"That was the plan," Rudious said.
Jorald thought for a moment. "So you intend to use the Rebellion."
Rudious smiled.
"Exactly. Pellamio is bankrupt — he has nothing left to give. No gold, no assets. So he will do what men like him always do. He will squeeze his own civilians." He paused. "And that is precisely what will finish him. My plan simply... accelerates it."
*Well, well. There is a brain in there after all — just never used.* Jorald thought, quietly amused. *Dangerous man, this one.*
---
"Let's wait until evening," Rudious said, finishing the last of his tea. "Drake will return and we will see what came of it."
Jorald set his cup on the table. "What do you think, My Lord? Will Drake win or lose?"
"He will win," Rudious said immediately.
Then he looked at Jorald — both hands flat on the table. "Why? You don't think so?"
Jorald's voice dropped slightly, serious now. "I don't. Because he has only been training with a sword for two years. He awakened one week ago. He has no aura. No technique of his own."
"Mnm." Rudious held Jorald's gaze. "But I don't think that matters."
He stood. Turned toward the window.
"That talent of his — if he can use it properly even for a single moment — he can defeat a basic aura swordsman. Whether that person is a soldier or an academy student."
He stepped back from the window and moved toward his chair.
"Come. Until they return — let's go watch Veil train."
---
Both of them came down to the training ground.
Veil was there — sparring with a boy slightly older than him. Wooden swords. The older boy was experienced — his posture, his speed, his control all showed it. He wasn't trying to hurt Veil. He was targeting only the sword — clean, measured strikes.
But it wasn't the older boy that caught Rudious and Jorald's attention.
*Bam. Bam.*
The wooden swords struck back and forth.
And then — in a single quiet moment — Veil began to press back.
He wasn't using his own technique. He was using the older boy's. The same footwork. The same angle of attack. Reproduced — naturally, without being taught.
The older boy faltered. He hadn't expected it. He adjusted — changed his angle slightly.
Veil adjusted too.
Like a mirror that moved a moment later.
The exact same smile crossed both Rudious and Jorald's faces at the same moment.
Neither of them said a word. They watched for a little longer — then quietly turned and walked back inside, not wanting to disturb the rhythm of what was happening.
---
By nightfall, Drake and Arthur had returned.
Drake was awake and healed — but his body was still battered. He went straight to his room without stopping. At dinner, Veil quietly carried food for both of them and ate with him there.
The news of Drake's victory had already spread across Velrend. Every corner of the town was talking about it.
Arthur sat with Rudious and Jorald and gave his full report.
The duel itself — every exchange, every hit Drake took and gave back. The moment his Iron Body activated and the judges shot to their feet. Pellamio's face when his son hit the floor. The surrender.
Then the judges. Sir Belmore, Sir Alrent, Sir Vane — veterans who had seen hundreds of duels. Arthur kept his voice neutral as he reported what they said, but the pride behind his eyes was impossible to hide completely.
"Sir Belmore said —" Arthur paused slightly. "If Young Master Drake ever wants to become a Royal Knight, he will recommend him personally."
He placed the bronze badge on the table.
"Sir Alrent gave this. With it, Young Master can reach the Commander directly."
Rudious picked it up. Turned it over once. Set it back down without a word.
But the corner of his mouth moved — just slightly.
Jorald caught it. Said nothing.
---
Rudious had already received Pellamio's western trade branch. The gold and the contract were still pending — but they were locked in.
That evening, Velrend celebrated.
It wasn't an organized festival — more like the town exhaling all at once. Word had spread fast. By the time the sun went down, the streets were full. People were eating outside, laughing loudly, calling across to their neighbors. A few musicians had set up near the market without being asked.
Drake didn't go out. He was still recovering. But from his window, he could hear it — and at some point during the night, Veil climbed up beside him and they sat there together, listening to the sounds of the town below without saying anything.
---
A few days later — Clad and Leo returned.
They went directly to Rudious's room.
"Sir —" Leo knocked. "It's Leo and Clad."
"Come in."
They entered. A small box was in their hands. They placed it on the table.
"Greetings, My Lord. And congratulations — your plan succeeded."
"Good." Rudious leaned back. "And the result?"
Leo and Clad glanced at each other.
"The Royal Order and Lord Rustro's forces won the territory war," Clad said. "They had already surrounded Pellamio's barony."
"But before they could capture him —" Leo continued, "the Rebellion got there first. They executed him publicly."
Rudious said nothing for a moment. Then — "And his son?"
Leo spoke carefully. "After the duel loss — Pellamio threw his own son into prison."
"And now?"
Clad stepped forward. "My Lord... there is no trace of him. We don't know where he is."
Rudious was quiet.
"Despicable man."
"Yes, My Lord," both said quietly.
"Go. Rest."
"Yes, My Lord." They bowed and left.
---
A moment later, Jorald walked in. A letter in his hand.
"So. How did it go?"
"Pellamio is dead," Rudious said simply. "The Rebellion got to him before the Royal Order could."
Jorald's eyebrows rose slightly. "Before the Royal Order? Lord Rustro's forces had already won the territory war. They were right there." A pause. "How did the Rebellion move faster?"
Rudious smiled. "Does it matter? He's dead. That's what I wanted."
Then Jorald's eyes fell on the small box on the table.
"What is that?"
"The gold. Leo and Clad retrieved it from Pellamio."
Jorald pulled the box toward himself. Then noticed the letter in Rudious's hand.
"Where did that come from?"
"This arrived for you, My Lord." Jorald held it out.
Rudious took it. Looked at the seal.
A Royal seal.
Both of them looked at each other.
Rudious broke it open — and they began to read.
---
**[Chapter 34 — End]**