Chapter 26:
After hearing the report about the movement of the troops led by Marquis Ferelden, the atmosphere in the Everia family meeting room became increasingly tense. Duke Alaric stood in the middle of the room, his eyes intently staring at the map displayed on the large table.
"Ferelden…" Duke Alaric murmured, his fingers moving slowly across the map, marking the locations of enemy troop movements. "We cannot let them get close. A thousand soldiers is not a number to be trifled with."
The First Elder, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up. "Their strength is indeed great, but we are worried that they are not just here to ask for an explanation. This may be a bigger plan."
Eric, who was standing in the corner of the room, finally spoke in a calm voice. "If they came with so many troops, their purpose is more than just talking. We need to know what they want, and what they plan to do."
Leon turned his gaze to Eric, his expression full of ambition. "We can destroy them, Father. With the power we have, we can teach Ferelden a lesson."
Duke Alaric stared at Leon sharply but said nothing. Meanwhile, Lady Seraphina, who was standing beside Duke Alaric, nodded slowly. "Leon is right. We cannot show weakness. We must protect the Everia family name and show who rules this land."
Eric felt the tension in the room. Although his family spoke of swift action and the force they would use, he knew that direct combat was a dangerous option. "I will go and speak directly to the Marquis of Ferelden," he said, breaking the silence. "We must first find out his intentions."
Duke Alaric looked at Eric seriously, his eyes showing deep doubt. "You want to talk to him without bloodshed?"
Eric nodded. "We should avoid unnecessary confrontation. If we can understand their desires, we might be able to avoid war."
Leon stared at Eric with a sharp gaze. "You hesitate too much, Eric. Think too much. Not all problems can be solved with words."
Eric ignored Leon's words and instead looked at his father with determination. "Allow me to go. I will bring some elders to show our authority."
Duke Alaric finally nodded slowly. "Very well. But be careful, Eric. Ferelden is not an opponent to be taken lightly."
After getting his father's approval, Eric immediately prepared himself for the risky journey. His mind wandered, thinking about the steps to take if something untoward happened. Although he had mastered most of his Martial King powers, he knew that one wrong move could be fatal, both for him and his family.
---
On their way to the border, Eric was surrounded by the elders and a small force sent to guard his safety. When they arrived at the border, they found the army of Marquis Ferelden waiting there. One thing was clear—this was no mere threat, this was a great test for the Everia family.
"Prepare yourselves," Eric said, looking at his troops with determination. "This isn't just about war, it's about the future of our families."
Tensions mount as Eric and his group approach the border. He knows that in a matter of moments, he will face a major decision that will change everything—will he allow this conflict to escalate into open war, or will he be able to find a compromise that will benefit both the Everians and the kingdom?
-
Eric took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before stepping out of the meeting room. The decision Duke Alaric made weighed on his shoulders even more. This time, he had to face more than just external threats. There were intrigues and hidden powers within their family to reckon with.
Outside, the cold air greeted his body. He stepped towards the main gate of Everia's residence, where troops had been prepared. Several soldiers were ready with their weapons, while tense faces showed how serious the threat was. Eric looked around, feeling the same wave of tension that he felt inside.
"Is everyone ready?" Eric asked one of the approaching troop commanders.
"Everything has been prepared, Young Master. We await your orders," the commander replied respectfully.
Eric nodded, his eyes never leaving the map in his hand. Ahead of them, the northern army, led by the Marquis of Ferelden, was drawing near. Eric knew that this was no ordinary battle. This was his first test—a test that would test not only his strength but also his ability to lead wisely.
On the way to the meeting place, Eric felt something strange. Something he couldn't put into words, but for some reason, the feeling kept bothering his heart. There was something bigger going on, and this war was just the beginning.
Arriving outside the city, in an open field, Everia's army faced off against the army of Marquis Ferelden. In the middle of the field, Eric saw a very familiar figure—the Marquis of Ferelden. A tall, large man with a confident expression, wearing silver armor that radiated an aura of greatness.
Marquis Ferelden stepped forward, their eyes meeting in a gaze of respect. "Eric Valentinus Everia, Young Master of the Everia family," Ferelden said in a deep voice. "I know that you are a wise heir, but is your strength enough to oppose the ambitions of the Belveran family?"
Eric stared at the Marquis calmly, holding back the anger that was about to explode. "I do not seek war, Marquis Ferelden. I only wish to ensure that the Everia family remains strong. We do not need to fight each other."
Ferelden chuckled, his eyes filled with doubt. "You are too naive, Eric. This is not just about who is stronger, but about who can control the greater power. You are too young to understand that."
Eric looked at him sternly. "I may be young, but I know that true power is for those who can protect those they care about, not those who only seek personal gain."
Ferelden was silent for a moment, then he quickly ordered his troops to prepare. "We shall see who will last longer, Young Master. House Everia may be strong, but that strength will be tested to the last drop of blood."
Eric didn't answer, just nodded slowly. This fight was inevitable. What would happen after this, no one knew yet, but one thing was for sure—this was the beginning of a bigger war, and Eric had to be ready for whatever came.
Eric raised his sword, signaling his troops to prepare. Cold sweat began to drip from his forehead, despite the cool morning air. The wind blew softly, carrying the scent of wet earth. The entire world seemed to stop for a moment. A palpable tension hung in the air. Before him, the great army of the Marquis of Ferelden stood at attention, faces cold and ready for battle.
"Prepare yourselves," Eric told his troop commanders. "We will approach them carefully. Do not rush."
Ferelden smiled sarcastically, looking at Eric with impatience. "You are wise, young master, but wisdom will not keep you from reality. You will see that the ambitions of the Belveran family are far greater than you imagine."
Eric felt how Ferelden's words cut deep. Everything that was happening now was not just about physical combat, but also about who had control over destiny. Eric knew that everything that happened today would have long-term consequences. If he lost, it might mean the destruction of the Everia family.
However, Eric had no intention of giving up so easily. He knew what had to be done. With a single signal, he led his troops forward, marching them into battle with great caution. Each step he took felt heavier than usual. He had to show that he was not only the heir to the powerful Everia family, but also a wise leader.
The two armies began to face each other, the sound of clashing swords echoing in the air. The Everian army moved in a disciplined manner, avoiding unnecessary open combat. They focused on defense, waiting for the right moment to strike. Meanwhile, the Ferelden army began to charge brutally, trying to break the Everian army's formation with quick attacks.
Eric stared out at the battlefield, his eyes sharp as an eagle. He saw the overwhelming power of Ferelden's army, but he was not afraid. Strength lies not only in numbers but in strategy and tactics. "Don't get caught in a head-on battle!" he shouted to his commanders. "Use shield formations. Protect the weak and strike back when they are off guard!"
The surrounding commanders quickly organized their troops, adjusting their battle formations. The attacks from the Ferelden army came in torrents, but Eric remained calm. Every move he made was the result of long training and honed self-control. He knew that, despite being outnumbered, they still had a chance to win if they were smart and patient.
However, as time went on, Eric began to feel that something was amiss. The tension on the battlefield was growing, and he could sense hidden movements among the Ferelden troops. Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the ground, followed by the sound of shouts and the clashing of weapons growing closer.
Eric turned his gaze, spotting a small force that seemed to be trying to infiltrate his rear lines. "There's an infiltrator!" he shouted to the commander. "Deal with them immediately!"
Everia's troops moved quickly, but they were too late. The infiltrator troops had already managed to infiltrate and destroy the defense formation. Eric felt the heat of anger spread throughout his body. This was not just a battle with a large army, but a cunning tactic that was carefully planned.
Ferelden was in the crowd, watching the battle with a triumphant gaze. Eric knew that this was not just a battle for territory, but also to humiliate the Everia family. Ferelden wanted to show that their political power was greater and deeper than that of Everia.
Eric didn't have time to plan anymore. He had to act fast.
Swiftly, he led his troops to the rear to deal with the intruder. On the way, he encountered several Ferelden soldiers who tried to block him. Eric moved quickly, with each attack he made, Ferelden's opponents fell at a surprising rate.
Arriving behind the troop lines, Eric saw that the infiltrators were a group of assassins who had been infiltrated to create chaos. "You think this is all about open warfare?" Eric shouted, his gaze cold and filled with anger. "You have miscalculated."
Without hesitation, Eric swung his sword, sweeping away the enemies who had tried to ruin his family's plans. Once again, he proved that even though his forces were smaller, with ingenuity and courage, they were able to face the threat from within.
After the intruder was dealt with, Eric immediately returned to the front lines, where Ferelden's main force was still fighting fiercely against his forces. He knew that, although the war was not over, he was one step closer to proving that he was not just an heir, but a fearless leader.
---
Eric stood tall in the middle of the battlefield, his body tired but his eyes full of determination. The sounds of battle still echoed around him, but he knew that a turning point had been reached. Everia's forces had managed to regain control of the situation thanks to his clever tactics, and Ferelden's forces were beginning to slowly retreat.
However, Eric felt something odd. From a distance, he saw a familiar figure—the Marquis of Ferelden. The man stood on a small hill, watching the chaos he had caused, as if satisfied with what had happened.
With a single motion, Eric ordered his troops to stop the pursuit. This was no time to continue fighting. "Let's take a step further," Eric muttered to himself, his eyes focused on the Marquis of Ferelden who seemed ready to speak.
Duke Alaric, who had arrived at Eric's side, stared at the dying battle with a serious expression. "Eric, it's time to act. Ferelden will retaliate soon, but we must decide our next move carefully."
Eric nodded slowly. "I will talk to him directly."
With a firm resolve, Eric led his troops toward the Marquis of Ferelden, who seemed to be waiting for the final challenge. When they met, the air between them was heavy, and the previous battle became only a faint memory.
"Marquis Ferelden," Eric began in a firm yet calm voice, "House Everia will not be afraid of you. But let us settle this more tactfully. What do you want?"
Marquis Ferelden laughed lightly, though his eyes flashed with tension. "We both know that this is not just about strength. The Everia family may still be able to hold on now, but this battle has only just begun."
Eric stared at him, undaunted. "We'll see how far that ambition can go."
End of chapter