Chapter 33: Loyalty

"Heavenly Father, Mother, Warrior, Smith, Maiden, Crone, Stranger."

"I am yours,"

"You are mine,"

"From this day forward, until death."

On the summer shore, on the sands beside the sea, Gavin and Una stood facing each other, solemnly making their vows.

Samwell raised a crystal high, letting its rainbow light shine down upon the faces of the newlyweds. "In the sight of the Seven and all people, I declare Gavin and Una husband and wife. From this day forth, they are of one body, one mind, one soul—forever. Whoever seeks to interfere with this union shall face a merciless curse!"

Una's face flushed with happiness as she gently stood on tiptoe, bringing the distance between them even closer, softly reciting the vows she'd only just memorized:

"With this kiss, I offer my love, and may you be my husband and my strength."

"With this kiss, I offer my love, and may you be my wife and my heart's desire."

Gavin's hands shook slightly, but he leaned forward, letting their lips touch.

The sound of applause and cheers filled the air, startling a flock of seagulls that had been resting on the sea. They took off in a flurry, making the celebration even more lively.

After the ceremony, the festivities began.

Since the castle was still under construction, the celebration was held as an outdoor feast. Resources were limited, so the meal didn't differ much from their usual fare, except that everyone was given a small cup of wine.

The wine was incredibly strong, causing many to cough as they drank it.

Still, others' eyes lit up, and they couldn't help asking where the wine came from. When they learned it had been crafted by Lord Caesar himself, surprise lit up their faces.

Chiman finished his meal in haste, downed his drink, then watched Samwell from a distance, lost in thought.

After a moment, he saw Samwell head toward his quarters and got up to follow him.

"Halt!"

Chiman looked at his nephew Katu standing guard in front of him, a strange smile on his face.

"Boy, I need to see Lord Caesar. Why are you blocking my way?"

Katu stiffened, his face tense. "You still need to be announced; you can't just walk in."

"You're shaping up to be a real squire," Chiman said approvingly, then shrugged. "Fine. Go on and announce me."

"Wait here," Katu replied curtly, turning to head into the quarters.

A few moments later, he reemerged. "Lord Caesar will see you."

Chiman smiled faintly, stepping toward Samwell's quarters. But as he passed Katu, he suddenly stopped.

"What are you doing?" Katu tensed, feeling a chill at the sight of his uncle's gaze. Though Chiman was his kin, his eyes were as cold and unsettling as a snake's.

"Are you afraid of me?" Chiman asked, studying his nephew's face.

"I'm not afraid of you!"

Chiman's smile widened as he leaned closer, his voice dropping. "What did Saru tell you?"

Katu's pupils dilated slightly, and he couldn't help but look away.

But almost immediately, he seemed to catch himself, forcing his gaze back to his uncle's with a fierce glare. "He told me you killed Grandfather!"

Regret crept into Katu's eyes as soon as the words left his mouth; he knew he'd been too impulsive, revealing the secret. But he didn't want to appear weak before Chiman, so he forced himself to stand tall.

Chiman, however, showed no sign of alarm or anger at his nephew's accusation; it was as if Katu had simply mentioned the weather.

Katu was both surprised and increasingly enraged by his uncle's indifferent reaction.

After a long pause, Chiman finally spoke, almost wistfully, "You're right. I killed him."

Before Katu could react, Chiman continued, "And not just him—your father Chika, and your uncle Chimu, too. I killed them both."

Katu froze. A surge of fury nearly blinded him as blood rushed to his head.

With a trembling hand, Katu reached for his sword but halted halfway.

He stood there, shaking, his lips pressed so tightly together they bled as he fought to control his rage.

Chiman regarded his nephew calmly, then smiled. "What's stopping you? Afraid to kill me?"

"I'm not stupid enough to attack you now!" Katu forced the words out, each one laced with bitterness. "I know I can't beat you yet, and if I strike at you now, you'll have every right to kill me!"

"Smart boy. But not smart enough," Chiman replied with a hint of a smile as he casually reached out, adjusting his nephew's clothing as if straightening a child's tunic.

Anyone observing from afar would think it a touching scene between a devoted uncle and nephew.

"Do you know why I say you're not smart enough?"

Katu, who had finally managed to calm himself, sheathed his sword without a word. His lips pressed tightly together, his gaze as hard as steel. He had no intention of answering his uncle's question.

Chiman finished smoothing Katu's collar and, still smiling, murmured, "Because a truly clever person knows how to hide his hatred, especially when he lacks the strength to act on it."

With that, he turned away, leaving Katu standing frozen, and walked into Samwell's quarters.

"Lord Caesar."

"What is it?"

"My lord, I have an important piece of information for you."

"Speak."

"Lenya, the Blue Skins' chieftain, has already united with the leaders of thirteen other clans. They plan to launch an attack on your territory as soon as you leave the Eagle's Perch."

"Oh?" Samwell leaned forward. "How did you come by this information?"

"Lenya is my uncle, and he secretly contacted me as well. He wanted me to act as their insider and stir up those of the Fang Clan who might rebel against you."

Samwell scrutinized the young clansman before him. "And why did you refuse to help your uncle? Why are you here now, reporting to me instead?"

Chiman responded without hesitation, "Because my loyalty is to you, my lord!"

Samwell stroked his chin, examining the young warrior carefully.

In truth, he had intentionally spread rumors about his impending departure, hoping to draw out Chiman and finally settle the lingering question of his loyalty.

But Chiman's reaction had been completely unexpected.

Samwell was far from convinced that Chiman's loyalty was genuine.

Loyalty isn't merely the absence of betrayal; it depends on the cost and timing.

However, Chiman's decision to come forward with this information left him no grounds for immediate action.

It was impossible to know if Chiman had sensed his trap and chosen to play it safe, or if he genuinely saw an advantage in proving his loyalty. Whatever the case, Samwell resolved to keep him close and see what the future revealed.

If he was to pursue the Iron Throne, Samwell knew he couldn't afford to be squeamish. His cause needed noble knights guided by honor, but it would also require cunning, ruthless men like Chiman.

And sometimes, the ruthless were even more valuable than the noble.

Samwell understood that handling such men came with the risk of betrayal, so he knew to keep the leash tight.

In time, he would make sure Chiman's teeth turned outward.

Satisfied with his decision, Samwell's face softened into a smile as he said, "Very well, Chiman. I appreciate your loyalty. I'll assign you to handle these plotters."

Chiman thumped his chest in a pledge of loyalty. "It will be my honor to serve, my lord!"

(End of Chapter)