Chapter 4

Upon hearing the knocks on his door, Trive opened it to find Locke standing patiently. His dazed appearance immediately transformed to one that was stunned.

"May I come in?" Locke offered.

Trive allowed him in before locking the door. Before he could say anything, Locke began speaking.

"I can't believe you did something so heinous, third brother."

"W-what do you mean?" Trive asked as he stumbled backwards in panic induced dizziness.

"Of the three true siblings, you were the one I expected to take over the Barony. Jain is a meathead who only swings the sword. He would certainly end up bankrupting this estate by holding sword tournaments and wasting all the money we barely scrounge up.

Cassi would also end up doing the same thing. Only in the name of magic research. Everyone knows how expensive a profession being a mage is.

The only suitable one who can lead this Barony from ruin was you. But you went ahead and had to rape an innocent girl... You've given your elder siblings enough to ruin your chances forever." Locke calmly spoke.

With his initial explanations, Trive's eyes were glowing more and more with excitement. Everyone had always thought he was trash, yet this bastard, who everyone secretly acknowledged as a genius said he was the best suited to be the next Baron! How could he not feel his ego rising? Yet, the last sentence deflated him.

"H-how did you find out?" Trive asked in shock. "I really didn't mean to! I don't know what overcame me!"

Locke shook his head. "How can such a big matter be hidden from the Baron's eyes and ears? As an administrator apprentice, the news quickly reached mine and I will soon be receiving an audience with the Baron on this matter!"

"Locke, younger brother, I know I bullied you a lot. But you must help me!" Trive sounded desperate.

"Do you think I'm such a petty person? Did you ever see me get agitated from your bullying? Those matters are trivial. The survival of the Mith legacy is paramount and you are the one who holds the keys. Yet you've entangled yourself into a devious mess!" Locke lectured.

"Then what should I do? What can I do?" Trive asked, almost in tears.

"I will try my best to alleviate your blame in the matter in front of the Baron. However, that depends on the victim's testimony. You must find a way to silence the victim!" Locke replied.

"Silence the victim? Could you be saying...?" Trive began to ponder carefully on Locke's words.

"Do you have any trusted servants in the Baron's guards? One who would never open their mouth?" Locke asked.

"Y-yes. I do." Trive said.

"Then you should know what to do. Just don't turn it into a spectacle! Be quiet and precise." Locke advised before leaving. "Take care elder brother, you are the hope of this Barony. Try not to make such a fatal mistake again!"

Locke's words instilled some confidence in Trive. Meanwhile, Locke was told that he would receive an audience with the Baron the next day. Rumors had quickly spread that he had found out something sensational and urgent.

That evening, in Herish Village. Rumors about Locke receiving a summons from the Barron even reached the villagers ears from the servants.

The village's elder, ran over to the three brother's house to inform them. "Looks like that Locke really wishes to bring your sister to justice!"

"I never thought that among the nobles there would be a righteous one!" One of the brothers replied in hope.

"He is a bastard child after all. He may be a Noble's son, but he understands our plight well." The village elder explained, causing the three brothers to sigh in hope. Even the poor girl stopped crying.

However, a few hours later, a terrifying cry echoed through the village. It was part cry and part roar. The panicking villagers carried their fire lit torches towards the house, to see the entire place strewn with blood. Three brothers were tearing their clothes in tears. Their sister had been mauled to death as if by a beast.

On the walls of the small room their sister lives in were the words 'Dirty Whore' sketched out in blood, as if mocking the family and the victim.

At the same time, in the town of Mith, Locke was making his daily rounds to the market to observe the prices of various goods. An important job to keep abreast with the markets fluctuations in trade. At that moment, a horse suddenly got excited and the driver of the carriage lost control.

Everyone in the market saw with horrified eyes, a wooden carriage rushing towards Locke, the Baron's bastard son, who seemed none the wiser

"Young master dodge!" Someone screamed in dismay, as Locke jumped sideways with a horrified expression. The carriage still hit him and flung him into the air, throwing him onto the ground like a sandbag.

---

The next day, in the morning. Locke's left hand and waist were plastered and he had been provided with healing medicines that Cassi had left behind from mage school. Locke had escaped immediate danger, but the timing of the incident was not lost on anyone.

Despite being suggested to rest, Locke still made his way to the Baron's council. Limping towards his appointment. The servants who saw this were filled with emotion in their hearts.

Locke entered a chamber, where the Baron seemed to be dictating orders to Hess, the administrator and Locke's master. The Baron raised an eye and observed Locke's injury covered body. He sighed.

"It is for reasons such as this, that I asked for you to practice the sword. Oh well, your weak body has a lot to do with my incapability as well." The Baron sighed. His words sounded as if they were addressed to a familiar friend of his. However, Locke found the tone extremely odd, given how he had almost never seen the Baron in a long time. At the same time, he could hear the regret and the meanings between the lines the Baron did not say but implied. Was the Baron, this father of his, trying to placate him?

Seeing Locke remain patiently silent, Hess gave an admiring nod. The Baron then looked up again. "Hess told me you had something very important to share."

"Yes, my lord." Locke said with a respectful bow as was expected by etiquette. Seeing the Baron urge him to continue,Locke explained a version of the events.