Chapter Four: "Fall"
The silence was broken by a loud sound coming from behind. The voice was calm, yet carried a hidden edge:
"Have you finished with him?"
Edward did not stop walking for a moment, but his tone was dry and clear as
he replied:
"Yes."
He suddenly stopped and slowly turned toward the source of the voice. Standing behind him was a tall man, dressed in a black cloak adorned with the Duke of Vernston's family crest. His face was stern, with unforgiving features, and his dark eyes reflected calmness that hid much caution and danger.
Edward, staring directly into the man's eyes, said:
"I didn't expect the Duke of Vernston's deputy to come himself to ensure the elimination of a twelve-year-old boy."
The man, known as Victor, smiled wryly, as though Edward's words amused him. He replied in a low but clear voice:
"The Duke doesn't want any future threats. We don't leave any possibility that could turn into a risk later."Edward remained silent for a moment, his face still rigid, but inside he was laughing bitterly.
Threat?
You are nothing but a Duke's family in a second-rate kingdom. All you have is some land, soldiers, and a few temporary allies. You are just a small piece in a much larger game. Do you think you're at the top of the world?
Do you think you're on its journey, with the events ahead? Simply… nothing.
Edward took a small step forward, placing his hands behind his back, and then said calmly, but with a clear questioning tone:
"Did you have to eliminate the entire family? You could have reduced the count's rank to a baron. I'm sure you're more than capable of doing that without resorting to erasure."
Victor slowly shook his head, as if contemplating Edward's words, then replied with sharp sarcasm:
"We could have done that, but Count Alfred was greedy. He wanted to become a Duke." He paused for a moment, enjoying his words before continuing, "Also, there would be no benefit in demoting him to a baron. The Duke doesn't want just a piece of the cake, he wants to devour it all."
His laugh carried an underlying mockery, as if his words weren't directed at Edward so much as they were an announcement of the Duke's philosophy.The kingdom was divided into a precise hierarchical structure. At the top were the King and the royal family, followed by the Dukes who controlled the major provinces. Duke Vernston was one of those Dukes, ruling vast lands, distinguished by their political and economic power.
Below them were the families of the Counts, managing the lesser regions, yet still holding significant influence in the system. Count Alfred's family was one of these families, always under pressure from the four surrounding barons, who appeared loyal on the surface but were, in reality, always seeking opportunities to expand their influence at the expense of the counts.
At the bottom of the system were the barons, who managed the smaller towns and villages, living lives with less luxury, but still playing an important role in this complex hierarchy. Each class worked hard to ensure its place and expand its influence, but this came at the expense of stability in the lower classes.
As Edward continued his walk after the encounter, his thoughts turned to Nevalis. His image was clear in his mind: a boy with pure white hair like snow, and eyes that carried a mix of innocence and sharp intelligence. Despite everything, Edward knew that Nevalis was not just an ordinary child.
"Nevalis, the road will be difficult. It will be filled with tragedies, loss, and pain. But I know those things will not stop you."
"He may seem lazy and bored most of the time, but in critical moments, he becomes someone completely different. His mind is like a sharp blade, knowing how to handle any situation thrown at him."Edward stopped at a window overlooking the abandoned palace courtyard. He gazed for a moment into the void, as if seeing a distant future. He whispered quietly:
"Even if you find yourself in the middle of devastation, I'm confident you will rebuild everything. You're stronger than everyone thinks, and I know
this world, no matter how harsh, will not break your will."
As Edward took his steps toward the exit, Victor observed him intently and then said in an enticing offer:
"Edward, I believe you know well that the Duke of Vernston's family can give you what you need. We have the influence and resources. You could be part of this system, if you desire."
But Edward replied in a sharp yet calm tone:
"I've already made it clear to the Duke that I refuse."
The idea of joining the Vernston family didn't surprise him.
At that moment, an unspoken look of fear crossed Victor's face. He knew very well what was at stake. But what worried him more was his inability to gauge Edward's true rank, especially when it came to a seasoned sorcerer like Adrian.
Victor, who prided himself on being skilled at dealing with leaders and nobles, couldn't fully comprehend the dimensions that Edward was dealing with. This figure, seemingly calm, held many secrets within. Inside Edward, there was something that Victor could not access, something that couldn't be explained, nor controlled....
Miles away from the palace, in one of the poor neighborhoods, the scene was completely different. A narrow, dark alley, filled with heaps of garbage and the smell of rot. This place was a symbol of misery, where the homeless and hopeless resided.
Amidst this devastation, there was something striking. A young boy with white hair like snow, lying on the cold ground. His features carried a quiet beauty, but he looked as though he had just emerged from a nightmare.
Nevalis slowly opened his eyes, pain clear in every movement he made. His hand trembled as it reached towards his neck, as if probing a spot that hurt. He sat up slowly, his hair falling over his face like a curtain, hiding part of his suffering.
He whispered in a hoarse voice:
"Where... am I?"