go with them?”

Seeing Verin about to answer without hesitation, Flora interjected, “Think carefully. The Rensa-Ist-Dani front is an excellent opportunity for military merit. Such chances are rare.”

“And you, Aunt?” Verin countered.

“My team and I will remain,” Flora replied with a smile.

“For the safety of the Cardero Province?” Verin asked.

Flora nodded in silent confirmation.

Verin found her answer matched his own expectations.

“Aunt, I have no great ambitions—my only wish is to develop my lands well. I don’t generally seek adventure. If you need my help, I’m willing to stay and assist you.”

“If you stay, what of your fief’s safety?” Flora asked, concern in her expression.

Verin shook his head. “My domain has fourteen silver knights and a powerful guardian. Nothing beneath legendary rank poses a threat to it, though that protection extends only to my own lands.”

“Impressive! Did your father secretly send those men?” Flora asked in amazement.

“Aunt, you overestimate him. This was my own good fortune, unrelated to my father.”

Hearing this, Flora was astonished beyond words. She’d thought she knew Verin well, but now realized she’d only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg—he was more mysterious than she had imagined.

“Then, I, Flora, sincerely ask you to stay and aid me.” Flora suddenly stood, her expression solemn.

“I am at your service.”

“Come—we should have breakfast. I have a meeting later.”

“Yes.”

That afternoon, at the council, most nobles agreed to lead their forces to support the Rensa-Ist-Dani defensive line. For them, military distinction was a rare and valuable opportunity.

Two days later, the knightly orders, integrated with the nobles’ elite troops—a total of six thousand strong: one Soul Will-ranked warrior, five Gold-ranked, four hundred Silver-ranked, and over fifty-five hundred Bronze-ranked—set out for the provincial capital of Cardero, preparing to use the teleportation array to reinforce the Rensa-Ist-Dani front.