The Ravengard Dukedom stirred under the morning sun, its cool air contrasting the usual warmth of the empire. The land, surrounded by mountains and forests, rarely saw bright, clear days. The rocky terrain made farming difficult, leaving the people reliant on trade, hunting, and mining—though the mines had been closed for years.
At the duchy's training grounds, Zalthar stood with his greatsword planted into the ground, leaning on it as he watched over five young men.
Jacob, Bob, Finn, Mark, and Ferd were locked in relentless sword drills, their sweat-drenched bodies moving in unison.
"One hundred and ninety-seven…"
"One hundred and ninety-eight…"
"One hundred and ninety-nine…"
"Two… Ha… Hundred… Ha… Ha…"
Their voices wavered, their arms shaking.
Zalthar scoffed. "You're all weak. Get up and drink some water."
The five collapsed near the well, gulping down its freezing water. Bob wiped his forehead, staring at the sky.
"We look pathetic," he muttered. "I'm just glad the others are out patrolling. No one's here to witness this disgrace."
Finn gave a weak chuckle. Ferd stayed silent, while Jacob and Mark were too exhausted to respond.
Inside the Manor
In his study, Kaisel sat behind his desk, feigning interest in a book. Across from him, his younger sister, Nerrisa, sat with a parchment in hand, diligently writing.
After a while, she rushed to him excitedly. "Big brother, is this right? I wrote this!"
Kaisel glanced over it, nodding. "Hmm… It's correct. My little sister is getting smarter."
Nerrisa puffed out her chest. "Of course! This was too easy for me!"
Kaisel smirked. "Then maybe you should start something harder."
She gasped. "Huh…? W-What…?"
He chuckled. "I'm kidding. You can go play now."
She pouted, cheeks slightly red. "I'm not a kid anymore! Stop patting my head!"
With a huff, she left.
The moment the door shut, Kaisel waved his hand.
The study doors locked.
The curtains fell over the windows.
Silence.
Kaisel's expression darkened. "Come out."
A dark figure emerged from the shadows. Clad in a cloak, Sylvaine, the dark elf, stepped forward and bowed.
"My lord."
Kaisel leaned back. "What's the status of Duke Luthbrecht's plans?"
Sylvaine's amber eyes gleamed. "As expected, Count Camelot's merchant association has begun distributing the new healing potion. It has significantly more healing power than anything currently available, making it highly sought after among nobles and knights."
Kaisel tapped his fingers on the desk. "And they received this potion from Luthbrecht?"
"Yes. It was part of the reward for Camelot's cooperation in Luthbrecht's larger scheme," Sylvaine confirmed. "With its effectiveness, it ensures that no one suspects Camelot of anything illicit."
Kaisel nodded. "And the real operation?"
Sylvaine's voice turned sharper. "A stimulant drug is spreading through the slums, and soon, it will reach mercenaries and lesser nobles."
Kaisel's eyes darkened. "Effects?"
"The drug is highly addictive. It floods the user's mana circuits, granting a short-lived surge of strength, but with prolonged use, it degrades the circuits, leading to mana poisoning and, eventually, death."
Sylvaine placed two vials on Kaisel's desk. "We retrieved these during our infiltration. It's exactly as we suspected."
Kaisel picked up a vial, swirling the liquid inside. "A well-planned distraction."
Sylvaine continued, "Count Delphine has played a key role in ensuring the drug's smooth distribution. While the Imperial Knights focus on the rising crisis, the real objective is the smuggling of magic stones."
Kaisel's fingers stilled. "How much?"
"Eight tons.The shipment will be moved via train, hidden inside refined ore. With the Imperial forces investigating the drug crisis, no one will think to check the ores."
Kaisel let out a small chuckle, setting the vial down. "Efficient."
Sylvaine hesitated. "Do we act now?"
Kaisel shook his head. "Not yet."
His fingers tapped the desk rhythmically. "If we interfere, they will notice. But if we wait… they will deliver the stones right into our hands."
Sylvaine's lips curled slightly. "I see. Once they believe they've succeeded, we move in and take everything."
Kaisel smiled faintly, swirling the vial once more. "Let them believe their plan is flawless."
Sylvaine bowed. "I will make the preparations."
As she faded into the shadows, Kaisel leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded in thought. He traced a finger along the rim of the vial, watching the liquid swirl inside.
A drug wreaking havoc in the slums. Noble houses whispering in fear. Imperial Knights chasing shadows. And beneath it all, eight tons of magic stones slipping through unnoticed.
His lips curved slightly.
"Now then… let's see how long they can keep up their little illusion."
With a flick , the vial vanished , and the study doors unlocked.