I had been inquiring more than ever before about the condition of Castle Neivre, the residence of my brother Geisel.


    Neivre Castle is a castle on a flat plain, surrounded by a double moat. The castle is also reasonably rich.


    As a result, the information was transmitted more quickly than we had expected.


    Also, a spy disguised as a peddler came to report to me.


    "I tell you... The Viscount is plotting to kill Mr. Arsrod. He falsely claims to be ill and then calls on Lord Arsrod to give up his position as lord."


    "I see. Then I''m sure of it.


    "And you mean ......?"


    The counter-intelligence agent was stunned by my attitude.


    "I''ve already heard the same information from the other vassals at Castle Nayvle. I''ve heard that there are some of Geisel''s cronies who say that this time it''s too hasty and dangerous. That''s why the information has been leaked to us.


    We can''t ask a lord whose cronies will soon fall too. That''s how much they''ve given up on Geisel.


    Also, there were many people who had served him since his father''s time who doubted his abilities. Some of them reported it to me. I don''t question his ability, he really doesn''t have it.


    "Mr. Arsrod, you were right to keep me from going to Castle Nevre.


    Laviala was relieved.


    "At least it was weird to see Geisel without an escort."


    I had a suspicious feeling even before the assassination attempt. Commercially, they''re probably more aware than ever that our city is thriving.


    The secret agent has been sent down. We''re going to a strategy meeting now. But it''s just you and Raviara.


    Raviara and the nanny were raised by the same person, the best of the best. I confide in Raviara first when I have something important to talk about. The room was dark, lit only faintly by lanterns.


    "You faked an illness and assassinated him in the castle. This is really turning out to our advantage.


    Raviara sneered.


    It is a war-torn world. Raviara is not just a gentle woman.


    "To tell you the truth, I thought so too. Now she''ll really die of illness.


    If you kill the lord, you will not be accused of usurpation. But if he announces himself sick, we will only have to see to it.


    "It must be hard for Arsrod-sama to kill his own brother, even though he is such a ...... person. ......"


    It''s true that we''re related, but if we show too much affection, he might kill us.


    --That''s right. Brother or foe, we must defeat them. Otherwise I can''t be the High King.


    Another voice.


    Did Oda Nobunaga kill his kin too?


    --He killed his brother. But they set him up first.


    Then it''s just like this. Though I don''t think Geisel would''ve given up his title so easily.


    "No problem, Raviara. My sister Altia is the only relative I have left."


    "I understand, Raviara will do her best to help you, Mr. Arsrod.


    Raviara shows her determination.


    Our eyes suddenly met.


    Involuntarily, I reached out my hand to Laviala''s face.


    "Mr. Arsrod, ......"


    Laviala looks embarrassed.


    "You know, ...... I''m going to be a lord of Nevre. I''m sorry, but I don''t think I can put Laviala in the position of a legitimate wife. But ...... I''m going to be the one to ...... you."


    When I saved Raviara at the fort, it became clear to me.


    I thought Raviara was mine and I wanted to make her more mine.


    "I am sure that Laviala was destined to serve Master Arsrod from the time she was born. So it must have been her destiny to become like this. Besides, this life was saved once by Arsrod."


    That day, I made love to Raviara for the first time.


    Raviara, my nanny, was my sister, my childhood friend, my vassal, my comrade-in-arms, but now she was also my lover.


    I was thankful that the enemy had a plan to lure us out. We don''t have to be so nervous about the defense of the house.


    I was glad that the enemy had a plan to lure us out.


    Soon, we received official word from Castle Nayvle that Geisel was ill.


    I politely sent an emissary to inform them of his illness, but never went to see him myself.


    Rather, I focused on those vassals who had kept their distance from Geisel, and tried to draw them to us.


    It is safe to say that I had already surpassed Geisel in terms of military power. Geisel''s army was, after all, only a collection of his vassals. Some of those vassals are on our side. Moreover, there are fierce fighters such as Sivik, who is known for his strength.


    Finally, he received word that his illness was not getting better and that he was close to critical condition, so he wanted to relinquish his position as lord. He wants me to come to the castle.


    Of course, they will summon me and kill me.


    The time has come.


    I visited Castle Nayvle with a force of 500 men, including some from Sivik''s army.


    I could see at once that they were confused. It would be difficult to carry out the operation with so many men.


    Geisel''s men were puzzled. I never said anything about going to the castle with soldiers!


    "Baron, what is the meaning of these soldiers? ......"


    "It''s too shameful to succeed your brother as lord with so few companions. It would be a disgrace to your brother''s face. I have brought a small army with me to make myself presentable.


    "But, but ......"


    Then Raviara stepped forward. Raviara is with me today. I didn''t want to put her in too much danger, but she insisted on coming.


    "Take a good look. All the soldiers are dressed up. They are not soldiers for war, but to give the baron authority.


    "Wow, okay. ....... But these soldiers are outside the moat ......."


    No, these men are the Baron''s attendants. They will wait for you in front of the castle, across the moat.


    Raviara insisted, and the other party relented. The 500 soldiers stopped right in front of the castle building.


    I surrounded myself with men of valor and advanced into the castle.


    Maybe they will give up now that they can''t go through with it, but either way, it is enough to let them inherit control of the Nevre territory.


    We have already informed the various regions that my brother is in critical condition. We only told them because they told us so.


    If he will give up his lordship because of his illness, I may at least spare his life by calling him retired. But it all depends on what happens from now on.


    What do you say, Geisel?


    We''ve already taken your castle.


    The only way you can survive is to give up your position as sick and go off to rest.