Chapter 26: 26
Certainly, they would erase their tracks thoroughly along with their subordinates and hide their bodies in hiding places.
Even if only Duke’s and Marquis’s soldiers were to pursue, they could easily shake them off.
But if strong figures like Zion Laird were to join in, it might become a bit tricky.
“If they are that skilled, it might have been better to give up the mission.”
It wasn’t just about killing or not killing Zion Laird; it was a matter of risking an all-out battle if they attempted to kill a knight wielding a blade, and if they failed to kill him, he might retaliate.
Regardless of the choice, the mission itself became meaningless because of the high risks involved.
“I failed to kill the Crazy Young Lady, and I earned Zion Laird’s resentment. If we were engaged, those feelings wouldn’t just disappear.”
Zion Laird was unaware of the true identity of the rebels and the reason for the ambush.
But he was involved in this mission and personally wielded his blade against the rebels.
Perhaps Zion Laird harbored intense emotions just because he attacked Hanette Adelaira.
“We can’t handle him at our level… Reporting to the higher-ups seems more appropriate.”
The man already had a rough idea of what would happen after reporting.
The superiors would take this matter seriously and might gradually reduce the number of hiding places in the capital.
After that, there would be discussions on how to deal with Zion Laird, but it was likely they would decide to observe a little longer since meddling unnecessarily would only endanger the rebels more.
“He blocked magic with just a sword. What kind of technique did he use?”
The man observed Zion Laird from a distance.
He forced back his subordinates with his blade and nullified powerful magic that increased destructive power and range.
It was either to reduce the number of escort knights or to use fire magic to kill Hanette Adelaira.
Yet, Zion Laird easily split the flames with a single stroke of his blade and remained composed.
“He’s undoubtedly formidable, maybe even stronger than the eldest son.”
There were rumors circulating in the social circles that the eldest son of Marquis Laird would be enlisted in the royal knights.
It was unusual for the royal knights to pay attention to a 24-year-old noble’s son.
It meant he was exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship and was not an easy opponent for most young knights.
“…He might become a Quasar of Setinos.”
It was a conclusion drawn from simple speculation and a clear intuition.
Despite encountering numerous rebels and knights, he had never encountered someone with such superior qualities.
After some time, he might emerge as a threatening enemy to the rebels.
“He wasn’t on the list.”
Originally, there was no intention to kill the employees of Zion Laird or Duke’s.
They were simply swept up in the assassination attempt on Duke Adelaira.
According to the rebel’s guidelines, attacking non-targets during an assassination attempt was not allowed.
But meticulously following every detail of the mission would lead to nothing.
“Removing Marquis Laird is against our cause.”
Originally, they should have assassinated not only the royals but also all the nobles, including Duke Adelaira.
But at that time, since the royals and Duke Adelaira were leading the rebellion, they couldn’t be held responsible for it.
Above all, they needed their support to establish a new dynasty firmly.
“But if they stand in our way, they must be excluded.”
The new dynasty couldn’t embrace everything from the past.
They had to discard what needed to be discarded and keep those who were loyal and trustworthy under their wing.
That way, they wouldn’t collapse again, and they could preserve that bloodline for a long time.
“But it’s too late to pull him to our side.”
Marquis Laird was already proceeding with a strategic marriage through his youngest son with Duke Adelaira.
It could still be broken off, but due to their relationship, it was unlikely.
Even if there was a chance to turn him into an ally, it was uncertain if Zion Laird would cooperate willingly.
“All I can do is wait for orders.”
The man hastened his steps with a sigh.
The mission could occasionally fail, but he couldn’t tolerate the emergence of a formidable enemy like Zion.
If that enemy were to rampage, not only the hiding places but also the superiors would be at risk.
“How should we deal with Zion Laird…”
Marquis Laird’s mansion, study room.
Freed sat in front of an important guest.
A major incident had occurred, so he hastily dispatched his troops, including his subordinates, to the scene.
Fortunately, the two managed to return to Calidos safely and ensure their safety, and it was only after the troops from both families arrived that they could finally return to the capital.
“… I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”
“No, no. Who would have thought such a thing would happen near the capital?”
Freed politely replied, observing the other’s reaction.
He seemed quite angry, but he was barely holding it back and continuing the conversation.
It was probably because not only his daughter but also his fiancée got involved, which must have enraged him.
“I didn’t expect my family to be underestimated like this. I must catch those culprits and find out the mastermind.”
“You’re right. I’ll assist you.”
“Oh, no need. This is a matter within my family, so I’ll handle it myself. Even if it’s for your son’s sake.”
Robbenz clenched his fist tightly with wide-open eyes.
When he first heard the news, he thought he had misheard it.
Surely, Duke Adelaira wouldn’t attack their carriage out of nowhere.
Moreover, his beloved’s fiancé was almost killed, so he couldn’t help but feel a great sense of humiliation.
“If it weren’t for your son, what would have happened to my daughter? And what about the escort knights and maids?”
“It’s fortunate they were of help.”
“…Now you’re asking, didn’t you know about him? I thought you would have known.”
“Yes, I heard about it for the first time.”
“Is that so? Hm…”
Robbenz pondered, easing his anger and falling into doubt.
Even Freed hadn’t known, so it meant Zion either just awakened his powers or had kept it a secret all this time.
Regardless of which side he belonged to, his talent was undoubtedly exceptional.
‘He must have been used as a tool for this strategic marriage, knowing he’s the least competent…’
Robbenz knew Freed was being pressured to make a choice.
Regardless of the outcome, either Duke Adelaira or Ternein Duke had to be chosen.
So, he handed over the Crazy Young Lady, Hanette, and Freed passed on Zion, who seemed the least capable among his children.
‘Now I have to show sincerity from my side.’
It was a strategic marriage conducted based on mutual understanding.
If balance were disrupted from one side, the whole understanding would shatter.
Although the decision had already been made, he had to ensure there were no lingering regrets.
A sword technique was only usable by high-level swordsmen, and Zion was still young.
“You owe a great debt to your son. I want to repay it somehow, what do you think is best?”
“There’s no need for that. My son just did what he had to do.”
“It wasn’t something anyone could do. He’s my daughter’s fiancé, so I should take care of him even more.”
“…If that’s truly how you feel, why not ask my son directly? I don’t know what my son likes.”
Freed completely left the choice of compensation to Zion.
He could guide it towards benefiting the family, but his pride didn’t allow that.
He had already forced an unwanted marriage and unintentionally exposed them to danger.
Since it originated from Zion, it was only right that Zion should finish it.
“It’s not a wrong statement. Just because we’re parents doesn’t mean we know everything about our children.”
Robbenz nodded in agreement, lost in thought.
He had to give Zion a reward that would satisfy him.
That way, he would realize the value of marrying Duke Adelaira’s daughter.
‘I have to make him completely on my side now. Such talent isn’t easily found…’
Duke Adelaira’s mansion, Zion’s room.
Zion lay on the bed, organizing his thoughts.
Strategies for using Exceed Rain, methods to conserve mana, directions for honing his swordsmanship, and so on.
Although Exceed Rain was powerful, it would be a waste of mana if not used properly.
“Having a great sword technique is good, but… it’s meaningless if I run out of mana every time I use it.”
Zion had only recently awakened his mana, so he didn’t have a large amount.
Moreover, he was inexperienced in handling mana, so efficiency naturally suffered.
Perhaps he needed to increase his mana first to fully utilize Exceed Rain.
“If I want to use other abilities, I need to conserve mana.”
Exceed Rain had various abilities besides mana absorption and sword manifestation.
They were useful and effective, but without self-restraint, they could backfire.
Exceed Rain tended to take more than it gave, despite granting immense power.
“I also need to learn swordsmanship, so there’s a lot of money involved.”
Of course, Zion wasn’t too worried about money.
He already had a promise of support in that regard.
Most likely, money wouldn’t be a problem for a while, and he could use it for various purposes.
“I should take as much as I can from Duke Adelaira. Opportunities like this don’t come often.”