Trapped

As the echoes of the battle faded, the tension in the grand hall gave way to silence.

The Maxwell Duchy Heir Selection Ceremony had reached its climax, and now it was time for the official announcement.

Duke Maxwell, standing tall on the elevated stage, looked over the gathered nobles with a solemn expression.

His gaze then fell upon Christopher Maxwell, the youngest son who had just proven his worth in combat.

Taking a deep breath, Duke Maxwell spoke in a voice filled with authority.

"Today, we have witnessed the strength, talent, and determination of my three sons. Each of them has their merits, but there can only be one heir to the Maxwell Duchy."

The crowd waited in anticipation.

"And so, I declare—Christopher Maxwell shall be the next heir of House Maxwell!"

A mixture of reactions spread through the audience.

Some nobles clapped in approval, impressed by Christopher's talent.

Others, particularly those who had supported Frederick or Leonard, frowned but remained silent.

The Marquis Ainsworth faction, still mourning Edward's death, looked particularly displeased.

Christopher himself took a deep breath before stepping forward, bowing deeply toward his father.

"I accept this honor, Father. I vow to uphold the dignity and strength of the Maxwell Duchy."

Following the heir announcement, the next part of the ceremony required the newly appointed heir to formally vow loyalty to the Stoneheart Empire.

The officiator called out, "Lady Silvia Stoneheart, please step forward."

Silvia, dressed in elegant noble attire, gracefully walked up to the stage.

As a direct member of the Stoneheart Royal Family, she would oversee the final vow-taking ceremony.

Christopher knelt on one knee before her, lowering his head as a sign of submission to the empire's authority.

With a clear voice, he recited:

"I, Christopher Maxwell, heir to the Maxwell Duchy, vow my undying loyalty to the Stoneheart Empire and its royal family. I pledge to serve with honor, protect its people, and never betray the trust placed upon me. May my lineage forever remain loyal to the throne."

Silvia nodded, accepting the vow.

"Then, in the name of the Stoneheart Royal Family, I recognize your pledge. May you lead the Maxwell Duchy with wisdom and strength."

The crowd erupted into applause, marking the official end of the selection process.

Just as the atmosphere started to relax, Duke Maxwell stepped forward again, his expression grave.

"There is one final matter to address."

The hall quieted down as everyone turned their attention to him.

"As you all know, the assassination of Edward Maxwell remains an open case. The investigation is ongoing, and we cannot allow any potential suspects to leave the duchy until it is resolved."

The room grew tense.

The Duke continued, "Only two representatives are allowed to leave—those from the royal family and Duke Daemon's faction. However, the representatives of the four Marquis families, the eight Count families, and the twelve Barony families must remain in Maxwell Duchy for the next ten days."

Murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd.

Although none dared to challenge the Duke's authority, it was clear that many were displeased.

Being forced to stay in the duchy for an additional ten days disrupted many of their plans.

One of the Marquis representatives cautiously stepped forward. "Duke Maxwell, we understand the severity of the situation, but does this mean we are under suspicion?"

The Duke's sharp gaze silenced him instantly.

"No accusations have been made. This is merely a precautionary measure. During these ten days, you are free to move about the duchy as you please—but you may not leave."

While most representatives reluctantly accepted the order, their expressions ranged from irritation to outright resentment.

The Marquis Ainsworth faction, in particular, looked especially grim.

The death of Edward Maxwell had already put them on edge, and now they were being forced to stay in the duchy longer than expected.

Among the Count families, some whispered in frustration, while others accepted the decision with quiet obedience.

As for the Barony representatives, many were visibly uncomfortable.

Unlike the higher-ranking nobles, they lacked the influence to protest and could only nod in agreement.

Regardless of personal feelings, no one dared to openly oppose the Duke's command.

At the back of the hall, where the Cromwell Barony's representatives were seated, Strider smirked inwardly.

He had already anticipated this move.

Keeping the nobles trapped within Maxwell Duchy meant that the investigation into Edward's assassination would continue under controlled conditions.

It also meant the tension among the noble factions would only grow.

Next to him, Silvia's expression twisted in disgust. She mumbled under her breath, her voice filled with disdain.

"Hmph. Using their power to oppress the weak as they please. Typical."

Strider chuckled softly. "Careful with your words. We're still in their territory."

Silvia pouted but said nothing more, crossing her arms in frustration.

With the final announcements made, the Maxwell Duchy Heir Selection Ceremony officially came to an end.

The nobles began to leave their designated seating areas, many engaging in hushed conversations about the unfolding situation.

Meanwhile, Christopher Maxwell stood on the stage, still basking in the aftermath of his victory.

Though he had secured his position as heir, he knew this was only the beginning.

The real challenges lay ahead.

And as Strider observed the shifting dynamics among the noble factions, he couldn't help but think—

The next ten days in Maxwell Duchy were going to be… interesting.

That evening, as tensions simmered among the noble representatives forced to remain in Maxwell Duchy, invitations arrived at their residences.

Each letter bore the insignia of House Maxwell, personally sent by Christopher Maxwell, the newly appointed heir.

The invitation was for a grand night banquet, an event Christopher had arranged to appease the frustrations of the detained noble families and establish diplomatic ties.

Now that he was officially the young Duke, it was the perfect time to build alliances.

Unlike his elder brothers, who had long cultivated political and military influence, Christopher had intentionally kept a low profile.

His position had been precarious, as his maternal lineage lacked the same power as Edward, Frederick and Leonard's.

Any move he made in the past risked drawing his eldest brother's ire, but now, under the Duke's protection, Christopher had the freedom to maneuver.

This banquet was his first step toward solidifying his future rule.