Leo and Clad have been sent to Viscount Rustro.
"You sent Leo and Clad to Viscount Rustro?" Jorald asked, standing by the tent. "Why? To do charity for that barony?"
"The end of Pellamio."
Rudious replied plainly.
Jorald frowned, crossing his arms. "You mean... a territory war?"
"Yes."
A chilling, cold smile formed on Rudious's face.
"If everyone thinks they can look down on us and we will just forgive them... that is impossible. He has to face the consequences."
---
"But according to Royal Law," Jorald questioned, "no Lord can attack another Lord without a valid reason or a direct Royal Order."
Rudious's cold smile only widened.
Jorald paused. His eyes widened slightly.
"Don't tell me... did you contact the Royal House?"
"Are you crazy?"
Rudious looked genuinely irritated.
"How can I contact the Royal House when I'm officially dead? I used the Royal Laws themselves to force the Royal House to issue an order."
Jorald scratched his head, still confused. "But even to send a message and lodge a complaint to the Royal House..."
"Don't forget who made those Royal Laws and orders in the first place."
Rudious interrupted smoothly.
Jorald let out a heavy sigh. He realized just how deep his Lord's influence still ran.
"Alright. Let's look at the duel first. We can worry about what happens to that poor fool later."
"Hmm. Let's go."
Rudious nodded. He walked toward the tent, ordering everyone to pack up.
"Let's move, everyone. We need to reach the manor before nightfall."
---
Looking at Rudious's back, Jorald thought to himself:
I don't know which idiot decided to pick a fight with this absolute madman. Hah.
---
They packed their gear and left the fort.
The formation was strict. The fort guards marched at the front as the vanguard. John and Drake walked together in the center, safe and protected. Rudious and Jorald rode their horses at the very rear, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
By the time they reached the manor, evening had already fallen.
Exhausted from the awakening and the hunt, Drake went straight to his room and fell asleep instantly. Veil stayed quietly in the room with him.
---
Dinner in the dining hall was a quiet affair. Only Rudious, Jorald, and Hans were present.
"Hans, are the preparations complete?"
"Yes, My Lord." Hans bowed respectfully. "Following the Royal Order, the duel will be judged by the Knight Commander of the Black Wings — Sir Belmore."
"Sir Belmore?"
Jorald's fork stopped mid-air.
"Hmm. He was your old comrade during your training days, wasn't he?" Rudious looked at him casually.
Jorald muttered. He looked straight at Rudious.
"So, the Royal Order sent a Knight Commander to judge this duel. And this is also because of your 'Royal Order', am I right, My Lord?"
Ahem.
Rudious cleared his throat.
"Let's just say the duel will be fair and square. Send Sir Arthur to my office tomorrow morning. And Jorald, prepare the men who will escort Drake there."
"Yes, My Lord."
Jorald and Hans replied in unison. They stood up and left for their quarters.
---
The next morning. Outside Rudious's office.
Knock. Knock.
"My Lord, it is Arthur."
"Come in."
Arthur stepped inside.
"So, how is the training of the boys going?" Rudious leaned back in his chair.
"Both Young Masters are geniuses, My Lord."
"Geniuses."
Rudious caught that word. He slowly lifted his head.
"What exactly does the word 'genius' mean to you, Sir Arthur?"
"Pardon, My Lord?"
"I mean, who would you call a genius?"
Arthur thought for a moment. "Someone who is good at everything. Someone born with a powerful talent, who can do whatever they set their mind to."
"Hmm. Fine." Rudious tapped his desk. "But in my eyes, a genius is someone who carves out their own path without special abilities or deep knowledge, and still reaches the top. Someone who escapes every hardship through their own wits and survival instinct, not because of a powerful talent. Understand?"
Arthur bowed his head low. "Yes, My Lord."
Rudious realized his tone had grown sharp.
"Ah, I apologize. I didn't mean to give you a lecture. I just... don't have a good relationship with that word."
"I can understand, My Lord." Arthur said calmly.
"Good. Now tell me."
---
"Young Master Drake has a perfect physique. He executes every move easily, especially in martial arts. But... sometimes he gets too excited, forgets where he is, and loses control."
"He has to control that," Rudious said, his expression turning serious. "Otherwise he will become a danger to everyone."
"Yes, I know, My Lord. And he is slowly improving and gaining control."
"And Veil?" Rudious asked.
"Young Master Veil is different. He is quiet and easily understands whatever he is taught. But..."
"But what?"
"He mirrors everything. Especially during training, he constantly thinks about copying the techniques of other knights just by watching them."
"Is that so?"
Rudious chuckled softly.
"Alright, you may go. You will escort Drake tomorrow. Discuss the remaining details with Jorald."
---
The next day.
A grand convoy was prepared.
Drake, Arthur, John, and Jack traveled together — some in carriages, others on horseback. A squad of guards and knights from the Falcon Knight Order rode alongside them, carrying the proud banner of the Red Falcons.
They exited through the South Gate of Velrend.
After traveling for a long time, the scenery shifted into a deserted countryside.
Finally, they reached a massive, solitary hall standing in the middle of nowhere.
Outside the building, there was only one carriage parked. It bore a flag with a shining sun — the crest of the Royal Knights.
---
Drake, Arthur, and the guards dismounted and entered the massive room.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy. Three men sat behind a long table. One had broad shoulders and a thick mustache. Another had a long beard. The third had his long hair tied back.
Arthur and the guards stepped forward, greeting them respectfully.
"We, the people of Velrend, by the order of our Lord, are prepared for the duel against the heir of Lord Pellamio."
The mustached judge looked down at them.
"Alright. Please take your seats. Baron Pellamio has not yet arrived. If they do not arrive before the designated time, according to the Royal Order and Knight Rules, he will be stripped of his title, and his defeat in this duel will be confirmed."
---
Just then, a thin, arrogant voice echoed from behind them.
"I apologize for the delay, Judges."
---
[Chapter 31 — End]