Chapter 192: A Step to Follow

Chapter 192: A Step to Follow

A Step to Follow

Eastern Mansion

Soft knocks pulled Lansius from his work. He glanced up from his desk, expecting the usual—a report from Margo about an important matter or someone requesting an audience. Instead, he saw Audrey peeking in from the hallway. He raised an eyebrow. "Why are you knocking?"

"Well," Audrey said, still standing outside, "you looked busy, and I didn’t want to be a bother."

Lansius chuckled softly. "You're my wife, My Lady, and soon to be the mother of my child," he said tenderly, motioning her inside.

Audrey smiled, pushing the door open and stepping into the chamber. "I may be your wife, but I’m still a squire at heart. I don’t want to interrupt my lord while he plans his war."

"War, you say?" Lansius replied, amused.

Audrey closed the door behind her and pulled a chair closer to sit beside him. "You said it was just your musings, and that I could read them if something caught my interest."

"True. But I did warn you that my writing is terrible. I think better while doodling half the time."

She leaned in closer, a playful smile on her lips. "Since I’m not a bother, how are you? Any aches or pains? Are you tired?"

Lansius smiled softly and let out a sigh. "Just a little," he reassured her, though his mind momentarily drifted to the loss of his four guards. They had been more than mere security details; they were comrades-in-arms, even friends. He had treated them like seniors or uncles; in return, they treated him like a favored nephew.

"Are you sure you don’t want that duck egg broth?" Audrey’s voice cut through his thoughts.

Her words prompted a groan from him, and then he noticed the teasing grin on her face. At that moment, the physical pain from his injuries, the lingering fear of death, and the mental weight of losing his men all collided. Without fully understanding why, he leaned in and kissed her deeply. He almost lost her and everything. Despite the deaths and the chaos swirling around him, his mind craved comfort.

Audrey’s eyes widened in surprise at first, but it didn’t take long for her to respond with equal passion. As their lips met again and again, the weight of his near-death experience flooded him. If the assassin hadn’t been toying with him, if Audrey hadn’t made that impossible shot, if one of the guards hadn’t sacrificed himself; he would’ve been nothing more than a cold corpse.

After several more kisses, his mind finally began to calm, but by then, Audrey had taken charge, her usual fiery self fully reemerging. As the haze of emotion lifted, Lansius began to realize her sudden shift in attitude. Not because it was unexpected, but because of how smoothly it had happened. There was no more hesitation, no lingering confusion. It was effortless.

It seemed that Audrey had succeeded in mastering a public persona. A mask, much like his own. Whether this mask had come to her naturally or from observing him, he wasn’t sure. After all, she had been there when Sir Callahan taught him the importance of concealing one’s true self. Lansius never brought it up, allowing her to grow into her role on her own.

He himself had two masks. One, rarely used, was that of a crazed conqueror, meant to confuse and deceive his enemies. The other was the mask of a benevolent ruler, shown to his inner circle and allies.

Audrey’s mask, however, was more pragmatic. It reminded Lansius of modern businesses, where personal and professional selves had to be kept apart. Sometimes, to lead effectively, one had to be cold, calculating, and even heartless. He couldn’t recall exactly where he had worked in his past life, but he remembered the feeling of a role where friendship had no place.

The softer Audrey was her lady persona, but the real Audrey was hot-tempered, brash, and fiery. When the mask was removed, only in front of him, she reverted to the girl he had first met in Bellandia and then Toruna.

Now, the Baroness of Korimor stood before him, her cheeks slightly flushed, her hair taking on a bronze hue in the light of the three lanterns. Her skin had a new fairness with hints of sunspots from their recent campaigns, and her eyes were as captivating as they were dangerous. She was more beautiful than ever, and even her body had changed—her chest had grown noticeably.

Audrey gently lowered herself onto his lap, facing him, and the black lady from Toruna whispered, "I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you, and you can’t stop me."

"I won’t," he replied, inhaling her familiar scent.

"Then it’s settled."

Lansius blinked. "Wait—what's settled?"

"I’m going with you," she declared, cutting off any protest with a kiss that left him breathless.

Despite his wounds, he felt desire stir, but he kept his focus. "Drey, you're pregnant."

"We’re traveling with physicians," she countered cheerfully. "And Midlandia has even better ones."

"But it's war," he tried to reason.

"Our seventh if you count Riverstead as two," she retorted effortlessly.

"Mm..." he mumbled, unable to argue that they had been living in a constant state of war. Still, in a last effort as blood rushed and clouded his mind, he argued, "But you're not pregnant at that time."

"Quiet," she whispered with a mischievous grin. "You failed to guard this body of yours that belongs to me. Now, surrender and prepare for punishment."

"Mercy," Lansius chuckled. "I’m wounded."

...

It was near dawn when Lansius awoke. His wife had already donned her traveling attire, signaling that she was ready to march at a moment’s notice. "Is this for real?" he asked.

"Either you let me join you, or I'll join the SAR team," she quipped.

Lansius massaged his temple. Despite her insistence, he could have ordered her to stay, but he knew it would only make her wither away. He extended his left hand and said, "Then help me get dressed. I can't look bad next to you," he quipped.

After washing his face, Audrey helped him dress with the skill of a seasoned squire. As she worked, they spoke freely.

"I believe Margo told you that Sigmund arrived aboard one of the airships?"

"Indeed," he confirmed. "I'm surprised they were able to take Kapua and defeat such a large mercenary army." He added, "I'm glad to see some semblance of order and governance restored in Nicopola. And the way Lord Avery and Sir Morton handled the team—that's beyond belief."

"That surprised everyone. Your SAR earned great honor and made a name for themselves. Be sure to reward them properly."

"I'll see to it that each of them gets a house," Lansius reassured her. There was enough plunder to afford such a gift. "But why is Sigmund here?"

"Just a quick visit. He brought his two minstrels to assist us."

"Ah, the Orange Skald," Lansius muttered, referring to his covert spy network known for their distinctive bright clothing. Internally, he’d nicknamed them his Neon Ninjas.

"Yes, they have capable agents, and some have naturally infiltrated our neighbors, including Midlandia."

"They’ll be perfect as our eyes and ears," Lansius remarked.

"Indeed." She took a deep breath before continuing. "The investigation points to Midlandia and Edessa. The men are ready—they spent the entire night preparing. But where will you point the sword?"

Lansius paused momentarily. "I’ve consulted with Lord Robert. He and the Lord of Galdia will head east and send an envoy to Edessa to demand answers while preparing a joint force in case of a conflict. We’ll send a token column as support."

"And the rest of the troops?" she asked.

"To Midlandia," Lansius replied without hesitation. "They’ve sent us an invitation we can’t refuse."

Audrey gazed at him. "And what shall we do to Midlandia?"

"There are several plans, and more will likely form. I intend to stay flexible," he explained.

"But that’s not all." The Shogun smiled, his eyes gleaming, earning expectant grins from his men.

The Lord then took what looked like a silver crown, brought by Sterling, the squire who had returned victorious from the Nicopola campaign, and handed it to the Captain. "Inspect it and tell the troops."

"It's heavy," the Captain remarked to his men. "Must be more than the weight of a great helmet."

"It's made of iron, so everyone will recognize your resolve," the Lord declared. "I shall present it to the bravest first who successfully scale the wall on a siege. The winner can use it to weigh the silver prize they will receive as a reward for their valor."

The idea of a silver as heavy as the iron crown brought greedy grins to their faces. It was a sum worth dying for.

"Make no mistake," the Lord repeated. "This will be a hard campaign. And even if we win, what comes after may also be filled with hardships. Now, are you still with me?"

The Captain briefly turned to his men, gathering their responses, before answering, "My Lord, on behalf of the men, please command us. We shall not fail."

With the weight of everyone's expectations upon him, the Lord finally revealed, "Midlandia."

The men, the army, the entire crowd—all erupted in a deafening roar. Even the mention of the vast province’s name failed to deter them. Instead, it unleashed a different raw emotion that surged through the ranks. Men banged their weapons against their shields, fists raised high, voices rising in unison.

The Lady, sensing the rising momentum, took the Lord’s arm in quiet support. With a commanding tone, Lansius gave his order: "March north, and we’ll meet again in Midlandia."

***

Lansius

After the army had marched out, the area around the plaza was swept and cleaned in preparation for a solemn procession. After a ride through the city, the four coffins arrived at the plaza, carried by honor guards—many of whom were their comrades-in-arms. The crowd watched in silence; today had become an unofficial holiday as everyone gathered to witness yet another important event.

The families of the deceased were welcomed by Lansius and Audrey, along with the remaining staff members still in the city.

This was one of many reasons Lansius had chosen to delay his departure. He felt compelled to give the last rites for the fallen. Two of them were Arvenians, and the other two Midlandians. These hardened men, with gentle souls, had followed him since the battle against the Lion of Lowlandia.

They were among the first to place their trust in him, and their loss was as heart-wrenching as the loss of Sir Callahan. They were more than mere guards; they were his seniors, his confidants, who had never failed him—in peace or war, in keeping his secrets, and in protecting him.

The coachman had been a dear friend, and Audrey was especially fond of his service. A gentle soul with an endearing care for the horses, he was also a capable cavalryman. Meanwhile, the three guards had been with Lansius in every battle, fighting shoulder to shoulder with him, drawing blood on many occasions.

Sigmund, who was present, lent his skills by playing a ballad of their bravery. As the coffins were temporarily laid to rest in the plaza, to honor them and allow them their final hours under the sun, Lansius and Audrey placed a wreath of flowers on each one.

Knowing it would be too difficult for Lansius to speak, Audrey gave the eulogy. She had known them well, having worked with them as part of Lansius' security detail during her time as a squire.

As she read, Lansius stood silently, his eyes fixed on the four wooden caskets. He tried to listen, but his mind wandered, recalling their faces and the last meal they had shared—a simple pasta-like dish. It was unfamiliar to them, and two of his closest guards hadn't really liked it. Now, those memories were forever burned into his mind.

"You were all the most courageous I’ve known," he muttered, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

His gaze shifted to the white marble, soon to be a monument to courage. Many more would die in the war, and he knew he might come to regret his choices—but the die was cast. Just as these four had made their choice long ago, so too had Lansius. He was their lord, and he had a duty to honor their deaths, their dreams, and the dreams of everyone who depended on him.

"Rest easy. Korelia will take care of your family," Lansius said softly before their caskets. And then he vowed, "I'll find those who wronged you. The sky will be my witness. They'll know our wrath."

...

After the funeral, Lansius returned under heavy escort. He had several matters to attend to, one of which was to visit the airship hangar. Lord Avery had lent them an airship to transport his share of trophies from the campaign, and Lansius knew the crew would be eager to return home.

"Sterling," he called, sharing a carriage with Audrey, Claire, and the squire.

"My Lord," Sigmund replied.

"My apologies for not giving you and the crew a victory celebration."

The young couple exchanged an amused glance before Sterling responded, "Not at all, My Lord. We had enough in Dawn and at South Hill. To ask for more would be wasteful."

Lansius chuckled at his squire and observed, "Somehow we ended up marrying mages."

"Beautiful mages, too, My Lord," Sterling smoothly added, earning approving smiles from the ladies.

Their banter would have continued if not for the sudden halt. Guards mounted quickly, and Francisca stood alert beside the coachman.

"Please excuse us," Claire said, rising to shield Audrey from the window, while Sterling instinctively positioned himself to protect Lansius.

Lansius caught Audrey’s nod of approval, but a feeling of unease lingered. He made a mental note to rotate the guard duty. While he had allowed the young couple to participate in the Nicopola campaign, he couldn’t bear the thought of them coming to harm to protect him.

Unexpectedly, Sigmund and Farkas appeared at the window. "My Lord, there's an urgent message," Farkas said before Sigmund leaned closer and whispered, "It's from Lord Bengrieve."

Everyone inside exchanged glances.

"A verbal message, My Lord. Only two riders," Sigmund continued. "We allowed them entry as they insisted on seeing you immediately."

"Bring them to me," Lansius instructed. "With assassins lurking, there’s a risk they could be silenced."

"But it's risky—they might attempt poison or use some kind of gas like Calub’s," Sterling warned.

"I can search them, and I’ll be thorough," Farkas assured, putting their worries to rest. With a nod from Lansius, the two riders were soon brought before him.

"My Lord," the riders greeted him, their faces haggard, lips dry, skin leathered from the relentless sun, and their clothes dust-covered from the road.

"You’ve requested my audience, invoking the name of Lord Bengrieve, but even if I hear your message, how do I know you speak the truth?" Lansius questioned.

"My Lord, Lord Bengrieve said that once you hear the news, you’ll understand," the messenger replied.

Lansius nodded and instructed, "Speak freely."

"My Lord, Lord Bengrieve dictated this: The fall of the Capital was not in anyone's plans. He now must abandon Midlandia, even amid crisis, to return to Elandia. His goal is to unite the lords of Elandia to hold their border and prevent Lord Gottfried from claiming the title of Emperor."

Lansius exhaled heavily, understanding his benefactor's motives. Audrey leaned in and urged the messenger to continue.

The messenger hesitated, looking around as though wanting privacy. Lansius noted this and said, "Speak openly. I am in the company of trusted people."

The rider nodded. "Lord Bengrieve also said that Arryn and Tanya from Bellandia are in Cascasonne."

Lansius’ eyes widened, and Audrey placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Leaning close, she whispered, "You have my support. And I believe all of Lowlandia will stand with you."

***