Chapter IX - My Mission, The Leondale Castle

"Iris, I know that you left out several information earlier. Care to tell me what are those?" Vincent asked when Noah sat on the couch next to his desk. Noah sighed and flicked his hand to reveal a stack of paper wrapped in Peridot colored ribbon.

"As expected, the March of Vermont was the one who sent this." Vincent said as Noah unbind the papers and placed them in front of Vincent, after that he placed a barrier around the whole room.

"[4th Barrier: Enclose] This information arrived earlier, it seems to be also connected with my Brother's mission. Now, I began to think that not urging my brother to tell me more is going to endanger him and provide us with little clue on their exact location." He said as Vincent skimmed through the papers, reading them without missing an information.

"Yes, Earl Wisteria was deployed at the South-West while you received a letter from House Vermont that is based in the East. The opposite ends, we cannot dwell and overthink the situation first but it seems that investigating this is utmost priority." Vincent said as he stood and went to the map in his room, it was near because it's framed behind his chair.

The Map of Plietta is a large piece of land that is divided to 5 places by the cardinal direction and with it's own region houses different races among may other wildlife and terrain.

The Imperial Capital that is divided to the Upper, Middle and Lower Class, the city is at the center of the map. The Lower Class are those who are workers for the Middle Class Family, not all lower class are poor and in poverty but they do not have enough money to live like those in Middle and Upper Class. They are also being provided by care from the Temple of Time and Space.

The Middle Class are those who work to sustain trade with other regions and those who sell products, they have jobs and live comfortable but not extravagantly. Enough to live, they also help the lower class to achieve success.

The Upper Class are the Nobility and the Imperial Family, they are the one responsible for the Empire's safety, wealth and well-being of their citizen. They have different roles in the Empire that many of they are scattered to fulfill those roles. Currently, The Empire is in peace without much of a disturbance in the Imperial and Aristocrat faction.

The House of Leondale, A Grand Dukedom that rules the North and Northern Border. They bear wealth and military strength higher than the Empire, currently the 150th Head of the House is Grand Duchess Ophelia Ainara Leondale. They hold the coat of arms bearing a Black Lion with a white pine in its mouth surrounded by Blue Roses, their family color is Amethyst. The Northern Land is also the land of the monsters that houses several vicious monsters that needs to be yearly cleared for the safety of the residents.

The House of Wisteria, A March in the West and the one responsible for the protection of the Western Border. They bear wealth and military strength enough to be titled a Dukedom but the title was repeatedly refused, currently the 150th Head of House Wisteria is Marquess Ezekiel Galen Wisteria with his wife, Marchioness Florentine Idalia Wisteria. They hold the coat of arms bearing a forest fairy holding an orb surrounded by evergreen trees, their family color is Sapphire. The Western Land is also the land of the Forest that Houses Fairies and a sanctuary to Elven Knowledge, they do not let anyone near or inside their Sacred Tree. Only those granted permission by the Elven Queen and Spirit of Wind can enter.

The House of Maxwell, A March in the South and the one responsible for the protection of the Southern Border. They have wealth and military strength earned by trade and unique fighting skills than those mostly used in the lands near the Capital, they pride themselves with their unique beauty and dance. Currently the 140th Head of House Maxwel is Marquess Raymond Ivor Maxwell. They hold the coat of arms bearing two snakes coiled around a flowing river, their family color is Amber. The Southern land is also the land of Beastmen, they are in a peace treaty with House Maxwell since they signed it 30 years ago when they invaded, now they are all living peacefully and earn money by volunteering and joining the military of Maxwell.

The House of Vermont, A March in the East and the one responsible for the Eastern Border. Unlike the other two houses of Leondale and Maxwell, the House of Vermont is a family composed of intellectual people in their family. They earned their title on focusing more on trade, knowledge and economic gain for their people rather than focus on military strength, but even though they didn't focus of power, they focused on high-level defense system. Currently the 135th Head of House Vermont is Marquess Alfred Favian Vermont. They hold the coat of arms bearing an owl with a book and a single scroll at its talons, their family color is Peridot. The Eastern Land earned their defenses by working with the dwarfs in the hidden mountains, this was the work of the 50th Head of Vermont.

"But it is no use to worry for my Brother, I'm sure Alfred will help him when they notice an emergency flare. We just need to inform them in advance so that they know who would send such a flare." Noah said as Vincent nodded and sat back down to grab a pen and parchment, he proceeds to write a letter addressing the Marquess of Vermont.

"Since we already know that Marquess Vermont is going to be alerted, what is the situation with your mission?" Vincent asked as he continued to write the letter, Noah relaxed his back in his seat before answering.

"I would wait for Reginald's report as I have said so earlier, but depending on the urgency I would either leave before or after the party." He said with a sigh, this made Vincent stop looking at the letter he finished writing.

"Are you going to leave immediately?" He asked again to be certain, "Yes, It's my duty as the Supreme Councilor. Right now, his majesty, King Aelfdene has given me an information to prepare for the worst and I need to follow her majesty, Queen Elianor because she is with a child. I cannot stand by and do nothing since this is the first time in a hundred years they were blessed with a child again." Noah said and explained to Vincent who frowned while sealing the letter.

"Then I will go with you just as I have said earlier, no taking back. Mark my words." Vincent said as Elias appeared, he handed over two letters to him before Elias disappeared again.

"You cannot, the Heir of House Leondale? Following the Supreme Councilor in certain danger? I cannot, ever let that happen." Noah said with an annoyed tone that Vincent didn't take lightly.

"That is more reason to follow you, I may be the Heir but I am also the 1st ranked Commander in the Empire. Me following the Supreme Councilor will not only quicken your mission but also guarantee that none will get hurt." He reasoned that made Noah cross his arms.

"You gave me a reason again, you being the Commander means that his majesty, the Emperor is the one who holds order. And I do not need to quicken my mission, I need a clean and throughout investigation. Even if I have to sweep the whole land of Wrolent and go to the Kingdom of Ralnce." He said with a crossed arms and huff of annoyance. He can't risk bring harm to an heir, Noah himself was safe because he is the youngest but that does not mean his parent's are worried for his safety.

"I'm not going back on my words, and I will follow you even if it is the end of Calsithea." Vincent said that finalized the argument.

"Why must you do this Vince?" Noah asked in defeat. Vincent just raised his shoulders in a shrug and smiled.

"I will not let you get away this time, Iris. Not anymore, Not ever again." Vincent said that earned him a pout.