The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 124: Volume two: Prologue

Chapter 124: Volume two: Prologue

"So, the Witch is gone for good, the Dawnbringers have lost, and the baron is dead. How reliable is the report?"

"It is graded as extremely reliable, your Highness. My contact in the Silver Serpent tells me their heir wrote that report personally. That’s why the price is so exorbitant."

The Knight kneeling on the ground replied, disclosing as much as he could in as few words as possible.

He knew his master didn’t like anything that wasted time. It was perhaps the only resource he lacked as the kingdom’s crown prince.

"I see. You can leave."

...

Asoll Asterio stared at the report before him. The only sound echoing through his grand chambers was the occasional rapping of his finger on the desk.

Suddenly one of the doors burst open and a person whose facial features matched the crown prince’s, entered. The sentries at the door didn’t even bother stopping him. The headless corpses of servants before them had taught them to leave dealing with the second prince to the crown prince.

"Brother!"

The second prince shouted happily as he sat before the crown prince. Asoll stopped rapping the table and glanced at his sibling. There was a mixture of amusement and exasperation hidden in his eyes.

"Rayos, just how many times do I have to tell you that there is an etiquette to be followed? You shouldn’t barge into the crown prince’s chamber, even if you are my dear little brother."

Although it sounded like Asoll admonished Rayos, his eyes betrayed his affection for his little brother.

Rayos laughed sheepishly. He knew his brother loved him but was scared of his strict side. His brother loved rules and order. There was only so much he could get away with. Rayos didn’t wish to anger him, especially not today. His lifelong wish finally had a chance to be realized.

"Apologies, brother. But I just heard the news about the north."

Rayos became excited again when he talked about the north.

"I know," Asoll said, his lips curling in a smile. "I was expecting to see you but you are even quicker than I anticipated."

Rayos’ eyes lit up. "Does that mean you already thought about it?"

"Yes but are you sure? The north is not easy to manage," Asoll said, sounding serious. "With the baron gone and the Viscount up for trial, many nobles will vie those lands and titles. The slightest mistake might lead to a fight in the royal court. And there, I won’t be able to cover for you."

Sensing his brother’s hesitation, Rayos became nervous. He leaned forward and pleaded.

"Please, brother. This is my only chance to have a post with some weight. As the Northern Governor, I can oversee the nobles and the military, manage taxes, and help you exercise more control over the region. And you know I am loyal to you so you will have my support in the royal court."

Asoll gave Rayos a pensive look. He already made his mind up but didn’t wish to make it too easy on his little brother.

"I will give a test. If you can sort the problems regarding the baron’s and the Viscount’s title in the north, without throwing the royal court in turmoil, I will use my power as the crown prince to make the appointment official. For now, you will act in my name as the Overseer."

Rayos wasn’t too happy with his brother’s decision but knowing his brother well, he knew there was little he could do to change his mind. He just accepted it, vowing to sort out the challenges posed by his brother.

"I accept, brother. The Viscount’s property will be difficult to deal with. He had many friends in court and he still has a niece and nephew, who are still missing. The baron will be easy. He has no descendants so we can allocate it to one of our allies."

"And what about his student?" Asoll asked, reminding his little brother of one important detail he had overlooked.

"That no-name brat? I don’t think we need to worry about him," Rayos said with disdain.

"And why not?" Asoll pressed on.

"I checked brother. The baron was given the title and land just to appease a powerhouse like him. It was never meant to be hereditary. He was never a true inhabitant of our nation. Now that he is gone, we can reclaim the deed of the land and title."

"True," Asoll said slowly, "unless he joins one of the major factions."

Rayos fell silent for a moment. That was something he hadn’t considered. Their father was known to keep all the factions satisfied. Even the Templars, who were officially not welcome, were never pursued. They were just ignored most of the time. Or if needed, the Paladins went after them, never the nation itself.

"Then we need to ensure he never joins a faction," Rayos said softly, a cold glint passing through his eyes.

Asoll smiled but didn’t reply. The factions and the nations maintained a delicate balance. If something happened to that balance, his days as the crown prince might be numbered.

"Careful. The baron had no friends but was still one of the most powerful people in the world. Just be careful," he warned Rayos.

"Leave it to me," Rayos replied before walking out. Silence reigned once more in the chamber.

"Are you sure about him?" A voice followed by a figure appeared suddenly beside the prince. She came out of nowhere and had no presence.

"Yes," replied Asoll without turning. He knew she was always at his side.

Her figure was clad in shadows. Only her rainbow-colored eyes were visible.

"I don’t understand. The Oracles failed to see the truth. Why are you taking such a risk by placing that moron there? You are so close to becoming the King. One mistake - I am sure he will make many - might ruin your future."

Asoll finally turned toward her. He smiled lovingly at her and answered.

"The fact that the Oracles have failed is an indicator in itself. That town, small and insignificant as it was, experienced a battle that ruined nations. Yet, there are survivors. Based on these, I believe there is someone amongst them who is the chosen one among all the chosen ones. Let him churn the pot for us to draw out the Fated One."

Volume 2: The Fateless One

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