Lurter Noubelle is a young man of fourteen with a slim build and untamed pale white hair, strands ran all through out his head with some drooping down and forming bangs. His crystal clear prismarine eyes shine like a gem when a person sees it, which makes him a hit with the ladies, added with his natural charm and wit, it all makes him irresistible.

The Noubelles are a minor house under the banner of House Mil in the South and they hold a tight sense of loyalty towards them. Although not strong militarily or economically, the Noubelle's strength is their intelligence. Many scholars in Divios are products of the education in the academies that are owned by House Noubelle, most tacticians and strategists of House Mil are also Noubelle scholars or outright Noubelle family members.

The next morning after the chaos of last night, Lurter has succeeded in persuading the king in to leave the investigation of the plots of the Sords. Despite being a man of wit, he knows his limits too well and he understood that he can't do everything on his own and he must enlist someone's help. From someone he can trust. And that person is no other than his childhood friend, Orewell. They met when they were just young boys of eight and it didn't take it too long for the two of them to be close and immediately be friends. What Lurter lacked in swordsmanship was compensated by Orewell's.

He yawned, taking in the fresh morning air from the window of the room. The cold is just something Lurter couldn't get used to, but yet here he is.

"Best get the day started", he muttered to himself.

He took a quick bath and meal and immediately left the inn, leaving his lord in the care of another ward. He wore a fur cloak to warm himself as he took steps in the chilly pavements of Bredost. And by all his luck, as he continued to walk around town, him and Orewell crossed paths. His black hair and blue eyes were as deep as always, abysmal, almost.

However, whatever time they have to reminisce would be diminished into nothing as the urgency of his task takes priority.

"Orewell.", he greeted.

"Lurter?", Orewell asked in disbelief and obvious joy. For the many years Lurter knew Orewell, his eyes rarely ever gleam, and this surely is one of the times that it does.

Lurter nodded.

"This is no time for nostalgia, my friend.", he said dismissively. "I have an urgent task and I need your help. I need someone I could trust."

"I'm all ears.", he assured. "What do you need of me?"

"You're well aware of what the Sords had done, yes?"

Orewell nodded. Lurter can practically see the contemplation in his friend's eyes and demeanor. However, his thoughts were interrupted as Orewell spoke once more. "That, I know of", he confirmed. "What exactly do you need me for?"

"I need your company and sword. As much as I want to keep this task to myself, this is no job I can do alone", he said solemnly.

"Anything for you, my friend. What's our first course of action, if I may ask?"

"We'll go to the biggest information network in Divios. Mireznd, a brothel in the west. In Koyn territory, their bannermen's specifically, House Rivermay. "

At the mention of the "Koyn", Lurter saw Orewell's face turn into one of disgust.

"Ah. The House of inbreds and boy-fuckers.", Orewell murmured.

"Yes. And those inbreds are the ones that will give us our information.", Lurter replied. "I heard rumors that one of the heirs of House Koyn, Lord Zuremis, is a regular patron there. If we can somehow catch him, we might be able to make him spill something." He knew well enough that this tactic might cause unwanted conflict, and that he might not have any leverage against Zuremis, but he'll worry about that as they go.

"Why the Koyns though?", Orewell asked in confusion. "The Sords attacked the Mils, not the Koyns."

Lurter couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's lack of insight. Quite exactly what he needed, a person that isn't too smart for his own good.

"The Sords cannot afford a campaign as massive as they did.", he paused. "The Sords must've had some form of financial help, and there's no better House to ask for money other than the Koyns."

"I see.", Orewell responded calmly. "You're suspecting the Koyns must have assisted the Sords in their campaign in the south financially?", he guessed.

"The Koyns aren't exactly fond of the southerners." Lurter sighed.

"And what if they don't?", Orewell questioned. "It might cause more unecessary tension than we can ever manage."

"They do, Orewell.", Lurter insisted. "The west is a sandy mess. With their soil turning dry, it's more efficient for them to just take new lands and plunder than importing food. More lands and less rivals."

"It's just a guess, but are you suggesting that the Sords and Koyns plan to split whatever's left of Mil?", Orewell asked.

"That's what we aim to prove.", Lurter said with a soft yet cold, scheming smile

Orewell shrugged his shoulder. He's not the type to think too much about things, Lurter knew his friend well. If there is a chance Orewell can just let the others do the thinking, then he'd take that chance instead of worrying about it himself.

"We rarely meet, but when we do, it's an adventure", he commented and pat Lurter on the back while laughing softly. "Just like that one time when were younger. You found a cave but had no one explore it with so you made me come. We had no idea where to go and we ended up getting lost for days.", he laughs.

Lurter laughed at the recollection. They were indeed lost at an unfamiliar cave at his insistence and it was a day before they were found. They were both scraped and cold and just a few more steps away from death's door. After a small moment of a fond smile, Lurter spoke. "We should get permission from Lord Felkin. It's best that at least your family knows where you are and what you're doing."

Orewell nodded in agreement at Lurter's suggestion. And soon, the two of them made their way into Castle Bredost. The walk was quite eventful for the two of them, chatting and catching up with each other's lives. Despite the cold winter breeze, their conversation managed to occupy Lurter's mind on something. Eventually, the two of them reached the castle and walked across the halls to search for Felkin's chamber. Before the two of them arrive there though, they pass by the dining room, Felkin and his family alongside the king and his family eating at the dinner table.

The two of them quietly entered the dining room and approached Felkin, interrupting the lunch. They politely excused themselves and Orewell stepped in, bowing as he does so.

"Father", Orewell called. "A word, please", he said urgently.

"I'm certain that you could tell your matters to everyone, Orewell. We're your family.", Felkin answered softly and gently as if he was talking to a child.

Lurter could already feel Orewell's annoyance grow, evident by him taking a very deep sigh. He knew that Orewell does not like being treated like a child, he despises it. Lurter understood that how his friend feels. He's a bastard, half a lord and half a commoner yet he's accepted by neither. Orewell's mother, Lady Catherine, is not fond of him at all, she does not treat him like a lord's son. Hell, he would go as far as to say that Lady Catherine despises Orewell with all her being. And as a commoner, his only family is his fellow workers in the inn that he's barely close to. He cannot even begin to understand the isolation his friend feels.

"Very well.", Orewell resigned. "I'm leaving, I'm going to assist Lurter in his task to investigate the Sord's...debauchery, so to speak."

His words sent everyone to a halt. Then Amelie, who's eating right beside her older sister just had the saddest look on her face. "If Orewell doesn't explain himself, then she'd break into tears, no doubt.", Lurter thought to himself as he gazes at Amelie who is still looking at her half-brother who just announced his departure.

As Lurter scanned the dining table, he saw Princess Larene looking at Orewell with the same gaze as Amelie does and it struck him as...peculiar. He doesn't want to make assumptions but he's betting fifty gold that the princess likes Orewell...for some unholy reason. Lurter knew his friend well, good and bad things alike, and they both knew that Orewell is not as handsome as the other lords his age.

"This is a serious matter, son.", Felkin sternly reminded. "You don't know what you'll get into."

"Aye, I know.", Orewell replied stubbornly. "But my friend asked for my help and I intend to give him that."

"You will die.", Felkin rebutted. "You won't be as lucky when you slew Ser Lorel."

Lurter saw Orewell wince and squint in anger, but to Lurter's surprise, Orewell is holding himself well.

"I know that much, Father, but this is something I have to do. I'm the only one Lurter could trust, if I don't him then nobody will", he paused then sighed before going on to continue talking, "It'll also in the best interest of everyone here if we were to check on the Koyns and Sords, no? The last time someone kept their eyes off a Sord, Divios became a massive clusterfu-- mess."

Everyone stayed quiet at Orewell's words. It is true that weakening the Sords will keep the balance of power in Divios. After all, no one wants to have a repeat of the Puppeteer's Requiem where Lord Plystring "The Puppeteer" Sord plagued chaos in the land, spreading rumor after rumor until the distrust among Houses erupted into a massive civil war that claimed millions of lives, and when all the Houses are weakened from weeks of constant fighting, it didn't take the Sords long to easily march into the capital, Undyrlee. They ruled Divios with an iron fist for decades until Nommad "The Liberator" Angr freed the land in his own rebellion that many historians today regard as a noble cause.

Stolen novel; please report.

After Orewell presented his thoughts, the king was the first to react by a chuckle.

"This is a nice opportunity for him to explore the world, brother. It's a good chance for him to gain many experiences, no?", the king said with a small smile. "He's already a man grown, he can handle himself."

Now that Orewell is coerced by the king, there's almost nothing much that Felkin could do. With a heavy sigh of dismay, he reluctantly allowed his son to go.

"Alright, it seems like I have no more voice in this matter.", Felkin resigned. "All I ask of you is to take care. Can you do that for me, my boy?", he asked with worry.

Orewell politely bowed, but the excitement on his face is obvious even if he looked down.

"Of course", Orewell replied.

Now that all is well and done, Orewell is finally allowed to join Lurter in his journey. But the king still has something to say.

"Leave by daybreak, lads", the king ordered. "Use this day as rest. It won't be for a while that you'll be back."

The king then beckoned for Orewell to come over and he followed. The king seems to be whispering something to Orewell but Lurter couldn't really hear it well.

After the whisper, Orewell followed Lurter two lads nodded and left the castle. They went to a general store to prepare for their journey ahead.

"That went smoother than I expected.", Lurter remarked with a small laugh.

"Way better.", Orewell replied with a small smile of his own.

"I definitely expected your little sister to cry. She seems very attached to you."

"I almost feel bad leaving her alone...", Orewell said solemnly.

"How about you talk to her before we leave? And the princess too. She's eyeing you while you spoke.", Lurter said with a teasing smirk.

Orewell remained silent while storing the things he bought inside his rucksack. But finally, he said something.

"The princess, huh?", he asked with a confused tone. Then another sigh. "Gods...that girl.", he said like a curse.

"It's not everyday a princess likes a commoner, much less a bastard.", Lurter joked with a cheeky grin.

"Damn say that again, I dare you.", Orewell jokingly provoked.

The two of them continued to playfully banter along the way to his house. When they arrived, Orewell stored the goods he bought in small sacks while Lurter took liberties in his friend's home and laid on his bed, sprawling his body widely and uncaringly. As Orewell went to the kitchen to cook, the lazy Lurter groggily left the bed to take some books from Orewell's bookshelf only to lay back down on his bed, opening a random page from said book and reading to kill some time. After a while of waiting, Lurter's reading was interrupted as his friend beckoned him to come over and sit with him by the dining table.

"Come.", Orewell calls, placing bowls of soup and plates of freshly baked bread on the table. Lazily, Lurter stood from Orewell's bed and groggily went to the dining table with his friend. Lurter held the spoon with complete lack of energy as he slowly slurped the soup. To his surprise, the soup was good. Very good.

"You're surprisingly good at cooking.", Lurter complimented as he smelled the scents of Orewell's dish. "Who taught you?"

"The barmaid at the inn I'm working at.", Orewell answers then smiles. "I'm glad it's to your liking.", he adds and continues to eat. The two of them continued with their meal, catching up and bantering with each other until they were interrupted by a knock on Orewell's door.

"I'll get it.", Lurter said as he stood from his seat to walk over to the entrance. As he opened the door, a young boy stood outside, by his guess, the boy is about seven or eight years old. He is dressed in common shirt and trousers.

"A letter for Mister Orewell", the young boy said while holding a letter.

Lurter took the letter and slipped some coins into the boy's hand and gesturing for it to run off. He closed the door and turned towards Orewell, smiling teasingly. "I'm reading it aloud.", Lurter declared, not even asking for Orewell's opinion.

"Please don't.", Orewell's pleads yet Lurter opened the letter and started to clear his throat and read the said letter aloud anyway.

"My dear Orewell...", Lurter read, causing Orewell to feel a weird and almost uncomfortable feeling which is just what he wants his friend to feel. Lurter finds it to be quite adorable to see him feel all shy and awkward. "I hope this letter reaches you, if it does, can I meet you again one final time before you leave? There is so much I want to tell you that I can't with just a letter. Amelie told me that a there is a tree just outside the castle that stands out and isn't hard to find, perhaps we can meet and talk there? From--", Lurter's reading was cut off as Orewell spoke.

"Larene.", Orewell said with certainty. His face looked stern, but deep inside his eyes has solemn warmth to it.

"How did you...?", Lurter asked in confusion.

"Gut feeling.", Orewell answered, but Lurter knows that a jackass lies better than Orewell ever can.

"Gut feeling my arse. You knew this would happen, wouldn't you?", Lurter asked with a playful smirk on his face. "I can also tell you're going to meet her, in which case, let me come. I want to entertain myself by seeing you mess it up.", he added smugly. "You were never the type to talk to a girl casually, you keep blushing and all."

Orewell rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Oh, fuck off.", he bantered.

With something to now do in the otherwise quiet and dull night, two of them quickly ate dinner and went to the location that Larene wrote in the letter. Walking outside his house, the duo headed through the direction of the castle. And as they stood in front of the ever imposing castle, Orewell headed to the east and Lurter followed. Going through some trees, they eventually arrive at an inward clearing with a lone, tall and dead tree with its branches wilting, yet it looks like it still refuses to die. Under the tree stood the princess a meek yet delighted look on her face. While Orewell met Larene, Lurter hid himself behind a nearby boulder that is relatively inconspicuous where he can still hear the conversation between the two. He really could not comprehend about what is so appealing about Orewell that he managed to catch the attention of princess of the realm. From his position, Lurter has a decent view of Orewell and Larene talking under the dead tree, their conversation looks quite...intimate? Lurter isn't exactly sure what specifically they're talking about, but that's the best he can guess due to how close the princess is standing to Orewell. Looking at her face, he can see some...sadness? He's not exactly sure, so he'll just safely assume that it's melancholy. Which in of itself is already bizarre because they don't seem to be that close together.

Their converaation went on for a little longer until the princess stepped close to Orewell and leaned to kiss him on the lips, subconsciously wrapping her arms around his neck. Despite the affection though, Orewell just stood there, still as a rock and not reciprocating her intimate gesture. After the kiss, she pulled away and immediately ran off, leaving Orewell alone under the tree. Seeing what happened, Lurter left his hiding spot and stood next to his friend.

"What did you two talk about?", Lurter asks, staring at the dead tree like Orewell is doing.

"If...possible, I want to just keep it to myself and think about it.", Orewell answers with uncertainty in his tone, his gaze still fixated on the dead tree as he ponders about his own thoughts and feelings.

"I...understand.", Lurter answers, continuing to stand in silence as they both stood in front of the tree together.

Soon, Orewell turned from the tree, giving it a final glance before he started walking away and back to his house. With nothing else to do, Lurter followed his friend. When they arrived, they threw themselves on the bed and slept peacefully.

The next morning, they both ate breakfast and changed into more comfortable clothing. As they prepared their supplies for departure, suddenly, there was another loud knock on the door.

"Orewell!", a voice called. "Orewell!", the voice repeated.

Lurter raised an eyebrow at Orewell, silently asking for a clue on whose voice it was who's calling him outside.

"It's my older brother.", Orewell answers and opens the door. "What is it, Glen?", he asks.

"The king calls for you and your friend.", Glen answers, glancing at Lurter.

Lurter glances at Orewell and they both exchange glances and a nod as they follow Glen towards the castle where the king supposedly wanted their audience. At this fine morning, Lurter does not know why, but they are the king's orders so it must be obeyed.

Arriving at the castle, they follow Glen to the main halls of the castle, smears of blood still on the floor after Lord Vant's execution the two nights ago.

"Orewell, Lurter.", a deep voice calls, catching the two's attention. It was the king, Illain. He is sitting on the throne, with Queen Clira to her left and their eldest child, Larene, on the right. There also stood Lord Felkin and Lady Catherine near the king, on Queen Clira's side. "Come.", he beckoned. The two nodded, standing in front of the throne and kneeling in front of the king.

"Your Grace.", they said at the same time.

The king then chuckled. "At ease, lads.", he says, gesturing for the two to stand up. And stand they did, dusting off their knees and giving their full attention to the king. He cleared his throat and spoke.

"The reason I called you two is because I will give you something that will aid you in your journey."

With a wave of his hand, a soldier comes forward, a dagger and a sophisticated looking brooch in hand.

"Orewell.", the king calls. And as he should, Orewell steps forward.

"Yes, Your Grace?", he asks, the respect very apparent in his voice. The soldier then walks in front of him, giving the dagger. Promptly, Orewell takes the dagger. The dagger has a black crooked scabbard that is three-fourths of a foot long. The handle is made out of wood and wrapped with animal hide, with a ruby in the socket found at the pommel.

"That dagger is passed down from generation to generation of the kings of Divios, starting from the very first king during the 'Era of Unification', King Marthis Rivermay VI, way before House Angr even stepped foot in Unios. Since then, the dagger became a symbol of power and authority.", the king explained. "Kneel, Orewell.", he commanded while drawing his sword, the golden handle shining brightly.

Orewell obediently knelt, not saying anything further as the king tipped Orewell's right shoulder, then the left shoulder, and eventually, the top of his head. Everyone in the room knew what will happen. Orewell is going to be deemed a knight.

"Today, in the twenty-seventh day of the sixth month of the fourtheenth year of my reign, I, Illain Poynt, king of Divios, liberator of the oppressed, protector of the common folk and the realm, under the watchful eyes of the All-seeing Gods and the eyes of men, bestow upon you the title of Ser, a knight because of the strength and courage you displayed as Lilac's champion when she demanded a trial by combat and when you slayed Ser Lorel.", after a short pause, the king stepped away and sheathed his sword. "You may now rise, Ser Orewell. You are now a knight of the North and of the realm as a whole. Use the power I have granted you to serve the realm and its people."

"Thank you, your Grace. I will.", Orewell replies as he stood up. Lurter can practically feel the happiness in his friend even if he doesn't show it. He knew. That finally, Orewell can have the chance to find somewhere he can belong. However, his thoughts were interrupted as the king spoke once more. "Lurter.", the king calls then takes the brooch from the knight and holds it out as he stepped forward.

"Your Grace.", Lurter says as he focuses his attention on the king.

The king steps close and attaches the brooch onto Lurter's tunic. The brooch is made of silver and is carved into the image of a man with many eyes and ears on his face while holding a quill and paper on each of it's hands.

"This silver brooch signifies that you are one of my many eyes and ears. With this brooch, people might think twice before trying to give you any troubles in your pursuit of information.", the king said.

"Thank you for your trust, your Grace.", Lurter politely bows as the king stepped away. Finally, the soldier handed them a bag of gold coins, in which Lurter happily took and placed in his pockets.

"You two cannot do this alone. That should be enough money to buy you a few companions along the way.", the king added. "Take care on your journey, you two."

The two of them nodded and they were about to take their leave, when suddenly, a little girl's cries echoed along with heavy steps.

"Noooo!!!", she whined, her tears dropping onto the floor as she whined and ran towards Orewell, holding him for a hug. Lurter can't help but feel bad for her, having to see someone close to her leave...it's the same feeling he had when his brother, who was supposed to go out on his studies was killed by pirates.

"There, there, Amelie...", Orewell spoke softly, gently patting the little girl on the head. "I'll be gone for a short while, but I'll be back. I promise.", he whispered.

"No!!!", she continued to whine, holding him even tighter. "No one will play with me if you leave, big brother!", she added as she continued to cry.

Orewell sighs. "Do you trust me?", he asks softly, kneeling down to meet her at eye level.

Surprisingly, that question managed to calm her down at the very least. "I...I do, brother. I love you too. A lot.", she meekly whispers in between her slowly calming breath.

"Then...please trust me on this one, okay? I promise, I'll write letters to you during my travels and then we'll play a lot when I get home. Okay?", Orewell asks with a small smile.

Still sniffling through her tears, and with no more words left to say, she nodded and tipped her toes to kiss her half-brother on the cheek before letting her go. "Take care.", is all she managed to utter as she inevitably let him go.

"I will.", he reassured and stood up, glancing at Lurter. Lurter replied with a nod, and soon, they left the castle's halls and stepped out of its gates as their journey to investigate the Sords began...