As the carriage sped away from Akira's base, Oliver leaned forward and commanded the driver, "To the castle, as fast as you can!"
Inside the carriage, Sir James couldn't hide his unease. "We can't trust this Fate," he muttered. "He's too dangerous to rely on. I saw him fight the Elder Lich, but now he seems like a completely different person."
Oliver, frustrated, snapped, "Sir James, you couldn't even move to react to that ogre who was ready to slice you like a tomato. We can't make fate our enemy. He is too strong for that and we don't need new enemies now that we are at war. Please remain silent now. I need to think."
Silenced, Sir James watched as Oliver's mind churned. Oliver recalled the terrifying speed and strength of the ogre Fate had summoned. The great sword it wielded, which should have been impossibly heavy, moved as if it were a feather. If his summon could be so powerful, how strong was Fate himself? They couldn't afford to make him an enemy, and Oliver knew Fate had secret weapons yet to be revealed, because he was too confident about dealing with the Duatt army.
When the carriage reached the castle, Sir James announced, "My lord, we have arrived." His words jolted Oliver from his aggressive contemplation. Sir James opened the carriage door, and Oliver swiftly made his way to Lord Leonard's chambers. Directed by the maids, he found Leonard in the dining area, enjoying a lavish meal and the company of beautiful women pouring wine for him.
"My lord, I have an urgent matter to discuss," Oliver began.
Leonard, clearly annoyed, replied, "I'm eating right now. We'll talk after I've finished."
"But it's urgent, my lord," Oliver insisted.
Leonard's voice grew colder. "I told you, we will talk after I finish eating."
Bowing, Oliver acquiesced, "Yes, my lord. As you wish." He stepped outside the room, seething with anger at the greedy and irresponsible lord but knowing he could do nothing.
Hours passed, and darkness fell. Growing impatient, Oliver re-entered the room only to find Leonard passed out drunk on his chair. He approached cautiously, trying to rouse him. Leonard stirred briefly, mumbling, "Don't disturb me. Leave at once."
Defeated, Oliver left the room, instructing the guards to inform him the moment Leonard awoke. He retreated to his chamber, knowing the critical day ahead demanded rest, even if sleep eluded him.
Morning arrived, and a bleary-eyed Oliver went directly to Lord Leonard's chambers. The lord was still asleep. Desperation mounting, Oliver shook Leonard awake.
Finally stirring, Leonard demanded, "Give me a glass of wine."
Oliver complied, pouring wine from a nearby jug. Leonard drank deeply, oblivious to Oliver's anxious presence.
As Oliver prepared to explain Fate's demands, Leonard interrupted, "That bastard Henry! How dare he go back on his word? I will have his head for that!"
Oliver paused, then asked, "What's the issue, my lord?"
Leonard wiped his mouth with his sleeve. "I sent a messenger to Henry, demanding the payment he promised for dealing with the lich that occupied his town. Now, he's reneging on the deal, offering only a quarter of what we agreed. He claims the adventurers and soldiers took loot that belonged to him. I will have his head for this treachery."
Interrupting Leonard's complaints about a betrayal by Henry, Oliver saw an opportunity. "My lord, how about I offer you Henry's head and deal with the approaching army without losing a single soldier?"
Leonard's eyes widened in surprise. "How will you manage that?"
"I have persuaded Fate to handle the entire army," Oliver explained. "In return, we will offer him Henry's land. We will let Fate know that this is his land now and he needs to take care of the illegal occupant who is lord Henry. Fate will definitely kill him. This way, we keep our land, and you get Henry's head and Fate will deal with the army. Three birds with one stone."
Leonard, impressed, clapped and embraced Oliver. "I knew I could trust you to handle this. You have my full authority. Do as you please."
Bowing slightly, Oliver responded, "Yes, my lord. It will be done." He left the chamber, ordering the maids to prepare a carriage immediately. Now, he just had to convince Fate to deal with Henry.
Jarvis awoke early, readying the horse for his trip to the city as instructed by Akira. Informing Lesley that she would be working alone until he returns, he sets off. The journey was swift, and Jarvis spent the morning buying the materials Akira had requested: large sacks of potassium, charcoal, and sulfur. Loading the heavy sacks onto a small cart he bought from a fruit vendor, Jarvis attracted attention with his powerful warhorse and his effortless handling of the large sacks.He attached the cart with the war horse and went back to the base.
On his return, Jarvis passed a carriage followed by soldiers on horseback. He barely noticed it, but Oliver, who was sitting in the carriage , recognizing Jarvis, tried to stop him, shouting his name. The swift horse left them behind, and Jarvis continued to the base.
As he arrived, hobgoblins opened the gate, and Akira, observing from his crafting room window, teleported to the front yard. Inspecting the sacks, Akira stored them in his inventory. Akira starts a small talk with Jarvis and asks him,"You know right? We are expecting some guests today."
Jarvis then recalls the carriage he had passed. He tells Akira," Yes I passed a carriage escorted by soldiers and it should be arriving any time now." Akira then brings out his mask from his inventory and wears it. He then proceeds to walk towards the house and gets inside.
Jarvis understood who was coming. Went to the main gate and awaited their arrival.