Dawn broke over the village, casting golden light across the soot-streaked homes and quiet streets. Kazuya stood at the village gates with Lyriana and Kaelith, going over the plans for their journey to the noble estate. The rebellion may have simmered down for now, but Kazuya knew it was only a matter of time before the situation escalated again.
Cedric, the elder, approached with a small leather pouch and handed it to Kazuya. "It's not much, but this should cover some travel expenses. You're doing a lot for us... more than most would."
Kazuya accepted it with a nod. "This isn't just about the village, Cedric. If the nobles can be reasoned with here, maybe it'll send a message to the rest of the region."
The elder looked uncertain but said nothing more, giving them a respectful bow before returning to the square.
---
The journey to the noble estate took several hours, the dirt road winding through dense forests and open fields. Kazuya walked in silence, his mind preoccupied with the strategy ahead.
"We'll need to approach this carefully," Lyriana said, breaking the silence. "Nobles don't take kindly to being told they're wrong, especially not by outsiders."
Kaelith chuckled, balancing his sword casually on his shoulder. "That's an understatement. They'll probably throw us out before we even finish a sentence."
"Then we don't give them the chance," Kazuya said firmly. "We present the facts clearly and directly. If they ignore us, we move to the next step."
Lyriana frowned. "And what's the next step?"
Kazuya glanced at her, his expression hard. "Pressure. Public exposure. If we make their actions known to the other nobles and the people, they'll have no choice but to change."
Kaelith smirked. "You're more ruthless than you look, boss. I like it."
Kazuya didn't respond. He wasn't proud of the measures he was prepared to take, but he understood the stakes. This wasn't just about winning a battle—it was about securing lasting peace for the village.
---
The noble estate came into view just as the sun reached its peak. It was an imposing structure, surrounded by high stone walls and patrolled by armed guards. The family crest—a golden hawk on a crimson field—was emblazoned on banners that fluttered in the breeze.
The group stopped a short distance from the gates, assessing the situation.
"They're not going to let us walk in unannounced," Lyriana said, her tone cautious.
Kazuya nodded. "We'll request an audience. If they refuse, we'll figure out another way."
Approaching the gates, they were immediately stopped by a pair of guards, their spears crossed to block the entrance.
"Halt! State your business," one of them barked.
Kazuya stepped forward, his posture calm but authoritative. "We're here to speak with Lord Althar. It's a matter of urgent importance regarding the village under his domain."
The guards exchanged a skeptical look. "The lord doesn't take unscheduled visitors," the other guard said. "Leave before you cause trouble."
Lyriana sighed, already reaching for her bow, but Kazuya raised a hand to stop her.
"Tell Lord Althar that we're here on behalf of the people," Kazuya said evenly. "If he ignores us, it'll be at his own risk."
The first guard scowled. "Are you threatening the lord?"
"No," Kazuya replied, his tone steady. "I'm offering him a chance to avoid a much bigger problem."
The second guard hesitated, clearly unsettled by Kazuya's confidence. "Wait here," he said finally, before disappearing through the gates.
---
Minutes passed in tense silence before the gates creaked open again. The guard returned, his expression tight. "The lord will see you. But don't try anything foolish."
Kazuya nodded and followed the guard inside, with Lyriana and Kaelith close behind.
The estate's interior was as grand as it was cold—marble floors, gilded furniture, and towering tapestries that depicted the noble family's victories in battle. Servants moved quietly through the halls, their eyes downcast, while armed guards watched the group with suspicion.
They were led to a grand hall where Lord Althar waited on an ornate throne. He was a middle-aged man with sharp features and an air of arrogance, dressed in a crimson tunic adorned with gold embroidery. Beside him stood his advisor, a thin man with a calculating gaze.
"You have five minutes," Althar said, his tone dismissive. "Speak."
Kazuya stepped forward, meeting the noble's gaze without flinching. "Lord Althar, I've come to address the conditions in the village under your domain. The people are overtaxed, overworked, and pushed to the brink of rebellion. If this continues, it won't just be your village that suffers—it'll be your reputation and your position."
Althar's lips curled into a sneer. "A rebellion? From a handful of filthy peasants? Let them try. My soldiers will deal with them swiftly."
Kaelith tensed, but Kazuya raised a hand to calm him. "If it comes to that, you'll lose more than soldiers. The villagers aren't just angry—they're desperate. And desperation leads to chaos. Once word spreads of the unrest, other villages might follow suit. Are you prepared to face an uprising across your entire domain?"
The advisor leaned in to whisper something to Althar, who frowned but didn't respond immediately.
"You speak as if you care about these people," Althar said after a moment. "Why should I believe you're not here for your own gain?"
Kazuya's expression hardened. "Because I don't need anything from you. But the people do. They need fair treatment, reasonable taxes, and protection—not exploitation. If you refuse to provide that, they'll find someone who will."
The room fell silent, the weight of Kazuya's words hanging in the air.
Finally, Althar leaned back in his throne, his expression unreadable. "You're bold, I'll give you that. Very well. I'll reduce the taxes... temporarily. But if this rebellion nonsense persists, I'll hold you personally responsible."
Kazuya nodded, though he didn't miss the thinly veiled threat. "That's a start. But remember, Lord Althar—this isn't just about taxes. It's about trust. If you want the loyalty of your people, you need to earn it."
Althar's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them, and the guards escorted the group out of the hall.
---
Outside the gates, Lyriana let out a low whistle. "That could've gone a lot worse."
Kaelith smirked. "You think he'll actually follow through?"
"He'll reduce the taxes for now," Kazuya said, his voice thoughtful. "But it won't last. Men like him don't change easily."
"So what's the plan?" Lyriana asked.
"We keep gathering evidence," Kazuya replied. "If he goes back on his word, we'll expose him. And if that doesn't work..."
Kaelith grinned. "We make him regret it."
Kazuya didn't respond, his mind already focused on the next steps. The fight for the village was far from over—but he was ready for whatever came next.