Chapter 101 – The Path of Diplomacy
The sun cut through the thin mist still lingering over the marshes. Eisenwald, which only last night had drowned itself in revelry, was already returning to rhythm. Merchants bustled in the market, soldiers patrolled the streets with stern faces, and peasants still whispered about Baron Fenrir's speech during the festival.
But inside the main hall of Eisenwald's manor, the mood was weighty. A massive map stretched across the war table. Around it stood Fenrir and his trusted commanders.
"Conflict with our neighboring barons may erupt sooner or later," Fenrir said evenly, his gaze sharp as it traced the border lines. "We cannot expect them to remain idle. But before blades are drawn, we must make sure Eisenwald is not alone."
Darius Holt, commander of the infantry, gave a grim nod. "Allies. We need allies—or at the very least, neighbors who will not turn on us when the wolves close in."
Kael Morgenstern rested both hands on his greatsword. "Even a lone wolf needs a pack."
Fenrir's eyes lingered on two small names on the map—Baron Kessler to the east and Baron Mühlberg to the south. They were weaker than Hohenberg or Falkenhain, but their positions were crucial. If Eisenwald could secure them with trade and promises of protection, the threat at the borders would be isolated.
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"Selene," Fenrir said, turning to the archer commander. "You will lead our delegation to Kessler. He values trade, and your sharp tongue will serve better than a drawn bow."
Selene bowed deeply, her lips curving into a small smirk. "I will carry my lord's words like arrows—straight and unerring."
Fenrir's gaze shifted to Lyra Nightshade. "You will go to Mühlberg. I need not just diplomacy from you, but also eyes and ears. Learn who whispers into Mühlberg's ears—whether it is us, or our enemies."
Lyra tilted her hooded head, eyes glimmering. "Consider it done."
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Two days later, Selene rode at the head of a small column, the crimson wolf banner fluttering behind her. The improved roads made travel swift.
Baron Kessler's stronghold was unimpressive compared to Eisenwald. Its walls were low, its gates cracked, its soldiers weary. Yet the marketplace inside thrived, for the barony sat astride a trade route to one of Luminaria's major cities.
Baron Kessler himself greeted them in a plain hall. He was a plump man with a trimmed beard and sharp, calculating eyes.
"Eisenwald's envoy?" he asked, voice tinged with skepticism. "I hear your barony now fields soldiers to rival a count's levy."
Selene met his gaze without flinching. "Eisenwald does not come to boast of its sword. We come to offer a shield—and a safer road for your merchants."
The talks stretched long into the evening. Selene laid forth terms: steady shipments of Falkenrath steel, grain from Eisenwald's marshlands, and above all—protection if the border wars spilled south. Kessler, though wary, was a merchant at heart. Profit spoke louder than fear.
At last, he lifted his goblet. "If Eisenwald can truly guard my roads… then Kessler will not stand against you."
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Meanwhile, Lyra's journey was quieter, her men blending into the countryside.
The Mühlberg barony was poorer still. Its walls sagged, its villages thin with hunger, and its levy little more than peasants with spears. Baron Mühlberg, an old man with trembling hands, preferred coin and words over blood.
"Eisenwald offers friendship?" he croaked.
Lyra bowed low. "Not demands—an offer. If you need protection and ore, Eisenwald can provide. In return, we ask only this: do not side with those who would strangle us."
The old baron chuckled, weary. "Your enemies are also mine. They have pressed me for years. If Eisenwald truly offers a shield, then Mühlberg will lean upon it."
But Lyra heard more than his words. Whispers among servants told of an envoy from Hohenberg visiting only a week ago. She stored the knowledge for Fenrir's ears.
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Days later, both envoys stood before Fenrir.
"Kessler bends toward neutrality, perhaps even to our side," Selene reported.
"Mühlberg is weaker, but sympathetic," Lyra added. "Though know this: Hohenberg's hands are already at his door."
Fenrir stood over the map once more. Two neighboring baronies, tied now by trade and promises. Not through conquest, but through diplomacy.
"Good," Fenrir murmured. "That means when war comes—and it will come—we will not be struck from behind. Our first step in isolating the threat is taken."
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That night, Fenrir lingered alone in his study. The candlelight traced lines across the map, the names of allies and enemies alike marked in ink.
His fist tightened.
> "War is not only waged with swords. Diplomacy is another battlefield. Tonight, Eisenwald has won its first victory there."
The System chimed.
[Quest Progress]
Shadows of the Border – Expand Diplomatic or Trade Alliances (1/2 → 2/2 Completed).
Reward: +8 Charisma, +5 Cunning.
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[Status Panel – Fenrir Eisenwald]
Name: Fenrir Eisenwald
Title: Baron of Eisenwald, The Crimson Wolf
Age: 18
Level: 15
EXP: 26,500 / 30,000
Aura: 165
Stamina: 180
Strength: 135
Cunning: 215 (+5)
Charisma: 160 (+8)
Mental Fortitude: 190
Skills:
[Aura Control Lv.4] – Advanced channeling of aura into blade and body.
[Swordsmanship Lv.4] – Refined techniques, enhanced adaptability.
[Leadership Lv.5] – +25% morale to all units under command.
[Tactical Instinct Lv.4] – High-level battlefield adaptation.
[Passive – Legacy of Strategies] – Knowledge of ancient stratagems can be applied in battle.
Traits:
[Wounds That Shape] – Trauma of war permanently increases Mental Fortitude.
[Lord of the Marsh] – Fighting in swamp terrain grants +25% Cunning and +15% Strength.
Active Quests:
1. Expand Eisenwald's Territory – Conquer or integrate two neighboring baronies (Progress: 2/2 Completed).
2. Shadows of the Border – Counter the schemes of Hohenberg, Altenburg, Falkenhain, and Drachenfels (Progress: Spies neutralized ✔, Military strengthened ✔, Diplomacy secured ✔ → Final confrontation awaits).
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