Chapter 279: Chapter 278: Exile in the Courtyard
Lucian turned toward him. Beside Lumberling stood Lireath, her gaze steady.
"Is that true?" Lucian asked, his voice even, though the weight of his gaze demanded an honest answer.
Lumberling finally spoke, his tone level.
"Do you think he would still be standing if we had truly ganged up on him?"
A murmur swept the gathered crowd.
"You were clearly ganging up on me..." Kairo spat, his voice rising again, desperate to cling to the story he’d spun.
But Lucian’s sharp blue eyes turned on him. His voice cut through the courtyard like steel.
"You wouldn’t even survive a single second."
"That’s impossible, if it comes to it, I can take them," Kairo muttered, his voice tight with confidence.
Lucian’s frown deepened, his disapproval sharp. Seeing that look, Kairo’s defiance collapsed. He shut his mouth, his fists trembling at his side.
The courtyard fell into silence.
Then, a lazy voice broke through.
"Don’t get delusional, kid. Looks like you don’t even know... most of the ones standing here could tear you apart without breaking a sweat."
A man in a loose yukata with black long hair strolled in, twin swords hanging at his waist. His steps were unhurried, his sharp black eyes half-lidded as if none of this mattered. Beside him moved another figure, silent as a shadow.
The very assassin Lumberling had seen in the capital, the same man bold enough to speak against the emperor himself.
Whispers rippled through the gathered soldiers.
"Who... who is that?" one muttered, eyes darting toward the swordsman.
"I don’t know... but the aura rolling off him... it’s terrifying. Could he be... a Knight?" another whispered, the words leaving his lips.
Most had never seen the man before, yet instinct told them he was far from ordinary. Even Shade, the towering behemoth, shifted ever so slightly, as if acknowledging another predator entering his domain.
But the second figure, cloaked and silent, drew an even sharper reaction.
Gordon’s eyes widened. He leaned closer to Sorrin, voice low.
"Isn’t that one of the famed heroes, the Cloaked Fang himself?"
Sorrin’s brow furrowed, disbelief flashing across his face before recognition settled in. "You’re right... I’ve only heard rumors, but no mistake. That’s him."
The two newcomers scanned the gathering. Their gazes drifted across Lumberling’s captains and soldiers, the behemoth Shade, and Skitz whose grin carried an edge of danger.
Finally, his glance skimmed across Lumberling, pausing only a fraction longer, imagining what it might be like to cross blades with the man leaning so casually against the wall.
The swordsman smirked. "Woah. That’s a lineup of monsters if I’ve ever seen one. No wonder you’ve been keeping your eyes on him, Lucian."
Lucian ignored the jab, his focus steady. "What’s happening here, Lord Lumberling? Why are you fighting this boy?"
Lumberling’s tone was calm, almost detached. "He wanted a death duel. I was only fulfilling his wish."
Then, slowly, his gaze rose to meet Lucian’s. "Are you going to get in the way, Heir Ardent?"
"I don’t intend to disrespect your duel, nor question your honor. But I ask this, Lord Lumberling, please let the young man live. He has shed blood for our empire, risked himself against foes far greater than his. Surely that must count for something."
Lumberling’s eyes narrowed. "A duel is a duel. He spoke the words. A man must take responsibility for the blade he unsheathes."
Lucian turned to Kairo, gaze stern. "Did you truly challenge him?"
Kairo faltered but clenched his fists, forcing the words out. "I... yes. He stole my credit. I couldn’t just let that pass." It was the only excuse he could come up with from his own story.
The samurai let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Even so, brat, you still challenged him. Words are blades too. Don’t swing what you can’t carry."
The weight of his voice silenced Kairo.
Lucian exhaled, turned toward Lumberling. "Lord Lumberling, I ask your forgiveness on his behalf. He acted recklessly, but I owe him a debt. In my stead, I ask you, spare him this once."
Lumberling said nothing. His eyes lingered on Kairo, who stood trembling in both anger and humiliation. Inside, a thought passed like a shadow. ’This boy’s luck... it’s absurd.’
Finally, he turned back to Lucian. "Since you are here to lend us aid, I won’t press further. This one time, I will let it go."
Agathis, who had been standing tense beside him, released a soft sigh of relief.
Kairo, however, did not share her relief. He turned his gaze on Lumberling one last time, hatred simmering in his eyes. He had thought Lucian’s presence would put Lumberling beneath his heel. Instead, he found the two already shared a bond of familiarity, even respect. His plans cracked at the edges.
He turned, intent on speaking to Lireath, perhaps to plead his case, perhaps to spin another excuse. But before he could utter a word, Lireath’s voice cut through the courtyard, cold and final.
"Kairo." Her gaze locked onto him, steady as stone. "You will not show your face here again. You and your master are no longer welcome within my lands."
The crowd stirred, whispers breaking out like rustling leaves. Kairo froze, his face pale, his pride shattered. For a heartbeat, his lips parted, as if to protest, but no words came.
Lireath’s eyes did not waver. "Leave now. And remember, your schemes end at the borders of my territory."
Kairo’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened. He bowed his head just enough to mask the fury in his eyes, but inside his thoughts burned.
’One day, I’ll make you regret this. All of you.’ A silent vow carved itself deep into his heart. Without another word, he turned and walked away, Agathis following at his side.
Lireath exhaled, her gaze lingering on Agathis’s retreating form.
"Master Agathis," Lireath called gently, though the woman did not turn back. "For all your guidance, I am grateful. Your lessons will not be forgotten. But my path... is my own to walk."
Agathis did not respond. She simply kept moving until both she and Kairo disappeared beyond the courtyard’s edge.
As the two were gone, Lumberling’s gaze flicked toward Skitz. No words passed, only the briefest flicker of intent. Skitz’s grin stretched wide, as though he had been waiting for that very glance. He dipped his head once, before melting into the shadows.