Chapter 3: The Fallen Baron

Chapter 3: The Fallen Baron

TL: Etude

Hansel Abbott, a once respected baron in the Kingdom of Ordo, now found himself in a pitiable state, fleeing with a group of ragged refugees along a muddy country road.

Damn traitors, he grumbled repeatedly.

Just a week ago, the Duke Jars, notoriously known as the Greedy Wolf, had instigated a rebellion. The king, already bedridden due to a severe illness, was unconscious, and the only person who could have quelled the rebellion, the Princess, was leading her knights to the eastern highlands to repel barbarian invasions at the kingdoms borders.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Though the Dukes ambitions were well known, the royal strategy had been to placate him. No one expected the rebellion to erupt so suddenly. Worse yet, the capital citys guard commander, Sir Hals, a man previously thought loyal to the royal house, revealed himself as the Dukes spy, seizing control of the city while the royal army was away.

The Abbott family had always been perceived as staunch royalists. Fearing for his safety, Hansel had not dared to return home, instead fleeing towards the highlands with his personal servant, Tom.

Order in the Crystal Shine region collapsed overnight, with bandits seemingly appearing out of nowhere. The city guards began a reign of terror, raiding and looting, indistinguishable from bandits themselves.

As the Dukes fearsome reputation grew, many civilians and smaller noble families loyal to the crown started fleeing.

Hansel gathered rumors from other refugees, learning that the rebels hadnt found the king when they stormed the palace. In a last-minute move, the Royal Academys martial students were mobilized, and along with a few royal guards, managed to evacuate the comatose king and other key figures through the north gate.

Hansel had seen carriages bearing the royal crest on the road but, unlike other refugees, he didnt follow them, sensing something amiss.

Now, leading his servant Tom on a different path, Hansel encountered many other refugees. Their carriage had gotten stuck in the mud earlier, and while they struggled, bandits robbed them of their remaining money and horse.

Cursing the rebels was all the baron could do.

Just as the master and servant decided to rest by the roadside, a nobles carriage, its crest concealed, passed by. From its window appeared a face Hansel despised but now found somewhat comforting.

Well, well, if it isnt Abbott!

A fleeting schadenfreude crossed the others face, extinguishing any feeling of kinship Hansel had felt.

Their conversation was interrupted when the carriage suddenly stopped. Apprehensively, they wondered if they had encountered rebels or bandits.

A voice with a foreign accent called out from outside, Is there someone from the Stoman family here? May we speak with you?

Matthew and Hansel cautiously stepped out of the carriage to see an old man standing by a roadside carriage, bowing respectfully in noble fashion.

I am Baron Wackley Ford, the chief steward of the Count of Grayman from the northwest coast. I bring greetings from my lord to both of you.

Good day. Im Baron Matthew Stoman, and this is Baron Hansel Abbott. What can we do for you?

I was traveling to the capital to see His Majesty on official business, but Ive encountered numerous families fleeing northwards. They speak of a rebellion in the capital. May I ask what exactly is happening?

Ah, you must be unaware, coming from afar. Its all the doing of that Jars fellow he betrayed the king.

Oh? The Duke known as Greedy Wolf?

Yes. The capital is now under his allies control. Id advise against going there.

I havent been to the capital in a decade and to think I would arrive amidst such turmoil. Jars is truly detestable.

Indeed. Were both fleeing to avoid falling into the hands of the rebels. We plan to join the Princess, who is currently leading troops in the highlands against barbarians. With her prowess, shell soon return to quell the rebellion.

What of His Majesty?

He was presumably rescued. If you wish, Baron Ford, you can accompany us to the Princess. The king recently fell ill and has entrusted the Princess with state affairs.

Is that so? Very well, then Ill be in your care on this journey.

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