Chapter 41 – A Grand Duke's Wrath
The Everhart estate stood tall under the moonlight, its towering walls and intricate architecture a testament to its unshakable power. Yet, within its grand halls, an atmosphere of impending storm loomed.
Leonhardt Valerian Everhart walked through the main corridor, his steps slow but deliberate. His clothes were still stained with the remnants of battle, the scent of blood faint but present.
The moment he entered the grand hall, the temperature seemed to drop.
Seated at the center of the room was Grand Duke Aldric Everhart, his imposing figure radiating authority. His deep crimson eyes—mirrored by his son's—were cold, unreadable. His sword, Crimson Judgement, rested against the side of his chair, its presence alone a warning.
Standing beside him was Lady Selene Everhart, her pale golden eyes sharp as they landed on Leonhardt. Unlike her usual composed demeanor, a chilling aura surrounded her—one that spoke of barely restrained fury.
A group of knights stood nearby, including Ser Rowan, who had already reported the night's attack. They all waited in tense silence.
Leonhardt met his father's gaze without hesitation.
A child should be afraid of a father's anger.
But he was no child.
And Aldric Everhart was no ordinary father.
The silence stretched until, finally—
"Who."
A single word. Spoken like an unshakable command.
Leonhardt, unbothered, replied, "The Serpent's Fang."
A sharp crack echoed through the hall. The armrest of Aldric's chair had shattered beneath his grip.
The knights flinched.
Selene's gaze darkened. "They dared to lay hands on my son?" Her voice was soft, but the mana in the air stirred violently.
Leonhardt, as composed as ever, nodded. "They weren't strong enough to kill me. It wasn't a real assassination attempt."
Aldric's gaze sharpened. "Then what was it?"
Leonhardt's lips curled ever so slightly. "A test."
Selene's fury only grew. "To test my son as if he were some lowly prey?"
"Someone is watching," Leonhardt continued. "Someone who wanted to see how I would react."
The knights exchanged wary glances. To test the heir of House Everhart was the same as declaring war.
Aldric leaned forward, his voice deathly calm. "Then we must send a message."
A dangerous glint flashed in Leonhardt's eyes. "I was thinking the same thing."
An Order of Annihilation
That night, a single command was issued by Grand Duke Aldric Everhart—
"Wipe out the Serpent's Fang."
Not a single assassin affiliated with the organization would live to see the next sunrise.
By morning, the Everhart knights had already begun their mission.
No one dared to challenge the Grand Duke's wrath.
And as for Leonhardt—
His mind was already elsewhere.
The imperial capital had become a battlefield of unseen forces.
And he had no intention of remaining a mere piece on the board.