During this period, Marltz Kent’s mood had grown increasingly irritable.
Logically speaking, the course of events hadn’t strayed from his plan, except for the minor incident of Henry Ferdinand’s escape.
This should have been insignificant. As a prisoner ordered for confinement by Duke Ferdinand himself, Henry’s life, post-escape, was destined to be one of exile. His family had been arrested, and his lands and properties confiscated.
But one question lingered: How did he escape?
This unresolved issue seemed to portend an ominous future, becoming a thorn in Marltz Kent’s mind.
Just as he feared, two weeks after Henry’s escape, whispers reached the Count of Kent – rumors of a secret coalition of lords conspiring against him.
Naturally suspicious, Kent immediately dispatched spies to investigate. The situation soon became clear: a contemptible and shameful conspiracy was brewing, instigated by Count Price Parker, an enemy in the shadows.
“Foolish old man!” Kent roared, kicking over a table in rage, startling his servants into a frightened kneel.
Pacing his room, Kent contemplated his next move. Initially, he wanted to summon his troops and capture these traitors, but upon reflection, he decided against it.
First, he needed to distinguish friend from foe.
Now serving as the Duke’s successor in Center, on behalf of Duke Ferdinand, Kent swiftly penned letters to various lords, inviting them to Center to discuss a crucial matter – whether to continue supporting the royal family in quelling the rebellion.
Only about half of the lords attended the meeting in person; others either excused themselves or sent representatives.
Notably absent was the confirmed conspirator, Count Price Parker, and the troublesome young Grayman.
The absentees were undoubtedly harboring ulterior motives.
The meeting in Center ended inconclusively and discontentedly. But Kent was unbothered; identifying his enemies was his real agenda.
As the lords dispersed, he warned, “Those who dare challenge the Duke’s authority will face dire consequences.”
The lords left with sour thoughts, pondering, “Won’t that position be yours soon?” Updates are released by NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Having roughly identified his allies and enemies, Marltz began gathering loyalists and contacting potential allies, building his own faction. As the largest vassal of the Ferdinand family and now controlling the ducal seat, he quickly attracted a significant following.
With the Kent family’s strength, facing any single northwestern family was manageable. However, against a coalition of many lords, caution was warranted, so he too needed to organize his faction.
Thus, the lords of Northwest Bay divided into camps, each side quietly preparing, waiting for the right moment to strike a deadly blow in an impending small-scale civil war.
To Kent’s shock, his enemies exposed his covert actions: using witchcraft to control the Duke, plotting with Jars to betray the kingdom, and more.
How did they know? Count Kent was baffled. He had always been discreet, and due to his reverence and faith in the arcane, he never suspected the ailing Duke Ferdinand.
However, these matters were spread through unofficial channels, and while the enemy hadn’t made a big deal out of it yet, it was enough to unsettle Count Kent.
Publicly, he feigned indifference to the “rumors” and refrained from defending himself. Privately, however, he grew increasingly paranoid, suspecting spies among his own people.
Many of his servants and guards suffered as a result. Some were imprisoned, others executed, creating a constant state of fear and unease in the Duke’s residence.
After returning to Lakeheart Town from Count Parker’s castle, Paul plunged into preparations for the impending war. His territory, bordering Marltz Kent’s stronghold of Emden to the south, was particularly vulnerable and needed early preparation.
In the days that followed, Paul witnessed firsthand how the lords of this era waged war.
Nearly a month had passed since Price Parker’s meeting, yet no battle had ensued.
Rumors flew thick and fast. Somehow, Marltz Kent’s misdeeds were leaked, as were the lords’ conspiracies against the Parker family.
Naturally, this news reached Marltz Kent, who also began organizing his forces.
Now, it was common knowledge that two powerful factions in Northwest Bay were eager to eliminate each other.
“The sense of secrecy in this era is appalling! I had hoped to surprise them with a prepared attack,” Paul lamented in a staff meeting, stressing the importance of maintaining secrecy.
Both sides were slow to assemble their forces. Paul considered using his standing army to swiftly attack Emden to the south, but abandoned the idea due to opposition from his officers.
If the enemy had already amassed a stronger force and his allies couldn’t provide sufficient support for Alda, it would spell disaster. It was better not to be the first to strike.
So, Lakeheart Town used this quiet before the storm to strengthen itself. Both the regular army and militia intensified their training, leaving the soldiers too exhausted for anything but sleep.
Under the Administration Council’s direction, the southernmost villages began moving northward to avoid Kent family raids.
Port Fran’s shipyards worked overtime building merchant ships suitable for transport. If land trade routes were cut off in the war, sea trade would be vital for Alda and Baylding, both heavily reliant on foreign trade.
The iron mills in the valley also expanded. With the outbreak of war, the demand for iron would skyrocket. Paul planned to sell iron at low prices as a favor, simultaneously strengthening his voice within the alliance.
The sword was drawn, ready to strike the enemy.
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