Cedric emerged into the pale light of dawn, his instincts tightly coiled amidst the uncertainty. The soldiers stood in disciplined formation, their purpose and allegiance as enigmatic as the carriage they flanked—a presence that loomed ominously, its elegance overshadowed by an air of latent threat. In his arms, the fragile form of Sera lay a precious responsibility, her safety a vow that tightened his resolve.
He eyed the carriage and soldiers, analyzing each movement, each breath, his body tensed, ready to spring into action at the first sign of hostility. Fighting was a viable path, but not one chosen lightly, for it could thrust Sera back into the maw of danger—a risk Cedric could not bear. His gaze darted, seeking shadows and anonymity within the terrain, searching for an escape that would shield them from the specter of confrontation.
Just as he was poised to make a swift and decisive move, the carriage door opened with a quiet dignity. Rosalia stepped out, her demeanor composed, exuding a noble grace that belied the chaos of their situation. Her eyes met Cedric's—a silent conversation of understanding passed between them. The soldiers, it seemed, were hers.
Rosalia disclosed the grim reality of their situation: Raphael's relentless witch hunt had spiraled out of control, tipping the empire into disarray. The former count, in a failed attempt to reason with the emperor, had met a tragic end. With the count's fall, Rosalia had assumed control over his estates, transforming them into sanctuaries for those fleeing Raphael's tyranny.
Her declaration was one of resolve over blood; Rosalia had seen her father's path lead only to ruin. Diplomacy had given way to the necessity of action. She needed Cedric—a guardian of unparalleled strength and determination—to join her cause. In exchange, she offered refuge, a place for Sera to recover from the shadow of death that had so closely danced around her.
Cedric, weighed by the urgent need to secure Sera's well-being, Accepting Rosalia's offer, Cedric and Sera discreetly hid in her carriage as they journeyed to the estate.
Upon their arrival, an atmosphere of urgency pervaded the air. Cedric, with Sera carefully cradled in his arms, was initially hesitant to leave her side as healers rushed to attend to her. It was only after Rosalia's assurance of Sera's recovery that he, though reluctant, agreed to join the crucial meeting in the drawing room as Rosalia asked.
The drawing room was a hub of covert activity, a stark contrast to the estate's serene façade. Rosalia, under the guise of the harmless princess to her father, had been assembling a formidable group of nobles. The gathered nobles discussed their dire situation. Raphael's witch hunt had not only brought terror and injustice but also gross neglect of the empire's management and welfare. The infrastructure was deteriorating, and public unrest was growing. If left unchecked, Raphael's reign would surely drive the empire to ruin.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Initially, the group had hoped to gain a political advantage over Raphael, but his rampant tyranny had closed all doors to diplomatic reasoning. The discussion then turned to a strategy of force, a plan made more tangible with Cedric's unexpected return.
Rosalia recounted the days following Cedric's rumored death, a mysterious turn of events that had left many questions unanswered. The news of his demise, following his sudden and unexplained absence, had cast a shadow over their resistance efforts. This period of uncertainty, unbeknownst to the others, corresponded with Cedric's journey in an unfamiliar realm. However, the revelation of Cedric, found alive and battling at the chancellor's estate, had reignited their hopes and dispelled the rumors of his death.
Cedric's survival was more than a stroke of luck; it was a pivotal turning point. Despite some nobles' doubts about his earlier defeat, Cedric's presence brought a renewed confidence to the room. His skills as a swordsman, though not at their peak, were still unparalleled. Cedric was resolute, determined to confront Raphael not only for the empire's sake but also to protect Sera and ensure a future free from oppression.
During the intense discussion, a few nobles shared unsettling observations about Raphael's recent behavior. "It's not just his tyranny that's alarming," one noble murmured, "he's been... different. More erratic than usual." Murmurs of agreement rippled around the room. "I've seen him talking to thin air, smiling at nothing, as if he's conversing with someone invisible," another added, a note of fear in his voice. "It's as if he's under the influence of an unseen force, or worse, losing his grip on reality." This revelation cast a new shadow over the meeting, hinting at unseen complexities and possible dangers in their confrontation with Raphael. It was a subtle yet ominous sign that there might be more to Raphael's madness than mere tyranny.
As the meeting unfolded, Rosalia took a moment to express her deeper convictions. "Many witches have lived peacefully among us, contributing to our society in ways that often go unrecognized," she said, her voice tinged with earnestness. "I firmly believe that humans and witches can coexist harmoniously. But with my father's relentless witch hunt, this vision of peaceful coexistence is being shattered."
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in among the gathered nobles. "Raphael's wrath knows no bounds, and it's not just the witches who are suffering – it's all of us. His actions are tearing the very fabric of our society. If we don't act, the loss will be immeasurable, and the scars will run deep across both communities."
Her words struck a chord in the room. The nobles exchanged somber glances, acknowledging the truth in her statement. The crisis had indeed escalated beyond a mere witch hunt; it was now a threat to the stability and unity of the entire empire. Raphael's actions were endangering the delicate balance that had allowed diverse beings to live together in relative peace.
The meeting concluded with a newfound resolve, a collective determination that resonated within the walls of the drawing room. Each noble, now armed with a clear role, departed to prepare for the impending confrontation. They agreed on a timeframe of one month, allowing ample opportunity to gather resources, rally forces, and refine their strategies for the fight against Raphael's tyranny.
For Cedric, this was more than just a plan to restore balance to the empire; it was a personal crusade to safeguard Sera. His promise to her, forged in the depths of despair, now transformed into a burning vow of protection. He was determined to shield her from the chaos that Raphael had unleashed. In his heart, he knew that every ally they gained, every tactic they devised, brought him one step closer to fulfilling this solemn oath. With each passing day, as their plans solidified and their readiness grew, Cedric’s resolve hardened. The prospect of change, once a distant hope, was now a tangible goal, guiding him through the preparations for the battle that lay ahead.