Chapter 244
William entered the Eastern Duchy, swallowing nervously. In Armenia, there was a pretext for Lord Yan to hide the criminal Theo, but this place was different. Theo had simply disappeared. If he were a mere viscount, William might have tried to coerce cooperation, but his opponent was none other than Duke Beowulf, a powerful aristocrat revered as their lord.
The situation was dire. Even if they resorted to violence, it wouldn’t be unjust. Moreover, the Eastern Duke was notorious for being reclusive and elusive. Requesting him to open the gates in pursuit of a criminal might ignite conflict between the Eastern and Northern regions.
“But I can’t let that scoundrel slip through our fingers.”
Theo was the criminal Duke Beowulf despised the most. It was inevitable. After all, Theo had murdered Beowulf’s beloved wife—the same woman who happened to be his own mother—and escaped. When the assassination attempt on the former duchess occurred, Beowulf’s rage knew no bounds. Even if the royal family had intervened to protect Theo, Beowulf would have led his forces into battle.
This was William’s chance to appease his lord’s wrath. But facing an opponent like the Duke, who remained hidden behind closed doors, was no easy task. William sighed, trying to clear his tangled thoughts, and headed toward the castle gate.
And then it happened.
The gate began to open on its own.
Creak.
As if welcoming them, the gate revealed itself to William and the other knights of theSilent Gauntlet Knight. But the moment didn’t last.
“Welcome, Commander of the Silent Gauntlet Knight.”
When William saw the face of the person who greeted them, his expression hardened.
“Why… Why is the Sun Duke here?”
The one who stood before them was none other than the Sun Emperor, Juda Caballan
* * *
The Sun Duke led William through the Eastern Duchy without exchanging a single word. To their astonishment, it was none other than the Duke himself—a high-ranking aristocrat—who guided them. The Silent Gauntlet Knight, including William, felt beads of cold sweat forming. How did this work? The situation was baffling.
Yet, if they focused solely on the outcome, it was favorable. Even if the Eastern Duke expressed displeasure, the fact remained that they would achieve their goal with the Sun Emperor’s guidance.
As William quietly followed the Sun Emperor, he couldn’t hide his surprise at the state of the Eastern Duchy. The land was pockmarked, with depressions so deep they rivaled lakes. Bandaged figures dotted the landscape, evidence of battles fought. The terrain near the Lord’s Keep had transformed into something eerie and unnatural.
Breaking the silence, William finally spoke. “…Has there been a war?”
“Ah, were you unaware?” The Sun Emperor’s voice held a hint of amusement. “Lord Yan challenged the Eastern Duke to a duel for legitimacy.”
As the Sun Emperor continued, he paused and chuckled. “Actually, we should now address him as Duke Yan, not Viscount Yan.”
William’s face registered shock. The implications were clear: Yan had defeated the Eastern Duke and reclaimed his title. Arriving at the Lord’s Keep, William saw a young man waiting.
“…Yan.”
“Long time no see, William.”
The transformation in Yan over the past few years left William speechless. Once, they were equals, or William even felt slightly superior. Now, the gap was palpable. Yan stood unarmed, yet there was no vulnerability—no chink in his armor.
“But that’s beside the point,” Yan said. “No matter what you try, you won’t surpass me.”
The truth hit William hard. Even unarmed, Yan was invincible. But there was more.
“We received information that you’ve been harboring Theo,” Yan continued. “Duke Beowulf, out of past debts, forgives this transgression. So, unless you intend to wage war against Beowulf, hand over Theo Beowulf’s recruit.”
Silently observing, the Sun Emperor found the conversation intriguing. Normally indifferent to others’ affairs, he took interest when Yan was involved.
As the Sun Emperor and all the Silent Gauntlet Knight fixed their gaze on Yan, a young man emerged from the Lord’s Keep.
It was Theo Beowulf, looking vastly improved since his first visit to the Eastern Duchy.
Clang.
As Theo revealed himself, William’s hand tightened on his sword. But before he could react, Yan stepped forward, restraining William.
“Instead, I’ll accompany you to Beowulf’s domain,” Yan declared.
* * *
The Northern Beowulf Domain.
Having crossed the gate from the Eastern Duchy, they maintained a cautious silence, their expressions revealing nothing. But when they saw the state of Beowulf Domain, their emotions erupted.
It resembled the Eastern Duchy—a landscape of shattered buildings and upturned earth. Winter Keep, Beowulf’s pride, teetered as if it could collapse any moment.
William pounded the ground and rushed inside. Frost Knights were bandaged, some writhing in pain. Emerging from within, Hans met his gaze.
“Lord Hans, what in the world happened here?”
It had been barely a month since runaway Lorena heard news about Theo and arrived at Beowulf Domain. Yet in that short time, the domain had suffered such an attack!
Following them, Yan and Theo entered, equally stunned by the scene.
Hans, observing the bound figures, gestured for them to meet the Duke first. “Let’s see the Duke first. We can discuss later.”
William’s eyes widened, and he sprinted toward the Duke’s study. Yan and Theo followed, guided by the Mokgab knights.
Bang!
William flung open the study door, blurting out, “My Lord!”
Yan, entering behind him, paled at the sight of Duke Beowulf. His body bore scars, and his arm, heavily injured, was wrapped in blood-soaked bandages.
‘What happened?’
Who could have inflicted such wounds on the formidable Duke? The presence of magic emanated from Beowulf’s injuries. William recalled Werner from the Eastern Duchy, wielding magic with destructive force. If Werner, a Seventh Sin, could overpower even the Sun Emperor, he could certainly inflict comparable injuries on Duke Beowulf.
Ignoring William’s outcry, Beowulf finally spoke, addressing Theo. “You…”
But before he could finish, someone burst into the room—none other than Frost Knights’ leader, Kion.
“Lorena has disappeared! Our employees and rangers are searching, but… it’s been quite some time.”
Beowulf’s expression changed. “Lorena vanished?!”
Thud!
He stood abruptly. “Gather the uninjured knights and rangers! I’ll lead the search myself!”
“Yes!”
“And…”
Beowulf’s gaze shifted to Theo and Yan. He exchanged a glance with Hans, who nodded.
“Detain them in the underground cells. After we find Lorena, I’ll interrogate them personally.”
Hans suppressed his anger at Beowulf’s decision. Just then, Yan spoke firmly, “I have no intention of being imprisoned.”
His silence shattered. The room bristled as everyone drew their swords. The elite Frost Knights reacted swiftly, their training evident.
In this tense standoff, only Beowulf, Kion, and Hans remained unarmed. Their shared expression? Shock.
As time passed…
“Put away your swords.”
Kion ordered the knights. They hesitated, but Kion seemed resolute.
“Why?” A knight stepped forward, and Hans, still calm, replied, “Are you planning to fight a Second-Rank in this chaos?”
“What?!”
The knight’s eyes widened, realizing the implications. Beowulf and Kion’s silence confirmed their agreement.
And so…
“Does this mean he’s a Second-Rank?!”
* * *
After the initial commotion settled, Duke Beowulf fixed Yan with a stern gaze. Years ago, Yan had barely crossed the threshold of a Fifth-Ran. Back then, Beowulf considered him merely competent, nothing more.
But now, five years later…
‘He wields power nearly equal to mine.’
Yan had quietly become a force capable of challenging the Empire’s pillars. Beowulf laid down a severe ultimatum.
“Do as you wish. But once everything is settled, it’ll be your turn next. Prepare yourself.”
Any noble would tremble when faced with such a proclamation from a Duke, especially one as formidable as Beowulf. Yet Yan smirked and nodded.
“Understood. However, before that, may I seek permission to find Lorena?”
Beowulf’s eyes narrowed. How dare Yan, who had hidden a criminal, speak so boldly! But then again, Yan was a Second-Rankl—a force to be reckoned with. If he could assist, it might be worthwhile.
Beowulf turned to Hans. “You’ll keep an eye on him. Your abilities should suffice for the task.”
Hans solemnly nodded. “Yes, understood.”
Beowulf’s gaze returned to Yan, who continued to stare intently at Theo. ‘Well, perhaps it’ll work out.’
Hans was no stranger; Yan knew his capabilities. With a sly smile, Yan said, “Very well.”
And so, divided into two groups, they set out to find Lorena.
One group consisted of Beowulf’s loyal knights, determined to serve their Duke.
The other comprised Yan, Theo, and Hans—a small tracking party with a singular purpose.