I sat there, taking in the information. "I understand, but why are you telling me this?"
Father leaned forward, his expression serious. "I allowed you to stay in these discussions because, as the heir of this family, you must understand who we are fighting against and what is truly at stake. You need to be prepared."
I hesitated for a moment. "I'm still too young for this."
Father's face grew more serious, and he said. "Perhaps. But the more you know now, the better prepared you'll be when the time comes.
For a moment, I wanted to say that this burden was too heavy for a child. But instead I nodded. "I understand. I'll do my best, Father."
Father let out a soft laugh, the tension in the room easing. "Don't look so serious, Lucian. You'll be fine," he continued. "Now, you may leave. Go enjoy the rest of your day."
...
As I left the room, I headed to the old study to read until the maid called me for lunch. When I arrived at the dining room, Mother and Isabelle were already seated, waiting for me. I sat down to eat and couldn't help but notice that Mother looked tired.
"Are you alright, Mother? You look tired," I asked in concern voice.
She smiled faintly and said. "Yeah, we were kind of busy this morning," she continued. "But you don't have to worry."
"I told you I can help," I offered.
Mother shook her head gently. "No, you can't. Besides, Isabelle is helping me," she insisted.
Belle interrupted in, her mouth full of food, "It's a su-surprise! You're gonna love it!" she giggled, clearly proud of herself.
"Oh, by the way, you have to come with us to the LuLu's School." Mother said.
"Do I have to?" I groaned.
"Of course! It was your idea in the first place," she reminded me with a smile.
"Yeah, make some friends, weirdo," Isabelle teased, her mouth full of food.
"Shut up," I muttered. With a sigh, I added, "Alright, just tell me when"
"That's great!" Mother replied.
She was talking about the school I had suggested before. Usually, only families who could afford the tuition were able to send their children to such academies. That's why I had recommended the idea of creating a free school to help those in need, even if it was just a basic education.
Mother changed the subject, as her gaze softening. "I heard you met our guests today."
"Yeah, they're from the Red Corps," I replied, nodding. "They seem pretty strong."
Mother's expression shifted to one of concern. "Hmm, hopefully they can resolve things quickly so that your father can attend tomorrow," she said with worry.
Belle, ever confident, added, "Don't worry. Father is an ascender, so it should be fine."
We continued our lively conversation as we finished our meal. Afterward, Mother and Isabelle left to go to the venue, their voices fading as they exited. I remained behind, lost in my thoughts. In my past life, I hadn't had the best relationship with my parents. Despite the warmth of the family around me, there was still a part of me that felt out of place.
...
Afternoon in the outpost just outside of Linberg, Count Luke sat at his desk, reviewing the plans for the operation. The room was dim, with only a single lantern casting shadows on the walls as the quiet hum of the outpost filled the air. A small square communication device, with blue stone behind, suddenly glow to life.
A voice static through the device.
[Lord, we've confirmed the three target locations that have unusual individuals present. Additionally, the hunters have gathered sufficient evidence of illegal activity. There's a high chance that these individuals are from the demon faction.]
Luke's fingers paused over the parchment as he processed the information. He leaned forward, speaking calmly.
"Order the hunters to retreat and set up a perimeter around each location. Do not engage."
[Understood.]
The device flickered again, this time with a new message.
[Lord, the Red Corps has boarded the ship with more than a hundred troops, as you ordered.]
"Good. Notify me immediately if they make contact with the pirates."
[Understood.]
Luke leaned back in his chair, his thoughts heavy as the reports continued to flood in. As the device went silent, Luke look behind and talk.
"Tyrion, are the troops ready?"
"Yes, we have three hundred troops waiting for your command." Tyrion answered with serious voice.
Luke handed over a set of documents. "Here. This is the information and strategies for the operation. Prepare the troops accordingly were leaving soon"
"Understood." Tyrion left the room.
Luke sighed and thought to himself. 'Three out of five target locations have been correctly identified, and the critical areas are secured. It's only a matter of time now to see a result.'
Just last night, Lucian had become curious about the operation and wanted to read the reports. Luke had reluctantly allowed him, not thinking much of it at the time. But Lucian's mind had impressed him. The ideas that his son came up with and how quickly he grasped the intricacies of the plan it was remarkable.
"Almost exactly what my advisors came up with." Luke chuckled, "maybe even better." leaning back with a hint of amusement. Luke had revised the original plan to combine with Lucian's report, creating more refined plan.
Many had once thought Luke foolish for turning down the Church's offer of power, choosing instead to live quietly with his family in a remote land of the kingdom. Yet Luke had no regrets. However, as a father, he couldn't help but wonder just how capable his son truly was and how much potential lay within him. He couldn't wait to see the man Lucian would grow into one day.
"Would he be a worthy successor?" he murmured to himself.
Luke walked outside the outpost, surveying the lines of armored knights and hooded rangers, all with stern, serious expressions.
"As you know," he began, his voice commanding, "there are those who have crept into our territory, a vermin conducting illegal activities and spreading corruption. It is our duty to eliminate this threat, to be the executioners sent by our mighty sovereign."
With a cold gaze, Luke commanded, "Kill them all."
The troops erupted in a roar, their voices filled with a eagerness for battle.
...
The following afternoon, I dressed in the formal attire my mother had chosen, adjusting the collar as I prepared for the evening's event. My mother and sister had already gone ahead to the venue, leaving me with a few knights and the household staff.
As I walked toward the entrance, the servants gathered respectfully, offering nods as I passed. Outside, the carriage awaited with two strong horses at the helm. A servant held the door open, and I took a deep breath before stepping inside, steadying myself for the night ahead.