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nThe gates opened. Under the Duchess’ leadership, many entered and soon ran away to vomit.

nIt was not a sight that most could digest. The poor little lifeless bodies would induce nightmares for years to come for many. And many might never ever forget it. This was much different from a simple murder or wartime violence. This was a sin, no matter which god you prayed to.

nAfter the bodies, they saw the words on the wall. The advisor of Chief Koruk also saw it and gasped in fear and anger. After all, such an act was blasphemy to the name of five mother goddesses in his eyes.

nThe Duchess walked beside Sylvester and looked at the dead body of the culprit. “Did you kill him?”

n“No, he was dead when I got in. You should have barged into the building from the start. It seems he never wished to leave or let these children go. He came here to do exactly this. How did he enter the town, however?” Sylvester inquired.

nShe was clueless and called a knight. “Sir Nimor, I need you to find out this man’s name, where he lived, and how he entered.”

nThe knight, however, didn’t even need to go and look. “I… I think I’ve seen him before, your grace. Let me call someone.”

nThe knight went out quickly and soon brought three soldiers from the town and showed them the man’s dead body. “This man used to work with you, correct?”

nThe three soldiers had to stop themselves from vomiting at first sight of the little dead bodies. But they forced themselves to stay strong. And when they looked at the man’s body, they exclaimed together.

n“What? Why is Ronald here? He didn’t report to the guard duty the previous night. We looked for him, but he was nowhere to be found.”

nSylvester understood everything from that and asked. “How long has he been working as a soldier in the town?”

n“I’ve known him for three years… sir?”

nSylvester turned to the Duchess. “It seems your Duchy has been compromised from within. For years the Borzol faction has aimed its fangs at you. They have probably installed their spies in your Duchy, who live normal lives for the most part and only act when ordered. I call them Sleeper Agents. They are also impossible to find and deal with.”

nThe Duchess was a strong old woman and didn’t show much negative reaction. Her face remained stoic as she looked at the dead body. Though the storm in her heart did not stay hidden from Sylvester. She had just lost her husband, and now her Duchy was under an existential threat.

nSylvester offered reassurance. “I have many things to discuss, your grace. Why don’t you return to the castle? I shall find you there in an hour if you don’t mind.”

n“That will be for the best, Lord Bard. I shall see you in an hour.” She walked to the Prima, who was also there. “Ensure the last rites of the innocents are performed well. As for the heathen—feed the body to the wolves.”

nThe Prima didn’t instantly accept her order. “Your grace, but their customs demand to be buried.”

nDuchess Melina glared into Prima’s eyes and ordered him again. “Must I reiterate my order? That man deserves no peace!”

nSylvester watched it all and knew a silent power struggle was going on at the moment. The Prima was trying to exert his power and take control of the Duchess, while the Duchess was trying her best to counter him.

n‘Bloody politics. Be it the Holy Land or here. It’s all the same.’ Sylvester rubbed his eyes in annoyance and went to Advisor Bajin.

nThe man looked rattled by the fact that followers of his religion did this. The words on the wall made it all clear.

n“I hope you write to Chief Koruk and tell him what your cousin’s tribe did. He must know that the Borzol faction has left the ways of the five mother goddesses. There is no hope for them anymore, only the sword of justice.” Sylvester kept one hand on the short barbarian man’s shoulder, pressing him down firmly.

n“He will, preacher. I will send one of the men back tomorrow morning.”

nSylvester nodded and asked him to follow. After all, he could not leave them alone since they were also Barbarians and could be arrested and killed for being there. It didn’t help that only the advisor could speak the southern language fluently.

nAlong the way, he called Gabriel, Bishop Lazark, and Aurora to present themselves at the castle. The second phase of his plan needed to start as quickly as possible.

nSo at the castle, he first got the advisor and the other men a few rooms to rest. Then, he found his team and led them to the Duchess’ office in the tower.

n“How did it go?” Aurora asked. “Why didn’t you bring the sixth guardian along?”

n“He didn’t reply to the letter yet, but he should be reporting soon since the Pope ordered him. As for my visit, I should explain in front of the Duchess once and for all.”

nKnock! Knock!

n“Come in.”

nSylvester looked at Lady Aurora as confusion dawned on his face. The voice from inside belonged to a man.

nHe opened the door and looked. There, at the edge, behind the table, sat a man. Tall, strong, black-haired man. It was the Prima, and he was seated on the Duke’s seat while the Duchess stood on the right side of the table with a frown.

n‘This fool will mess everything up if he keeps interfering.’ Sylvester felt annoyed, but he didn’t show it.

n“Your grace, Lord Prima, I have something important to talk about in private about the mountain barbarians and an even bigger danger in the north. My journey was eventful but depressing, for I learned things I wish were just a dream.” Sylvester respectfully started.

nThe Duchess invited them all to sit. “Please, take a sea—”

nBut Prima interrupted her. “Take a seat, Lord Bard, Lady Ninth, and all of you. I’m sure together we can overcome this problem.”

n‘Burning pungent smell, bitter, chills and tangerines—She’s angry, scared and anxious. Better use this opportunity.’

nSylvester was quick to put water on Prima’s dreams. “Sorry, but I wish to speak with the Duchess alone, for she is the true and only absolute decision maker. Can you please wait outside, Lord Prima?”

nInside the dimly lit decorated room, silence loomed. What Sylvester said was a slap on the face of the man, and it was all too satisfying for everyone other than Prima.

n“But… I am the Prima, Lord Bard. I am the second-in-command of the Duchy, and I can help you learn many details if needed.”

nSylvester remained unwavering. “Ah, I just remembered something that Pope Atrox said centuries ago. ‘Men who play games in times of need must have their souls from their bodies freed.’ I wonder what he truly meant by that.”

nThud!

nSir Dolorem thumped his sword on the floor once while standing behind Sylvester’s seat. “This is a church matter, and Lord Bard’s words are the final words, Lord Prima.”

nAurora backed him too. “Lord Bard derives his authority from his holiness. Therefore, please be respectful of the Pope’s authority, Lord Prima.” 𝐞𝗼𝘃𝐞𝐥．𝗰𝐨𝗺

n“Very well.” The Prima stood up and silently left. The scent of anger and frustration was radiating from him.

n‘Troublesome—He needs to die.’ Sylvester muttered under his breath.

nWhen the Duchess retook her seat, Sylvester questioned her directly. “Don’t you have children, your grace?”

n“I have two sons. Both are wizards and are currently training at the Yggdrasil School of Magic.” she fondly answered. “The oldest has the talent of an Arch Wizard, while the youngest is a Wizard-Knight with the talent of rank Silver Knight and Master Wizard. They must be on their way here as of now.”

nWith stern eyes and a heavy voice, Sylvester warned her. “Then you must get rid of the Prima. He will kill your sons one day and take the Duchy. I see the greed in his eyes and how he tries to demean you.”

nShe neither acted shocked nor appalled by the idea. “I thought about it, but he’s far too influential. He has friends in the military and among the traders. Getting rid of him will hurt us more.”

n“Just give me the names of all those he’s friends with. Then, nobody will mind if some ‘unfortunate’ accidents happen.” He advised.

nEven Aurora chirped. “We live in times of war, after all. Anything can happen in the war.”

nSylvester knew he was taking a long shot with this one. But he found this to be the quickest way to induct the Duchess into his personality cult. If she remains grateful to him, she will teach the same to her children. His image in their minds would be etched forever.

n“What do you wish for in return?” The Duchess asked, knowing the world runs on laws of exchange.

n“Nothing.” He waved his hand. “I want nothing but peace in the Gracia Kingdom, your grace. I want peace, prosperity, and happiness for all, so the Church can grow stronger and focus on the bigger enemies. Furthermore, Princess Isabella, the next ruler of the Kingdom, is like a sister to me.”

nIt wasn’t wrong to say he wanted peace for his selfish reasons. He needed time to grow influence and his wealth in order to seriously pose a challenge to other clergymen lusting for the seat of the Pope.

nDuchess Melina felt doubtful but soon agreed with his suggestion. Prima needed to be dealt with, or there would never be peace in the Duchy. That was clear.

n“You shall have the names by tomorrow, Lord Bard. But if the Duchy does not survive, all this will be meaningless. You mentioned a greater danger in the north. Can you elaborate?” She steered the conversation back to the main topic.

nSylvester agreed and put a map of the northern region of the continent on the table. He then pointed them to the location of the Grand Forts of the Barbarians, telling them their differences, and who they were to target. Then, he pointed at the north part and revealed the news.

n“It’s probably an Emperor Lich by the description.” Bishop Lazark confirmed. “In this case, it poses a bigger danger than the Barbarians.”

nThe Duchess was frightened at this point. They could kill barbarians, but the undead could multiply forever.

n“How are we going to fight all this?” She asked. “I only have ten thousand soldiers as troops.”

nSylvester put forward a parchment and pushed it to the Duchess. “I need you to sign and put your seal on it, your grace. After that, we shall be using the barbarians for our own benefit. But, first, I must put on a disguise and go to meet the leaders of the Borzol faction.”

n“To do what?” Gabriel nervously asked, not wanting to lose another friend.

nThud!

nThe Duchess slammed her hand on the table and stood up in rage. Her old eyes turned red as she bellowed and threw the parchment away.

n“You want me to surrender the Duchy?!”

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