Chapter 73: Faint Glimmers of Steel
The scent of brewing tea filled the dimly lit room as Volundr sat at the long oak desk, a faint sliver of sunlight creeping through the curtains to touch the edges of the paper scattered before him.
The faint crackle of the parchment beneath his fingertips was the only sound in the otherwise quiet room. He had spent the past few hours reviewing reports, but now, his attention was drawn to a particular message.
His eyes narrowed as he read the latest intel, sent by a spy embedded deep within the Church territories in Europe.
A name caught his attention first—Siegfried. The report detailed a warrior who wielded demonic swords, blades that were far too powerful for a mere mortal to handle.
His skill in combat was marked by a unique finesse, unlike any knight Volundr had encountered. The report hinted at the possibility that Siegfried's weapons may have been infused with the very essence of dragons, making him an even more valuable asset.
The thought of this warrior piqued Volundr's curiosity. There was potential here, potential that could become an invaluable part of his plans.
But it was the second name, Jeanne, that truly captured his attention.
A prodigy with the Sacred Gear Blade Blacksmith, Jeanne had already begun to make waves within the Church.
According to the report, she was revered as a miracle child—her blade-forging abilities were said to be unparalleled, capable of creating swords with extraordinary powers. What intrigued Volundr the most was her ability to craft weapons on the battlefield itself, giving her a strategic edge over her enemies.
Her potential as a warrior was undeniable, but what truly stood out was her heart—her unwavering sense of duty to protect others. It was rare to see such purity and strength in one so young.
She could be a knight in more than just title. She could be a commander, a figure capable of leading others.
Volundr set the report down carefully, his fingers still lingering on the paper as his mind began to shift into its usual calculating mode. He could already see the threads of a future forming in his mind.
"Two blades... but one knight's heart."
The thought slipped from his lips quietly, almost a whisper to the air itself. The idea that both of them—Siegfried and Jeanne—could be brought under his command began to take shape. Their talents were undeniable, their potential infinite. Yet, there were risks.
The Church would not let go of such assets easily. Volundr knew that bringing them into his fold would require careful planning, a steady hand, and, most of all, patience.
As he considered his next move, Volundr began to write down notes. His pen moved swiftly across the paper, his thoughts flowing as he detailed everything about both warriors.
Siegfried – A warrior with unparalleled swordsmanship, wielding demonic swords. Possesses a powerful combat style capable of taking on even the most formidable foes. Potential for Knight or Special Combat Asset. Risk: Loyalty to the Church, unpredictable temperament.
Jeanne – Prodigy with Sacred Gear Blade Blacksmith. Capable of forging weapons on the battlefield, unparalleled skill. Potential for Knight Piece. Risk: Strong loyalty to the Church, unwavering sense of duty and justice.
Both of them were dangerous. But then again, all his potential recruits were dangerous. That was the nature of power.
Volundr leaned back in his chair, staring out the window. The world beyond the walls of his estate felt distant, yet, he knew it was only a matter of time before it would all collide. He had already set his sights on them. All that was left was waiting for the perfect opportunity to bring them into his fold.
The sounds of his peerage training in the distance were faint but comforting. It reminded him that, while his thoughts often moved ahead of him, the path toward his ultimate goal was long and winding.
He couldn't rush it, nor could he afford to make mistakes. Every piece of this puzzle had to fit perfectly.
He glanced back at the papers in front of him. There was still much to plan. Much to observe.
"Patience," he muttered to himself, his gaze sharpening. "Everything in due time."
With a final flick of his wrist, Volundr sealed the files away, marking them for future attention. Jeanne and Siegfried were on his radar now, and he had no intention of letting them slip away. Not now, when their potential was just beginning to show.
The wind outside rustled the leaves of the trees surrounding his estate, but inside, Volundr's thoughts were still. He had already begun to weave the future with invisible threads, and the first glimmer of steel had appeared on the horizon.
And soon, it would be time for him to claim it.