At the same day when the death of Clayhill happened. Two of his subordinates were anxiously waiting for him in the Ackberg estate to deliver the news that Richard Cromwell is deceased. Baronet Simon Fletcher was the most nervous of the two.
While Earl Cian Ackberg sits on a soft sofa as he remained calm. sipping the aromatic black tea. Simon walks back in forth. The flames of homes burning were still visible to his eyes on the window. Screams of slaves and commonfolk alike were resonating throughout sundown.
His movements were all shaky and fidgety. Footsteps slam the wooden floor. Teeth gritted and clatters like the tail of a rattle snake. Muscles tensed in convulsion from unsettling thoughts that could not be ignored. Simon wasn't feeling alright as he saw the Golem Praesidios pass by them as it runs in a fast pace.
"Cian, why are you so calm when a Golem just appeared and is heading towards Webnors direction!"
"And why would that concern me?"
"By Sirenons arse, they have a Golem Praesidios! That means Webnor doesn't have a chance to win against that thing! Plus, the rest of the Pillar-guardians along with a dozen footmen were running after it. How would that not make you worry!"
"Cool yourself, Fletcher. Unless you want corn to pop inside you."
"*Distress sigh* I do not need flakes in my belly to have it implode of gore, Ackberg."
Cian, shrugs at Simons remark. Staring blankly at the small puddle of black tea in his cup. The earl, deep inside was uptight as his thighs shook uncontrollably but was not as a antsy like the baronet. Though, he was however right on one thing.
That even if Richard defeated Webnor, that wouldn't mean he and Fletcher would be safe if they stayed silent. Cian cursed at himself and Clayhill for being such a fool in order to usurp power. Simon on the other hand was the one he pitied the most as he only joined for the sake of saving his family honor.
After the Ork invasion — Simons family suffered the most since a majority of his knights and squires ended being dead. Not to mention the an entire work force specialized in farming.
Now the bigger nobles of higher prestige gobble the amount of leftover acres by buying it off with perans that the lower nobility couldn't use that land due the lack of manpower. He understands the young lads position but he can't help but feel that they aren't the only ones alone in the room. Ackberg was right on that.
Deep within the corners of the room. Lies an invisible silhouette that walks in silent steps. No furniture is an obsticles that can stop it from stalking its prey. Listening closely to every word that comes out of their mouths. It was Jeunesse munching a steak sandvich.
*****
Richard and his entourage were marching towards the Ackberg estate. He left Karsodian behind — along with Philandrus Pius with 5 men to guard his sisters. He told Jeunesse ahead of time to make sure the two nobles are still around. Bringing with him 15 of the Auxiliaries guards and 3 of the pillar-guardians shield-host.
Wamuudesri and Rediscian were by his side. Even, Santarius the Gelom Praesidios was behind the parade. We were at the gates of Ackbergs manor. Richard takes in a deep breath and exhales. Then the knights guarding the doors were alerted due to our presence. They immediately went inside to warn its residence.
He orders Rediscian to unlock the gates latch. He complied and uses his Guardian halberd to slice it open. It created a spark of metal shrapnel. The iron gate was fashioned to look antique but the hinges were undoubtedly new. Of course it could have been rehung but it's making bore the marks of artisans tools were recognizable. The house beyond it was a large yet smaller than my mansions. Nevertheless, I entered the estate.
Normally if this was back on earth — it would be a violation of private property. But when it comes to security concerns. That rule would be overlook if it is a threat to the natural order that would be within my interest.
Thus, barging into someone's place is totally normal and plus I am the duke so that makes it all the more easier to invade Ackbergs house. No matter how obscure that may sound. The city's interest would be in danger if I don't confront these two individuals about their affiliation in ceasing my rule.
I knew about this information when I found a draft in Webnors office. It was a simplified paper that goes around like this.
1st get rid of the Cromwell family its right to rule and land privileges. 2nd take over the title as the new Archduke or grand duke since the Clayhills aren't royalty.
Finally, the 3rd is to elevate the ones that orchestrated the revolt to higher positions and be given to newer, fresher lands. That last part made Richard furious as they were the ones that allowed the slaves to be released from their shackles.
If he was given two more months or even maybe a year, then the use of slaves would be disfavored from his city. But he needs more time and a reason to abolish the system.
As soon as I came in, Jeunesse suddenly appeared behind me. She withdraws the hood that cover her blond hair. I turn to face her.
"Was there anything suspicious that fits my description?"
"Oui, oui, They were just talking about it."
"Good, uh... um..."
"What?"
"Merci Jeunesse." He said in Farkince though he was not adept in her native language. Only the basics of it. Now that I think about. In terms of dialects, it sounds very similar to that of french from earth than here in Korsan. Jeunesse on the other hand — has her eyes widen from the dukes appraisal.
"De rien..." She whispers silently.
I ordered Santarius and the rest of the Auxiliaries guards to stay outside so that no one could get in or out. Then I have both Wamuudesri and Rediscian by my side in case things wouldn't go well. He tells Jeunesse to stay hidden for now and guide us whilst we venture deeper. Before he could go any further, Richard looks back at the city buildings that burn none-stop. He even wonders how are the other commanders fairing well.
*****
Within the center plaza where the slaves attacked the Volantavis. Charles the head knight of Isstvan is currently detaining the many escapees that tried to run away but would be capturede by the knights of multiple families. His squires even arrived to aid him and the rest of us. Now he rounded up a total of over 130 slaves and killed a Ferursus and Tyradentis.
Two ferocious beast that very few people can fight head on. Although he was not alone in slaying one.
The aspiring knight champion, Henry Dyre also slew a crocodilus by his own hands. Especially for his competitor the infamous and highly hot-headed dame knight, Delilah Edington who wanted to kill a monster.
Standing in the middle of the plaza. Charles sometimes wondered to himself as to who set-up such a thing. Although, he sometimes wish to kill all these slaves for they do not deserve to be resold. Charles despise the menial work-force as they take up a majority of the commonfolk jobs.
But life is valuable — even if its isn't healthy to sell such things. On a completely different note. For some reason he can't help but wonder how Gregor is fairing. While lost in thought; he noticed that his schlong was up. A female sex slave then saw his small head and giggles at it. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Charles decided to look away from her.
"I mean... am I that tiny?" He muttered to himself.
*****
At the northern gates, Gregor Dorn the garrison commander has managed to block the serfs attempt on leaving the city. He did so by building an unnecessarily large wooden wall on the inside of another wall to trap the ones assaulting the gates. Although it costed a lot of wood; it nevertheless paid off when the serfs noticed him and his men. [Basically a wall within a wall - Author]
He dropped down at the wooden wall and a serf came to him with his hands up. Gregor then grabs his neck and chokes him. Squeezing his throat till he hears a snap; dislocating his spinal cord.
Then ordered his men to round up all the slaves like Charles did but a bit more strict and quick manner. He told them that the women and children are to be separated from the men. As such the gates were now secured due the unexpected surrender of the slaves. Then had his men to cut off the pinkies of the male slaves. Boys included.
To ensue fear among these pathetic slaves. Innocent or not. They will know who are their masters.
This is who Gregor is when duty needs him.
*****
"Eh, I'm sure they're fine."
Jeunesse guided them towards the room where the Simon and Cian were waiting by murmuring into Richard's ear. He obliged and walks to the direction where she pointed at. They opened the doors forcibly and the people inside were no doubt a bunch of knights that charged at them.
Unfortunate for them since they are no match to the powerful Pillar-guardians. Wamuudesri swiftly sliced off 3 knights in different areas of the body. While Rediscian crushed the head of one of them and stabbed 2 with his guardian-halberd. Now all thats left is the Earl and baronet.
The one with a less extravagant clothing would be the Simon Fletcher and the one sitting in the couch would be Earl Cian Ackberg. Both have no various reaction to my sudden arrival and the death of their entire knightage.
Ackberg was the more calm and collected as he glares at me. Fletcher on the other hand stood behind him; his body shivers with a grimace look. I sat down in the chair across them and dropped a piece of paper. Richard's stares at the aloof Earl.
"What is this, your grace?" Cian said coolly.
"Read it." He picks it up and scrutinize its contents with an expressionless face. Even Simon took a closer look at the document. Then Cian sighs.
"To what shall be our punishment for colluding with the traitorous Clayhill family."
"For your crimes against the house of Cromwell and to the city, I, Archduke Richard Cromwell of Isstvan have sentence you to the gallows."
"Absurd! We only released lowlife slaves! I only wanted for my lands be returned and- *Stabbed*" By the click of my fingers, Wamuudesri thrusts his guardian-halbert through Simons chest. Blood oozes at his noble clothes. Cian, not very surprised by this; just gave me a scowl gaze. Then looks back at the corpse again.
"Would you like your execution to be here or hanging would be suitable?"
"He was the last of his family and so do I." Cian looks at Richard again. "It doesn't matter how my death is done, I have nothing left to lose other than my pathetic life."
"Then this will make it painless." Richard pulls out a small vial of black liquid and puts it down at the table near the Earl. Cian raises an eyebrow but takes it anyway without asking questions. But before he could drink it I lifted my hand up. He stopped.
"I have a question before you kick the bucket."
"Ask right away..."
"Why did you agree to let this happen and why does Webnor want the dukedom?" I inquired cold-heartedly. Cian then began snickering. "Is there something funny?"
"No, but to answer your question, I have to confess that we were only interested in maintaining our status as nobles and gain more lands so we could rebuild our family honour. After all, Clayhill's daughter wasn't the only one that the Nethorus council have taken." He squinted his eyes at me.
"I am sorry to hear that."
"Don't be. The damage has been done. There is nothing that you can do to repair the things you did to me, Clayhill and even Fletcher. Neither would I be persuaded to being your loyal dog again, Cromwell." Without the slightest hesitation, Cian drank the entire bottle.
It dropped to ground as he chokes. Then he passes whilst still sitting the couch. His eyes haunted me as they were locked glaring at me. I stood up and closed the deceased eyelids. Richard then begins to leave the room but before he could do so. He decided to call out the servants that were hiding and give them compensation.
Since their master died (all thanks to me), I though giving them 60 perans would suffice. After all, they are no longer servants but much less jobless scoundrels. When, Cian told me that there was nothing I could to redo the loss. At least the people working would have they're last pay-check.
I didn't pay no attention by their dazzled faces. I just gave them the proper amount of money that belonged to Cian in his office. Apparently he had a safe behind his fathers painting. I thought about looting it for myself but that would be a d*ck move on my part so giving it to his servants was ideal. Richard then went outside and upon leaving the front door.
The sun was setting. Staring blankly at the sky reminded him when he was back at London. Realizing the sickening reality of being in a fantasy world. I shake my head to remove such a thought and proceeded to go back to my mansion. Bringing with him the entire pillar-guardians, including the Auxiliaries. Jeunesse stayed invisible to his sight, without uttering a word.
An hour later.
He was back home. Well almost his home. I let the pillar-guardians to secure the perimeter while, Santarius retreats to the basement. Despite living as a prestige noble; he still have to face the repercussions now that the city was almost razed. Richard will have another meeting with the chief architect again. There was plenty of work to do. When he came inside — all drenched due to the heavy rain. Jeunesse stopped in front of me. I didn't say anything. Just stood there motionlessly.
"Where did you get that poison?" She asked.
"That is something, I cannot reveal." He responded without telling her that it was cyanide that he found in his garden.
"Hmph, alright, fair enough. But what about your sisters?"
"Right... We'll have to talk about that in my office once I dried myself."
"Oh and don't forget the deal we made."
"*Sighs* Yes, I gotcha on that."
"Gotcha?"
"It's something that I prefer saying." I exclaimed then strolls to his room. Then his butler came to him.
"Your grace, shall I inform your sisters that you have arrive?"
"No, that won't be needed."
"Yes, your grace then what about supper?"
"Have that ready in my office."
"Then what shall the dish be?"
"The usual, Daniel."
"Of course." He bowed and went off to the mess.
I then strode inside my room and removed all the wet clothes. He takes off the trench coat first then his trousers. Exposing his well build body. Then he looks at himself at the mirror.
Metallic silver hair and grey eyes was the most distinctive trait that the Cromwell lineage was known for. Moving closer; he punched the mirror glass. Shattered into a collective of reflections. Now there were dozens of Richards.
"This isn't me..." He hissed.