Chapter 96: An Uncontrollable, Changing Era (3)

Is that so…
The one who attacked my grandfather was a legendary archer…
An archer named Lelarkin…
“Is this your first time in Alikok, sir? I’m sorry, my name is Scott, Scott O’Gil!”
“Karl Lelarkin!”
It’s that guy… the one I met at the city gate!
Unforgivable…
Damn it!
The blizzard that nearly swept across the entire Galk region lasted for three days, with the situation only slightly easing on the fourth day. Yet, it seemed the bad news wasn’t going to end so easily.
Galk’s military pay was stolen, and its lord, the count, was assassinated. Although they stayed indoors, the people of Galk still learned of these two events—both of which were undoubtedly disastrous for them.
Galk’s military pay wasn’t just for the army; in other words, it was the empire’s material support for the region. After all, this was the empire’s northeastern border, with harsh climates and land, as well as volatile relations with the northern barbarians. As a result, the economic situation in Galk was not optimistic. Neither the army nor the local residents could survive without the empire’s aid.
More troubling than the stolen military weapons were the food shortages that plagued the people of Galk.
And even more shocking than the food shortage was the assassination of Lord Efray O’Gil—a news as devastating as a thunderclap. Without this veteran knight who had defended the northeastern front for decades, it was hard to imagine how the people of Galk could manage their relations with the northern barbarians. The barbarians were better fighters, more fierce, and even more deprived of food…
“Ah,” Allen scratched his head, sitting at the long table in the hall with a bottle of milk in hand, and said carelessly, “In the end, that guy Sos still hasn’t returned… Tch! That bastard makes me so jealous…”
“Allen!” Lisa reproached him, nodding in Richter’s direction, then added reluctantly, “I think maybe Sos and the others just want to wait until the blizzard completely stops before returning… It would be safer that way…”
“Yeah, yeah…” Yawning, Allen gulped down the milk from the bottle.

“Don’t bother with that guy! Didn’t I say it? It’s best if he never comes back!” With a grim expression, Lavia snapped before snorting coldly and changing the subject. “Instead of that, what about Scott? Have you seen him?”
“That guy is equally troublesome,” Allen said with a yawn, smiling faintly but meaningfully. “Yesterday, while wandering around the castle, I overheard Scott talking to Mr. Black… It seems the one who attacked the count was some archer named Lelarkin…”
“And so what?” Leryla asked, worried, sitting next to Lavia.
“Not much, just… Before we went to Alton, didn’t we see that guy? At the city gate, carrying a huge bow—some really strange-looking guy…”
“Huh?” Lisa exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise. “Is… is it that person?”
“It can’t be anyone else. Otherwise, Scott wouldn’t feel such guilt,” Allen said, pausing as he prodded his food with a fork. “Scott must be regretting it now, having to politely say things like, ‘You’ll surely like this city, sir,’ to someone who hurt his grandfather…”
“How…?” Leryla said in shock. “So he… Scott…”
Glancing at Leryla, Allen replied calmly, “I advise you not to do anything—I went to see that guy last night. Wow, he was completely consumed by anger and hatred. It’s hard to believe it’s the same calm Scott I remember…”
“How could this happen…” murmuring, Leryla stood up and frowned at Allen. “Why can you stay so calm, Allen? Isn’t Scott your best friend? Why don’t you go…”
“Talk to him?” Allen interrupted, putting down his fork. “Don’t be ridiculous! It’s precisely because he’s my best friend that I can’t go now—You didn’t see his eyes back then. I simply can’t imagine that being the Scott I remember… Tch! Why are everyone such troublemakers?” With that, he stood up and headed toward the hall stairs, scratching his head. “I’m going to my room to rest. Lisa, no need to call me for lunch…”

“Oh!” Lisa replied blankly, letting out a soft sigh. “As expected, Allen really cares. Thors, Scott—my best friends from before now seem to be growing more and more distant…”
“Clang!” Ravia put down her fork and knife, stood up, and frowned. “I feel a bit tired too. I’m going back to my room to rest.”
Watching Ravia leave with a blank expression, Lisa rested her hand on her cheek and sighed deeply, filled with regret. “Aivi really cares too… I thought coming to Galic would be an interesting journey, but I never expected…” Suddenly, she noticed Lelira leaving the table as well and asked curiously, “Are you going back to your room too?”
“Mm, Lisa…”
Watching Lelira walk away, Lisa tilted her head and murmured, “Your room isn’t in that direction. Sigh… everyone has become so gloomy…”
Meanwhile, Scott lay on his bed in his room, staring blankly at the ceiling. On the other side of the bed, the knight puppet Knight stood motionless, expressionless.
Grandfather…
“Mr. Black, why? Why are you stopping me?”
“I’m very sorry, Your Highness. It was the old master’s orders. These past few days… he wants to handle military affairs in peace, without being disturbed by anyone or anything, not even… not even Your Highness!”
“What? Has the poison in Grandfather’s body worsened? Tell me, Black!”
“I’m very sorry…”
“Black!”
“Your Highness, I hope you can understand. The old master doesn’t want to leave you only pain and unpleasant memories in his final moments. Believe me, Your Highness…”
“Is it serious? Right? A poison that even the dean and the church priests can’t eliminate… It’s serious, isn’t it? Move aside, Black!”
“I’m very sorry, Your Highness. The old master ordered that no one is allowed to enter this room!”
“Damn it!”
“Also, the old master asked me to tell you to learn to forgive…”
“…”
Forgive… to tolerate others, to tolerate oneself, even towards vices and sins?
I still can’t do it after all…
As anger built up, Scott’s gaze grew increasingly cold.
“Knock, knock, knock!” At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
Glancing at Scott lying on the bed, Knight hesitated for a moment before turning toward the door.

“Knight…” It was Lelira standing outside. She glanced hesitantly into the dim room and asked softly, “Is Scott here?”
Knight nodded and stepped aside to make way.
Swallowing nervously, Lelira carefully entered the room. After observing it for a while, she finally spotted Scott lying on the bed and said softly, “Scott, are you… are you okay?”
Lelira’s voice broke the silence in the room, seemingly waking Scott from his painful memories. He glanced at her and said in a strange tone, “It’s you. What do you want?”
“I…” Surprised by Scott’s tone, Lelira was at a loss for words. “I was just worried about you, that’s all…”
“Overbearing!” Scott cut her off coldly. “I’m fine, so stop doing unnecessary things!” He then glanced at Knight and frowned, “And you, Knight. I told you, I want to rest alone without being disturbed by anyone!”
Knight slightly lowered his head, then stretched out his hand to Lelira, gesturing for her to leave with a hint of apology.
“Scott…”
“Go out!” Staring at the ceiling, Scott said coldly, “Go out, Lelira. I’m not as fragile as you think, so stop doing unnecessary things!”
“…” Gazing deeply at Scott, Lelira opened her mouth but then let out a silent sigh before turning and leaving the room.
As expected, Allen was right. There’s no use saying anything now…
Lelira bit her lip slightly. As she passed by the stairs, she suddenly saw the door to the hall downstairs open. A man dressed in black noble attire was coming up to the second floor, guided by Old Black.
Huh? Who is this man? Why does Mr. Black seem to respect him so much…
“Wow?” Seeming to have noticed Lelira, the man smiled slightly, with a mix of politeness and teasing, and said mockingly, “What a surprise! What a lovely and pretty young lady! Hey, are you the old man’s illegitimate daughter?”
“You’re too rude,” Old Black said with a helpless sigh, looking at Lelira and whispering, “This young lady is one of the guests of the young count who came to the castle, Lord Yvonne!”
“Oh?” The man showed interest, examining Lelira with a teasing tone. “Well, I really didn’t expect that. I thought only boys would be in that kid’s circle…”

“It’s not the time for this now,” sighed Old Black helplessly, reaching out and lowering his voice. “There’s not much time left, Lord Eion!”
“Is that so…” The man smiled faintly, casually brushing dust off his clothes before saying mockingly, “That makes sense. If that’s the case, why would the old man even want to see me? To meet a guy whose O’Gill surname was taken away ages ago… Heh!”
“Lord Eion, our master…”
“Enough,” the man interrupted Old Black, speaking calmly. “I’ve had enough of your old man’s nonsense… Isn’t there any time left?”
“Ah, yes! Please!” With that, Old Black led the man to the room at the end of the right side on the second floor—the room of the old count.
Lerilla watched in surprise as Old Black and the man named Eion entered the old count’s room.
This man…
He looks like Scott…
Could it be…
“Is it Eion?”
Just as Old Black led the man into the room, an old, weak voice came from the direction of the bed—unimaginably the voice of the usually energetic old count.
With a slight laugh, the man named Eion sat down on the sofa and said mockingly, “Well, old man, you’re still alive? That’s a surprise…”
“Hmph!” The old count snorted coldly, managing to get out of bed with Old Black’s help. Clad in a robe, he walked over to the sofa and sat down across from Eion, narrowing his eyes as he said in a deep voice, “Still that annoying attitude of yours, you brat!”
“Wow, not only are you still alive, but you seem in good spirits too. What a surprise…” Eion glanced at the thick bandages wrapped around the old count’s body and the foul smell emanating from them, frowning slightly before saying in a low voice, “Are it the Jacsonbu?”
Seemingly understanding, the old count shook his head and gave a slight nod to Old Black beside him. Understanding, Old Black quietly left and closed the door.

“It’s a demon god, a demon god named Lelajin!” With a bitter smile, the old count spoke to himself mockingly. “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? I never expected to be attacked by a figure from legend. It’s absurd, unbelievable—but if it’s spoken by the great mage Gret Kaines himself… the credibility of a great mage forces me to believe it. Still, this explains why Lord Casimir Sakison of Brownhill and Lord Jonny Adolphus of Jacobsenburg were killed so easily. An ordinary human couldn’t assassinate a local lord silently… This rebellion isn’t simple!” Saying this, the old count raised his head and looked at Yvonne, saying calmly, “From your expression, it seems you’ve learned something. Tell me—being from the Imperial Military Intelligence Department, you must have some information, right?”
“That’s true!” With a slight smile, Yvonne stood up, glanced around, then walked straight to a cabinet in the corner of the room. She took out a bottle of red wine from the glass cabinet, poured herself a glass, and then turned to the old count with a playful tone, “Would you like some? Such fine wine is a shame to just leave it as decoration…”
“Don’t go too far, boy!” the old count snapped angrily, though his eyes showed a hint of helplessness.
“Alright, alright,” Yvonne said softly as she sat back down on the sofa with her glass of wine. “Argus BartClanfield is a dangerous individual the Intelligence Department has been investigating. He has no registration, no identity verification—no one knows where he came from. But I’m sure these recent incidents are connected to him…”
“Argus BartClanfieldeld?” The old count frowned slightly. “That great mage Gret Kaines also mentioned this man, saying that the demon god who attacked me was one of his followers…”
“It seems my guess is correct!” With a smile, Yvonne took a sip of her wine before saying seriously, “The Church also mentioned this man when submitting entry documents to the Empire a year ago. Our Intelligence Department has also investigated this guy named Argus, but the results were unsatisfactory—everything about him is blank…”
His eyebrows twitched as the old count said gravely, “Is the Intelligence Department sure it’s him? The instigator of this rebellion?”

“Of course… not!” Under the old count’s angry gaze, Yvonne smirked, then gently shook her wine glass while smiling and saying, “But this guy is indeed suspicious. The only information about him in the documents submitted to the Holy See is that he killed a pope candidate. Heh, what a bold and fearless man—really crazy… Then he fled to the Empire, and it seems he even entered the imperial capital along the way, staying there for a few days…”
“Sassen?” The old count frowned in confusion. “Weren’t he being pursued by Father Andrew, one of the twelve cardinals of the Holy See? How does he still have the leisure to wander around?”
“Huh? So you already know?” Yvonne glanced at the old count in surprise, shrugged, and said casually, “Well, who knows? Crazy people’s thoughts are always hard to predict. At that time, the intelligence department hadn’t paid attention to him, so they certainly didn’t know what he had done in Sassen. Maybe he was temporarily hiding from the Holy See’s pursuit, or something else. The intelligence department really started paying attention to him after the Jacosenbu rebellion. It was said that someone saw him there. As you know, that guy is quite strong. If he could escape from the twelve cardinals of the Holy See, his strength is roughly on par with that of a grand mage. It’s only natural that such a person would be highly suspicious when he appeared in that area during the Jacosenbu rebellion. But during the Brownhill rebellion, no one saw him—only a suspicious archer carrying a giant bow. If that archer was his subordinate, then it makes sense… Regarding that archer, the intelligence department also found legends about the demon god in the Royal Library. It states, ‘Lerajin is the mischievous archer who brings war wherever he goes; war is inevitable wherever he appears.’ It’s a bit ridiculous, but we have to believe that the legendary demon god was awakened in some unknown way!”
“What does he want? That man…” The old count sighed slightly and frowned. “He started rebellions in both Jacosenbu and Brownhill, and now Galic too. What’s the benefit for him?”
“Revenge!” Yvonne glanced at the old count and said solemnly, “Revenge on the Empire!”
“Revenge?” The old count instinctively raised his head in shock. “Why do you say that?”

“It’s simple—just look at that guy’s name,” Yvonne said calmly after taking a sip of red wine. “Argus BartClanfield—it’s obviously a fake name… Anyway, ‘Clanfield’ as a surname is too strange. No one in the Empire uses it, let alone commoners. Among the nobility, they only use the second part, ‘Field’. So I guess it’s actually a combination of two names—uh,Clan·Field… If it’s ‘Field’, as a surname, it’s used by quite a few lower and middle-ranking nobles in the southeast of the Empire, like Karims, Dicchio, and so on. It’s complicated to find, but some clues should be available. If it’s his real name, it seems too stupid. So it must be someone important to him—probably a woman, haha…”
“Focus!” The old count slammed his hand on the armrest of the sofa in anger.
“Whoa, still so energetic even at this point?” Looking at the old count’s angry gaze, Yvonne shook her head and shrugged helplessly. “Alright, alright… As for ‘Bart’ in the middle, if it’s his original surname, it’s also strange. If it’s ‘Buffett’, some people in certain regions do use that surname. But I think it represents a demon—in the Moulton region, ‘Bart’ means a demon in the darkness. As for ‘Agus’, in the dialect of the Gillian region, it means avenger. So put together, it means an avenger who turns to a demon for power. I think it’s for a woman namedClan·Field, haha… What an interesting guy!”
“Hmph, stop talking nonsense!” The old count frowned, his gaze turning sharp after a moment of confusion. He said in a deep voice, “Does he really think he can challenge the entire Empire with just his own strength? That’s stupid!”
“Actually, he’s done it, hasn’t he?” Glancing at the old count, Yvonne casually swirled her wine glass and said mockingly, “According to investigations, this guy is at most thirty years old. More precisely, between twenty-five and thirty. Well, I think it’s around twenty-seven…”
Glaring at Yvonne, the old count said in a deep voice, “Stop dwelling on such trivial matters. Get to the point!”

“Alright, alright,” Yvonne said with a smile and a shrug, casually, “It’s just my personal opinion; there’s no evidence… Argus—there’s nothing in the empire’s records about him at all. That means he doesn’t belong to any political faction. So politically, he can be ruled out. In other words, he simply wants to plunge the empire into chaos, war, and disaster. He probably wants to destroy this country—this dark and corrupt dynasty that has ruled for nearly five hundred years…”
“Shut up!” The old count glared fiercely at Yvonne, took a deep breath, and snorted coldly. “Trying to overthrow this country all by yourself? Dragging innocent Gallics into disaster just because of your hatred…”
“Hey, Jacosenbu and Brownhill are also innocent, right?”
“Hmph! I know. You don’t need to remind me,” he snapped, barely suppressing his anger. “With such a vast empire, they can’t even stop that madman. What about the Royal Knights? The Royal Magi?”
“Hey, we can’t possibly deploy the Royal Knights just for one person, can we?” Yvonne smiled slightly before whispering, “Besides, someone with the power of a grand mage isn’t something the Royal Knights can handle. As for the Royal Magi, after Grand Mage Hastings left, a series of problems arose within their ranks. That JerryBelfort seems busy using the situation to strengthen his own power, promoting many magi from local areas, while those from the Heliriox faction have been gradually transferred to remote regions…”
“JerryBelfort dares to do such a thing? Though I’ve always disliked magi, I know that the magi of Heliriox have been the backbone of this country since its early days. How can His Majesty the King turn a blind eye to this?”

With a mocking smile, Yvonne said calmly, “Even the wisest king is just a human being; one day, they will all die… His Majesty is old now, no longer possessing the courage to declare war on Salonia as he once did. He is now just an ordinary old man who hopes to pave the way for his brave son during his lifetime. He certainly doesn’t want to cause any more trouble, right? That’s what those nobles are thinking too… The succession to the throne—tsk tsk, it’s the biggest gamble in the world. Those who side with the right faction can gain power and status for decades, while those who choose the wrong side can only drink bitter poison in the dark corners…”

“The throne?” The old count looked at Yvonne in confusion and said in astonishment, “The throne surely belongs to Prince Theo, right?”

“Hehe,” Yvonne smiled slightly, shook her head, and said mockingly, “I told you it’s a gamble. If there’s only one candidate, then there’s no change at all—those in power remain in power, and those below remain below… With the transfer of the throne, there are always those driven by greed. If they want to change their situation, they certainly can’t make the same choice as others. After all, His Majesty has three sons. Compared to his brave elder brother, the other two may not be very capable, but they are still members of the royal family. So, in this game of gambling, everyone is risking their own future!”

“In other words…” The old count sighed deeply and said regretfully, “If this rebellion isn’t quelled soon, His Majesty will recall the Royal Knights, right?”

“Ah!” Yvonne nodded and said mockingly, “Sassen is the pinnacle of imperial power. It’s crucial that power is distributed among various regions. As for other places, it’s fine to send the Royal Knights to subdue them after the throne is settled. That old man must be thinking that way!”

“That’s why there’s no aid for Galk’s troops, the rebels in Jacosenb, Brownhill, or the Thelanders who stole Galk’s funds…”

“With no help at such a critical moment! No matter how much that old man cares about Galk as a barrier in the northeast, he probably doesn’t have the time or energy to raise more funds, especially in such a short period…” Yvonne paused and asked softly, “How much longer can Galk’s supplies hold out?”

The old count shook his head gloomily and sighed, “This supply was supposed to have arrived half a year ago… Now, Galleck’s supplies will probably only last about a month. The residents are in relatively better condition and should be able to hold out for three months; at most, half a year. But the army…” As he spoke, the old count raised his head, looked deeply at Yvonne, and said in a grave voice, “You received my letter, didn’t you?”
“I completely missed it—by then I had already set off!” Yvonne said, the playful smile on her face fading as she spoke seriously, “But I can guess what was in the letter!”
“Is that so?” The old count smiled calmly, then looked straight at Yvonne, shook his head, and sighed, “I’m really worried… entrusting Galleck’s fate to you…”
“Hey, that’s too hurtful!”
“Hehe!” Smiling at Yvonne, the old count said with an inexplicable sense of regret, “Though I’m truly uneasy about leaving Galleck in your hands, it seems there’s no other choice… The formal appointment can be handled later. Don’t disgrace the glorious history of the O’Gil family, Yvonne!”
“Hey, old man, you cut ties with me ten years ago, didn’t you? And you even took away my surname…”
“Yes!” The old count said cheerfully, smiling at Yvonne, “Then I’ll return your surname for now, along with the responsibilities and duties of the O’Gil family and Galleck… Yvonne O’Gil!”
“Wow, really irresponsible!” With a teasing smile, Yvonne suddenly lost her smile, knelt down in front of the old count, lowered her head, and said in a grave voice, “Trust everything to me, Father!”
“Ah!” The old count nodded slightly, reached out to pat his son’s shoulder, and said with a hint of regret, “The O’Gil family, Galleck… and Scott—are all in your hands. I hope you can do better than I did!”
“I will, Father!” Yvonne said earnestly, head bowed.
“Hmm! Well then…” The old count took a deep sigh, then suddenly shouted loudly, “You can get out now—I don’t want to see you witness the final humiliation!”
“Hey! I’ve seen enough already!” Yvonne raised her head, smiled slightly, then stood up and walked toward the door as if nothing had happened. As he walked, he suddenly stopped, turned to look at the old count, his eyes showing hidden sorrow, and said softly, “Should I call Scott over?”

The old count was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and said slowly with a sigh, “I don’t want you to see me, let alone Scott… This is my last dignity as a knight, as the lord of Galleck, as your father, and as Scott’s grandfather… Get lost!” the old count snapped angrily.
“Tsk! What an dishonest old man!” With a mocking smile, Yvonne opened the door and said in a strange tone, “Well… goodbye, Father!”
“Hmph! If it weren’t for Galleck, for my grandson, I wouldn’t want to deal with you, you worthless son! Go away!” The old count ordered in a deep voice, unable to hide the strong affection in his tone.
“Bang!” The door closed.