Chapter 243: A Talk With Zephir

The Grand Duke’s Estate was visible from quite a distance away, both because of its grandeur and its position within the city.

The West’s capital was built on a landscape that sloped upward, and at the very peak of the slope was a mansion made completely of white stone.

They had transparent crystals lined on the very top of the spire, which let sunlight pass through.

It truly was a beautiful sight, almost as beautiful as the ocean behind them.

The houses that led up to the estate were also quite different from those in the North, East or even the capital.

Instead of being built to resist snow or with black stones, these were made with white stones that could easily adapt to any season they faced.

Renelle calmly glanced at them as the carriage continued up the slope.

Since they didn’t know how long they’d be in the West for, they decided to let the car return to the capital.

"It feels... peaceful," she remarked, and Adrian simply nodded in agreement.

After all the eventful... incidents these past few months, this felt quite peaceful.

Before long, the carriage reached the final stretch of road leading to the estate.

The imposing white gates were already open, with rows of guards standing at attention on either side.

Rather than the heavy steel armor favored by most guards, the guards of the West wore elegant white-and-gold uniforms embroidered with intricate patterns resembling leaves and branches.

The moment the carriage passed through the gates, every guard simultaneously saluted.

"Welcome home, Lady Linda."

Linda offered a small nod in return before glancing toward the pair seated opposite her.

"They’ve already been informed of your arrival."

"We assumed as much," Renelle answered, seeing the reception they received.

The carriage continued deeper into the estate, passing beautifully maintained gardens where flowers of countless colors bloomed side by side despite the autumn season.

The sheer amount of mana in this place would make one think that it was Avera’s favorite spot.

The carriage eventually came to a smooth halt before the grand entrance, where a line of servants had already gathered outside.

Standing at their head was an elderly man with neatly combed silver hair and a perfectly pressed suit.

He gave a graceful bow the moment the carriage door opened.

"Welcome, Lady Renelle," his calm gaze then moved toward Adrian before he added, "and her butler."

"The Grand Duke is waiting for you both in the reception hall."

Adrian gave a polite nod before helping Renelle out of the carriage.

Together, with Linda leading the way, they stepped toward the entrance of the Western Duke’s estate, where its master was already expecting them.

***

The trio found themselves in the Grand Duke’s office, with the man looking at them with a small smile on his face.

"Welcome to the West," Zephir Sylvaris finally spoke up, "I apologize for the lack of reception."

"We were the ones at fault, Grand Duke," Renelle politely said, "since we came to your land without prior notice."

Adrian silently stood behind her chair, looking towards the two.

Since his goal was to have Renelle be Avera’s ruler in the future, it would be inappropriate for everyone to see her as an equal to her butler.

Hence, the reason she was going to lead this talk with the Grand Duke, rather than him.

"Speaking of which," Zephir leaned back, his green eyes narrowing quite a bit as he looked at Renelle, "what brings you to the West?"

"A dungeon," Renelle calmly responded, "my butler and I are looking for a specific dungeon."

"Is that so?" The Grand Duke asked, "Would you mind me asking what’s within said dungeon?"

"We’re uncertain," Renelle replied with honesty.

Zephir frowned at that answer, but from the expression on the faces of the two, it didn’t seem like this was a careless decision.

"May I offer any assistance?" He asked.

If there was a time to get into her good books, now was a time as good as any.

After returning from the festival, the Grand Duke became even more convinced that the balance of power in Avera was about to shift.

The rumors about Lady Renelle were spreading farther by the day, so he figured he would stand by her side now before it proved too late.

"We appreciate the offer, Grand Duke," Renelle calmly said, "but the dungeon is one my butler and I must face alone."

Besides, if the founder wanted help from any of the Grand Dukes, he would’ve probably found a way to get to them.

"Rather, I would like to make a request," She added, looking directly into the man’s eyes.

"A request?" The Grand Duke leaned forward. "What would that be?"

Renelle let out a sigh, glanced slightly at Adrian before turning back to the Grand Duke, "I’d like the West’s support."

The room went completely silent, but none seemed surprised at the request.

"To be more specific," Renelle spoke up again, "I would like to request the West’s loyalty."

"..."

The Grand Duke remained silent for a while as he looked at Renelle’s expression.

Though there was no change in his expression, it was clear that he was thinking carefully about what had just been said.

His intention was to gain the North’s trust, but this was easier than he had expected.

Still, as a man previously loyal to the crown, he couldn’t just pledge his loyalty to another... at least not unless he wanted to advertise himself as a man willing to change sides at any moment.

Which was true, but still.

"The West’s loyalty?" Zephir repeated in question before saying, "You do realize that your words are dangerously close to being misinterpreted as treason towards the crown, right, Lady Renelle?"

Even with his words, there was no change in Renelle’s expression; instead, she just said, "I believe even the Grand Duke must’ve realized it by now."

"The man you swore loyalty to is no more," she continued, "instead, he’s nothing more than a shell of his former self."

"..."

Zephir remained silent as he listened to her; of course, he had noticed that the king was a bit off during the festival...that is, until the attack.

But after that, he defaulted back to seeming like someone’s puppet.

"And you know who’s responsible," Zephir said.

"We have our suspicions," Renelle answered calmly, "but even if we do, we still don’t know the method they’re using to puppet him."

"Meanwhile, as you’ve seen during the festival," she continued, "our enemies are only growing stronger as more time passes."

"What you’re saying is," Zephir leaned forward again.

"Avera needs a proper hand to lead it," she finished his words, "and the king is currently unfit to fill that position."

The room went silent again.

"Those are some bold words, Lady Renelle," the Grand Duke was the first to break the silence.

"They are," Renelle nodded.

"And what if I reject?" Zephir asked, his eyes narrowing again.

"Then we’ll simply take our leave," she calmly responded.

"Before you do," she added, "it would be important to note that Avera is about to face a danger that is beyond anything we have ever encountered before."

Zephir quietly listened to her words, curious about where she was going with this.

"A danger even greater than the thing you faced during the cult’s attack," she added, "and without my butler, your dukedom will stand no chance against it."

"Is that a threat?"

"No," Renelle shook her head, "it’s a fact."

"In exchange for your loyalty, my butler will ensure that you and your people are strong enough to face what’s coming," she added.

"And why should I believe that something truly is coming?" Zephir asked.

"You can choose not to," Renelle answered, "but that will not change reality."

She calmly met the Grand Duke’s gaze. "But if you truly do wish to confirm my words, then you could ask the Headmistress."

Zephir leaned back in his chair, contemplating her words.

Even if their words were untrue, there was no way Headmistress Evelina would endorse their lies.

Still, even if what they claimed was coming never came to pass, it would only be a matter of time before Lady Renelle took control of Avera.

After all, after the incident during the festival, far more people had begun seeing her as Avera’s savior.

At this point, it was becoming increasingly obvious that the balance of power within the kingdom was beginning to shift.

The only question left was whether he intended to move before everyone else... or be forced to follow after someone else had already made the decision.

Zephir finally came to a choice as he looked at Renelle.

Without a word, he extended his hand over the desk, and she looked at it for a while before smiling and taking it.

"I’ll be in your care, Lady Renelle."