Garan was slightly stunned, his expression unchanged as he asked in confusion, "What happened?"
Narl sighed, shaking his head as he prepared to explain. However, when he looked up, he suddenly noticed Dreiven, who was munching on a rabbit leg nearby. His pupils shrank, and the words he was about to speak were immediately held back. He became tense, watching the Swadian Grand Knight warily.
"Who is this...?"
Without lifting his head, Dreiven, still chewing his food, mumbled with a full mouth, "Dreiven, you can call me 'Skywing.'"
"What?"
The silver-haired knight's eyes widened in shock as he stammered, "You're... the legendary Grand Knight Dreiven, the leader of the Swadian Royal Knights? The undefeated warrior?"
"Apologies, apologies!"
In just a few days, the young master had encountered such a legendary figure, and the shock left Narl almost speechless.
Dreiven waved his hand dismissively, "Just talk. I have no interest in your matters."
"Please, come inside," Narl quickly invited, forcing a smile.
Dreiven and Garan entered the castle, walking through the main hall as Narl continued in a low voice, explaining the recent events.
"While the young master was away, both Layn and I couldn't stand the Baron's attitude, so we declared a break in alliance with him. Greystone Castle and Sunset Castle are no longer partners, and I'm no longer the house steward here."
"The Baron was devastated, so I followed the young master secretly, intending to protect him. But after just one day, I couldn't find any trace of him."
Narl awkwardly smiled, looking at Garan with admiration and hope. He felt a deep sense of pride, thinking about how much Garan had improved, and wishing that Lilian could see how great her son had become.
Garan chuckled softly and shook his head, signaling Narl to continue.
Narl glanced at Dreiven, who was still uninterested, casually nibbling on the rabbit leg and then pulling out a chunk of black bread. Narl continued his explanation:
"Recently, Deherim has been mobilizing troops, and Duke Joseph has gathered a large army under King Harlaus's command. Their intentions are obvious—they are preparing to attack the Vekian Kingdom."
"Ywadin, being on the border, will be the first to be swept into the war."
"I thought Greystone Castle might face many problems, so I returned first and saw this—The Baron was assassinated, gravely injured, and has been unconscious for several days with no signs of improvement. He's likely... running out of time."
"And he keeps mentioning your name, young master."
Garan remained unfazed. War and assassinations were common in this era, and he didn't find them surprising.
Although Marion was his father, the original owner of Garan's body had no fondness for him. Marion had always been biased against him, so his death meant nothing to Garan.
However, the knight's ceremony was the day after tomorrow, and all the higher-ranking knights' attendants and noble children of Ywadin were supposed to come to take the knight skills exam. Those who passed would officially become knights, receiving official recognition from Vekia.
"Let's go see him."
Garan's voice was cold and calm.
The three of them walked through the hall and arrived at the Baron's room. Before entering, they could already smell a strong herbal scent.
Garan frowned. He could recognize the ingredients—rhubarb, ginseng, rosewood root, bitter flower, and others. These were used to treat internal injuries, indicating that the situation wasn't good.
Entering the room, the first thing they saw was a blazing charcoal fire in the fireplace. To the left was a large sandalwood bed, where the Baron lay, pale and feeble, completely unlike his usual commanding self.
"Garan, how dare you return?"
"You have no idea how your father kept calling for you from his sickbed these past few days. Do you have any of the responsibility a Stark should have? You..."
Yuri's shrill voice abruptly stopped.
Garan had already placed his sword at his throat. He knew that if Yuri dared to speak another word, he wouldn't hesitate to sever his head.
His father had wanted him dead even when he was alive, let alone now.
A chill suddenly ran through Yuri's body, stiffening him.
"Leave," Garan said coldly, retracting his sword.
Yuri, as if granted mercy, hurriedly ran out, but no one noticed the hatred and resentment lurking in his eyes.
"Garan, you have no regard for me as your older brother?"
Nathar Stark suddenly furrowed his brow, his face filled with displeasure.
Garan sneered.
"Why? You want to test my swordsmanship too?"
Nathar was about to retort, his anger rising, but before he could speak, a weak voice came from the bed:
"Nathar, leave. I need to speak with Garan alone."
Nathar clicked his tongue, unsheathing his sword and sneering before walking out of the room.
"You two can leave as well," Garan said to Dreiven and Narl.
Narl nodded and turned to leave.
Dreiven, however, casually remarked, "Remember to arrange some swift rabbit meat for dinner. And add plenty of spice."
Garan shot him a deadpan look. "Got it."
Once everyone had left, only the Baron, Marion, and Garan remained in the room. Marion looked at Garan with a complicated expression, his eyes showing a sense of affection he'd never had before. His lips curled into a reluctant smile as he weakly spoke:
"Garan, you've become something remarkable. Even a Grand Knight is willing to serve you. If your mother knew, she'd be very proud."
Garan forced a polite smile. "Father is too kind."
The politeness and distance stung Marion, and a sense of guilt welled up inside him. He slowly began:
"Do you know why I've always deliberately ignored you and even openly favored Yuri?"
Garan shook his head, finding the subject irrelevant.
"Well, let me tell you about your mother first."
Marion's eyes seemed to become distant, and a nostalgic expression appeared on his face.
"Garan, do you know who the most powerful person in this world is?"
Garan hesitated, then answered uncertainly: "A legendary knight?"
Marion smiled and shook his head. "The strongest knights are, of course, the legendary ones. There have only been seven of them in all of history. They are the pinnacle of knighthood, worshipped by all, but they are not the most powerful beings."
"There's someone even stronger?"
Garan was surprised. He had always thought that legendary knights were the peak of power, capable of taking on entire squads of knights single-handedly.
"Yes," Marion said, his tone becoming grave.
"In this world, there is a group of people who can control lightning, manipulate water and fire, soar through the skies, and summon storms. Even the legendary knights fall short in comparison."
"They've transcended their physical limits and mastered secret arts. They are known as... wizards."
"And your mother was one of them."