Chapter 168

Halls of the Rising Sun

Eastern Mansion

Lansius invited Ingrid into the renovated corridor used for training. There, Margo had prepared and lit seven candles on a table. The candles burned brightly, some made of tallow and others of more expensive beeswax. Meanwhile, Audrey stood a good ten steps away from the table and its lit candles.

Ingrid stood at attention, doubt clouding her face about what this demonstration was all about.

Audrey glanced at Lansius, who nodded back. She casually raised her right hand and, with a small motion, extinguished a candle without taking a step.

Ingrid’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. "That is impossible," she said, completely bewildered. She hurriedly approached Audrey, inspecting her hands and body gently, careful not to disturb her pregnancy, muttering, "How can I not sense anything?"

Audrey was delighted by her reaction, biting her lip to stifle a grin. Lansius and Margo exchanged glances and grins; they had seen it several times and were still equally impressed by it.

"Show me again. Can you do—" Ingrid began, but Audrey flicked her finger, and two more candles went out.

Ingrid then turned emotional, grabbing Audrey's hands with tears in her eyes. "It's impossible," she muttered, her voice filled with gratitude. Turning to Lansius, she said, "Even now, I can't sense a large magic from her."

"It looks like magic to me," Lansius said lightly. "Can you at least confirm that it is magic and not some other art?"

"What she did is clearly magic, My Lord. No question about that," Ingrid replied, regaining her composure. With a small circular motion of her hand, she extinguished a candle. "It is exactly what I taught her."

Audrey grinned. Lansius knew that Ingrid's words had validated her ability more than he ever could.

"But the question remains: I can see the fire, but not the fireplace," Ingrid explained. "My Lady, how do you do that? Since when?"

"Well, on my return journey, I tried to manipulate the wind aboard the airship and sensed something. Still, it was hard, and I gave up. Then, when I trained in archery, I could feel it more clearly and see it. That's how I managed to rein it in."

Ingrid furrowed her brow. "See, as in seeing shapes?"

"And colors," Audrey confirmed.

Ingrid just stared blankly before assuming a stance. "Tell me, what do you see now?"

"Around your right leg, I can see a yellow aura swirling around it," Audrey said, much to Ingrid's disbelief. "It's a fascinating color. I've never seen it before."

Hearing that, Ingrid showed a mix of emotions. Lansius could see she was happy, even grateful, but also equally troubled.

After giving her time to ponder, Lansius added, "I also noticed that her eyes sometimes turn golden, but I guess you've seen that already."

"Do you think it's related?" Audrey asked Ingrid.

"I'm not sure at this point, My Lord, My Lady," Ingrid admitted. Then, with more firmness, she asked, "But what powers this? I don't feel any source flowing from you."

"I have no idea." Audrey exhaled sharply. "And I don't know much about the source."

Ingrid was deep in thought. Meanwhile, Lansius tried to make sense of it all, saying, "If, as you said, it's magic, then clearly she's a mage, no?"

"But is it even magic?" Ingrid murmured, more to herself. Turning to Lansius, she explained, "I can't sense any, but it's clearly magic. Somehow she can do it without—" She stopped, realizing something.

While Lansius and Ingrid conversed, Audrey took a spare bow. "Mind if I practice?"

"Sure," Lansius said, thinking it would also give Ingrid more time to ponder.

Audrey didn’t bring her chest guard and arm guard but was confident enough to do without them. Besides the spare bow, she had kept two quivers for practice. She assumed a natural stance, drew, nocked an arrow, and loosed. The piercing sound of the arrow slicing through the air was followed by a satisfying thud as it hit the straw mat at the far end of the corridor, cushioning the precious arrowhead.

Audrey didn’t smile at the solid hit; she merely pulled another arrow and repeated the process. She spent all her quivers and only then observed her hits.

"Good aim," Lansius remarked. Meanwhile, Ingrid approached Audrey. "May I inspect the bow?"

"Certainly," Audrey offered the spare nomadic recurve bow.

Ingrid tested the bow's draw and, at first, couldn’t draw it completely. She looked rather distressed, but on her second try, she was able to draw it fully. She carefully let the string rest without releasing it, her face brightening.

"What is it?" Audrey asked, noticing her reaction.

"My Lady, you may not realize it," she began with a shaky smile on her lips, "but somehow you've mastered strengthening magic."

Audrey furrowed her brow. "That's surely a jest. All that based on this bow's draw weight? But it's not that hard. Even Lord Lans used it for practice."

Ingrid turned to Lansius, who shook his head and said to Audrey, "I use my crossbow or your bow. I tried that spare bow once but thought it either needed some tuning or had gone bad, probably because we left it here without proper wrapping for winter. Likely the animal parts used to make the bow's limbs or strings got dry or hardened."

"You mean, you can't draw it?" Audrey looked surprised.

Lansius shook his head to confirm. "I can, but it's incredibly hard. I believe Ingrid used her magic. And yet you still shot two quivers' worth of arrows without even noticing it."

Audrey finally came to terms with her power. She looked at both her open palms, trying to understand what she had done. Then she turned to the others, asking, "You people are not joking with me, right?"

"Of course, I wouldn't dare, My Lady," Ingrid reassured her.

Lansius approached Audrey, whose eyes began to moisten, and gently grabbed her hands. "You have it within you. Whatever it is, now you're as good as Isolte."

"My Lady, congratulations," Ingrid said, her eyes equally moist. "I don't know how, but you're a mage. And I can train you further."

"To think I'm going to have Claire as a sparring partner," Audrey commented, not expecting anything.

"No," Ingrid said, steadying herself quickly. "It's best if nobody knows about her, not even Claire or anyone closest to you." She turned to Margo, prompting Lansius and Audrey to follow her gaze.

"I'll keep this a secret," the fair-looking lad blurted out.

That failed to reassure Ingrid. "Who else knows about this?"

"Nobody, I swear," Margo tried to reassure her.

"We trust him, Ingrid," Audrey said, while Lansius chose to wait and observe.

"I understand," Ingrid said to Audrey. "But we're going against Midlandia and little things like this matter." She turned to Margo again. "Can the Lord and Lady trust you with such a secret?"

"They can. I have never made a mistake," he declared.

Ingrid relaxed slightly as she approached, then asked in a calmer tone, "Margo, tell me about your family. Are they natives of this land? Do you have brothers?"

"I'm a native of White Lake. I have no brothers or sisters. My father is a knight but can't take up arms anymore, and my mother is the second daughter of an esquire."

Ingrid then softly but ominously asked, "Tell me, Margo, if someone threatened to kill your family for this secret, could you still keep it?"

"Ingrid, that's too far," Audrey intervened.

"Apologies, My Lady, but it’s common for servants to be silenced to keep lesser secrets than this."

"I'm not that kind of person," Audrey retorted, causing Ingrid to bow her head slightly.

Margo grew nervous, his face turning pale, but he stood straight and answered boldly, "Our family estate is a poor one. Father and Mother rely on me. If I go against My Lord and Lady, then I'm as good as killing my own family. I believe my father would choose the sword rather than starvation."

The youth's answer and determination surprised everyone. Lansius, beaming with pride, approached Margo and patted him firmly on the shoulder. "I don't deserve such loyalty." He glanced at Audrey before adding, "Margo, can you write a letter to invite your father and mother? Perhaps I can offer them to manage one of my estates."

Margo's face brightened with a smile. Right now, he looked as sweet as a girl. "Yes, My Lord, I shall do it."

"Then go now before I change my mind. I'll permit you to use my messenger for this."

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

"At once, My Lord. G-gratitude," Margo stammered as he ran, heading downstairs.

"A wonderful solution, My Lord," Ingrid said as the three of them were now alone.

"Is this what the book meant by buying loyalty with gold?" Audrey pondered.

"Gold isn't the best thing," Lansius argued. "Using gold will get you corrupt and greedy individuals. I prefer fairness and generosity."

"Wise words, My Lord," Ingrid praised. "Still, I must advise that we quickly find a suitable woman for Margo."

"Isn't he a bit young for marriage?" Lansius asked, surprised by her suggestion.

"Soon, he'll be of age. Fair as he is, when love comes, his tongue might turn loose," Ingrid explained. "I only wish to keep My Lady's secret safe."

"Why is my being a mage so important to keep hidden?" Audrey furrowed her brow.

Ingrid's lips formed a warm smile. "Imagine this, My Lady: an invitation turned ambush targeting My Lord's life. They come fully prepared to handle guards, knights, a mage, or even a half-breed. Their plan is to kill My Lord outright or capture you for ransom. Now, imagine their surprise if, instead of a lady in distress, they find a Mage Knight beside My Lord."

Audrey's face said it all. Her empty gaze, her slightly parted lips. She was love-struck by the idea.

As Lansius had learned a long time ago, nothing pleased his wife more than a righteous retribution.

***

Korelia City

Several days after the Lord welcomed Ingrid's return to the city, the weather changed drastically. The southern wind had returned to Korelia. Almost overnight, the remaining flowers bloomed everywhere around the city, creating a spectacle to behold. This change ushered in the long-awaited spring festival.

The festival was a week-long celebration of feasting, dancing, and merrymaking. The streets were alive with colorful parades, music, and laughter, while stalls offered delicious treats and handcrafted goods. Nobles and commoners alike gathered to celebrate the coming of spring and a brighter future.

Never before had they celebrated spring with such joyfulness, and they weren't wrong; there were plenty of reasons to celebrate. Last year’s victories, the creation of the Grand Alliance, and the successful Umberland campaign were all cause for jubilation. Moreover, the Lady of Korimor was pregnant with the Lord's heir, and everyone was happy for her.

With so many achievements in such a short time, it was only natural that the Lord and Lady's names were on everyone's lips, spoken with great reverence and respect.

While the city was dazzled by the feast and festivity, Sir Justin and his company of men, without waiting for the conclusion of the spring festival, departed for Midlandia. They were heading to Brunna, where Lord Arte's base was located. From there, he would gather more men and lead reinforcements to Arvena.

Sir Justin's haste stemmed from the weather. As the snow melted, the dirt roads in Lowlandia would turn to mud. Worse, the rainy season usually fell in early spring, often lasting for a good two months or more.

The Lord and Lady, along with key retinues and officers, joined in a brief ceremony to honor their departure, bestowing gifts and wishes for safe travels. Alongside Sir Justin's thirty men, thirty other Arvenians also decided to follow. They would take a different route so the Midlandian authorities would be less likely to suspect them.

It was a bittersweet moment for those who had followed Lansius since the inception of their army in Toruna. Bitter because they would leave Korelia and might never return, but sweet because they had been longing to return to Arvena, and now they had their chance.

The Lord and Lady provided them with ample supplies, along with a few personal gifts. It was widely known that both the Lord and Lady wished to join, but their circumstances and duty to their domain made them reconsider. The Korelians and Arvenians who stayed behind could only hope that the two would be content to play a different role: providing support for Lord Arte while also caring for those who wished to start anew, unburdened by the blood feud.

Eleanor, Sir Justin's daughter, took her father's departure with pride. Young as she was, the lass didn't break down crying, shedding only a few heartfelt tears as she would be lonely without her parents.

Cecile and Calub assumed the position of her guardians and nominally took care of her well-being. Despite this arrangement, they let Eleanor choose, and she decided to continue living with Lady Astrid as her lady-in-waiting.

Meanwhile, in the city, the people continued their spring festivities until they ended on the eighth day. Afterward, the farmers returned to their fields. Everyone began their work in earnest, knowing that everything must be sorted out before the rainy season.

Farmers hurried to plant seeds before the heavy rains, while traders rushed to complete as many transactions as possible before the roads became impassable. Builders aimed to work as much as they could before the downpours arrived, and herders began shearing their sheep for good quality wool. Thus, the city and its surrounding areas came alive with various activities. Walls were built, workshops were furnished, bridge construction was resumed, and farms were cultivated.

However, the monotony was not to last. The year 4426 was destined to be special for Korelia. News spread that a noble convoy had been spotted a few days from the city. Not to be outdone, another noble convoy was seen from the west, bearing rich banners, carriages, and fine steeds.

The Shogunate, an alien word they had never heard before, was now on everyone's lips. It was discussed in every tavern, inn, bathhouse, and communal spot in the city.

With excitement, the people from different regions of Lowlandia, who now proudly called themselves Korelians, welcomed the era of the Shogunate.

***

Lansius

The Grand Keep, located on the easternmost side of Korelia, was still unfinished. Masons and laborers worked daily to build its many chambers, storage areas, and the city wall that connected to it. Lansius purposely designed it to be large but simple, as he didn't want an elaborate castle.

Defensively, the building had ample space around it, allowing for the addition of ditches and walls if needed. For now, he envisioned it as a training and marching ground for his troops.

Unlike traditional castles, the Grand Keep had space to house a large garrison of men. It featured only modestly high walls without multiple towers. From the outside, it didn't look grand or imposing, but its main function lay in providing a residence for troops and officers. It also served educational purposes and was equipped with training facilities.

In essence, it was a military academy with dormitories for its officers in training and active duty. It also had a dedicated barrack with ample living space to house the city's garrison. While the billets south of town would remain in use, this new facility provided better living conditions as Korelia's army continued to grow.

The Grand Keep also boasted state-of-the-art supply rooms, designed to store wooden barrels for longevity and spoilage prevention. Additionally, it had wells and cisterns that provided a reliable source of fresh water, especially in emergencies.

As for Lansius himself, the Grand Keep was primarily a refuge for emergencies and wouldn't be his main residence. Its only other significant function was to hold formal meetings, and now it was being used in that capacity for the first time.

The Grand Keep had a vast hall dedicated as an indoor training area. Its purpose was to allow the men to train all year long without concern for the weather. It was large enough for group sparring, had a tall ceiling for spear practice, and was long enough for crossbow and archery sessions.

The hall was decked with stone tile, gleaming softly under the ample light streaming in from the still unfinished tall, mullioned windows. In this hall, Lansius held the first meeting of the Grand Alliance, now effectively a Shogunate due to the presence of other lords residing in Korelia.

The arrival of the two lords and their closest retinues was greeted by sunlight that cast a warm glow over the hall, illuminating the intricate tapestries that adorned the stone walls. These tapestries were trophies from House Lansius' victories in Korimor and South Hill.

A long, polished table made of dark oak dominated the center of the hall, its glossy surface giving it a regal appearance. Around it, high-backed chairs were arranged, their cushions covered in rich brocade.

Standing to welcome them were Sir Harold, Calub, and Farkas, who served as moderators.

Lansius was seated at the middle of the long table, with Lord Jorge and Lord Robert in front of him. Despite Lansius' wish to keep things informal, they adhered to the usual formalities out of respect for the guests. However, that said formality didn't last long.

"So, we meet again," Lord Robert opened as he reached the table. Despite having a seat prepared by his squire, the old viscount didn't sit but walked around to grab Lansius' shoulders.

Lord Jorge chuckled at the sight and did the same from the other side. As he walked, he took a jug of spiced ale and poured it into the three waiting goblets, saying, "Pardon my thirst, but it's a vast place."

Lansius chuckled, and they drank from their goblets. Clearly, the lords had broken the rigid Imperial decorum, causing the moderators and other retinues to grin as they no longer needed to adhere to formalities.

It was clear to anyone that these were all warlords. To them, etiquette and formalities were just minor facades. The meeting began with Lord Robert pulling the nearest chair, which was empty since Audrey opted not to attend, and sitting facing Lansius. The moderators quickly moved another chair for Lord Jorge, who also sat facing Lansius.

There was no table between them, and they couldn't be bothered. Following their lords, their retinues also sat down. Sir Morton, Sir Michael, and Sir Omin were present, along with Sir Harold, Calub, and Farkas. The lords' squires were also present in the back row, keeping watch at the door and passageways.

"First, I have to say that I feel honored that you two lords came so early in spring," Lansius greeted as the host.

"What can I say? I promised," answered Lord Jorge. "And it's not like I'll let this old man mock me for being young and late."

Lord Robert laughed, commenting, "Oh, Jorge, you're getting better at reading my mind."

"Now, aren't we good honored Lowlandians for once, fulfilling our promises and all," Jorge jested at his own expense.

Old Robert snorted, "A well-behaved Imperial citizen, just like the Ageless had wanted." He then gazed at Lansius and said, "Well, we better start our discussion before we end up getting thirsty and start drinking."

Lansius stifled his chuckle. "Indeed. Gentlemen, I believe it's time to set some policies."

"I hope that policy allows me to ride an airship," Jorge commented lightly with a charming yet mischievous smile.

"Oh that," Robert exclaimed, then quickly added, "And also, where's the beastman? I want to see." The retinues in the back collectively shook their heads, amused. The old viscount was undeterred and continued passionately, "From childhood, I always heard and read about beastmen but never had the chance to see one. Can you please bring him here?"

"I think I could invite her," Lansius said, eyeing Sir Harold, who rose without hesitation.

"Her? That's even better," Robert was more than pleased. "Ah, to finally meet such a creature. I feel young again."

Looking at his counterpart, Jorge commented to Lansius, "I doubt we'll have trouble accepting the Lord of Umberland's membership in this alliance."

"I'll trust my instincts when I see one," Robert retorted, likely his honest reaction.

"Well, as we wait for the female beastman, why don't we talk about the South Trade Proposal?" Jorge suggested.

"Wise words" Lansius agreed, shifting in his seat. He noticed Robert's sharp eyes, indicating his interest. "The South Trade is ongoing. I have communicated twice with the Lord of Dawn via the Hunter Guild's hawk, and he reassured me that everything was in order. We can expect the first caravan this summer."

"Excellent," Jorge exclaimed in good spirits. "I have arranged some deals to build the small fishing village to have a harbor and warehouse fit for trading."

"How about the guild's reaction?" Robert's tone was careful. "I heard you gave a tepid response when the Guild wanted to participate."

Lansius did not answer quickly, merely nodding while formulating his reply. He noticed the sweet fragrance from the fresh lily-like flowers decorating the table they didn't use. He then gazed around to ensure that the servants who usually innocently listened from the corner were absent, as this place had yet to have one and this meeting was confidential and privy to the highest level. "There's a reason for that," he began.

"Certainly," muttered Robert.

"In truth, I need them. The Alliance needs them," Lansius emphasized. "But I also see that they could undermine our rule."

"They're always powerful if you let them be," Jorge agreed. "They have the money, the expertise, and the influence. Without them, it'll be hard to build anything worthwhile in Lowlandia."

Lansius leaned forward and explained, "The problem is, I have some inventions that, while beneficial to many, could be dangerous in the wrong hands..."

"Sounds like a trade secret issue to me," Jorge commented. "Perhaps the Alliance should behave like a guild."

"That's not a bad idea," Lansius said, grinning.

"Wait till I tell my wife that I'm also a merchant now," Robert laughed freely, joined by the other two lords and several of their retinues.

Afterward, catching his breath, Robert turned to Lansius and asked, "You did say inventions?"

"It seems we're going to see more than just the airship," Jorge remarked.

"Indeed," Lansius confirmed. "I have several, but as I said before, revealing them might lead to the guilds copying them recklessly."

"Worse, they could bribe and steal our craftsmen, depleting us of our own talents," Jorge agreed.

Robert looked annoyed, grunting, "I wish I could reach their homeland; that would make exerting our authority easier."

Lansius nodded. Robert was certainly right—they were dealing with organizations that operated within their territory but were based beyond their jurisdiction. The meeting had now arrived at a critical juncture: either find a way to ensure the loyalty of the Midlandian-based guilds or risk becoming mere stepping stones in the guilds' rise to power.

***