Chapter 60: Resolute Decision

Chapter 60: Resolute Decision

TL: Etude

On the following day, Malron Ganard boarded the carriage of the Grayman family and, accompanied by the steward Ford, left Butuya for Lakeheart Town.

Throughout the journey, Malron was extremely nervous. It was only after they left Baylding and entered the territory of Alda that he visibly relaxed.

Aware of the vassals conspiracy, Malron had become suspicious and paranoid. The previous night, he had exerted great effort to maintain his composure. Steward Ford continually comforted him along the way, providing some relief.

Upon arriving in Lakeheart Town and reaching the gates of the lords manor, Malron immediately leapt from the carriage and nearly ran towards the castle. There, he saw Paul waiting in the hall.

Looks like everything went smoothly, Paul thought upon seeing Malron disembark. He was then greeted with a fervent embrace.

My dear brother, I almost thought Id never see you again, Malron sobbed, holding Paul tightly.

Paul didnt immediately break free, allowing his friend to vent. Malron, at only 16, had endured the alienation and subsequent death of his father, followed by the betrayal of his vassalsa cruel fate for someone so young.

Patting Malrons shoulder, Paul comforted him, Dont worry, no one can harm you here with me.

After Malron had vented, Paul spoke with Steward Ford to understand the situation from the previous night. He then took Malron to the study to hear the full account of how he discovered the conspiracy.New novel chapters are published on

That night, after reviewing the documents they left for me, I went to my room to sleep. But I realized I had left my amulet in the study. It was a keepsake from my mother, which I wore every night. So, I went back to the study to retrieve it, and thats when I overheard Steward Angelo and Butler Myles talking quietly.

Malron shook his head, I dont know. Since that night, Ive been suspicious of everyone around me. The least suspicious is probably Baron Andrew. He recently led Butuyas troops to the south for a pacification campaign. When the royal commissioner came to conscript soldiers, the other four unanimously recommended him to lead the troops, and Andrew was willing. I trusted them then and agreed without hesitation. Now, Butuya is controlled by their private soldiers. Andrew seemed upright, but now I know appearances can be deceiving.

If Andrew wasnt involved in the plot, then the remaining four had used the royal conscription as a ploy to send him away, conveniently transferring the direct control of the lords troops to him.

After a moment of thought, Paul clapped his friend on the shoulder, You must be tired from the journey. Rest first. I have a meeting later, and Id like you to attend.

He summoned a servant to take Malron to rest.

Paul had nearly resolved to wage war, not only to avenge his friend but also with another crucial objective in mindthe coal and iron mines of Baylding.

While waiting for Steward Ford to summon people, Paul weighed the pros and cons of war. Upon learning about the highly productive coal and iron mines in Baylding, he found a convincing reason to go to war.

Although Alda also had coal and iron outputs, for industrial development, these resources were better in abundance.

As for whether Malron would agree to share some of the mines or sell them at a lower price, Paul thought it shouldnt be too difficult considering the help he was providing.

If it werent for the coal and iron, Paul wondered, would he still stand up for his friend? He doubted himself.

However, he didnt plan to dispatch troops immediately, as it was July and frequent rains could disadvantage Aldas gunpowder weapons. His strategy was to wait until the dry climate of autumn, by which time the Alda army could be better equipped with firearms.

In the meantime, Malron could stay safely in Lakeheart Town. If the traitorous vassals demanded his return, Paul would find an excuse to refuse.