Chapter 479: A Double-Edged Sword.

Chapter 479: A Double-Edged Sword.

KORUSTA

The once grand hall now simmered with suffocating tension as the massive doors swung open to reveal the imposing figure of the Patriarch of the Blaize Family.

A hushed reverence spread like wildfire as everyone in the room rose to their feet, bowing their heads in deference not only to the formidable Patriarch but also to his son, Lachlan Blaize, and the mysterious black-haired woman who followed in their wake.

A single raised eyebrow from the Patriarch sent a shiver down the spines of the assembled nobles. His piercing gaze eventually fixed upon the Emperor of Korusta, a man known to have always supported the patriarch.

"Your Blessedness," the nobles spoke in unison, their voices barely above a whisper, tinged with a mix of awe and trepidation.

"Hmmmm...." The Patriarch's deep voice rumbled through the hall as he gestured for everyone to speak freely. Clad in resplendent crimson robes that mirrored the color of their flag - the same flag that now adorned the circular table, beneath which lay intricately detailed cartography of the entire Continent.

"Report," Lachlan Blaize spoke as he stood stoically behind his father.

One of the Generals immediately stepped forward."Good Evening, Your Blessedness. These are the current reports. We mourn the loss of seven valiant soldiers who fell into a treacherous ambush. Despite our efforts, they succumbed to their grave wounds at the infirmary. Thirty others are wounded and on the path to recovery. Our troops continue their advance at a relentless pace, targeting the northern, eastern, and western regions of Sloryn. The outskirts of Sloryn's first towns will soon be within our grasp. We have followed your command to the letter - attack their soldiers, spare the innocent: women, the elderly, and children. The Gliss and Quarris families have expressed interest in meeting with Your Blessedness to seek a resolution. End of Report."

"Hmmm..." The Patriarch pondered, his hand gesturing dismissively. "And what of the coastal attacks?"

"Our forces are marching steadily, Your Blessedness. We expect to reach the coastal area of Sloryn within the next half-month," the General reported dutifully.

"The Slorynians believed we would cower in silence, but we shall prove them wrong," a Duke interjected, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Their ambush has only galvanized us. Our response has been swift and unyielding. I, for one, am eager to witness their shock at our unwavering resolve."

The Emperor's lips curled into a sinister smile, his gaze unforgiving. He too, knew that the people from Sloryn had been spreading some rumors about the Blaize Family. "Korusta has languished in silence for far too long. It is time we take a stand against these bullies!" Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Each noble present nodded with grim determination. Though they might not be entirely confident in their victory, they were resolute in spreading fear and ruthlessness throughout the Continent.

The Emperor's words hung in the air. It had indeed been too long since they asserted their dominance on the continent, and the time had come to shatter the veil of silence that enshrouded Korusta.

Not long after, the Patriarch Blaize, Lachlan, and Josephine departed the meeting room, an air of intrigue and speculation permeated among the remaining nobles. Josephine, a sorceress with an ethereal beauty and an aura of power, had stirred both fascination and apprehension in their hearts. She was no ordinary woman, capable of wielding mystical abilities that surpassed the realm of possibility.

Sadly, this attention is a double-edged sword.

Lachlan said nothing as he stared at his father. Seeing this, the older man continued, "She possesses a power that both intrigues and worries everyone including me. A sorceress with the ability to foresee the future is not someone that we could easily offend. Naturally, I have my own plans about this matter."

Lachlan's mind swirled with conflicting emotions. His father's cunning was both a blessing and a curse, and he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this plan than met the eye.

In the aftermath of their heated exchange, Lachlan stormed out of his father's study, the weight of their conversation still heavy on his mind. The Patriarch, undeterred by the tension, calmly summoned his attendant to prepare his tea, a serene smile playing on his lips as he gazed out of the study's windows, taking in the breathtaking view.

The attendant, a loyal confidant who had served the Patriarch for over two decades, approached with a delicate reverence. "What do you think of that sorceress?" the Patriarch inquired, his eyes still fixed on the horizon.

"May I be honest, your blessedness?" the attendant asked, knowing that the Patriarch appreciated candor above all else.

The Patriarch nodded graciously, signaling for his attendant to speak freely.

"I believe Lady Josephine is harboring secrets," the attendant replied, his voice tinged with a sense of intrigue. As he deftly steeped the fragrant flower tea, its delightful aroma enveloped the room, mingling with the air of mystery surrounding the sorceress.

"She may appear outwardly beautiful, innocent, and seemingly navea young woman untouched by the world's harsh realities," the attendant continued. "Her fondness for simple pleasures, like sweets, food, and clothes, gives the impression of an innocent charm. However, beneath that facade, I sense a shroud of mystery, as though she is concealing something profound."

The Patriarch listened intently, his gaze unwavering. He had long valued his attendant's astute observations and trusted his instincts implicitly.

"I must admit, my perception of sorcerers has shaped this impression," the attendant added, his voice lowering as if sharing a confidential insight. "In our history, sorcerers were often depicted as impenetrable figures, capable of wielding powers beyond mortal comprehension. Their motives were rarely straightforward, and their actions concealed deeper meaning. However, they were always depicted as evil. Someone who loved causing chaos."

The Patriarch nodded, his mind contemplating the attendant's observations. The world of sorcery was a domain of ancient secrets and hidden knowledge, and he knew better than to dismiss the attendant's perceptions lightly.

"Lady Josephine's arrival has disrupted the equilibrium within our family, and while her abilities may prove valuable in the times to come, I sense there is more to her than meets the eye," the attendant concluded, carefully presenting the Patriarch with a cup of freshly brewed tea.

...

A/N: Sorry, I have been very busy this month. We moved houses! I never expected everything to be so chaotic and exhausting. I have temporarily stopped writing for Eve's Gambit as I cannot take it. My schedule is always full these days. I hope everything will be better in 2 to 3 days. Thanks.