19 Chapter 19: Sera Vallen's network

....

Piran Castle...

Two hours before midnight...

Only the sounds of footsteps are heard in the long hallway of the castle's main building. A bearded man with silver-white hair in a blue military tunic, armed with a crossguard long sword strapped in his waist, is walking towards the lord's chamber. Behind him is a barefooted beautiful young woman with long silky black hair in a white one-piece dress dragging on the floor behind her.

Gallahan knocked on the lord's bedroom door, "I brought her, milord". A young man's voice was heard answering from the inside, "let her in and wait outside".

Gallahan opened the door then motioned for the young woman to enter. The old knight then stood guard at the door.

Inside the room...

A young man with dark brown hair and deep green eyes that looks brighter than usual due to the moonlight is on his feet, his back is facing the open window while the transparent curtains are raised by the night breeze.

The beautiful young woman stood by the closed door with her eyes unwaveringly staring back at her host.

"Sera Valen, take a seat cousin", the young viscount pointed to a chair using his open hand. "Thank you, milord", the young lady responded.

"Do you know why you're here?", Eric asked. "I have an idea milord, though I'm not sure", Sera answered.

"I have some questions, let me finish before you answer, and think carefully before giving me one. If I don't believe you or I don't like your answer, I'd have you forfeit your life. No one will know, and no one will able to find you", Eric looked at his cousin waiting for a sign of understanding.

Sera nod and waited for Eric's question calmly and without any visible sign of fear.

'Interesting', Eric found his cousin's brave front amusing.

"I have reason to believe that you caused your brother's death, don't ask me how I got hold of this information, just know that I believe it. I don't want someone in my castle scheming behind my back and without my consent, so what say you?", Eric waited for a response.

"Milord, first I thank you for meeting me discreetly and hearing me out", Sera made a long pause before continuing.

"Indeed, I had my brother killed. I had it done with the help of Sir. Trim, and my reason is that he's a stupid fool, that will ruin Piran, milord."

"I told you, I know already. Go on elaborate".

"Grandfather's cousin Uren Valen, introduced my brother Reran to Baron Jar of Nieza, and due to my brother's desire to gain the Baron's favor he would have willingly delivered the Viscounty to the Baron".

"My brother's plan was to inherit the Viscounty and fled to the capital to live a lavish life, while Baron Jar governs Piran on his stead. My brother originally thought that he would have a tough time as a ruler due to the territory's problems and wants to avoid it. He would have also sacrificed me, my mother, and my sister for his plans since that filthy and disgusting baron had specifically asked for us women to be handed to him".

"I know my grandfather, he would have forgiven that fool brother of mine, and still end up inheriting the viscounty, who will eventually send us to a hellish place. I would rather we die before that happens or he dies, milord".

The young viscount thought of something and interjected, "then there was a possibility that Uren Valen became viscount instead of me".

"I had to discredit Uren, milord. So I confessed to our grandfather the murder of my brother, I provided witnesses and evidence. Grandfather had to believe me, since killing my brother is proof enough of my resolve. He wasn't even furious and just directly went grieving", Sera firmly stated.

Eric thought, 'this woman is brutal, even to his own grandfather, she didn't mince her words'.

"You were also the one to suggest me as an alternative even though I'm an Asquith, I guess I'll have to thank you for that? Did you also had someone check up on me?", Eric asked with curiosity.

"Aye, milord. You were called Evgrad's "Nobody", and were an amateur knight. We didn't have much on you, milord. However, we thought you're the better option".

"When you say "We", who exactly are you referring to? Who do you bidding Sera?"

"I don't command, milord, I merely lay out the truth and the possible negative effects on people then suggest a solution".

"You mean, you manipulate. Answer my question, WHO?"

"They are people loyal to Piran, milord", Sera firmly suggest.

Eric walked closer to Sera, he had enough, "I'll be the judge of that. WHO?"

Sera looked down avoiding Eric's eyes, "Aldin the mayor, Sir. Baches, all the maids, almost half of the male servants, Sir. Trim and most of the patrols, a number of soldiers, and a number of town people and villagers.

'The hell! She has a network, she can not only influence but directly decide on matters'. Eric exclaimed in his thought.

Eric stared at Sera for a whole ten minutes then said, "I believe you, but I can't just let you be, since I don't trust you yet. You see I have an ability, using my aura I'll make a web-like string and wrap your heart with it, and when your desire to betray me becomes strong enough, your heart will be squeezed killing you, at the same time I can also will it. You have to say you'll accept or else I'll be forced to purge your people".

Eric didn't wait long before hearing Sera's answer, "I accept milord".

....

*******************************

.....

Eric had been in Piran for two weeks now. During his first week, he sent Drake with some soldiers to scout the bandits. He ordered Drake to train some soldiers to properly scout and report when the bandits finally move towards Piran or to the villages, so they can defend on time. Subsequently, The outpost building is about to start in a few days.

He also intends to improve his financial situation, he is still developing his plan but he already has an idea of how to do it.

Dealing with the bandits and Baron Jar will have to wait until he is able to stabilize and strengthen his military force to a certain degree. For now, he is gathering information to properly formulate an action plan.

One of Eric's agendas is to build a small fleet that will defend his fishing ships from pirates in the future.

At the moment he's trying to improve his military strength by increasing the aura user's in his army while teaching the trainees and amateur's how to be properly proficient aura users.

Every night, an hour after dinner, Eric holds a class or a lecture in the castle, the participants are mostly the trainees, the amateurs, and the potential trainees from the soldiers, which also includes, Ferth, Sera, and Nian.