The morning sun barely peeked through the heavy curtains of the Ravengard estate, casting long shadows across the cold stone floors. A faint scent of ink and old parchment lingered in the air, mixing with the distant aroma of damp earth after last night's rain. The duchy had grown eerily quiet in recent years—its once-thriving heart weighed down by the collapse of its mines and the tightening grip of external forces.
In the heart of the estate, within a dimly lit study, the Duke of Ravengard sat surrounded by scattered documents. The candlelight flickered, its glow casting sharp angles across his face as he reviewed reports of dwindling resources. His fingers tapped idly against the desk, his mind weaving through strategies.
A sharp knock broke the silence before Anton stepped inside. "Brother, sorry for disturbing you, but I need to ask you something."
Kaisel, his eyes still on the papers, responded without looking up. "What is it?"
Anton hesitated before sighing. "We need more funds. The treasury is running low. We can't even raise taxes with the current state of the duchy. We need a reliable source of income."
Kaisel finally lifted his gaze, sharp and calculating. "What do you say about reopening the mines?"
Anton's expression darkened. "The mines?" He frowned. "Brother, they've been shut for three years. Have you forgotten how many people died when they collapsed? The rain and soil erosion made them unstable—it was a disaster."
Kaisel remained composed. "And what if we use magical artifacts to reinforce them?"
Anton scoffed. "You make it sound easy. We don't have the funds to hire mages, let alone pay for reinforcement spells or formations. And even if we could, the mines need to be cleared first. That's a massive undertaking. Do you think the vassals will agree?"
Kaisel leaned back slightly, fingers tapping against the desk. "Leave that to me."
Anton opened his mouth to protest but stopped when he saw the cold certainty in Kaisel's eyes. He sighed in defeat. "Fine… I'll be taking my leave, then."
As Anton left, Kaisel's gaze fell back to the documents.
*The Ravengard Mines—the heart of our wealth. Until they collapsed in that so-called 'accident.'*
Kaisel narrowed his eyes. He had no doubt that their enemies were behind it. And if that was true… then reopening the mines wasn't just about wealth. It was about drawing them out.
The golden sunlight bathed the rolling hills of the Luthbrecht Dukedom, where knights patrolled the streets in greater numbers than those in Ravengard. Along the castle walls and city gates, banners of deep crimson and black swayed in the breeze, each bearing the **Crest of Luthbrecht**—a fierce serpent of molten orange and red, coiled within a wreath of fire, its ember-like eyes burning with silent menace. The sigil, a symbol of dominance and arcane mastery, loomed over the streets as a constant reminder of the Duke's authority. Within the grand estate of Duke Luthbrecht, behind thick wooden doors, a dimly lit meeting hall housed a long table where three men sat.
Count Camelot adjusted his gold-rimmed spectacles as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping idly against the wooden surface. His blonde beard was neatly trimmed, and his emerald-green noble attire shimmered under the candlelight.
Beside him, Count Delphine toyed with a jeweled ring, his pink curls bouncing as he chuckled. His rotund frame barely fit within his deep purple robes, his large, curly mustache twitching with every breath.
Across from them sat a man in black robes, his tanned face lined with scars. He looked about forty, his wary eyes darting between the two noblemen.
"The plan is in motion," Count Camelot said smoothly. "It's only a matter of time before the magic stones are smuggled in."
Delphine smirked. "The Imperial Government is too preoccupied with the chaos in the slums. The drug has begun spreading to lesser nobles, keeping them distracted. It's the perfect time to move the goods, Ferno."
Ferno nodded. "I'll make the transfer in three days. The knights won't suspect a thing."
But then, hesitation flickered across his face. "That said… I can't help but feel there are too many unnecessary deaths happening—"
The air grew heavy.
Ferno's body stiffened as an invisible force crushed his chest. His breath came out in ragged gasps, his limbs trembling under the unbearable weight. His vision blurred as the suffocating pressure threatened to snap his very bones.
A slow, deliberate sound echoed from the end of the table—*tap… tap… tap…*—as Duke Luthbrecht's fingers rhythmically drummed against the polished wood, each tap carrying an unspoken weight of authority and menace.
Duke Luthbrecht sat in an ornate chair, clad in flowing crimson robes. His fiery orange hair cascaded past his shoulders, framing a face as sharp as a blade. His molten eyes burned with an eerie glow, and a faint scar ran beneath his left eye.
"You speak of unnecessary deaths?" His voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of a crushing mountain. "The worthless lives of commoners… the low-blooded nobles… you think they hold value?"
Ferno's hands clawed at his throat as he choked, his body writhing under the unseen force. The pressure increased, his lungs screaming for air.
"They are nothing compared to what is mine," Luthbrecht continued, his piercing gaze locking onto him. "You live because you are a useful pawn. So know your place… and obey."
The pressure vanished.
Ferno collapsed onto the table, gasping desperately. "F-forgive me, my lord… This lowly dog understands…"
Luthbrecht's gaze shifted to Camelot and Delphine. "Proceed with the plan. My stones must arrive within a week. If they don't…" He smiled, slow and cruel. "You won't have lives left to apologize with."
A cold sweat dripped down Camelot's forehead. "Y-yes, my lord! We won't fail."
Luthbrecht rose from his chair, his towering presence casting a long shadow over the table. His fiery gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before he turned and strode toward the exit. The heavy doors swung open as he passed, the guards stationed outside straightening their posture in silent obedience.
The moment he was gone, both counts let out a heavy breath.
Delphine shot a glare at Ferno. "Damn smuggler! Why would you say something like that in front of him?"
Camelot wiped his brow. "Forget it. Just hurry up and move the goods. They *must* arrive at the Luthbrecht Dukedom within the week."
Ferno swallowed hard and nodded.
The room fell into silence once more, but the lingering weight of Luthbrecht's presence remained.