“Brother, promise you’ll keep it a secret? I have someone I like.”
It was three days after the night when the stars spread in the sky that suddenly Mileia confessed. The air was damp and stuffy, most likely because it had been raining heavily since the morning. She claimed him to be her lifelong love, and seemed to have already made her eternal vow. He was surprised and wanted to ask questions. Her behaviour didn’t seem like that of a twelve-year-old. But he hand an errand that took priority first. Luciano shook his head at his sister who wanted to introduce her partner.
“I can’t do it now; I have something to do. I’ll be free in an hour, so wait in the library.”
“I see. We’re reading a book together.”
Luciano thought while seeing off his sister who obediently headed for the library. The worse of the matter, was that the other party seems to be Armenia. He was probably the envoy who gave her the sweets.
─Mileia is still a child. I think it’s temporary, but… it’s troublesome. Her partner is said to have a fiancée. In any case, it’s insane to trick a twelve-year-old girl.
He thought he wouldn’t forgive the other man. Luciano headed to his private room with his head down, and stopped the servant who was on break. “Hey, you. Head to the library now. I think there are guards, but I don’t feel like good about it. Protect Mileia on your side. Ignore my sister even if she keeps you away.”
The rain hit the window relentlessly. The storm was getting more and more intense. There was a tingling sensation in the back of his head, and he squeezed his temples with his fingers. He felt the same as the sky, as if a thick black cloud was hanging down, obscuring his capacity to concentrate. When Luciano returned to his private room, six of his men were waiting for him. None were sitting, waiting for their Lord’s instructions.
“Let’s get started,” Luciano raised his chin.
One man, Adorno, began to report, “Luciano, Frian and Leandro are not yet available.”
“I know. The two are now Rivas.” Rivas was a rocky wilderness about four hours away by horse from the castle of Serrat. In Serrat, which was said to be the land of flowers, it was the only barren land where flowers did not bloom. For some reason, he found out that Armenia’s people were coming and going to such a place. So he ordered his subordinates to investigate in detail. There were only six people here, including Frian, Leandro, and Conrad, who were allowed to enter and leave his room freely. For Luciano, they were the most reliable subordinates whom he could entrust his back to.
Luciano discussed with them. He was aware that he had a selfish side, so he was willing to take in the opinions of his subordinates. “Have you received any reports from Conrad? It shouldn’t be strange if it’s about now.”
“The pigeon came about half an hour ago. This.” The man who stood next to Adorno, Roybal spoke. He presented a small tube. Luciano received the tube, took out the paper from the cylinder, and looked at the blurred letters.
He instantly jumped up. His heart was beating fast. “What is this? The Chancellor over there does not know about the alliance between Serrat and Armenia. However, the letter must have been signed by the Chancellor.” However, Luciano was not familiar with the handwriting of Armenia’s Chancellor, Duke Urbano.
Luciano headed to the door, “I’m going to Father,” he stated. Ugo, who was by the window, suddenly raised his voice. “Luciano! Look outside!”
Luciano’s room was located in the highest tower of the castle, as he preferred high places. Therefore, the view was good, and one could see the entire premises of the castle. He ran up to the window, but the rain on the glass obstructed him and he couldn’t see the outside, so he pushed the window open, ignoring the fact that he would get wet. The wind blew and his silver hair was flowed. What he saw was a red army approaching the castle.
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