Chapter 115

Chapter 115

Chapter 115

In those days, the arrival of Mikhail Lancaster caused an immense stir within the intricate structure of the labyrinth city.

Mikhail Lancaster, a prodigy with steel, was unanimously classified as the warrior closest to reaching the rank of the Seven Swords of the Continent.

It was logical for common explorers and mercenaries to let themselves be swept away by the so-called “artifact fever,” longing to strike a fortune overnight. However, in this case, they were talking about the second descendant of the duchy of Lancaster, one of the three most powerful ducal dynasties in the entire Empire!

Within the demon lord’s domains ruled by Viscount Saxon, the relevance of his arrival possessed an incalculable value.

On the other hand, the impact caused by the appearance of Mikhail Lancaster did not remain confined solely to the borders of the demon lord’s lands.

The lineage of the duchy of Lancaster, highly celebrated far and wide across the nation, had sent its most brilliant successor, Mikhail, beyond the confines of the northern border, straight into the territory of the demon lord. Seen in a certain way, he became the first high-ranking aristocrat to venture into the northern border, causing an immeasurable repercussion in the high echelons of the Empire.

That period of incursions toward the north and the collective obsession with ancient objects had ceased to be a simple passing trend. It transformed into a true whirlpool of greed.

In other words, the possibility of getting rich quickly in the “labyrinth city” no longer belonged exclusively to soldiers of fortune or local hunters; the imperial nobles themselves were beginning to set their attention on the place.

Where wealth is glimpsed, crowds do not take long to gather. Although Mikhail Lancaster was far from being anyone insignificant, his mere arrival undoubtedly functioned as the definitive trigger to attract the masses.

During those same days, Edward of Dulles, a renowned S-rank adventurer residing in the labyrinth city, was experiencing deep distress.

He had dedicated himself to discreetly developing a “clandestine trade” network linked to various groups, operating all of it under the gaze and yoke of Viscount Saxon. His plans to gather warriors and consolidate his own domain in the region were being executed without major setbacks.

After all, the dynasty of the Dulles family enjoyed immense prestige within the Empire, so even Viscount Saxon would think twice before acting directly against him.

To ensure the continuity of the northern expeditions and the lucrative search for relics, the backing of the aristocracy was fundamental. As much as Saxon deeply despised Dulles, it was impossible for him to eliminate him as if he were a low-life criminal. Not even possessing the fearsome reputation of the “Black Prince.”

A clear example of this was Felipe, the descendant of the holy knight, who established himself as the only individual who managed to come out alive from that black-and-white confrontation.

That was the code by which the upper class was governed. In this plane, human existence does not possess the same weight for everyone, and Edward of Dulles blindly defended the superiority of his noble lineage.

Just during that period, news about the arrival of an unexpected character began to flood the streets of the labyrinthine city.

It was none other than the second son of the duchy of Lancaster, Mikhail Lancaster.

Edward of Dulles did not hesitate in his intentions. He planned to immediately propose a strategic pact with his own organization, the “Noble Alliance of Adventurers.”

That labyrinthine city possessed a wealth far superior to that of any mithril deposit. He did not intend to sit idly by watching how the profits exclusively benefited the lineage of the Saxon family. The definitive purpose of the Noble Alliance of Adventurers, commanded by Edward, went much further than acting as extraction pawns; they ambitioned to definitively wrest the reins of the locality’s commercial control from Viscount Saxon.

“What is your stance, Prince Mikhail? It is evident that aristocrats of our condition should not lower ourselves to coexist with individuals of inferior lineage.”

The distinction between nobility and humble blood reflected the widespread thinking of men of high lineage toward the popular classes, to which Mikhail Lancaster reacted by showing an affable gesture. Did he perhaps share that perspective?

“Unfortunately, in this place I represent nothing more than a ‘common adventurer,'” Mikhail Lancaster stated. “Furthermore, it is not birth titles that allow us to survive in the deepest parts of the labyrinth.”

After uttering those words, Lancaster displayed a subtle smile. A highly unusual declaration coming from a member of the most influential families in imperial society.

Faced with Lancaster’s unexpected modesty, Edward of Dulles found himself completely deprived of arguments.

After some time, in the deepest sectors of the underground structure.

“So this is where you were hiding, Prince Dale.”

An exclamation resonated from the rear, manifesting without the slightest trace of approach being perceived. It was the identity of Mikhail Lancaster.

“……”

Upon noticing the sound, the S-rank combatant known under the alias of “Faceless” rotated his body. Beneath the folds of his vestment, absolute darkness was sheltered, maintaining a reserved attitude. However, that muteness did not prolong for long.

“How did you manage to discover it?”

A tone charged with a certain irony emerged from the darkness covering “Faceless,” dispensing with any mystical alteration in his speech.

“Who would make the mistake of overlooking the energy of the ‘Black Prince’?”

Mikhail Lancaster emitted a light laugh, while his weapon, the celebrated “Peacemaker,” became covered with a glow of whitish and reddish tones.

Faceless, who in reality was Dale, preserved absolute calm, showing total indifference toward the manifestation of “ruthless nobility” that emanated from the edge of the enemy weapon.

“What are your motives for following my steps?”

“Merely felt curious,” Mikhail Lancaster replied. “What reasons would push the ‘Black Prince’ and regent of the lands of the demon lord to camouflage his rank to enter this labyrinth?”

“It reduces to a practice session.”

“Is it that the warriors guarding Saxon’s fortress do not represent worthy rivals for your practices?”

Mikhail adjusted his fingers on the hilt of Peacemaker and formulated a new question.

“Under that context, would it be fine with you if I take the role of your opponent, Prince?”

“I am sure you know the situation, Prince Mikhail.”

With that declaration, Dale’s silhouette beneath the clothing made a slight movement while adding information.

“There is an unshakeable directive among the explorers of this space: anyone who initiates an armed dispute will be definitively expelled from the domain of the demon lord, losing the right to return.”

A rule imposed directly by Viscount Saxon in order to preserve harmony in the underground city.

“In the total darkness of this place, is there perhaps a soul capable of monitoring the fulfillment of that decree?” Mikhail Lancaster inquired, denoting amusement in his gesture.

It occurred right at that instant.

“…!”

Amidst the darkness, a force began to shift.

A frigid gust whipped the environment, while various figures surrounded the positions of Dale and Mikhail.

Individuals wearing masks that emulated the beak of a bird and covered themselves with dark cloaks.

They were the elite executors belonging to the “Court of Shadows,” who currently operated under Dale’s directives.

Nevertheless, despite the immense skills of these warriors, it was impossible for them to evade the perception of Mikhail, whose level bordered on that of the Seven Swords of the Continent. What truly took Mikhail by surprise was not the group in general, but the approach of “one assassin” in particular.

Not even Mikhail Lancaster himself, cataloged as the warrior closest to the Seven Swords, managed to anticipate his approach until the cold metal was found directly in contact with his throat.

A concealment technique so perfect that his perception was incapable of registering it in time.

That only led to an indubitable conclusion.

The most outstanding executor in the entire territory, possessor of one of the titles of the Seven Swords.

“The Killing Sword….”

“I ask you not to hold a grudge; my intentions do not contemplate harming you.”

The supreme leader of the Killing Sword, Baro, replied showing total apathy.

“It is not that it is pleasant for me to place a weapon on the neck of the descendant of the most excellent swordsman of the Empire.”

The most formidable warrior, an honorary distinction that legitimately belonged to Mikhail’s progenitor, who assumed the legacy of the now-extinct divine sword.

“Does it mean that the ‘Court of Shadows’ takes charge of monitoring the actions of those who enter the labyrinth?”

“At least in the sectors where they have the capacity to intervene.”

In his role as mandate holder of the lands of the demon lord, Viscount Saxon led multiple combat factions. Among them were the Night Crow Knights, the Winter Sentinels, the Black Armor Company, and the aforementioned Court of Shadows. Each of these groups precisely executed Dale’s dictates in their respective areas of influence.

“You were aware from the first moment that I was coming after you.”

“And in the same way you, Prince Mikhail, proceeded to follow me fully conscious of the situation.”

The exchange of words continued, chaining one reply after another. Mikhail had gone after Dale’s steps knowing perfectly well that his movements were observed, while Dale employed his allies to watch a Mikhail who knew of said maneuver from the beginning. Everything configured a game of mutual provocations.

Despite this, the direct intervention of the Killing Sword constituted an unforeseen factor even for his own calculations.

“On that occasion, within the illegal business of Guild City… the regent of the locality made mention that Prince Dale had assumed the reins of the ‘Court of Shadows.'”

Being in front of Mikhail Lancaster, there was no reason whatsoever to falsify the events.

“Each of your determinations, Prince Dale, manages to leave me astonished.”

“Being the second in line, my achievements do not withstand comparison against Prince Mikhail, who is destined to inherit the leadership of the duchy of Lancaster.”

In this territory, succession rules strictly prioritize the firstborn, possessing crucial relevance among members of the aristocracy.

If the leader of a dynasty chooses to deprive the first son of his rights, would there exist the possibility of the latter accepting the resolution peacefully? In the event that rival factions promote a rebellion, this would immediately give rise to an armed conflict for the family throne.

Dealing specifically with a ducal dynasty, an event of such magnitude would ignite a conflict capable of consuming the entirety of the Empire.

Even having these consequences clear, the stance of the Duke of Lancaster remained firm. He had legally ratified Mikhail in the role of successor and was moving forward in the validation of his position.

“It is evident that you did not make this journey toward the northern domains of the demon lord solely with the intention of measuring your steel against mine.”

Understanding the panorama, Dale took the floor.

“What is the true purpose that leads you to my lands?”

Finally, both decided to expose the priority matters they kept under reserve, laying the foundations to initiate a common agreement.

“What data do you possess regarding Richard Lancaster, the eldest offspring of our lineage?” Mikhail Lancaster questioned.

“I have knowledge that he will not contemplate the situation in silence while the second descendant takes the reins of the Lancaster family.”

“That is correct.”

Mikhail Lancaster showed his agreement with a slight movement of his head.

“And recently… Lady Margaret, the eldest daughter of the Duke of York, has formalized her vows of union with my elder brother.”

The lineage of the House of York. A dynasty of great magnitude within the nobility, situated just below the three great ducal families. This matrimonial alliance with the firstborn of the Lancasters only pointed in one direction.

“In the scenario that my progenitor decides to break with the laws of consanguinity and formally initiates the transition of command to me, it is a fact that the York faction will provide their weaponry to my brother, using the ‘defense of the ancestral laws of the empire’ as justification.”

Reflexively, Dale’s mind brought to memory the representative insignia of the House of York.

The distinctive blazon of Lancaster consisted of a rose of red and white hues, which embodied the concept of ruthless nobility.

For its part, the emblem of York was composed of a rose of blue and white tones, whose meaning pointed toward wise nobility.

“The dynastic conflicts of the Wars of the Roses…,” Dale expressed in a low voice to himself.

Hearing that, Mikhail Lancaster showed a smile full of bitterness.

“What is your resolution, Lord Dale?” Mikhail interrogated, holding his expression. “Would you be willing to put the armies of Saxony at the service of our House of Lancaster?”

“Is this request made with the purpose of safeguarding the stability of the Lancasters?” Dale inquired, remembering the old precept dictating that royal harmony is only consolidated after passing through the battlefield.

“Indeed.”

“A pact involving both ducal dynasties could jeopardize the political stability of the entire continent,” Dale added. “Added to that, both the imperial authorities and you, Prince Mikhail, are aware of the resource I managed to claim at the time within the ‘black market.'”

He referred to the Heart of Barbarossa, a piece linked to one of the three great ducal dynasties. For the House of Saxony, being custodians of said element, pactoring with the future leader of the Lancasters implied a serious declaration of intentions.

“The high echelons of the empire would not look favorably on the three ducal dynasties ending up aligned under the orders of Saxony.”

Even being aware of the risks, Mikhail maintained his proposal firm toward Dale, causing the latter to smile at the irony of the matter.

“Do you not consider yourself, Prince Mikhail, a staunch defender who puts ‘the stability of the empire’ above any particular interest?”

“Of course I long for the stability of the empire,” Mikhail answered, returning a gesture of complicity. “However, to materialize the ‘absolute stability’ that I visualize, it is imperative to accept a certain level of devastation as an acceptable loss.”

Alluding to the idea that renewal requires first the fall of the old.

“In this plane, all gain demands an equivalent exchange,” Mikhail Lancaster concluded his idea. “In exchange for consolidating a pact with the House of Saxony, I lay on the table a token of ‘goodwill’ that rises to the circumstances.”