In the sweltering heat of July, the small town of Butuya quieted down in the evening. Residents gradually finished their work for the day, some hurrying home for dinner, while others gathered in taverns to enjoy chilled beers.
At the western city gate, the guards occasionally glanced at the setting sun, eagerly awaiting its descent to close the gates and change shifts.
They noticed a carriage slowly approaching from the west, escorted by several mounted guards. It was unusual for someone to enter the city at this hour, so the guards scrutinized the approaching carriage. They saw a flag with a ferocious dragon fluttering on it.
The guard captain recognized the emblem: “It’s a carriage from the Grayman family.”
He immediately ordered a soldier nearby, “Quick, ride my horse to inform Lord Angelo. The Graymans have sent someone.”
The soldier quickly fetched a horse and galloped off into the city.
The captain halted the carriage and asked loudly, “May I know which lord from Alda is inside?”
The coachman steadied the horses, and an elderly man with white hair and a kind face stepped out. He smiled, “I am Baron Wackley Ford, the Seal Keeper of Alda, here to visit Count Ganard and deliver an invitation to Lord Paul Grayman’s birthday feast.”
The captain respectfully offered, “Please allow me to accompany you to the lord’s manor.”
Old Ford agreed and reentered the carriage, following the captain into the city.
At the entrance of the Butuya manor, four nobles waited to receive Steward Ford. In the front stood Viscount Angelo, who was also the Steward of Baylding, followed by Viscount Aibut, Baron Amos, and Baron Blau.
Ford descended from the carriage and greeted each of them. After exchanging pleasantries, they entered the manor.
Upon entering the hall, the butler Myles approached: “Please wait, gentlemen. Dinner is being prepared and will take some time.”
As they sat in the hall, Old Ford explained his visit, “July 20th is the birthday of Count Paul Grayman. I have been sent to invite his sworn brother, Count Malron Ganard, to attend the celebration.”
The four nobles remained silent for a moment. Then Viscount Aibut, whose belly suggested a fondness for ale, finally spoke, “We will send birthday gifts, but as for Lord Ganard…” Updates are released by novel✦fire.net
“Of course, Lord Ganard will go!” interrupted Angelo, a slim man with piercing eyes.
Ignoring a fleeting look of displeasure in Baron Blau’s eyes and the puzzled glances of the others, he continued, “Count Ganard must be thrilled to receive an invitation from his sworn brother!”
Steward Ford smiled, “That’s wonderful. Though living so close, they haven’t seen each other in years.”
“Ah,” sighed Angelo, “They could have met a few months ago at old Lord Grayman’s funeral. Unfortunately, Lord Ganard was unwell then. We prioritized his health and didn’t let him attend, considering the somber atmosphere wasn’t suitable for a sick man. I went on behalf of the Count.”
Ford nodded understandingly, “Well, now they can finally reunite. Where is the Count now?”
“Oh, Lord Ganard will be here shortly.”
As they spoke, the butler Myles announced loudly, “Count Ganard has arrived—”
In the hall, a slightly chubby, golden-haired boy about 16 years old entered. About the same height as Paul, he was the lord of Baylding, Paul’s sworn brother—Malron Ganard.
Steward Ford quickly stood to greet him, while Malron gestured for him to be at ease and took a seat at the head of the table, accepting the invitation handed to him by Ford.
“Baron, it’s been a long time,” said the lord of Baylding, opening the invitation and looking delighted. He then turned to Angelo, “Uncle Angelo, may I attend Paul’s birthday party?”
Angelo stood up immediately, “Of course, my lord. Even amidst a busy schedule of learning and duties, celebrating your sworn brother’s birthday is natural.”
“If you don’t object, then I’ll depart with the baron tomorrow. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him.”
Steward Ford concurred, “That’s a good idea. It’s always easier to travel together.” He would have suggested it himself if Malron hadn’t.
Viscount Aibut, a portly man, was about to speak when Angelo interjected, “Certainly, that way the Count can spend a few more days with his friend.”
Ford inwardly sighed in relief; his trip seemed to be going smoothly. He had prepared a list of reasons to persuade Malron to leave with him the next day.
The butler announced that dinner was ready, and they moved to the dining room. Malron kept asking Ford about the Alda’s pirate suppression campaign, amusing the older man.
During the meal, Ford asked why, apart from Angelo, Ganard’s other vassals were also gathered in Butuya.
The response was that the lord’s direct troops were already under the command of the only militarily experienced vassal in Baylding, Baron Andrew, who had joined Princess Catherine in the south to fight the rebels. The other nobles had brought their private armies to protect their lord and maintain peace in the capital.
Regarding the royal commissioner stationed in Baylding, everyone said he had gone south with Baron Andrew but would likely return soon.
After dinner, Ford was shown to a guest room to rest, and Ganard’s four vassals bid Malron farewell and left for their residences.
However, after leaving the manor, they all headed to Angelo’s house.
“You’re mad, Angelo! Letting that kid leave our control?” Aibut furiously confronted Angelo in a secret room.
Angelo looked at him as if he were foolish, “What could I do? Refuse him in front of Ford? That old man would have sensed something was off immediately.”
Aibut, teeth clenched in anger, warned, “If something goes wrong, you’ll take full responsibility.”
Angelo retorted angrily, “We’re all in this together. If something happens, none of us can escape. There are already rumors in the streets that we’re plotting against Malron Ganard, plus the old Ganard affair. Letting him go out will help clear our suspicions.”
Aibut remained unconvinced, leading to a heated argument with Angelo.
The remaining two exchanged glances, unable to interject in the viscounts’ dispute.