On a beautifully constructed cobblestone road, two spotless white horses, guided by a coachman, pulled a carriage of the same color adorned with the Windsor family emblem. Inside, three people faced each other and talked. They were Joshua Windsor, the current head of the family, his personal secretary, Elaine, and Jewel Windsor, another very important figure in the dynasty.
They didn't need the protection of mages or guardian knights when traveling, as among them were two 10th-circle magicians. It would take at least the entire army of a kingdom or two other magicians of the same level as them to make them break a sweat. But neither of them was a force one could encounter unexpectedly around the corner, especially on Windsor territory.
"What are your orders regarding this Alfonso Kruger?"
Elaine's voice was full of empathy as she asked her question. In reality, she already knew how the journalist's adventure would end. She knew all too well because she was the one relaying the patriarch's orders to the other family members.
"...!"
A heavy silence followed by a sigh was the first response she received to her question.
Since the beginning of their journey, she had the impression that the patriarch was deliberately avoiding this subject, and it was understandable. As the head of the world's largest and most powerful family, he already had enough problems to deal with. However, it was her mission as secretary to ensure that the patriarch addressed all important matters, especially those that tested the family's prestige, as was the case now.
Now that the subject had been brought up, Joshua had no choice but to seriously consider it. But before he could even finish organizing his thoughts, the one beside him spoke up.
"Patriarch, it is important that we use this opportunity to remind the world what happens when our patience is tested. We have already faced enough trouble a few months ago because of these journalists and their overconfidence in freedom of expression. Let us make an example of this Alfonso Kruger that they will not soon forget..."
He hadn't said it directly, but Jewel was literally advising a public execution. This surprised the other two passengers in the carriage.
Since Joshua had taken the reins of the family, he had gradually abandoned these barbaric practices over time, which served only to instill fear in the hearts of others. He loved peace, and in that sense, he was one of the few leaders who did not seek to expand the family's territory further.
This trait of character that he had demonstrated over the years did not sit well with some members of the family, but they couldn't do anything about it; he was the patriarch. Jewel naturally belonged to the latter group.
"Hmm... You're right, Jewel. We are no longer feared as before. Unfortunately, the situation will become much more difficult to manage if we openly engage in a manhunt and public execution. But for tarnishing our reputation and endangering my grandson, he deserves to die."
Joshua's words were firm and left no room for discussion. It was true that if a manhunt were publicly announced for Alfonso, he would seek refuge among the rulers of an enemy kingdom. Giving up the hunt after that would be too shameful, and continuing it would lead to a war where many more people would die.
The best solution was therefore to get rid of this troublemaker quickly and without making waves. The most discerning would not fail to understand the message behind the journalist's sudden disappearance.
"Elaine, transmit this elimination mission to the family's bloodhounds... Oh, while you're at it, also put a bounty on his head with the League of Assassins. Offer enough gold to tempt even the king of assassins to pursue him."
"Yes, patriarch! I'll get on it right away."
After these words, Elaine retrieved a black runic stone from her long-distance communication device, which she typically used to transmit the patriarch's orders.
Beside her, Jewel could only accept the situation. He was frustrated by Joshua's decision, which he even deemed cowardly internally, but he was well aware that he no longer had a say in the matter.
***
In a forest with thousands of towering trees that would intimidate even the most seasoned climbing monkey, an old man tightened his wizard's staff even more fiercely in the midst of reading the morning newspaper. He sat on the trunk of a fallen tree, but he couldn't stay put any longer, so he stood up. The information he was reading had stimulated him to such an extent.
With his silhouette more visible now, one could clearly observe feline ears perched on his head and a joyfully wagging white wolf tail. Indeed, this individual was a native of the beastmen race.
"Perhaps I should open that bottle of wine my friend gave me a long time ago tonight. This news has been a great motivator for me. I feel like I could successfully forge my 10th circle now."
After these words, he looked up at the sky as the image of a beautiful half-elf formed in his mind. He then said, "You see, he is even more exceptional than in your wildest dreams, my friend Sarya. I hope you will always watch over him from wherever you are."
This old man was not a mere bystander in this world, but the time had not yet come for him to make himself known.