Duke Pendragon

Two days ago, Lucas and a few of his subordinate knights had stormed out of Valeran Castle, which was located in Mirin's capital. They set their course for Fort Effort, located in the northernmost part of Mirin.

Alan Pendragon's shocking declaration in the imperial castle was true, and his father, Otto, was thinking of going against the empire.

Mirin's knights and soldiers would unconditionally stand by the side of the margrave and heed his orders, even if fanned them closer to death.

The warriors of Mirin were strong.

They were well-trained, and their skills were honed through battles with various barbarian tribes in the northeast. However, the land would surely be thrown into chaos if a few of the imperial legions were dispatched to Mirin.

Of course, Otto's dream wasn't an impossibility. Perhaps the empire would give over control of the plains stretched across the Dolsen River, which could be considered it southern border, to Mirin. Perhaps Mirin would be given independence and its status would be elevated to a kingdom, just like Pendragon.

However, there was a high chance that just the opposite would happen, and Lucas judged that the latter was much more likely.

Above all else, Lucas was certain that the barbarians would not miss the chance when Mirin fell into confusion, regardless of what outcome it faced.

It would be over for Mirin if the barbarians launched an invasion while Mirin was dealing with the imperial army.

The warriors and knights situated in Fort Efork were the bravest and strongest of all Mirin's warriors, but they only numbered three hundred. It would be impossible for them to hold out for longer than five days if thousands of barbarian warriors launched an attack.

Of course, the barbarians living north of Fort Efork shared poor relationships, and it was unlikely for them to join forces. In addition, the barbarians held themselves back from launching a large-scaled invasion because they knew that reinforcements from Mirin's capital and nearby areas would arrive within three or four days.

However, what if the reinforcements were occupied with the imperial army?

This was the first chance presented to them in decades. If they united, they could take over the fortress and continue their march south. No, Lucas was convinced that they would do so. If he were Ayatar, the chief of the Dothan Tribe, the fiercest, most dangerous tribe in the northeast, he would certainly take the chance.

This was why he was headed to Fort Efork. He would join forces with capable knights and warriors along his way. He was doubtful that the lords serving under his father would obey his words, so if it came to it, he would hire mercenaries.

And today, he came across two desirable warriors.

He could tell that they were outstanding warriors, and he though the heavens were blessing him for him to chance upon them on the way, although they were a little suspicious.

And that was why he had willingly revealed his true identity.

He had a responsibility to recruit as many outstanding knights and mercenaries as possible, regardless of the cost.

However…

"King Pendragon…"

Lucas and his men were stunned into silence.

Was he telling the truth?

Was this really happening?

Including Lucas, the six knights were considered quite competent and strong in all of Mirin. However, none of them could even breathe properly faced with the overwhelming spirit of the man. They were struck with disbelief.

"Here, maybe this will help you trust my words."

Raven held out an object while maintaining his spirit.

"Heup…!"

Lucas' eyes grew large with shock when he saw the object.

A deed stamped with the symbol of the Golden Lion. There was no way he wouldn't have recognized the emperor's seal as the eldest son and successor of the margrave.

It was real.

The man standing in front of him was Alan Pendragon, the founding king of the Pendragon Kingdom.

‘T, that means…?'

The oppressive spirit continued to pour down, but Lucas mustered all his might to turn nis head. The brown-skinned knight was calmly resisting the incredible pressure, even though they themselves were completely dominated.

"T, the Knight King of Valvas…?"

"That's right. I am Elkin Isla, griffon knight of the Pendragon Kingdom and the King of Valvas."

"Heuk!"

Lucas had been completely ignorant even though he had been faced with two legends. He simply thought them to be capable warriors and were trying to recruit them to defend Fort Efork…

Fwoosh!

Suddenly, the overwhelming spirit disappeared without a trace.

"Heuk! Huah…"

"Ugh…"

The knights of Mirin gasped for air after regaining their freedom.

Shing!

"Heuk!"

Lucas wasn't given a moment to relax as a blade appeared out of nowhere and lay against his throat.

"You should know the reason, right? I think you may have a lot to say."

"Ugh…"

Although he had been oppressed by Raven's spirit, Lucas was also a strong knight. For him and the other knights, the current situation was both shocking and astonishing. The overwhelming spirit emitted by King Pendragon had been shocking enough, but to add to it, none of them had seen King Pendragon pulling out his sword.

"Keugh!"

The knights clenched their teeth. Their trusted leader had been overpowered in an instant. However, none of them could even stretch out their hands toward their blades.

If they tried, their captain's head would fall.

"Your father, Mirin's Margrave, commissioned the Shadow Brotherhood to kidnap my son and my sister. Don't pretend you didn't know. She's a witness."

Raven spoke while pointing to Berna.

"Although she is cooperating with me for now, she was also one of the ones who tried kidnapping my son. So…"

"I already know, and I have no intention of trying to feign ignorance."

"Hmm?"

Lucas spoke in a dejected voice, and Raven frowned at the unexpected answer. Lucas was the eldest son and successor of Mirin's Margrave. It was obvious he would have taken part in his father's plans.

But from his current appearance, it was as if…

"It may be hard for you to believe, Your Majesty, but I only found out the truth just a few days ago. I feel embarrassed to confess because I feel as though I am speaking of my incompetence… but my father didn't notify me of his plans, although I am his successor."

"Lies."

Raven's eyes glimmered coldly.

"It's not a lie! The captain really didn't know!"

"That's why he led us out of the castle! He couldn't just watch Mirin collapse to rubbles… The captain knew that the barbarians would invade if we started a fight against the imperial army, so he was heading to the fortress to protect it!"

The knights shouted with agitation.

"….."

Raven looked over Lucas and the knights without speaking a word. All of the knights looked gloomy and were trembling with anger. It certainly did not seem like they were lying.

If they were actually lying, then it would be in their best interest to pack up their things and head to the empire's capital to get a job as the emperor's jester. Even so, Raven's sword lay unmoving from Lucas' throat.

"Even if that is true, it does not change the fact that you are the son of Mirin's Margrave, as well as his successor. You should not have any complaints if I take you hostage, just as your father did with my people."

"…..!"

Lucas' eyes trembled.

A smile came to Raven's lips.

"Why? Are you afraid of death?"

"Keugh! Who would not be afraid of death?"

‘Hooh?'

Raven was slightly surprised. A knight was admitting truthfully that he was afraid of death. Moreover, he was a man of Mirin, who were known to be rough and aggressive.

"Kill me. The crime of daring to lay a hand on members of the Pendragon royal family. Even though my father was responsible, it would not be strange for me to pay the price as the successor. However… wait for just one month before killing me."

"What?"

Raven became dumbfounded and narrowed his eyes. However, Lucas gazed straight into his eyes and continued.

"If I die now, no one will be left to take charge of Fort Efortk. Fort Efortk is located in the northermost part of Mirin and is located on the border of the barbarians' territory. If it falls, the barbarians will rampage throughout the entirety of Mirin within ten days. I cannot allow that to happen, so please, just give me one month. Afterwards, I will find Your Majesty and cut off my own head."

Lucas' voice was neither trembling nor desperate. He spoke calmly as if he were speaking of someone else. However, Raven could see that the man was speaking his heart.

Not many could offer their own lives in a situation such as this. The normal response would be to beg for their lives or to make excuses.

Even so, Raven wanted to evaluate Lucas a little further.

"You think you can protect the fortress? Haha! If you are such an outstanding knight, why did your father carry out his plans without including you? Don't you think you are overestimating yourself too much?"

"T, that's…"

Lucas stuttered with quivering eyes.

He took on a strange expression while giving a response. He was neither crying nor smiling.

"It is because of my younger sister. I am ashamed to say it, but my skills fall shy of my sister, Fiona."

"Fiona? Isn't she one of the bride candidates for…?"

"That's right. She inherited my father's talents. Although she is short-sighted and rather simple, in terms of fighting abilities, she is… No, she was already the strongest in Mirin two years ago."

"Hmm…"

Raven finally understood.

It appeared the margrave did not confide in his eldest son because he couldn't even match his younger sister. It was amazing that a 20-year-old maiden would be the strongest in Mirin, but form the father's point of view, he would have been disappointed with the other children, especially his successor and eldest son.

That was why the eldest son had been excluded from the plan that caused a large shockwave in the Pendragon Kingdom and in the empire.

Shing.

The blade was slowly removed from Lucas' throat.

"Hmm…?"

Lucas stepped back with surprise while rubbing his neck. A thin line of blood was left where the blade had been hanging.

"Do not be mistaken. I have not yet decided on what to do with you. However, unlike your foolish father, I have a good eye for people."

"Ah…"

"I don't know about your ability, but it seems I can hold a conversation with you. First, tell me about your father and your sister."

Raven once again sat down by the bonfire while speaking. Isla and Berna followed suit and sat down comfortably without minding Lucas and the knight.

‘Huh!'

‘These people are…'

Lucas and the knights were stunned speechless. However, they were forced to accept reality. The relaxed attitudes of King Pendragon and his party would stem from confidence to take care of their opponents at any time.

No, it wasn't confidence either.

It would be easier than lifting a finger for King Pendragon and the knight king to instantly kill them all. Such demeanor was only natural for the legendary figures.

"What are you doing? Sit down."

"Ah, yes."

Lucas hesitated before sitting next to Raven.

"First, your father."

"Well, my father, the margrave…"

Lucas slowly began to talk about what he knew. The opponent could kill his father and annihilate his land. However, Lucas had to talk.

The man, Alan Pendragon, was the only hope for the land of Mirin, even if ultimately resulted in the annihilation of the margrave's entire family.