P.S. 4 – Chapter 44.6

Silence. Nobody was foolish enough to object at once, since that would come across as a guilty denial. That gave me the opportunity to let my words sink in before continuing.

"We investigated these assassins well. Followed their tracks back to those responsible. We have enough evidence to justify a war. But fortunately for us all, my wife in all her wisdom asked one thing of me. She asked me to show the culprits mercy. So I will. Which us what brought me here. I have come to offer those responsible a quick death."

Easy. Build the pressure slowly. Let them crack by themselves.

I let my eyes move across the crowd, barely avoiding focusing on my targets. I could see them sweat. For such experienced politicians and manipulators, they sure broke quickly when their lives were actually on the line. Though it didn't help that mana still was whipping up around us, constantly flowing towards me, fuelling the pressure I was exuding.

"If you were involved and your life ends today, that will suffice. I will not come after your subordinates. Your heir will get to rule without worry. For that, you have my word." I paused for a single count. "But if you make me come for you, if you hide behind your people, I will not hold back. For supporting you, they will all fall. And I will not be merciful enough to make their deaths quick."

I looked back at chancellor Sæwine Musard, enough fury in my eyes that he took a step back. "You ask why I came. Now you know. Because in these troubling times, when we should stand together against the danger Eisenfild and Stowingas pose, fools chose to divide us. Two empires looking at us as a tasty appetiser, with one actively preparing an invasion, yet some chose to weaken the West and leave us all vulnerable. I will not stand for it. This ends today."

I let silence fell, but just as the quiet was replaced with noise from numerous nobles and courtiers, grumbling about my words and presence, I mentally lashed out.

Get on with it.

Eyes shot up as my oppressive voice ran in the heads of the conspirators, most realising quickly that only their accomplices showed such a response. If they had thought I was bluffing about knowing who they were, now they understood how ridiculous that assumption was. Fools. We had caught on to their plot from the very start. My father's spy network, combined with all kinds of mana techniques, had let us figure out the culprits even before the assassins finally made their move.

While others argued with each other, anger at my presence, noting that I had a good point, shock at someone daring to aim for a Duchess's life, despair set into the eyes of my targets. I kept up my pressure, enough that some people narrowed their eyes, realising what I was up to. Up on the dais, near the king, Sir Larkin Parmenter was one of them. His mouth tightened into a narrow line, but he kept quiet. And just like that, I felt two of my targets snap. Sudden movements, then blood sprayed as their daggers found their own throats. Two down. Five to go.

"Gods!" The chancellor shouted in panic. But too many didn't panic. Stood quiet. Judging eyes. Answering his upset with disapproval. Oh, he finally realised. He turned and raged at me. "You want to prevent war, yet you bring us bloodshed! And an army as well! Not to answer the call for reinforcements, but to make threats, to cause deaths?!"

I shrugged with my entire body, a large gesture meant as deliberate provocation. "I simply brought a dozen and one. A dozen and one dozens, that is. Barely a thirteenth of our active knights, not even including those no longer on active duty. No soldiers either, no supply lines, limited weaponry. I call that an escort, not an army. Any Duke or Duchess present can raise more than what I brought in a matter of days. The rest we had to leave behind, to ensure my wife's safety" A lie and they knew it. We could spare plenty of troops. We simply refused to do so. A clear warning of how the West refused to cooperate with those that had betrayed Eirwen time and time again.

My face turned deadly calm again. "Sæwine. We must resolve this situation. Only then can we keep Mǣdweburh safe from invaders. So I say once more. Those responsible, your lives must end, so that the kingdom may live."

A few of them looked back towards the crown's dais, desperate for support. It took their last hope away instead. Edmund and Mildred stood on both sides of their grandfather, their hands touching the king's shoulders. The king himself looked grumpy, but I recognised the signs. He was being paralysed. The court mages, under lead of Larkin, stood idle. And the first prince, Hardwin, stood with his head raised high. It wasn't just our enemies who could conspire together. We had prepared well.

Last chance. Die silent, or die screaming.

Three pairs of eyes turned back to me, their despair turning into desperation. I slowly upped the pressure, now noticeable to many. One cracked. Another. As they took their own lives, the third snarled in my direction. Just as he opened his mouth to shout an order, a sword pierced him from behind. Such a fool. His subordinates had despised the orders he had given them. To know then that he was willing to endanger them to protect himself, it was understandable that one broke. At once, the knight withdrew his sword and knelt before his new Lord. A silent nod, and that was that. The crime washed away. Two left.

Prince Hardwin spoke, a loud and thundering voice with only subtle amplification. "Duke Flannán Verglas. The Crown is grateful for your wife's loyalty. In these trying times, the West still stands tall despite its tribulations. Thanks to that, we will be able to focus on the East. Verglas, Ashwood, and Beirn, will keep us safe from the Stowingas empire and the countless unnamed threats at your borders. This will let the rest of the dukedoms focus on making a stand against Eisenfild. Together, we will keep our people safe."

He nodded at Sæwine, slightly dismissive. "My father has recognised that these days are no longer suited for his lead. In his place, I will take command of our armies, so that we can defend all we hold dear. A feeling you will understand well, after everything you have sacrificed. I too am grateful for your aid." If anyone hadn't realised yet, now they did. The king was being replaced, even if not yet in name.

I nodded. Last two gone. "Thank you for your praise. The West will soon deliver its gratitude. We had a soft winter, so many of our stocks are overflowing. As such, we will provide support to those that will be facing tougher supply lines than us. You too all have our gratitude." Empty platitudes, but accompanied by a real promise. Since they had all done their parts, I would make sure the heirs would be stable enough in their rule.

As for the last two, while the chancellor and king may not have died, their lives had effectively ended now. A fresh wind was going to blow through the capital, clearing out some of the rot. I hoped it would suffice.

Prince Hardwin nodded at my gesture. "We are grateful. Please send the Archduchess our regards." Ah, now that got the crowd clamouring. A promotion that came with authority beyond that of a normal dukedom. Perfect. He still had managed to surprise me. I smiled and gave him a small bow, just a tip of the head. A nod in turn.

"I will send a messenger with your kind words. Unfortunately I will have to march on first, with my escort by my side. Though I hope to see her again soon."

Many raised their eyebrows at me, while I saw Edmund and Mildred slightly narrow their eyes. Their father asked what all wanted to know. "And where might your journey lead?"

"East. There is a debt I must repay. I wish you well, your Majesty, your Royal Highness. May tomorrow bring you fortune."

I turned away, my horse pulling at its reins, desperate to get back on the road. I held it back until the soldiers had escorted me away from the crowd, forming a line behind me once more. Then I rode to the gates, to pick up my army and ride on. There was more blood to be shed, for a debt to be repaid.