Determination

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

The next day, Malon Ganard boarded the Grayman family carriage and departed from Buteya towards the town of Alden, accompanied by Baron Ford.

Malon was extremely nervous all the way, only visibly relaxing after leaving Byerldin and entering Alden territory. Aware of the vassals' conspiracy, he had become suspicious and paranoid, having made every effort the previous night to maintain a calm demeanor. Baron Ford continuously reassured him during the journey, providing some comfort.

Upon entering Alden and arriving at the Lord's Manor, Malon immediately jumped off the carriage and almost ran towards the castle. There, he spotted Paul waiting in the hall.

"Looks like everything went smoothly," Paul thought as he saw Malon jump off the carriage, and then he was enveloped in a big bear hug.

"My dear brother, I almost thought I wouldn't see you again," Malon cried as he held Paul tightly.

Paul didn't immediately break free; he let his friend vent. For a 16-year-old boy who had experienced his father's distancing and subsequent passing, followed by the vassals' rebellion, it had been incredibly harsh.

He patted Malon's shoulder reassuringly, "Don't worry, no one can harm you while you're with me."

After Malon had vented, Paul spoke with Baron Ford to understand the events of the previous night. He then took Malon to the study and asked him to detail how he had uncovered the conspiracy.

"That night, after reviewing the documents they left for me in the study, I returned to my room to sleep. However, after lying down, I realized my protective charm was left in the study. It was a keepsake from my mother that I wear every night. So, I went back to fetch it and overheard Steward Ankiro and Butler Miles speaking quietly."

"The study door was open, and I quietly approached to hear what they were saying in my absence. I overheard some unpleasant things."

"First, Butler Miles said, 'The young master has been very good lately, diligently reviewing these documents.'"

"Then Steward Ankiro, in a peculiar tone, chuckled and said, 'It's not in vain that we put in the effort to fabricate these things.' When I heard 'fabricate,' I found it strange. Could these documents all be their fabrication?"

"His next words confirmed my suspicions. He said, 'If he finds out these documents are all fabricated by us, he might be confined to home every day. I wonder if he'd go mad.'"

"After that, I heard the butler mockingly say, 'The young master really thinks of himself as a diligent and capable lord. Let him dream a few more days.'"

At this point, Malon was indignant and faltered in his speech, "Paul, you know how devastated I felt when I heard this? How could they, my most trusted people, conspire like this against me, against their lord?"

Paul replied, unsure how to comfort him, "This... this is indeed very hurtful."

Malon continued his narrative, "Just as I was about to confront them, I heard Ankiro say, 'Dreams have a way of ending. Once we settle things there, this kid will join his damned old man.'"

"I was caught off guard, unable to fully grasp what they were saying. Then the butler said, 'Do we really have to go that far? He's practically grown up under my watch.'"

"To which Ankiro coldly snorted, 'Have you forgotten how ruthless his old man was? Over the years, you've gained quite a lot for your own family. Luckily, we got rid of him, or both of us would be left out in the cold.'"

Malon's face showed a terrified expression as he looked at Paul, saying, "That's when it all clicked for me. My father was actually murdered by them. I always wondered how someone as skilled in swimming as my father could drown. Now it seems they fabricated a lie to cover up the regicide. From their previous words, it seems they also intended to kill me. I was terrified at that moment, not knowing how to return to my room."

"I couldn't sleep that night, fearing someone might burst into my bedroom and kill me. After a fearful night, I analyzed their words and realized they were waiting for the right moment and wouldn't immediately harm me. That's when I remembered our childhood secret letters and hurriedly wrote you that letter."

After recounting the events, Malon tightly held Paul's hand, tears welling up in his eyes. "Thank goodness you remembered our childhood, sending help for me. Paul, now I can only trust you. You won't abandon me, will you?"

Paul patted his back reassuringly, "How could I ever forsake a friend? Stay here with me for now. Once I'm prepared, we'll lead our army to hold those traitors accountable."

He paused, then asked, "Did any of your vassals participate in the conspiracy?"

Malon shook his head, "I don't know. Since that night, I've been suspicious of everyone around me. I can only say that Baron Andrew is the least suspicious. He recently led Byerldin's army south to suppress the rebellion. When the royal commissioner came to conscript troops, the other four unanimously recommended him to lead the army south. Andrew was willing, and I trusted them enough at the time to agree without hesitation. Now, Byerldin is controlled by the private soldiers of those four remaining guys. Andrew is usually quite upright, but now I realize appearances can be deceiving."

Hmm, if Andrew wasn't involved in the conspiracy, then those four guys probably used the royal conscription as an opportunity to deliberately keep him away, while also handing over the direct lord's army to him.

After thinking for a moment, Paul patted his friend's shoulder and said, "After such a long journey, you should rest first. I'll gather some people for a meeting later, and you should attend."

He called for a servant to take Malon downstairs to rest.

Paul had essentially decided to initiate a war, not only to defend his friend's honor but also for an important purpose — Byerldin's coal and iron mines.

During the time Ford was fetching people, Paul had been weighing the pros and cons of war. Upon inadvertently learning about Byerldin's highly productive coal and iron mines, he finally found a reason to convince himself to go to war.

While Alden also had coal and iron production, preparing for industrial development meant the more, the better.

As for whether Malon would agree to share some minerals with him or sell them at a cheaper price, after helping him so much, it should be easy to talk to him.

If it weren't for coal and iron, would he still stand up for his friend? Paul began to doubt himself.

But he didn't plan to mobilize immediately, because it was currently July, and there were still many rainy days, which was extremely unfavorable for Alden's firearms. He planned to wait until the dry autumn weather when Alden's army could equip more firearms.

Until then, let Malon stay comfortably in Alden Town. If those several traitors come to ask for people, find a reason to refuse.

(End of the Chapter)