Chapter 9

I became number 1 during the day! Thank you so much! I will keep updating diligently!

I, more than before, investigated the situation at Neivle Castle, the residence of my brother Geisel. Neivle Castle is a castle on flat land, surrounded by a double moat. The town below is also quite prosperous.

As a result, the information came back much faster than I expected.

Moreover, a spy disguised as a merchant came to report to me.

"Sir, the viscount is plotting to kill Lord Arsrod. The plan is to pretend to be ill and invite Lord Arsrod to the castle, offering to hand over the lordship."

"I see. Then it's certain."

"What do you mean...?"

The spy was puzzled by my attitude.

"I've already heard the same information from other retainers at Neivle Castle. It seems that even among Geisel's followers, there are quite a few who think this is too hasty and dangerous. That's why the information has leaked to us."

The followers can't rely on a lord who will fall so quickly. This means Geisel is being seen as unreliable. Also, among those who have served since my father's time, there are quite a few who doubt Geisel's abilities. Some of those who doubt him have also reported to me. It's not just that they doubt his abilities; he really doesn't have any.

"Lord Arsrod, it was the right decision to stay away from Neivle Castle."

Laviala sighed in relief.

"At least, it would have been creepy to meet Geisel without any guards. I had a bad feeling about it even before I heard about the assassination plan. Commercially, our city has been thriving, so they probably see us as even more of a threat now."

I dismissed the spy. From here on, we would enter the strategy meeting. Well, it was just a conversation between Laviala and me.

Laviala, who was raised with me, is my closest confidant. I confide in her about important matters. The room was dark, lit only by a faint lantern.

"Pretending to be ill and attempting an assassination within the castle. This is turning out to be a very convenient situation for us."

Laviala smiled slyly.

It's a time of war. Laviala isn't just a gentle woman.

"To be honest, I thought the same. This way, he can really die of illness."

Killing the lord would invite accusations of usurpation. But if he himself proclaims his illness, we just need to witness it.

"Still... even though he's a brother, Lord Arsrod must be pained to have to kill him..."

It's true that they are blood-related, but showing too much sentiment might get us killed.

—That's right. Whether they are brothers or not, enemies must be defeated. Otherwise, one cannot become a hegemon.

Another voice came.

Oda Nobunaga also killed his relatives.

—He killed his brother. But it was the other way around; they attacked first.

So, this is similar to the current situation. However, Geisel wouldn't have handed over the lordship so easily, and we would have had to fight eventually.

"It's fine, Laviala. My only remaining relative is my sister Altea."

"I understand. Laviala will do her best for Lord Arsrod."

Laviala's determination.

Our eyes met.

Without thinking, I reached out to Laviala's face.

"Lord Arsrod..."

Laviala blushed.

"Listen... I intend to become the lord of Neivle. I can't make you my official wife, but... I care about you..."

When I saved Laviala at the fortress, I realized it clearly.

I thought of Laviala as mine and wished to make her even more mine.

"Surely, Laviala was destined to serve Lord Arsrod from birth. So, this was also destined. Besides, my life has been saved by Lord Arsrod once."

That day, I made love to Laviala for the first time.

Laviala, who was raised with me, was like a sister, a childhood friend, a retainer, and a comrade-in-arms, but now she became my lover as well.

It was fortunate that the enemy was luring us into their trap. We didn't need to be so nervous about the security of the manor.

●

Eventually, an official message from Neivle Castle stated that Geisel was ill. I sent a messenger to express my concern but did not go myself. Instead, I worked to draw in the retainers who were distancing themselves from Geisel.

We were already militarily superior to Geisel. His army was ultimately just a collection of retainers, and some of them were on our side. Moreover, we had brave warriors like Sivik.

Finally, a message came saying that Geisel's illness had worsened and he was near death, and he wanted to hand over the lordship. He wanted me to come to the castle for this purpose.

Naturally, he intended to kill me after inviting me.

"The time has come."

I visited Neivle Castle with five hundred soldiers, including Sivik's army. I could tell the other side was confused. With so many soldiers, it would be difficult to carry out their plan.

Geisel's retainers were puzzled. I had never said I would come to the castle with soldiers.

"Milord, what is the meaning of these soldiers...?"

"To succeed my brother as lord, it would be shameful to come with only a few attendants. It would tarnish my brother's reputation. I brought soldiers to maintain my dignity."

"But..."

Laviala stepped forward. She was with me today, though I didn't want to involve her in the danger, she insisted on coming.

"Please observe. All the soldiers are dressed up. They are not for war but to enhance the authority of the lord."

"I understand... But the soldiers should wait outside the moat..."

"No, these soldiers are accompanying the lord. They will wait in front of the castle after crossing the moat."

Laviala insisted, and the other side gave in. The five hundred soldiers stopped in front of the castle.

I surrounded myself with brave warriors and entered the castle.

Perhaps they would give up on the plan, but either way, inheriting the control of Neivle would be enough.

I had already informed the regions that my brother was critically ill. I just relayed what they had said.

If he honestly hands over the lordship due to illness, I might spare his life. But everything depends on what happens next.

Well, what will you do, Geisel?

Your castle is as good as occupied.

Your only chance of survival is to hand over your position due to illness and retire to some quiet place.

I plan to update again in the evening!