Rebels
My sister and I approached the estate, ready to evade the guards and slip back in unnoticed. The night was still, the only sounds being the soft rustle of leaves and our quiet footsteps.
Just as we neared the estate, a deafening explosion shattered the silence.
BOOM!
The sound reverberated through the air, causing my ears to ring painfully. Elara shrieked, her hands flying to her ears in a futile attempt to block out the noise.
"Use mana!" I called out, my voice infused with mana to ensure it reached her despite the chaos.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to comply, her hands trembling as she augmented her ears with mana. Unlike me, Elara wasn't used to reacting automatically to disruptions, and the explosion had caught her off guard. Blood trickled from her ears, crimson drops staining the ground.
Rage surged through me at the sight. "We need to go," I said urgently, my voice tight with anger. "We don't know what's going to happen if we stay here!"
I grabbed her hand, feeling the tremor in her fingers, and we started to run. The night air was thick with tension, every shadow seeming to hold a new threat. We moved swiftly, the adrenaline fueling our steps.
The estate's walls loomed ahead, a possible haven from the chaos erupting around us. The gates swung open as my mother rushed out, flanked by guards, her face a mix of determination and fear.
"Elara, Lancelot, inside now!" she yelled, her voice commanding yet tinged with worry.
We dashed through the gate, which slammed shut behind us with a resounding clang. The guards locked it securely, their faces grim and alert.
My mother knelt beside Elara, gently wiping the blood from her ears with a handkerchief. Her touch was tender but her eyes were sharp, scanning for any signs of injury.
"What's going on?" I asked, my voice trembling with anger despite my attempts to hide it.
"We're not sure," my mother admitted, her tone steady despite the tension. "It seems to be an attack on the festival. The nobles are trying to figure it out."
Shock rippled through me as I gritted my teeth. Elmore, our city, was a major hub in the Killion Empire, home to many nobles, including Count Arlen. This wasn't the first time it had been targeted.
"Rebels again?" I asked, my eyes glinting with anger as I clenched my fists.
"Possibly," my mother sighed, weariness seeping into her voice. "Come inside. We need to get Elara healed."
She led us swiftly into the estate, her stride purposeful. The grand hallways, usually so serene, were now filled with anxious energy. Guards moved with urgency, securing the estate and preparing for the worst.
As we entered a small chamber, my mother gently guided Elara to a chair and began healing her using her magic. A soft, warm light emanated from her hands, enveloping Elara in a comforting glow. I stood by, my heart pounding, watching as Elara's pain slowly eased, her tense features relaxing bit by bit.
"Stay calm, both of you," my mother said, her voice firm and reassuring. "We'll get through this."
Suddenly, the door swung open, and my father's booming voice filled the room. "Elara, Lancelot!" His eyes scanned me for any injuries before he pulled me into a bear hug, his familiar scent grounding me. Then, his gaze shifted to Elara, and a shocked gasp escaped his lips as he saw her being healed by our mother.
"Are you okay, Elara?" he asked, his voice quieter now, filled with concern.
"I-I'm getting better," Elara stammered, tapping her feet nervously on the floor. "I-I'm sorry for sneaking out of the estate, Mom, Dad."
"We can discuss that later," my father said with a wave of his hand, his focus entirely on her well-being. "Right now, we need to make sure you're safe and healed."
My mother continued her healing, the soft light growing brighter as it mended Elara's injuries. "You were very brave," she murmured, her eyes meeting Elara's with a mixture of pride and worry. "But next time, let us know where you are."
Elara nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"It's alright," my father said, his voice gentle. "You're safe now, and that's what matters."
I stood by, feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety. The booming explosion, the chaos at the festival—it all seemed like a distant nightmare now, but the reality of the situation was still too close for comfort.
"Do we know who attacked the festival?" I asked, breaking the tense silence that filled the room.
"Rebels again," my father replied, his jaw clenched tightly. "But they seem to have gone too far this time, even targeting commoners who just wanted to enjoy the festival organized by the Holy Church."
I nodded, feeling a mix of anger and fear.
"Don't worry," my mother said, her voice calm but strained as she finished healing Elara. "We've contacted adventurers and mercenaries for help outside the city using communication stones. The rebels will be dealt with without much of a problem."
But I could see the worry lines creasing her forehead, betraying the calm facade she tried to maintain.
'The problem is bigger than they are letting on,' I realized.
My father paced the room, his fists clenched at his sides. "The rebels seem to be getting bolder," he muttered, more to himself than to us. "Attacking during the festival... it's a blatant challenge to our authority and security."
'So that's what their aim is,' I thought. The pieces of the puzzle began to fit together.
Rather than merely overthrowing the nobles, they wanted to sow seeds of distrust among the commoners. They aimed to make the commoners believe the nobles couldn't protect them, convincing them that they could only rely on themselves for protection.
This would fuel the commoners' desire to replace the nobility and, eventually, the Imperial Family itself.
'Quite smart,' I mused. 'The rebels are becoming more strategic with each move.'
"Sir, we have some reinforcements asking to come inside the house!" a guard announced, his voice amplified by mana to carry through the thick walls.
"Let them in," my mother ordered after exchanging a glance with my father. She quickly rushed outside, her movements swift and purposeful.
"I'll go too," I said, following her closely. My fingers glided over the metallic surface of my spatial ring, a gift I received for my tenth birthday.
I was prepared to imbue my mana, full of intent, into the ring and draw my sword if needed.
After all, with a sword, I didn't have any confidence in losing.
As we approached, the gates creaked open, and I saw a group entering. My mother suddenly rushed forward, throwing her arms around the first man who stepped inside. My eyes widened in shock before I recognized the person she was embracing.
"Mother," the blonde man said, gently patting her head. "It's been some time."
"Lucas!" my mother exclaimed, hugging him tightly before finally letting go.
'There is no doubt now,' I thought as I chuckled, 'If I fought with a spear, he would win.'
He had grown well, very well. His presence overshadowed the other adventurers and mercenaries, even coming close to matching that of Baron Cedric, who had arrived with them.
Though still behind Baron Cedric in both skill and mana, it was only a matter of time before Lucas surpassed him as well.
"Master," I said, turning to Baron Cedric, whom I hadn't seen since breaking through to the green stage. He had been preoccupied with bureaucratic issues, but now, his focus was entirely on the threat at hand.
Baron Cedric, a tall and imposing figure with sharp features and a commanding aura, acknowledged me with a nod. "Lancelot," he said, his voice steady. "You've made significant progress."
"Thank you, Master," I replied, feeling a surge of pride. "We have to be ready for whatever comes next."
"Indeed," Baron Cedric agreed, his eyes scanning the courtyard. "The rebels are getting bolder. We must organize a rescue group."
Elara ran to Lucas and embraced him tightly. I followed, giving him a firm handshake before pulling him into a hug.
"So, you didn't get disheartened, huh?" I whispered in his ear, feeling his strength as I held him close.
He smiled warmly. "No, I can finally see the level I need to reach in the future, thanks to you, Lancelot."
"Anything for you, brother," I said, beaming with pride.
"There's trouble!" one of the adventurers exclaimed as he stepped forward, visibly winded despite standing upright.
"What happened? Did your familiar sense anything, Darvus?" Lucas asked, placing a reassuring hand on the adventurer's shoulder.
"I-I sensed a very powerful presence!" Darvus replied, his voice urgent as he took a gulp of water. "That presence is attacking Count Arlen's estate. It won't be long before they breach his defenses."
My heart sank. Count Arlen had a formidable knight, just shy of reaching the level of an Imperial Knight. How could his estate be under such dire threat?
"An Imperial Knight has joined the rebels," Darvus continued, delivering the news that cast a pall over everyone present.
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