Shadows of the Past

The Kingdom of Vernetia was a land shrouded in turmoil and strife.

Once known for its prosperity and unity, the kingdom now faced a deep fracture. The cause of this upheaval was not a struggle for the throne but a scandalous betrayal that shook the very foundation of the realm.

Years ago, the former Wise King, revered for his wisdom and just rule, had entrusted the stewardship of the kingdom's financial and military affairs to his trusted advisor, Lord Cedric.

Under Cedric's guidance, Vernetia flourished, and the people thrived. However, it was later discovered that Cedric had been embezzling funds and secretly funneling resources to rebel factions outside the kingdom.

This betrayal was not only an act of treachery but also caused a catastrophic economic collapse.

In the wake of the scandal, the kingdom was left in disarray. The King, facing the enormity of Cedric's betrayal and the ensuing chaos, died under mysterious circumstances—some whispered of poison, others of a broken heart.

His sudden death left a power vacuum and ignited a fierce struggle for control.

The Queen, grieving and weakened by the loss, struggled to maintain order. As rumors of Cedric's treachery spread, the kingdom was divided between those loyal to the Queen and those who saw an opportunity to seize power amidst the chaos.

Various factions emerged, each with its own agenda: some sought to restore stability, while others aimed to exploit the situation for personal gain.

The civil war that followed was marked by brutal skirmishes and shifting allegiances. The once-unified kingdom was now fragmented, with cities and regions aligning themselves with different leaders, each claiming the right to restore order.

This civil war is poised to ravage the kingdom for the next three years, with nobles already engaging in brutal raiding, and Edward has returned just as this tumultuous period, which marks the beginning of the revolution, is about to erupt.

—

It has been a month since Edward regressed, and the initial disorientation has given way to a tentative acceptance. The reality of his second chance has slowly settled in, and he has begun to come to terms with his new-old life.

"Are you really okay with this, Young Master?"

Baron Lucien d'Argent, a fit but visibly stressed man around my father's age, asked as he dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief.

"What are you talking about?"

"With the shortage of troops left by the Duke, sending our precious cavalry is a bit…"

My father, the Ironclad Knight, a key ally to the Queen in maintaining order across the Kingdom of Vernetia, was leading our forces near the capital, Eldoria, amidst the ongoing civil war.

One might wonder why the Ironclad Knight, renowned for his valor and martial prowess, supported the Queen's faction rather than aligning with other influential noble houses.

It was because, when my father first rose to prominence, our House wasn't as established as the other noble families. As a renowned knight, he was awarded the title of Knight and granted the rank of Duke. However, this new status brought resentment from established aristocrats, isolating our House from central politics.

The civil war has seen most nobles siding with various factions, but the Queen's faction offered significant benefits to secure our House's loyalty. Thus, my father is fighting for the Queen's cause in the North, while I manage our territory in the South, far from the main battlefield.

In this situation, I've ordered the remaining light cavalry in the territory to patrol our borders.

"Our remaining troops are all light cavalry, and besides, should we ever be besieged, the patrol party would find and inform us of the enemy movements, giving us some vital intelligence and time."

"W-Well, that is true, but…"

Baron Lucien wiped his forehead, looking at me with a puzzled expression.

Originally, I wasn't this proactive during this period of my life. The fact that I, as the heir, was left in charge of the territory during a civil war was not due to trust, but rather my father's belief that I was not yet capable enough to join him on the battlefield.

Baron Lucien's surprise at my newfound decisiveness was evident.

"Don't worry, this is just a precautionary measure."

"I believe the Young Master has thought this through."

Even if you say that, your face is telling me the exact opposite…

"Yes, well then, I'll be sure not to disappoint your faith in me, Baron."

"Cough, hmm…Yes, speaking of faith, I'll take my leave now, Young Master."

As the Baron left, I closed my eyes.

A month has passed since I woke up at the age of 20 with the memories of my execution at 40.

Initially, I was unsure if those 20 years had been a terrible dream, but events are unfolding just as they did in my previous life, solidifying my belief that this is not a mere coincidence.

I was killed by the Revolutionary Army and regressed into the past. I don't know why or how, but I remember the bitterness and despair from that day and my wish for a second chance.

If this is truly my second chance, I intend to change my fate.

I looked at the orders from my father, the Ironclad Knight, who is asking for more military supplies and funds. I remember that, in the past, I hesitated to increase taxes on our ravaged territory or resort to plundering.

Now I know that a revolution is coming. Since the Queen will face challenges soon, I have no intention of exploiting our people.

My father believed he would be rewarded for his loyalty once the Queen's faction prevailed, but that loyalty won't be rewarded, and my father, the Duke, will die in vain.

Assuming the role of Duke, I faced the newly emerged revolutionary forces. Despite being renowned as the strongest military force on the continent, the nobles of Vernetia were overpowered by the Republic's revolutionary army.

The key to their success was their extraordinary tactician, Lysander Riven. This brilliant strategist employed firearms—often overlooked in favor of knights and magic users—and achieved a series of victories against the royal army with his unparalleled tactics.

Having this second chance is a rare opportunity. To effectively combat and control the revolution, I must prevent the exploitation of our people, ensure the well-being of House Grafton's citizens, and maintain the strength and stability of our territory.

As I fortified my resolve, someone knocked at the door, and a gruff voice called out.

"Young Master."

"Come in, Sir Roland."

The door opened, and a large man in full armor entered and bowed.

Despite being just my age, he was a head taller than me.

"Sir Roland Harper reports to the Acting Duke Edward Grafton."

With the Ironclad Knight leading the campaign in the North, Sir Roland is the only knight remaining, aside from me.

Even though my father harbored distrust due to Sir Roland's commoner origins, Sir Roland remained steadfastly loyal to me until the very end, even as the Kingdom's forces faced their greatest defeat.

I sorted out my feelings as I looked at him.

"What is the matter, Sir Roland?"

"The cavalry sent on patrol has returned with this report. They say a force of 100 men, including knights, entered the Duke's territory from the direction of Riverton."

"Looters, I presume."

"Yes. It appears to be so, Young Master."

There's no time to waste.

Sigh.

"Rally the cavalry. We're going out immediately."

"Just the cavalry, Young Master?"

"Yes."

Sir Roland looked puzzled, but if we waited to mobilize all our forces, the enemy would have reached the villages by then.

To maintain control during this period of upheaval, we must ensure our territory remains stable and our people are protected from exploitation.

I finished strapping my breastplate as Sir Roland's disbelief grew.

"Young Master. Are you also going out?"

"Yes."

I replied while picking up my sword and bow.

Our territory has little to no actual army left due to the ongoing military campaign.

"I need to make those who threaten the people of my territory pay."