"You are to re-inspect the walls and surrounding areas. While we're away, protect the territory. If anything happens, use the communication device I gave you."
He then addressed his father, Dominic, and his sister, Elizabeth.
"Father, sister—it would be best if you came to the capital with us. We may need to stay there for a while."
Dominic and Elizabeth nodded in agreement, clearly having come to the same conclusion.
"Yes, that sounds like the best course. I'll go gather the urgent documents that need signing before we depart," Dominic replied.
"I'll ask Phoebe and Kate to manage the keep in our absence," Elizabeth added, gathering her skirts. "It's better that they remain here."
Michael nodded in approval. Leaving direct blood relatives of the lord behind was the right precaution, just in case anything unexpected happened.
The fortress soon grew busy. Knights moved quickly to don their arms and armor, and soldiers rushed to their designated positions. The sound of enchanted armor clashing and the heavy thuds of boots echoed through every corridor. Servants retrieved arrows and spears from the armory and transported them to the battlements, while knights took their posts atop the gate towers.
Michael sighed and turned to quietly look out the window.
That's when he saw it.
A massive shadow stood in front of the main gate. Narrowing his eyes, he watched the figure, then his expression lit up. The towering shadow entered the fortress with the setting sun at its back.
It was Alfred, clad in his signature black hood and cloak. Between the folds of the hood, his eyes burned like fire.
Even after witnessing countless powerful warriors throughout his life, Michael had never encountered anyone whose presence matched the overwhelming aura of the man before him—his grandfather, Alfred, had returned to the fortress.
Alfred had arrived with a large wagon in tow. Though its contents were hidden, Michael could already guess what was inside.
Gazing at his grandson, Alfred offered a rare smile.
"Hm, seems I made it just in time."
Michael hurried across the breezy corridor and pulled Alfred into a hug. Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, Alfred hesitated briefly before gently patting his grandson's back. The warmth in that heavy hand brought a swell of emotion to Michael's chest.
"Please, don't leave again. You've done more than enough," Michael said softly. "And… you have to attend my wedding."
Though his voice was low, it carried layers of concern and relief. Resting his forehead against Alfred's shoulder, Michael took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
The mausoleum was already filled with bodies Alfred had brought back. Any more, and half the vassals might end up as revenants.
Well… they don't cost anything, live forever, and are fiercely loyal. Perfect servants, really.
Recalling the capable and obedient revenants, Michael allowed himself a brighter smile. Alfred, catching a glimpse of a familiar face in that expression, smiled in return.
Patting his grandson's back firmly, Alfred asked, "Hmm, I must attend, of course. What kind of woman is to be my granddaughter-in-law?"
Despite knowing she was a princess of Lania, Alfred didn't ask about status or political implications—he asked about her character.
Looking at his grandfather, Michael began describing Astrid.
"She's kind, wise, and beautiful too."
Seeing the happiness on Michael's face as he spoke of her, Alfred nodded with satisfaction.
"Hm. If you're content, that's all that matters. Everything else is secondary."
Michael agreed, nodding.
"You're right. Nothing is more miserable than a couple who aren't compatible."
Alfred smiled again, momentarily lost in his own memories.
"You look happy. That's good."
But then Michael's expression darkened as thoughts of the assassination attempt in the capital surfaced.
"Hmm… is something wrong?"
Alfred's face hardened in response. Between the deep lines of his age, a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes. His lips tightened into a thin line, and his fists clenched. From the look of it, if anything threatened his grandson's future, he'd crush it without hesitation.
Michael sighed and began explaining.
"King Charles V… he was attacked. And I was recently poisoned, too…"
The moment Alfred heard his grandson had been in danger, a terrifying aura erupted from his body. Even the monstrous beasts flying into the fortress flinched at the sheer pressure.
Aaron and Faust, both mighty warriors of past generations who had just stepped out of their quarters, also felt the sudden shock of the dreadful energy.
Alfred slowly removed his hand from Michael's back and gripped his shoulders, scanning him from head to toe.
"…What did you say? Who dared do such a thing to you?!"
Michael quickly waved his hands to calm him down. Even though Alfred was his grandfather, he was terrifying when angry.
"Please, calm down, Grandfather. It's already over. I have a good idea who's behind it, and more importantly, I wasn't harmed. You know that."
With a shrug, Michael tried to ease Alfred's fury. In the distance, he saw Aaron and Faust hurrying toward them.
"Ah, and… I'd like to introduce some people. They're new advisors I've brought in…"
Before Michael could finish, Alfred's piercing gaze turned toward the approaching men. Startled by the intensity in those eyes, Aaron froze in his tracks.
"Th-that terrifying man! Why is he here?"
Aaron involuntarily recoiled. The memory of recklessly challenging Alfred in his youth—and suffering humiliating defeat—flashed through his mind. Though he had worked tirelessly to rise to his current status, it seemed Alfred had only grown more formidable.
He's even stronger than before… What a monster.
Recalling Alfred's notorious profession, Aaron clicked his tongue in frustration. Behind him, Faust asked curiously, "Do you know him? That's quite the fearsome presence."
Aaron barely responded, muttering under his breath.
"Yeah. That bastard… He was Lania's royal executioner. Just my luck."
Faust gave Aaron a nudge and pressed again. If this was the same man from the tales Aaron had once told, that overwhelming aura began to make more sense.
"So he's the monster executioner you mentioned? I can see why. Even if we teamed up, we wouldn't stand a chance."
Still reluctant to move forward, Aaron nodded.