With Harwyn's agreement to fund my idea, our discussion came to a close. The plan's execution would now fall on Roland's hands—or so everyone believed, except for me.

"Keep everything discreet," Harwyn instructed. "I don't need to know the specifics, but I trust that you can handle it, Roland. I have faith in your abilities."

"Fear not, lord," Roland replied, bowing slightly. "My sons and I will manage everything. Give us a few weeks, and we'll show you what we're capable of."

"You'll have your time," I assured him. "And remember, continue playing the double agent. We can't afford any suspicion."

"That goes without saying, lord," Roland said with a confident smile. "And what about him?" He motioned toward the doors, where the captain was still being held by the guards.

I had almost forgotten about the captain's presence. "Bring him in," I ordered, and Finnan promptly followed my command. The doors opened, and the captain, accompanied by the guards, entered the room. They forced him to kneel as they bowed before us.

"What is your name?" I addressed the kneeling man.

"Clyde, lord," he murmured, avoiding my gaze.

"Do you understand why I ordered you to be disciplined?"

"For insubordination."

"Do you consider that a mistake?"

"Yes, lord," Clyde replied with a nod.

"Will you repeat such a mistake?"

"No, lord."

"Should it happen again, your family will be held accountable and face an appropriate level of consequences," I issued a stern ultimatum. "You understand?"

Clyde looked up, a mixture of fear and surprise in his eyes. It wasn't just him; even the others in the room seemed taken aback by my words. However, no one interrupted our exchange.

"Yes, lord," he affirmed with a serious expression.

"Come here," I motioned for him to approach. He slowly stepped forward, and I extended my hand. After a moment of hesitation, he accepted the gesture. "I am Arwan. Pleasure to meet you, Clyde."

"Lord," he stood up straight, still somewhat bewildered by the situation.

“Do you have a name for me? The people that pay you to keep watch over Roland.” I inquired about the mysterious figures everyone had referred to as "they."

"No, lord," Clyde denied firmly. "They always leave money and instructions at my home. I follow their orders."

"And if you refuse to comply?"

"They threaten me… just like you did," he responded, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "Family is fragile, after all."

“Do you regret having one?” I asked, my voice low and soft, attempting to understand the sentiment of the man.

“No, lord. They are the best thing I have ever had.” A troubled grin played across Clyde’s face. “I regret not having the power to protect them.”

“Not anymore.” I placed my hand on Clyde's shoulder to show my support. “If you help me, maybe I can help you.”

“Lord?” The man appeared confused by my proposition.

“Continue acting as you have been, passing on the information I provide, and in return, I will guarantee the safety of your family above all else,” I clarified, looking over at Harwyn, who nodded in agreement. “What do you say?”

It was a necessity to play both sides depending on the scenario I was in. If Clyde refused, I could go full-on threatening; if he accepted, I could be a diplomat. It all depended on his next response.

Clyde hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting between me and Harwyn. The weight of his family's safety was evident in his eyes, warring with the fear of being caught in a dangerous game. Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke, his voice trembling slightly, "Lord Arwan, I... I don't know what to say. I want to protect my family, but I'm just a guard. I never signed up for this kind of... involvement."

"You are already involved, whether you signed up for this or not," I emphasized, my tone gentle yet firm. "Clyde, come on, you've been lying to us this whole time. Now, prove your loyalty by lying to them. It isn’t that hard, is it?"

"What if… I get caught?" he stammered, face going pale. "They will kill my..."

"Do you think I will do any better?" I scoffed. "It's either me or them. Make a choice, Clyde!"

“I… I will do it, lord,” he finally relented, his voice shaky as he stepped back, his head facing the floor. “In exchange, you guarantee that my family will be safe, if something ever happens.”

“Nothing will happen,” I assured him, relying on my years of experience. “I guarantee that. However, you will have to do as I say, no questions asked.”

“I will,” Clyde responded, his tone now more resolute, and a glimmer of hope returned to his complexion.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

"Brilliant!" I snapped my fingers in delight. Finally, things were falling into place, leaving only the execution phase ahead. "You can return home now. And I apologize for those slaps," I added. "Tell your wife it was an accident or something, okay?"

“I got into a small fight,” he reasoned. “She'll accept that.”

“Anything you like.” I chuckled, gesturing for the man to leave. After he bowed one last time to everyone, he exited along with the two guards.

With that settled, I began to rise to my feet, intending to find something to eat. After all, I hadn't had a meal for the last five or six hours. However, just as I was about to reach for my cane, I felt multiple pairs of eyes on me, their gaze traveling from my head to my feet.

Surprised by their intense scrutiny, I asked, "What?"

“Since when did you learn the art of intimidation?” As usual, Harwyn was the first to inquire. “I know my brother. He had courage, even to confront the king. But having a way with words wasn't exactly his strong suit.”

I rolled my eyes at his remark. “Didn’t I say I've changed?” I scowled, grabbing my cane and firmly planting it on the floor to steady myself. “And trust me, that was no art of intimidation. It's simply using common sense to your advantage and capitalizing on the weaknesses of others.”

“What's my weakness then?” he also got up from his seat.

I groaned before answering his question with one of my own. “According to you, what's the most precious thing a father wouldn't sacrifice, no matter the circumstances?”

“…His children.” Harwyn answered after a short pause, his expression serious.

“And there you have your answer.” With that, I turned to leave, and behind me, a burst of laughter erupted. I didn't bother to check as it must have been Harwyn finding amusement in something I said. Only he knew what was so funny about this whole discussion.

As I reached the door, Finnan, who had walked ahead of me, opened it. Before he could close it behind me, Harwyn rushed out and walked alongside me. Finnan followed us from a distance, but he waved him to leave, which the man did immediately.

Through the empty corridors we walked, and after a few moments, Harwyn broke the silence. "Have they found anyone yet?" he asked, presumably speaking of my missing hand, or at least that's what I assumed.

"Not that I'm aware of," I replied honestly. "Some guy named Derek was on it the last time I checked."

"That fanatic!" Harwyn sneered. "I don't know why father trusts him so much. He can't get anything right without throwing in some conspiracy."

"Really?" I wasn't aware of the guy's odd interests.

"But worry not. I will assign my men to it," Harwyn stated. "Answer their questions, and we'll have those bastards in no time."

"Sure," I agreed half-heartedly, my stomach rumbling in hunger.

"Take care, brother." Harwyn bid farewell as we reached a junction, him heading right and me turning left toward my room.

I had no idea where the kitchen was, but luck was on my side as I spotted Lilly pacing outside. I approached her, hoping to inform her about bringing some food to my room.

"Hey!" I called, and the maid turned around, a concerned look in her eyes. "Could you bring me something to..."

"It's already prepared, lord," she pointed to the doors.

"Nice," I remarked, genuinely impressed by her efficiency. "Anyway, come inside, help me with this coat," I requested, reaching for the door handle.

Lilly nodded, positioning herself behind me, ready to enter. However, my steps came to an abrupt halt as I opened the door and cast my gaze inside. There, seated by the table in a white nightgown, was a figure I recognized all too well—Isolde. She sat there leisurely, sipping from a glass that I guessed contained wine.

"Isolde," I uttered to myself, my confusion mounting. Why was she in my room? Was that even allowed? Could I simply barge into hers, unannounced? It didn't seem appropriate, yet here she was.

As I advanced further, her ears caught the sound of my approaching footsteps. She turned her attention toward me, a soft smile gracing her lips. Her cheeks were faintly flushed, probably from the effects of the alcohol, I surmised.

"Lilly?" she called, her voice carrying across the room. "Close the door and assist Lord in changing. The food is growing cold."

Her words drew my gaze to the table, where an array of dishes lay, tantalizing aromas wafting from them. A half-consumed wine bottle from the Goldendale Vineyard stood as a centerpiece, a testament to her culinary intentions.

Before I could even consider inspecting the feast, Lilly hastened to close the door, evidently in a hurry. She then turned her attention back to me, poised to help with my coat and shoes. However, as her fingers inched toward my shirt buttons, I held up a hand, a faint grin on my lips. The notion of a stranger, especially a woman, fumbling with my attire wasn't exactly comfortable.

Lilly's expression shifted to a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness as she withdrew her hands. She gestured for me to take a seat, motioning toward the table where the spread of food awaited.

"The meat is already sliced, lord," she pointed out, gently nudging the plate toward me. Positioned on either side of the plate were a glass of water and another, partially filled with wine, both neatly aligned in symmetry.

The sight of the dish before me was undoubtedly appealing—its aroma was inviting, and I was certain its flavors would be equally satisfying. However, an unsettling feeling stirred within me as I observed the meticulous arrangement, and instinctively reached for the wine with my left hand, with a certain excitement that was soon replaced with nothing but annoyance.

I could reach for the water, but the wine… Well… Pathetic! I thought to myself, bringing in a wave of discomfort that I struggled to suppress.

Nevertheless, I took up the fork and began to dine. The flavors of the meal were indeed delightful, just as I had hoped, and the wine added a pleasant touch. However, despite the culinary delight before me, I found it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. With each bite, the reminder of my lifeless hand returned, a persistent thought that seemed to mock my very existence.

"All but a cripple…" I muttered under my breath; my unspoken thoughts suddenly given voice. "Can't even cut my own food, can’t even feed myself… what a life has it been?" There was an undeniable sense of shame in being dependent on others for basic necessities. How had I once prided myself on self-sufficiency, only to find myself in such a helpless state now?

“No!” Isolde objected; her violet eyes slightly glazed from the effects of the wine. "You are not crippled. It is me… who is crippled," she confessed, her voice slurring slightly as she placed her glass back on the table.

“Wha… What the fuck are you talking about?” I asked, puzzled by her sudden declaration. Was she taking pity on me?

“Because… Because… I…I…” She struggled to find the right words, as if her thoughts were slipping through her fingers. “I made you… who you are now.”

I exchanged a bewildered glance with Lilly, both of us taken aback by Isolde's words.

“I destroyed my husband's life,” Isolde continued, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I am not… a good wife.”

Sensing the mood, Lilly retraced her steps. “I will… be outside, lord.” she said before exiting the room, leaving me all alone with Isolde’s emotional turmoil.

“You are not my wife to begin with. But still, what the hell are you blabbering about?” I pressed, growing increasingly concerned for her emotional state.

“Don’t you see?” She sobbed, her voice breaking. “I took your hand away… I am the one responsible for it all.”

“What?”