Chapter 392: The Choice of Black Python Castle

Wolftooth Hold.

"Father, what does this order from the Marquis mean?"

Galliel asked, utterly perplexed, "Are we about to go to war with someone again?"

Torul was uneasy.

At the annual feast, all had believed the Polant Bandits eradicated, the Black Gold Brotherhood retreated to the border, this year would be peaceful—until Wushan Castle sent a letter ordering Torul to prepare his knights.

But the key issue was the letter named no enemy, hinted at no clues, leaving one with the sense of imminent war yet utter confusion.

Most surprising to Torul was that the letter bore no signature of Vigins, but the Marquis's own hand.

This alone confirmed the preparations were extraordinary.

"I'll go to Wushan Castle myself. If the Marquis wrote it himself, he values this greatly."

Torul folded the letter. "Stay here to oversee spring sowing. I'll send for you if war looms."

"Yes, Father."

In truth, not just Torul received the summons; captains of other knightly orders had too, all sharing the same confusion.

No secret stays buried forever, and since Rulans hadn't called it covert, the major knightly orders' movements drew noble attention across Wushan Domain.

Wushan Castle's eight knightly orders mobilized, yet these vassals received no summons. Strange—was the Marquis planning to win alone?

"Could it be against Black Serpent City?" Marven mused.

But he crushed the thought.

Though he despised Orson, Wushan and Black Serpent were bound by marriage. Dianyi lived well in the castle, even summoned by Ronin for aid.

In such circumstances, sudden war was impossible.

"Could it be to uproot the Black Gold Brotherhood from Black Pine Mountain?"

Marven pondered another possibility.

"No, I must ask the old man. Why aren't we being called to war now?"

The last battle against the Polant Bandits brought tangible gains to many.

Torul, Philip, and Solstan became barons with lands, stirring envy.

Another war might yield further rewards.

...

Black Serpent City.

Barrington clutched the letter, icy gaze fixed on the Wushan Town courier. Had his stare killed, the man would have died countless times.

Reason prevailed.

"Wait here. I'll consult the Count and return with an answer."

The courier's brow slick with sweat; he'd written his will before setting out.

"As you wish, sir!"

Barrington snorted, turned, strode from the hall to the courtyard.

In Black Serpent Castle stood Orson, Black Wound, and the so-called Divine Messenger, Mephistopheles.

"You two are Meteor Knights, yet failed against a Grand Arcanist!"

Mephistopheles' voice brimmed with fury. "You've utterly disappointed me!"

His plan had been to nurture Moonlight Valley and Black Serpent City as bases, yet Black Serpent risked exposure so soon.

The escaped Miloslav remained unfound, likely beyond recovery.

"My lord, though we erred, Miloslav was no fool. We never anticipated his Earthwalking."

Orson defended himself, his arrogance toward Rulans gone; before Mephistopheles, he was merely a follower, even a servant.

Black Wound said nothing. His mistake was trusting Orson's lies, believing he could take Miloslav alone, thus hesitating to act.

"Enough. I tire of excuses. When Miloslav reports this to Wushan Castle, think on how to face the coming war."

Just then, Barrington entered, knocking.

"Divine Messenger, Father, Marquis Melornica has sent orders."

He handed the letter to Orson. "Let me go to Wushan Castle in your stead."

Everyone froze. They'd just discussed the impending war, and now Wushan Castle's letter arrived.

"Has Miloslav returned to Wushan Town? Or gone straight to Wushan Castle?"

Orson took the letter and read.

Barrington speculated, "Miloslav is wounded; he hasn't reached Wushan Town. The letter only mentions Rulans' concern over the battle at Black Serpent Castle, seeking details."

Orson skimmed it, then respectfully passed it to Mephistopheles.

"Knowing Rulans, even if Miloslav hasn't returned, the old fox has pieced together something."

He sneered. "He dares not fight us, yet must answer Miloslav. So he'll lure you there, imprison you, force us to explain!"

Rulans didn't seek open conflict with Black Serpent City; such a war would be disastrous for the dying Wushan Castle.

If this way satisfied Miloslav, it would be convenient.

Mephistopheles read the letter, fell silent, then finally spoke:

"Barrington, tell the courier to relay to Rulans that Black Serpent City is swamped with affairs. I'll set out for Wushan Castle in May, after next month's tasks."

"You're really going?"

Though Barrington couldn't defy Mephistopheles, Wushan Castle held great uncertainty—perhaps death. He didn't want to go.

Mephistopheles smiled. "Of course not. Only to buy time."

He turned to Orson. "Since Rulans is near death, let's plunge Wushan Domain into chaos. You have Black Gold Brotherhood contacts? Tell them to prepare—the perfect chance to invade has come."

Orson's lips curled. "As you command, Divine Messenger!"

He had been a vassal of Wushan Domain, but that was in the past.

Now, he was Mephistopheles' claw, his servant.

Once, noble order restrained him from open rebellion. Now, freed from such bonds, nothing was beyond him.

Moreover, this wasn't a path to death.

If Veria Duchy offered covert support, perhaps Wushan Castle would fall while Black Serpent City endured.

Watching Orson and Barrington depart, Black Wound asked, "My lord, should the Moonlight Valley coordinate?"

Mephistopheles pondered briefly.

Hesus' agents in the coastal city had mostly been purged. To make a big move, Moonlight Valley would have to act openly.

But that would expose Hesus without doubt.

The Moonlight Valley was "hatching" beautifully. He didn't want to expose it so soon.

Let Black Python City spearhead the advance; Moonlight Valley need not intervene just yet.

Mephistopheles narrowed his eyes, a schemer's cunning flickering within them.

Luran, they say, was formidable in his youth. If we could draw him to our side amid this chaos, then losing Osun and Black Python City would be of little consequence.

Within him, Black Python City and Osun's faction held some worth, yet it was negligible. (End of Chapter)