The captain of the City Guard knights immediately stepped forward and shouted toward the approaching party, "Which noble lord has arrived?"
Only nobles had the right to organize a contingent of knights to protect their territories. Merchants and wealthy individuals could only hire skilled swordsmen, never knights.
The knights at the head of this group gradually slowed, led by a middle-aged man around forty, with a flaming helmet and heavy armor, mounted on a sturdy black horse. Gazing downward, he said calmly, "I am Baron Wenguite Bure, here today with a distinguished guest to visit the Lord of the City."
"Ah, Baron Wenguite! Please wait while I inform the Lord of your arrival," replied the City Guard captain, who recognized Baron Wenguite as a noble of Blackwater City. But before he went to report, he cast a deep glance at the carriage in the middle of the knight escort. Whoever warranted a personal escort from Baron Wenguite must indeed hold considerable status.
Without delay, the captain hurried into the Lord's castle.
Baron Wenguite looked toward the towering Lord's castle, a flash of fervor in his eyes, then softly called, "Tilafa."
Tilafa, riding among the knights, quickly moved forward upon hearing his father's voice and respectfully asked, "Father, do you have orders?"
Baron Wenguite's eyes narrowed as he spoke in a low tone, "Ogden will likely bar your entry. You stay here with the castle knights and wait for me to come out."
Tilafa's eyes narrowed with concern. "Father, is there any danger? What if Ogden refuses…"
"Refuses? If he does, all the better. After today, the Lordship of this castle may very well change hands. As for danger…with that man here, what could possibly threaten us?"
Baron Wenguite's gaze fell on the carriage behind him, showing a trace of fear.
Soon, the knight who had gone to report returned and respectfully announced, "The Lord instructs that only Baron Wenguite and the distinguished guest in the carriage may enter."
Baron Wenguite nodded and said, "Lead the way."
With that, he and the mysterious carriage followed the knight into the Lord's castle.
In the reception hall, Blackwater City's current Lord, Baron Ogden, sat in his chair with a slight frown, his sharp eyes fixed on the entrance.
"My Lord, Baron Wenguite has arrived."
Baron Ogden quickly signaled with a wave of his hand, "Show him in."
No sooner had he spoken than Baron Wenguite entered with a loud laugh, offering a courteous bow to Baron Ogden.
Ogden's expression remained impassive as he cast a cursory glance at Wenguite, then calmly asked, "Baron Wenguite, what brings you here to my castle today?"
Despite the cool tone, Baron Wenguite maintained his composure, lowering his voice as he replied, "Baron Ogden, I'm not here alone today. I bring a distinguished guest."
At that, a man in a white robe adorned with a silver cross entered the hall.
Seeing the robed man, Ogden's expression changed dramatically. He immediately stood and said, "Master Jason, didn't you already eliminate the heretical threat? Does Blackwater City face another?"
This man was none other than the sorcerer Jason, who had previously come from Grand City to eliminate Old Etta, a known heretic.
Jason's clear, penetrating gaze rested on Ogden, and with a faint smile, he replied, "Baron Ogden, it's time for you to make your choice."
Ogden's composure broke; he sank back into his chair, looking defeated, his face darkened.
Jason's purpose was not to deal with a new heretical threat but to demand Ogden's allegiance.
"The Church is finally making its move? Is there no room for delay?" Ogden asked, his face pale.
Jason's expression turned cold. "We've given you ample time to consider. If you delay further, all previous promises will be forfeit."
Ogden's lips went dry as he glanced at Wenguite, knowing that if he continued to resist, the Wenguite family might stand to gain, while his own family would suffer for his choice.
After a long silence, Ogden raised his head and replied solemnly, "Master Jason, my City Guard knights will be at your command."
Jason laughed heartily, "Baron Ogden, returning to God's embrace makes you one of His loyal followers once more. Fear not; there's no need for immediate action. But the next steps will require your cooperation."
Ogden's tension seemed to ease slightly. "How can I help? The Ogden family has always been devoted to God."
"Simple," Jason replied. "Invite all the noble families of Blackwater City to the castle under the pretense of discussing the recent increase in bandit attacks. I trust they will come. Any noble who chooses faith will be safe. But if they refuse, I'll deal with them personally."
Ogden felt a chill at the plan. If successful, it would mean a complete takeover of Blackwater City's noble class.
Noticing Jason's gaze upon him, Ogden quickly assured, "I will notify every noble in Blackwater City as instructed."
As they were finalizing the plan, Baron Wenguite stepped forward, murmuring, "Master Jason, Wilson is currently outside Blackwater City, tending to his lands. If he's not dealt with, his heavy-armored knights may cause us considerable trouble."
"Wilson?" Jason's eyes narrowed as he looked at Ogden.
Ogden knew of the longstanding feud between Wenguite and Wilson, a topic well-known throughout Blackwater City.
After a moment's consideration, Ogden replied, "Wilson served in the army for twenty years, amassing honors until he was granted a barony. He commands nearly two hundred elite heavy knights, a force even my City Guard might struggle to withstand. And as a Level Two Elemental Swordsman, he's a formidable opponent."
"But if we are to control Blackwater City, Wilson must be eliminated. His loyalty to the royal family makes him an unlikely ally for the Church. We could delay the gathering so that Wilson has time to return from his lands. With Master Jason present, Wilson will pose no threat."
Jason nodded in approval. "Indeed, Wilson must be dealt with. However, there's no need to delay the meeting. Send word to all nobles, including Wilson's castle. As for Wilson himself…he'll never make it back."