Chapter 48: The Battle of Blackwater City (Part III)

In the City Lord's Hall, six nobles filed in one after another.

Lord Augdin and Baron Wengrit were already there, waiting. When the six nobles entered, Augdin rose and said, "Please, take your seats. I've invited you here today to discuss something very important for Blackwater City."

"Is it about the bandits?" asked Baron Barman, breaking the silence. "These bandits have appeared out of nowhere, disrupting our lands. We've already dispatched knights to guard our territories; there shouldn't be too much trouble for the time being."

Beside him, Baron Wengrit narrowed his eyes slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Baron Barman. A faint hint of cold malice flickered in his eyes. He harbored deep resentment against both Baron Barman and Old Wilson. After all, he had once personally proposed to Baron Barman on behalf of Tirafa, asking for his daughter Avril's hand in marriage, only to have Barman publicly arrange her engagement to Merlin in front of Blackwater's nobles.

"Heh, Baron Barman, today's gathering isn't to discuss bandits," Wengrit sneered, his tone biting.

Baron Barman's face darkened as he turned to Augdin and said, "Lord Augdin, are we not here to discuss dealing with these bandits?"

Augdin cast a cold glance at Wengrit, showing a hint of annoyance at Wengrit's interruption, but he spoke slowly. "No, today's meeting isn't about the bandits."

Barman stood abruptly, his tone cold. "Then if it's not about the bandits, I'll be going. I have matters to attend to back in my territory."

He headed for the door, but his way was immediately blocked by several city guard knights, their swords gleaming menacingly.

This blatant obstruction caused not only Baron Barman but also the other nobles to stiffen. As barons, they were equals to Augdin in rank, though he held more power as the city lord. Blocking a baron's exit was a serious affront.

"Augdin, what's the meaning of this?" Barman demanded, his face dark.

Augdin's expression soured slightly, but before he could answer, Baron Wengrit stood and coldly declared, "Lord Augdin may find it inconvenient to explain, so I'll do it. It's quite simple: both the lord and I have returned to the embrace of God. We are now members of the church. The Church of Light, following the will of the Bright God, will replace the royal family and take control of the kingdom. Now is the time for you to choose your side."

Wengrit's revelation struck the nobles like a thunderbolt. They all turned to Augdin, stunned.

"Is this true, Augdin? Have you really thrown in your lot with the church?" Barman demanded, his voice harsh.

A flicker of regret crossed Augdin's face as he looked at Wengrit. But he knew that securing his position in Blackwater required him to complete the task given by Mage Jason.

With a sigh, Augdin nodded and said, "The Church of Light follows God's will to replace the royal family. It's already a reality. Perhaps you haven't heard, but much of the kingdom is now under the church's control. It's time for you to choose… Mage Jason is here in the city lord's residence and has said that if you join the church, all past grievances will be forgiven, and you'll be allowed to join."

As Augdin's words hung in the air, a hundred city guard knights poured into the hall, filling it and casting intense gazes at Barman and the other nobles.

Silence fell as many of the nobles were lost in thought.

After a long pause, Barman drew his sword, laughing bitterly. "Augdin, don't forget who granted your family its baronial title."

Augdin's face turned cold, and he sneered, "Baron Barman, my family earned its title through the blood and sweat of our ancestors on the battlefield. It wasn't anyone's 'gift.'"

Wengrit stared at Barman with malice, suddenly adding, "Are you still hoping that Wilson will come to save you? Heh, let me tell you, the bandits troubling the towns around Blackwater were merely church guardians in disguise. As for Wilson, I doubt he's coming back."

"Is Wilson truly dead?" Sadness flashed across Barman's face. He and Old Wilson were close, like brothers. Hearing of his friend's fate, a deep sorrow filled his heart.

"Now, it's time for you all to make your decision!" Augdin declared, his expression darkening as the city guard knights intensified their menacing stares.

"Do we have any choice left?" One noble finally muttered, lowering his sword in resignation.

Augdin smiled, about to say something further when the ground suddenly began to tremble slightly, and faint sounds of battle could be heard from outside the City Lord's Hall.

"In the name of knightly honor, charge!"

"In the name of knightly honor, charge!"

***

The shouts grew louder, filled with a deadly resolve.

"It's Wilson! Wilson is here!" Upon hearing the rallying cry, Barman's face lit up with excitement. That slogan was unmistakable. Whenever it was shouted, it heralded the arrival of Wilson and his heavy-armored knights.

"This is bad—it's Wilson's heavy-armored knights!" Augdin and Wengrit exchanged a glance, their faces pale with shock. They had heard Mage Jason say with their own ears that Wilson had perished in his territory. Yet here he was, leading his heavy-armored knights in an assault on the City Lord's Hall.

Only Blackwater's nobles truly understood the terror Wilson's heavy-armored knights inspired. Even if the city guard had thousands of men, they would be hard-pressed to stop them.

"Quick! Notify Mage Jason!" Augdin turned and hurried toward the back of the hall.

"Bang!"

The doors of the hall exploded inward as if struck by a great force. A towering figure in black armor stormed in, flames licking around his body. His massive sword dripped with blood, and an aura of violence emanated from him.

It was Old Wilson. His gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on Augdin, Baron Wengrit, and the other nobles. A faint smile appeared on his face.

"It seems I'm not too late…"

Wilson's voice was hoarse as he lifted his sword and began to stride forward.