章 25: Consolidation of power
The main hall of Umbracrest Castle was quieter than usual, yet the tension in the air was palpable. It had been days since Edwin had taken full control of the family and claimed his position as Baron. However, power was never absolute, and Edwin knew the weight of his authority would only last if reinforced by swift and decisive action.
Edwin sat at the head of the council table, his sharp gaze fixed on the gathered nobles, family members, and trusted retainers. The hall, usually adorned with bright tapestries and warm lighting, now felt colder, almost austere. The presence of two mechanical Silver-ranked knights flanking him only added to the somber atmosphere.
"Let us begin with the status of our household," Edwin said, his voice calm but carrying a subtle edge of command.
Lucas, standing to his left, rose to address the room. "The family knights are currently being reorganized, my lord. Training schedules have been intensified, and we've begun integrating the cultivation manual you've provided. Several Bronze-ranked knights have already reported noticeable improvements in their mana circulation and combat abilities."
Edwin gave a curt nod. "Good. Ensure they remain disciplined. Strength without control is a liability, not an asset. And what of the servants and stewards?"
Liana, Edwin's trusted advisor, stepped forward. "There has been some unrest among the lower ranks, my lord. A few of the older servants and village elders still question your methods, though they dare not voice their discontent openly. Spies within the household are likely to remain a concern."
Edwin's expression hardened. "Unacceptable. This house cannot afford whispers of dissent." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. "Liana, compile a list of individuals who have shown hesitation or acted suspiciously. I want names by the end of the day."
"Yes, my lord," she replied, bowing her head.
By nightfall, Liana returned with a meticulously prepared report. The names of suspected traitors and spies were listed alongside their positions and known activities. Edwin read through the document carefully, his face unreadable.
"Good work," he finally said, handing the report back. "Send the mechanical scouts to observe these individuals discreetly. Any who are found guilty of treachery will be dealt with."
Liana hesitated for a moment before speaking. "My lord, how should we handle their families?"
Edwin's gaze darkened. "Mercy is a luxury we cannot afford. If their families have benefited from their betrayal, they will share in the consequences. But if they are innocent, ensure they are spared."
Liana nodded, her expression grim. She left the room to carry out the orders, knowing Edwin's word was final.
The following day, Edwin inspected the knights' training ground. The once-disorganized unit was now taking shape under the guidance of Sir Warren, the newly appointed commander. Rows of knights clad in polished armor practiced drills with renewed vigor, their movements sharp and precise.
Edwin observed silently, his presence enough to keep the men on edge. When the session ended, he addressed them.
"Knights of Umbracrest," he began, his voice carrying across the field. "The past weeks have been a trial for this family. We have suffered losses, but we have also gained an opportunity—a chance to rise stronger than before.
"The techniques I have provided you are not just tools for growth; they are a path to greatness. Those who prove their loyalty and dedication will be rewarded. But remember this—loyalty is not negotiable. Betray me, and there will be no place for you in this house, not even as a memory."
The knights knelt in unison, their fists over their hearts. "We serve the Umbracrest family!" they shouted, their voices echoing through the courtyard.
Satisfied, Edwin turned to Sir Warren. "Continue pushing them. I want no weak links in our chain."
"Yes, my lord," Warren replied.
With the household slowly stabilizing, Edwin turned his attention to the eastern mountains. The discovery of mithrite and aurastone had sparked both hope and risk. While the materials promised wealth and power, they also made the domain a target for external forces.
Edwin dispatched a team of mechanical miners to the mountains, their advanced sensors and precision tools enabling them to extract resources far more efficiently than human workers. Alongside them, mechanical scouts patrolled the area, ensuring no bandit or rival force could approach unnoticed.
Reports soon arrived detailing the growing stockpile of ores. Edwin instructed his craftsmen to begin forging weapons and armor, ensuring his knights were equipped with the best gear available.
As the weeks passed, the Umbracrest domain began to show signs of revival. The mines flourished, trade routes were secured, and the knights grew stronger under Edwin's leadership. However, not all was peaceful.
Lucas approached Edwin one evening with a letter sealed with the crest of a neighboring noble house. "Brother," he said, handing over the letter, "this arrived from Count Belvoir's estate. It seems he has taken an interest in our newfound prosperity."
Edwin broke the seal and read the contents, his expression unreadable. The letter was filled with veiled threats and polite demands, suggesting that the Count expected a portion of the Umbracrest domain's profits in exchange for his 'protection.'
Edwin's lips curled into a cold smile. "It seems our success has made us enemies." He handed the letter to Lucas. "Draft a response. Inform the Count that the Umbracrest family does not require his protection, nor will we tolerate his interference."
Lucas hesitated. "Brother, is it wise to provoke him? The Count's forces are strong."
Edwin's eyes gleamed with determination. "Strength means nothing without conviction. If the Count wishes to test us, he is welcome to try. But he will find that we are not so easily crushed."
As Lucas left to prepare the letter, Edwin turned to one of his mechanical knights. "Double the patrols near the border. If the Count makes a move, I want to know before he takes his first step."
The knight saluted, its movements precise and mechanical. Edwin watched it go, his mind already calculating his next move.
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