The carriage swayed rhythmically, the creak of wood and leather a monotonous backdrop to Kaito Ren's thoughts. Four days they had traveled, heading steadily south-west from Caelum Primus in the north-east. Outside the curtained window, the landscape had shifted from manicured estates near the capital to rolling hills and increasingly dense forests as they neared the southern territories, nearing Oakhaven.
Kaito leaned back against the padded seat, rereading the stiff military dispatch that had caught up with him via courier just yesterday morning, on their third day on the road. It was from Commander Valerius of the Northern Frontier, confirming the escort squad assigned by Minister Kenjiro. 'Captain Elias Crane commanding. Five troopers: Kenzo (Shield), Ishikawa (Marksman), Sato (Warrior), plus two infantry. Standard kit. Proceeding directly to rendezvous coordinates at Stonecrest Hold.' The names meant little, but "Frontier veterans" implied competence, which was crucial.
He analyzed the team composition detailed in the dispatch. A Captain leading such a small team for what was officially an analyst's escort and tracking mission? It was unexpected. Kaito had anticipated, given his own carefully maintained low profile and the non-combat primary objective, that Commander Valerius would assign a junior chūi or perhaps just a veteran non-commissioned officer with standard troopers, conserving his more valuable assets for the frontier. Captain Elias Crane, however... Kaito recalled hearing whispers filtering down from the north through Nobe House channels and Vance contacts over the past couple of years. A rapidly promoted soldier, pragmatic, highly effective in combat, known for discipline, and reportedly one of Commander Valerius's most trusted subordinates despite some past injury. Sending him seemed disproportionate for a simple escort, especially given Valerius's known reluctance to spare experienced men. Was it a sign of how seriously Kenjiro and the Mage Council viewed the Mizano situation? Or perhaps the inclusion of less experienced soldiers like Sato alongside the Captain was Valerius's compromise – sending a capable leader but balancing the squad's overall experience level? Interesting. Captain Crane was a variable Kaito hadn't anticipated leading his security detail. He filed the information away, folding the dispatch neatly. Bodyguards. A necessary precaution.
His destination, Stonecrest Hold, was therefore aligned with the official rendezvous plan. He had leveraged his Vance connection before departing to ensure he could use the small, fortified manor house belonging to the family. Located roughly a day's walk from Oakhaven, it was close enough to observe yet far enough to remain detached – a strategically sound base of operations. Traveling under his true identity for this leg of the journey – Lian Vance – afforded him the security and resources of the house, which conveniently served as the meeting point for his escort. The "Kaito Ren" persona would be reassumed later if needed.
It was a calculated decision born of caution and uncertainty, now seamlessly integrated with the official logistics. His primary objective hadn't changed in five years: survive, understand this world, and find a way back. Back to Ayane, back to his real life, his work, the familiar logic of his own time. Interfering with the known plot of Aelric the Last Flame was strategically unsound; his foreknowledge was his greatest asset, and altering events risked rendering it useless.
But Mizano, the rogue Ruinseeker, had already thrown a wrench into the works by saving Yamashiro village – an event that shouldn't have happened. That divergence proved the narrative wasn't immutable. It meant his knowledge might already be flawed. And Oakhaven... the raid was supposed to happen in a two days. Aelric would appear. The hero. For five years, Kaito had anticipated this moment, planning how to observe, perhaps even subtly influence the protagonist whose failures he knew so well. But now? Confront him directly? Offer guidance? The appearance of Mizono made him question everything. What if Aelric himself was different this time? What if the System wasn't what the book portrayed? Direct interaction felt too risky, the variables too numerous.
Observation from a safe distance was the optimal strategy. Stonecrest Hold provided that distance. He could gather information, monitor Oakhaven, and await the arrival of Captain Crane's squad at the designated rendezvous point without placing himself directly in the path of the story's chaotic beginning.
Lost in these calculations, Kaito barely registered the carriage slowing until it came to a complete halt. The rhythmic swaying ceased. Outside, he heard the crunch of gravel underfoot and the muffled voices of guards.
A firm but respectful voice called out, "Master Lian, we have arrived. Welcome to Stonecrest Hold."
Kaito straightened his tunic – the fine wool still finally feeling a home – and took a breath. Phase two of his plan was beginning. He set aside the mental image of his cluttered Tokyo apartment and prepared to step out into the reality of Stonecrest Hold, his temporary fortress on the edge of the story he was desperately trying not to break.
As he stepped down from the carriage, several servants in the dark grey livery of House Vance were already waiting, lined up respectfully near the entrance to the sturdy stone manor. An older man with neatly trimmed grey hair and an air of quiet efficiency – the steward, Kaito presumed – stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Master Lian, welcome. We hope the journey was satisfactory", the steward inquired smoothly.
"Tolerable," Kaito replied, adopting the slightly distant tone expected of Lian Vance. He glanced around briefly. "Have my expected guests arrived yet? The military escort?"
The steward shook his head slightly. "No, Master Lian. You are the first arrival. We have quarters prepared for them whenever they should appear."
Kaito nodded, processing. They should have arrived yesterday evening based on standard military travel times from the rendezvous point mentioned in their initial orders, even accounting for the adjusted meeting place. Unless Valerius had delayed them, or they encountered trouble. Or perhaps he was overthinking, and they would arrive by evening today. Still, a slight unease settled in. Contingencies were necessary.
"Very well," Kaito said. "I require some refreshments – something light – and facilities to bathe and change. Inform me when the Captain arrives."
"Of course, Master Lian. Right this way." The steward led him inside.
Later, refreshed and changed into simpler, though still high-quality, traveling clothes suitable for a noble at a rural estate, Kaito was reviewing local maps in the manor's study when the steward knocked and entered.
"Master Lian," the steward announced quietly, "the... special guests you requested through Lord Vance's channels have arrived. They await your convenience in the west courtyard."
Kaito felt a flicker of satisfaction. His backup plan. Before leaving the capital, he had sent a coded message via a trusted Vance family courier, requesting a small team from their private security forces – specifically, from the unit known euphemistically as the 'Shadow Ravens', the family's assassins and covert operatives.
"Excellent," Kaito said. "Have them brought to the small audience chamber."
Minutes later, he faced three figures clad in dark, non-reflective leather armor, their faces obscured by cowls. They moved with a silent, predatory grace. Their leader, a figure of indeterminate age, knelt smoothly on one knee.
"Prince Lian Vance," the leader's voice was a low rasp, devoid of inflection. The use of 'Prince' was unexpected but telling – it spoke to the significant, almost royal, power House Vance wielded in certain circles, far beyond what was publicly acknowledged. "The Ravens are here to serve your will."
Kaito assessed them coolly. They exuded professionalism and lethal competence. Exactly what he needed for this task. He got straight to the point. "I need you execute observation in real-time relay. I need eyes on Oakhaven village, starting immediately." He took several small, smooth crystals from a pouch. "These are Scry-Shards, attuned to a receiver here at Stonecrest. When activated, they will transmit live visual and auditory information within their radius directly to the receiver." He pushed them across the table. "Think of them as remote eyes and ears."
"You will infiltrate the area surrounding Oakhaven," Kaito instructed, his voice cold and precise. "Establish hidden observation posts covering the village center, the main roads, and the forest edges. Your primary task is to maintain the live feed from these Scry-Shards. Activate them upon reaching your positions." He paused, meeting the leader's hidden gaze. "However: you must take no action. Observe only. Do not interfere, do not intervene, do not reveal yourselves. Even if the village comes under attack, even if lives are lost, your sole duty is to maintain the observation feed. Is that understood?"
The leader remained kneeling, motionless for a beat. "Understood, Prince Lian. Observation and live relay only. No intervention, regardless of circumstance."
"Failure to adhere to that order will have... severe consequences," Kaito added, letting the implied threat hang in the air. "Maintain the feed until recalled. Report any technical anomalies or direct threats to your positions via the coded signals."
"It will be done," the leader rasped. He gathered the Scry-Shards, rose silently, bowed again with his companions, and melted back out of the room as quietly as they had entered.
Kaito watched them go. The military escort was for official appearances and direct security. The Ravens were his insurance, his hidden eyes, ensuring he received unfiltered, real-time data on the events about to unfold in Oakhaven, regardless of what Captain Crane reported or what actions the soldiers might take. He needed the raw data, untainted by heroics or sentiment. The story was about to begin, and Kaito Ren intended to watch it from the director's chair.
The next morning, Kaito sat alone in the manor's small dining hall, picking at a simple breakfast of bread, cheese, and fruit. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. It felt deceptively peaceful. According to his calculations based on the book's timeline, the raid on Oakhaven was likely to occur tomorrow. Yet, there was still no sign of Captain Crane and his squad. They were now significantly overdue.
He summoned the steward.
"Master Lian?" the steward inquired, bowing slightly.
"Has there been any word from the military escort?" Kaito asked, keeping his tone neutral.
"None, Master Lian. Shall I send riders to the crossroads?"
Kaito considered for a moment, then shook his head. A strange certainty, cold and analytical rather than emotional, settled over him. "No. That won't be necessary." He stood up. "Inform the guards. Activate the perimeter defense runes – the ones had installed. Double the watch on the walls and seal the main gate. No one enters or leaves without my direct authorization."
The steward blinked, surprised by the sudden, decisive orders for lockdown. Stonecrest Hold was fortified, but rarely placed on such high alert. "Yes, Master Lian. At once. But... what should we do if Captain Crane's party arrives?"
Kaito turned to look out the window towards the south, in the direction of Oakhaven. "They won't arrive," he stated flatly.
The steward hesitated. "Sir?"
"They aren't coming," Kaito repeated, his voice devoid of doubt. He couldn't explain why he knew. Something had prevented their arrival. Whether it was trouble on the road, a change in orders, or something else entirely, the result was the same. He was on his own, save for the manor staff and his hidden Ravens.
"Seal the gates."