"Milord, the letter from Lady Maria has arrived," the butler said.
"Bring it to me"
Count Gyalcakes opened the letter and began reading it. Inside, it was written that Maria was planning to slowly poison Riz to death under the disguise of sickness, just as she had done to his mother.
Yes, assassination was indeed a common method employed to eliminate enemies during medieval times. Poisons such as hemlock, arsenic, and aconite were popular choices due to their stealthy nature.
However, the count realized that this method would be too slow for his current situation. With the northern countries preparing for war, he couldn't afford to waste time.
Therefore, the count decided to devise another plan without Maria's knowledge. He decided to do it in the quickest way. The consequence can be discussed later on.
Gyalcakes has an advantage in every way, whether its population, territorial size, wealth or the number of cities.
Be it in peacetime or wartime, there is no need to fear Bideford at all.
"No matter how doting you are on your child, as a lord, you need to think about your fief first. Once that kid died, you would have no choice but to select Robert as your successor." said the count. In the end, Robert will succeed and become a perfect puppet for him and he confidently believes in that.
....
Riz is in the northeastern part of the town, diligently managing the implementations of four field systems since the early morning. He places immense importance on this project, recognizing that throughout history, the agricultural revolution has been capable of altering the destiny of nations.
Moreover, he personally undertakes surveys of the locations where the water channels for irrigation will be constructed, ensuring a hands-on approach to guarantee their success.
Although the farmers are doubtful about Riz's ideas, they remain silent, mindful of his noble status and the value he places on their lives.
Nonetheless, they understand that the failure of this plan could leave them with nothing to harvest. But, Riz assures them that in the event his plan proves ineffective, he will personally compensate them with ample provisions of food.
"He won't lie, right?" whispered one of the farmers to his friend.
"I don't think so. I heard from people in the workshop that he is a pretty good boss. Their wages increased last month," his friend replied.
After concluding his discussion with the farmer, Riz and Charlotte proceed to meet with Goban, the skilled blacksmith who assists Arnold with his paper machine project.
Goban's works were top-notch and he has proven his abilities for the job.
As they walk through the bustling streets near the square, unbeknownst to Riz, an individual patiently awaits his arrival. This person is an assassin who has meticulously studied Riz's behavioural patterns. He has observed that whenever Riz is in town, he invariably visits his workshop.
The assassin makes a plan to assassinate Riz at the square, meticulously crafting every detail. Having carefully surveyed the area, he has identified and analyzed all possible escape routes. He firmly believes that his plan will undeniably succeed.
Once the assassin locates Riz's position, he seamlessly blends into the bustling crowd, seamlessly integrating himself into the fabric of the surroundings. Methodically, they begin to inch closer to Riz, slowly but surely approaching their target from the front.
As Charlotte walks steadfastly by Riz's side like she always does, her vigilant gaze scans the area, ensuring their safety.
Initially, she doesn't detect anything amiss. However, in a fraction of a second, her sharp eyes catch sight of a man brandishing something gleaming, aimed directly at Riz's chest.
Reacting swiftly, instinct takes over. Charlotte's immediate response is to shove Riz aside, using her own body as a shield. With no time to retrieve her weapon, she intercepts the attack and blocks the dagger's path with her arm.
"Tsk," the assassin clicked his tongue in frustration as his meticulously planned mission was thwarted. Realizing that his attempt had failed, he swiftly retracted his dagger and swiftly made his escape from the scene.
The sudden event leaves the onlookers in shock, and panic swiftly takes hold. People scatter, fleeing from the square as far as their legs can carry them.
Meanwhile, though Charlotte's wound is not severe, blood trickles from the injury.
The knights responsible for maintaining peace and order in the square are taken aback by the audacity of the incident. The notion that someone would dare to attempt an assassination on the lord's son had never crossed their minds.
The weight of the situation becomes palpable. This is in the middle of Bideford town. If the assassination turns out to be successful right under their nose, only death would be their biggest mercy.
"What are you doing? Get the young master to safety!" Charlotte's voice pierces the chaos with a harsh tone, commanding urgency and action.
The knights and Riz swiftly snap back to reality, their minds refocused on the task at hand.
The events unfold with startling speed, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.
"You, you, you, and you! Come with me, quickly! We must catch the assassin," Charlotte's voice resounds with authority, as she takes charge and mobilizes the knights to respond swiftly to the threat.
Without hesitation, the knights obediently followed Charlotte's orders, acknowledging her higher status despite being ordered by a fourteen years old girl.
The assassin who failed to kill Riz fled to the south. He glanced over his shoulder from time to time. To his dismay, he spotted Charlotte and the determined knights hot on his trail, closing in with relentless determination.
....
While Charlotte continues her relentless pursuit of the fleeing assassin, one of the knights escorts Riz back to the safety of the mansion. Wasting no time, the knight relays the harrowing events to Richard, the master of the house.
Richard's face flushes with anger, his fury was evident in his reddened complexion. In his enraged state, he immediately summons William Geoffrey, the esteemed head knight of the House of Ryntum.
"The assassin must be captured alive, and Charlotte cannot accomplish this alone." Richard declares firmly, his voice laced with urgency. "William, gather the troops and support her."
"As you wish, milord," William responds dutifully, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
Hearing this, Riz expresses his desire to join the pursuit. However, his father firmly holds him back, denying his request. "You will stay here," his father asserts, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Your presence would not be helpful."
"But," Riz attempts to interject but his father's stern gaze silences him.
"Trust me when I say that worrying about Charlotte is unnecessary." his father continues, "Don't be deceived by her sunny smiles. She's far stronger than you think."
....
In the dense depths of Givry Forest, Charlotte transforms into a relentless tigress. She really pissed off right now.
Firstly, someone has the audacity to assassinate her lord. Secondly, the realization that her own momentary lapse in vigilance led to her lord's near-death experience wounds her pride deeply.
Meanwhile, the assassin finds himself caught in a dire predicament, slowly realizing the grave mistake of underestimating this seemingly ordinary teenage girl.
Charlotte's tenacity, skills, and unyielding spirit reveal themselves, shattering the assassin's misguided assumptions. Panic begins to seize the assailant as he comprehends the formidable opponent he faces, a force to be reckoned with.
"Darn it! I knew the boy was being guarded by a lone girl, but I never thought she was this skilful." the assassin mutters under his breath.
Charlotte's gaze remains fixed on the assassin, determination burning in her eyes. She wastes no time and issues clear instructions to the knights surrounding her.
"Spread out and encircle him! Don't lose sight of your colleague beside you," she commands firmly.
The knights swiftly follow her orders, positioning themselves strategically. Two knights take their place on Charlotte's left flank, while another two position themselves on her right.
Not too far, not too close.
From the sky, the positions of Charlotte and the knights form a shape resembling a 'C'.
"Shit," the assassin, who observes this scene, instinctively curses. He knows what she's trying to do.
Charlotte is trying to lead the assassin out of the forest, relying on her superior knowledge of the area. She feels a sense of relief that she had followed the young master into the forest months ago, as it has given her an advantage over the assassin.
After an hour of navigating through twists and turns, they successfully guide him to the edge of the forest.
By this time, both sides are growing increasingly exhausted. It is now noon, and they are drenched in sweat. Among them, Charlotte is the most fatigued, her untreated injuries adding to her weariness.
Left with no other choice, the assassin hastily exits the forest.
"He finally left the forest," she sighs, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion. The relentless running and constant manoeuvring on the uneven ground have drained a considerable amount of her energy.
On the outskirts of the forest, William directs the knights to encircle and guard all potential exit points. He understands that Charlotte is likely in pursuit of the assassin, and it's only a matter of time before they emerge from the forest.
"When someone emerges from the forest, ensure they are restrained," William commands firmly. "Failure will not be tolerated."
Everybody nods as they know the consequence of failing this mission.
Ten minutes passed, and they finally see silhouettes of people emerge from the eastern side of the forest. It becomes evident to the knights that there are five individuals in pursuit of a lone man, prompting them to swiftly encircle him, cutting off any potential escape routes.
"Damn it," the assassin mutters, realizing that he has been completely surrounded with no viable means of escape. "Since that's the case..."
Before he could do anything, Charlotte rushes from behind and swiftly delivers a kick to the back of the assassin's knee, causing him to buckle.
She seizes the opportunity, gripping his neck and forcefully driving him to the ground. Pinning the assassin down, she forcefully opens his mouth and inserts a cloth, ensuring that he cannot use it as a means of suicide.
The knights act promptly, swiftly apprehending the incapacitated assassin.