Chapter 101

Chapter 101
## Chapter 101

‘Good grief, I’ve lost my mind. I should have remained silent instead of kicking a hornets’ nest.’

Colin squeezed his eyelids shut, overcome by a powerful desire to strike his past self from moments ago.

Since reversing the flow of time was impossible, he had to at least attempt to mitigate the impact of the words he had let slip.

“Your Grace, as you are aware, the nature of magic is…”

“There is no need for justifications. You aren’t at fault, and the person responsible is likely a sorcerer you’ve never encountered.”

“That may be so, but…”

“It would be preposterous to despise every knight on the planet simply because a relative was slain by one.”

Hearing Lucian’s reasoning, Colin gave a nod, though his expression remained clouded with doubt.

The logic was sound, yet he knew most people rarely acted on pure reason.

Typically, after suffering at the hands of a demented black mage, people began to view even a sanctioned court mage as a blood enemy.

“The reason I am not celebrating is that I am still processing my sorrow, not because I harbor ill will toward you. There is no need for you to be so anxious.”

“I… I am grateful, Your Grace.”

“Why offer thanks for something that isn’t your burden? Regardless, I will have you released shortly, so remain patient.”

“When might my departure be possible?”

“The precise hour is uncertain, but the matter should be settled within a week.”

The memory of the Emperor spitting up blood during their audience resurfaced in Lucian’s mind.

With his physical condition failing, the Emperor did not have the luxury of procrastination.

The moment he regained his senses, he would likely burn through the remnants of his lifespan to settle Lucian’s affairs.

If the compensation wasn’t sufficient, Lucian would find no incentive to relinquish his claim as the patriarch of House Valdek.

“I shall return later. By then, I will have appropriate attire readied for you. You will be formally appointed to serve at my side.”

“Understood, sir.”

Colin still looked hesitant.

Whether Lucian’s promises were sincere or not, the mage seemed unable to fully process the shift in his reality.

The persecution that had persisted for generations was being dismantled through a single diplomatic trade.

He would likely remain skeptical until the moment he actually walked out of his cell and tasted the freedoms he had been promised.

‘Well, he’ll likely be overwhelmed with excitement once he experiences it for himself.’

Lucian let out a brief, dry laugh and exited the prison area.

His thoughts were still turbulent, so he decided to take a walk in the morning air.

‘In any case, with Father’s passing, Valdek is bound to descend into significant turmoil. Even with the Emperor backing Tristan, the siblings who refuse to yield…’

Lucian came to a sudden halt.

As his mind traced that path, a specific piece of intelligence returned to him.

It was the message from Hans, which had noted hints of a possible coup by Jordi.

When Raymond had initially read the letter, he had scoffed at the idea.

He maintained that an insurrection was unthinkable while the head of the house remained healthy and active.

He believed that if Grand Duke Sigmund simply returned and uttered a single command, the entire plot would disintegrate.

‘But that is no longer the case. Everything has shifted.’

Grand Duke Sigmund had perished without designating an heir.

Even if the Emperor proclaimed the Grand Duke’s final wishes, few would accept it as gospel.

If he truly intended to name a successor, why entrust that secret to the Emperor rather than his own inner circle?

Because of the Emperor’s status, they wouldn’t dare voice a public protest, but in their souls, they would suspect a fabrication.

‘A sudden death of the patriarch, a vacant throne, and external testimony that lacks credibility.’

Lucian had seen such scenarios play out frequently in his previous life.

It wasn’t unusual for a family leader to die abruptly during chaotic eras.

And when that happened, the progression was predictable.

The first person to seize power by force became the ruler. Total war.

“That absolute scoundrel.”

Lucian’s features twisted with fury.

Technically, if Jordi seized the title of family head through violence, it wouldn’t necessarily disadvantage Lucian.

With Tristan sidelined, Lucian would have a perfect pretext to seize Valdek for himself.

However, if this wasn’t a twist of fate, but a calculated move…

‘If Jordi truly craved the position enough to commit such a monstrous act against his own sire…’

Then Lucian would ensure his end was anything but peaceful.

Lucian threw a sharp glance toward the south, the direction of Valdek, before pivoting away.

He had too many responsibilities to spend his days in mourning.

—

The initial action Lucian took upon entering his study was to call for Thorkel.

The lingering effects of the potion seemed less debilitating than anticipated, as the man appeared to be in good health.

“You requested my presence.”

“There is a task I require of you. Actually, it involves both you and your companion.”

“If you are referring to my friend…”

“The third son of the Beor family. It seems I must assign him a duty the moment we meet. Do you believe he will agree?”

Aristocrats were driven by status and pride.

No matter the importance of the work, if it was assigned without the proper respect, it could breed bitterness.

For Lucian, who needed to delegate a mission where loyalty was the primary requirement, the man’s temperament was a concern.

At Lucian’s inquiry, Thorkel beamed, signaling there was no cause for alarm.

“He will be thrilled. He’ll view it as a golden chance to earn Your Grace’s favor.”

“Excellent, let us speak with him. Is he available immediately?”

“Indeed he is.”

Thorkel stepped out, mentioning that his friend had been standing by for Lucian’s summons.

A short time later, Thorkel came back accompanied by a high-strung young man.

“Lesta Beor offers his greetings to the Grand Duke. Meeting you in this manner is a profound privilege.”

“Welcome, Lord Lesta. I’ve heard quite a bit about your reputation. They say you are a highly capable newcomer.”

“I am humbled to hear that, but I have indeed received such praise from my peers.”

Lucian blinked, noting that Lesta didn’t bother with false modesty.

It didn’t seem like arrogance; rather, it looked like a calculated display of confidence to win Lucian’s reliance.

Lucian offered a satisfied grin at this peculiar approach.

‘Not a bad attitude.’

Possessing ambition and a desire to showcase one’s skills meant the man would be proactive in his assignments.

He was far preferable to those who played political games or tried to avoid high-stakes labor.

“I have an assignment for you. It involves moving armed forces. Are you capable of this?”

“…!”

Lesta’s expression grew rigid.

Any mission involving troop movements usually carried heavy consequences.

Yet, after only a fleeting moment of apprehension, he bowed his head with a look of resolve.

“Give me your orders, whatever they may be!”

Lucian’s grin widened at the decisive reply.

With that level of grit, the man seemed reliable enough for the job.

“The mission itself is straightforward. My subordinates who were staying with my family will be arriving in the North soon. Station yourself near the frontier and, the moment you locate them, provide them a safe passage here.”

“…That is the extent of it?”

“That is all.”

Upon hearing the specifics, Lesta couldn’t hide a flash of letdown.

He had anticipated a monumental task, only to be given a basic escort job that any soldier could handle.

However, Lucian continued as if he hadn’t finished his thought.

“You must ensure their safe return at all costs. Even if it requires you to battle pursuing forces.”

“I beg your pardon? Pursuers? Are they being hunted?”

“They might be, or they might not. But if there are hunters on their trail, it will not be a simple skirmish.”

Lesta, who had been dejected, suddenly sharpened his focus.

If there were genuine threats involved, this wasn’t a mere formal escort.

It was a vital mission, placing the lives of essential inner-circle members in his hands.

Success would mean securing a place in Lucian’s inner circle.

“Regardless of who stands in our way, I will ensure they arrive without a scratch!”

“Good, I am relying on you. We must move swiftly, so can you be ready at once?”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

Lesta hurried out of the room to make preparations.

Watching Lesta rush off to his lands, Thorkel chuckled.

“That was a masterclass in command. By introducing a threat to a basic task, you tested his character and forged a bond of trust simultaneously.”

“I wasn’t being deceptive, though.”

“Sir?”

“I wasn’t inventing a danger; there is a legitimate possibility of one. I simply didn’t state it as a certainty because I don’t know for sure.”

“In that case…”

“If a real threat emerges, he may have to put his life on the line. Though ideally, it will conclude without any trouble.”

Lucian had first heard of Jordi’s movements when he possessed nothing.

Since he had returned with only his own strength to reclaim the Grimaldi legacy, Jordi had no reason to fear him.

As long as Jordi held the family, Lucian was effectively an outcast, so why would he bother with Lucian’s staff?

‘But the paradigm has changed.’

Lucian had evolved from a powerless third son into the Duke of Grimaldi and the Margrave of Asagrim.

If this intelligence spread, Jordi would undoubtedly shift his strategy and attempt to seize the retainers as leverage.

Having hostages to use against the Ruler of the North would be a massive advantage for Jordi.

‘I would have preferred to send Hugo, Raymond, or Felicia, but that would draw the North’s collective gaze to that location.’

If an enemy of Lucian realized how valuable Hans and Ian were, a catastrophe would ensue.

Out of necessity, he turned to Lesta, who commanded a respectable force without attracting undue attention.

If Lesta moved, it would be difficult for anyone to connect him to Lucian, whether he was acting as an escort or otherwise.

“And Thorkel, I need your involvement as well. Your father is the most dependable lord positioned at the gateway to the North.”

“…You aren’t suggesting I return to see my father again, are you?”

“Why wouldn’t I? While you are traveling, coordinate with Viscount Harald and enlist some of his men. That will make repelling any hunters far easier.”

Thorkel turned pale, but he eventually gave a slow nod.

Given the importance of the situation, he realized he couldn’t decline, despite his personal reluctance.

Just as Lucian was about to send him away, he recalled a final detail.

“Wait, take this with you.”

When Lucian produced a vial of Nectar from his clothes, Thorkel’s eyes nearly popped out.

“Good heavens, what is this? I’ve never seen a fluid that generates its own light.”

“It is Nectar.”

“Nectar? Do you mean the fabled drink of the deities?”

“It is simply a restorative that borrowed the name.”

“I don’t know who brewed it, but they certainly lack humility. To name a tonic after the beverage of the gods.”

Lucian offered a pained smile at Thorkel’s comment.

It was the exact reaction people had in his previous life.

Naturally, once they witnessed its power, the mockery turned to awe.

“Regardless, why are you giving this to me?”

“If the party you are escorting questions your motives, show them this bottle. Their doubts will vanish, and they will follow your lead.”

“It must be quite a precious item.”

Yes, more than you know.

Lucian kept that thought to himself and dismissed Thorkel.

If the man performed his task well, he would soon get to experience the miracle of the Nectar firsthand.

—

With the escort mission in the hands of Thorkel and Lesta, Lucian settled in to await the Emperor’s formal word.

Following Lucian’s meeting with the Emperor, Glen had traveled beyond the borders of Asagrim several times.

Since a portal could not be established within the city itself, it appeared he was trying to initiate the connection from the outskirts.

However, unlike previous attempts, the gate refused to manifest easily.

When the pattern of spending the day outside and returning with nothing continued, Lucian finally spoke up.

“Sir Glen, has a complication arisen?”

“No. The alignment simply isn’t right yet. I will see His Majesty shortly, so do not trouble yourself with worry.”

His face was composed, as if he had an inkling of the reason behind the delay.

Since Glen was not one to mask his feelings well, Lucian chose to trust his word and wait.

And on the seventh day, a portal finally tore open outside Asagrim.

Glen, who had retrieved an object from the brief opening, soon sought out Lucian, his face drained of all color.

“Your Grace…”

“Sir Glen? What has happened?”

A dazed Glen extended an object toward Lucian.

Lucian accepted the Emperor’s proclamation, which was visibly splattered with blood, his hands beginning to shake.