The Start of the Day
The Start of the Day.
The first banquet at the Karl estate finally wrapped up late into the night. Exhausted from dealing with endless nobles all evening, I dragged my weary body back to my quarters. The home-cooked meal after so long was satisfying enough, but I couldn't shake the frustration of a fruitless night.
My uncle, Viscount Obray—one of the key players in this mess—hadn't shown up at all. Not getting a read on his intentions gnawed at me.
I patted Roland's shoulder as he escorted me to the annex.
"Roland. Why didn't Viscount Obray come today?"
Roland hesitated before answering.
"Heard he took a bad fall from his horse the day before yesterday and hurt his leg pretty badly."
Likely bullshit. He might've actually gotten injured, sure, but a riding accident right now? Too convenient.
My uncle might be using the injury as cover to quietly mobilize troops from the shadows.
"Oh dear. Let him know I'll send my heartfelt condolences later."
"Yes, sir."
Once we reached the quiet garden path, I scanned the surroundings carefully and spoke in a low tone.
"Anyway, we nab Viscount Brian tomorrow night, right?"
Roland nodded.
"Yes."
"Any specific plan?"
"Yes. Viscount Brian's planning to stay at his estate inside Karl Castle for a while. Especially tomorrow, since Prince Yozef is due back in Karl territory—he'll definitely stick around. We hit the estate at night, take him down quick and clean."
"What if he's not at the castle tomorrow? Do I have to go hunting for him?"
Roland glanced at me slyly.
"No need. Just stay in the castle."
"Why?"
"He'll come back to Karl Castle eventually."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Still stay in Karl Castle."
As expected, Viscount Brian wasn't the real target. At best, a pesky obstacle. And I was just the fixer to make sure he didn't get in the way.
Meanwhile, someone else would go after the true prize. Like my uncle, backed by the empire, taking out Yozef and Aunt Helen.
The wildcard was Father's play in all this—and I hadn't caught a whiff of it yet.
Father'll do everything to save Yozef. He's his favorite kid, and without him, there'd be no direct heir left.
If Father had made his move, he'd have eyes on Yozef for sure. A close look would reveal hints.
And probably around Uncle Obray too. Father never tolerates traitors, even family. That's why I needed to see Obray today—such a shame.
"Roland."
"Yes."
"You're a knight sworn to House Karl, right?"
"Yes."
"So why're you messing with Yosrahim Empire business?"
"Because I'm a retainer of House Karl. Viscount Brian's too dangerous. His rash moves could bring disaster to Karl territory."
Not wrong, so I nodded. Leave Brian be, and Cloud Grandpa would smash the place flat.
"One more question, then."
"Yes, go ahead."
"Viscount Luto once told me no one important dies on execution day."
"Yes."
"But that implies someone does die eventually, right? Who's the unlucky one?"
Roland looked flustered.
"The viscount said that much?"
"Yeah. Spill it—who?"
"Probably Viscount Brian."
"Nah, not him. Context doesn't fit."
"Then I don't know."
"Heh. Can't just play dumb when you're House Karl's knight. Only two candidates fit that context: Prince Yozef or Lady Helen."
Roland's eyes twitched.
"I know nothing about that."
"Whatever, if you really don't know, fine. Not my problem anyway."
I brushed past him with a sly grin.
That chat had nailed Roland's position.
He knew the big picture. What'd go down on execution day, and even if he denied it, he suspected Yozef or Aunt Helen might die.
But intriguing: a mere knight knowing too much. Couldn't just be Luto's string-puller. If I were Luto, Roland'd be a simple errand boy.
Why spill secrets to a stranger? Just assign tasks, like guiding me to Brian.
Heh. Found one of Father's men. A key player, too.
Roland's loyal to the core, a true Karl knight. That's why Father assigned him as my guard during school.
Probably Father's eyes and ears since then, watching my every move.
* * *
Dawn of execution day broke. Before sunrise, I geared up and slipped out. Had a quick stop to make. Yozef'd arrive mid-morning; miss it now, and I'd be too busy later.
Stealthily exiting the annex, I heard footsteps behind.
"Where you sneaking off to so carefully?"
I scowled. Grandpa.
"Morning endurance training."
"Diligent."
"Stamina's national power."
"Keep at it."
"Mm."
Mumbling, I hurried out. But Cloud Grandpa followed—boldly.
"Grandpa, no other business?"
"Got some."
"Then handle it."
"I'm handling it."
"Feels like you're just tailing me."
"What's an attendant for? Serving the master."
I bit my lip. Fair—his cover was my attendant.
"Thirsty. Fetch water."
He waved; dew drops gathered, floating over as a blob. Telekinesis, a Mind Master trick.
"Morning dew, fresh. Drink up."
I smacked it away with my hand.
"Ugh! Seriously. Act your age—read the room! Why tail me?"
"Suspicious."
"What?"
"You've been poking around weirdly since arriving. Just nab Brian—why stir everything up?"
"Due diligence. Shady jobs need double-checking to avoid blowback. Simple gig, but screw up and we step in shit big time."
Cloud Grandpa tilted his head.
"Seems straightforward to me. Empire wants rebels in Karl territory gone, right?"
"On the surface. But there's an extra ingredient."
"What?"
"Grand Duke Karl."
"Grand Duke Karl...? Didn't sense that."
"That's his style. Wants something done? Doesn't dirty his hands—just adds spice to others' moves. Clean, invisible."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. House tradition. So quit worrying—head back. You're cramping my style."
I sped up; he closed the gap instantly.
"Intriguing. So what's Grand Duke Karl's goal?"
I snapped in frustration.
"Argh, seriously—what's it to you?"
"Ties to the empire's peace. Gotta check."
"His goal's the same. Empire-pleasing result. Saves Karl territory. Just tweaks the casualty list."
"How?"
"Saves one or two extra."
"Then let it ride? Won't change much."
"Problem is saving just one. Needs at least two."
"Two? Oh, Lady Helen you mentioned yesterday."
Grandpa caught on quick.
"Yeah. Let her die by Grand Duke's hand? Total shitstorm."
"Why?"
"He's got real venom this time. Piss him off, and empire pays big. House rule: never forget a grudge."
"Then I kill Grand Duke Karl—problem solved."
This old man's hearing must go through his ass. Knows the world, but politics? Child's play.
"Empire crumbles."
"How so?"
"He's the canary in the coal mine. Canary dies, miners panic. Miners next."
Cloud Grandpa grunted.
"Emperor steps in?"
"Yep. You vs. emperor civil war. Won't stop till one's dead."
"So what now?"
"Can't let Grand Duke kill Lady Helen. Or Yozef. They're his Achilles' heel."
Cloud Grandpa stared.
"Odd. He dotes on those sons—why think he'd kill Helen?"
"He's lord of Karl, father to all its people. For them, he'll kill anyone. Big-picture guy."
"Hmm... maybe."
"Exactly! Quit pushing—why stir this mess? He'd handle radicals himself. Anyway, I'll wrap it neatly. Satisfied?"
"Fine, I'll watch."
We'd reached outside the castle. Evergreen hill ahead. I jogged, glaring back at my persistent shadow.
Soldiers guarded the path up—Grand Duke's family plot, heavily secured.
I pushed through outer woods slowly; Grandpa ghosted through trees behind.
"What're you up to? Grave robbing?"
"Quiet. Said I gotta check something."
"Do your thing."
Two large mounds near the top. One when I left; now two. The new one's Yan Sergio Karl. My grave.
Fresh flowers on it.
Another bouquet nearby—guessed the visitor. I inspected mine closely, set it down.
Cloud Grandpa eyed my grave wistfully.
"That kid's tomb. Former Grand Prince."
"You know it. Famous guy."
He turned, eyes meaningful.
"Why here?"
"Told you—checking something."
"What?"
"Bouquet owner, probably."
I moved to Mother's grave beside. Damn Grandpa—ruining my respects. What a waste.
"Who's the bouquet from?"
"Biggest wildcard in this mess."
Quick bow at Mother's; drew Yojyo, sliced wildflowers, scattered them. Substitute offering.
Cloud Grandpa watched white petals drift like snowflakes.
"Quick, concise. But sword form's unrecognizable."
"Battle style."
I tossed extras on my empty grave too—looked weird otherwise.
He stroked his chin, watching.
"Hmm. Mercenary?"
"Eh, close enough."
Rustling from afar—footsteps. I cloaked my mana, ducked into woods.
Cloud Grandpa still tilting head.
"Assassin?"
"Sometimes. Can't deny."
Blond man emerged: my old teacher, unemployed since last year. Same routine—swapped flowers, bowed.
"House Karl has someone that age?"
Grandpa's voice boomed. On purpose. Meyer Viscount spun toward us.
"Who's there?!"
I shot Grandpa a glare, stepped out.
"Me."
Meyer startled, recognized instantly.
"B-Baekmyeon? Why're you here?"
I scratched my wig sheepishly.
"Had something to check."
He eyed Grandpa following.
"And who's that?"
"His Highness Duke Cloud. Ahem."
Payback—blew his cover.
Grandpa frowning. Viscount gaping, then bowing hastily. I flipped Grandpa the bird, middle finger elegantly wrapped.
"Your Highness."
Cloud Grandpa waved irritably.
"Ignore me. Kid had business with you—I'm just tagging."
"Pardon?"
Viscount glanced between us. I tossed casually.
"Got business, no questions. Just tailing you."
"Tailing? Why?"
"Curious whose side you're on. Changes my plans big time."
"Plans?"
I shrugged.
"Who lives, who dies, how. So—which side, Viscount?"
Meyer was pure Yosrahim, came with Mother to Karl. Long loyal, deep central noble ties. Could swing either way.
Should've been Karl loyalist—but free since handing over territory? Unknown.
The Start of the Day. End