บท 21: The Meeting of Heirs
Soon, the knights led by Edwin's uncle arrived at the gates of Umbracrest Castle. Their polished armor gleamed under the waning sunlight as they marched in disciplined formation, the sound of their footsteps and clinking metal echoing through the courtyard. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the very walls of the castle were holding their breath in anticipation.
Inside the estate, a steward approached Edwin's workshop and knocked lightly on the reinforced door. "Young Master, your presence is requested in the main hall. The family council has convened."
Edwin paused his work, his hands stilling over the delicate mechanisms of a new construct. With a nod to the AI system managing the workshop, he rose to prepare himself.
He dressed meticulously, donning a luxurious white suit with intricate gold embroidery, crafted by one of his workshop's automatons. The fabric shimmered faintly under the light, exuding a quiet elegance that hinted at his newfound confidence. This wasn't a time for subtlety. Within Umbracrest Castle, Edwin had no reason to be low-key anymore—not when he had power that rivaled even the greatest noble families.
When Edwin stepped out, five imposing mechanical knights flanked him: the towering Gold Knight Commander and four Silver-ranked knights. The Gold Knight, clad in gleaming white and gold-plated armor, bore an intricate design etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly with stored energy. A heavy white cloak trimmed with fur hung from its shoulders, emphasizing its regal and commanding presence.
The Silver Knights, though slightly smaller, were no less awe-inspiring. Their polished silver armor, accented with gold filigree, covered every inch of their frames. Each bore matching cloaks, trimmed with gold, that fluttered softly as they moved. Their eyes glowed faintly with a cold, mechanical light, giving them an almost otherworldly aura.
As Edwin crossed the castle grounds toward the main hall, whispers followed in his wake.
"Is that really the young master?" a maid murmured, her eyes wide.
"I barely recognize him," whispered a guard. "And those knights… they look like something out of the royal legends."
Edwin allowed their stares and murmurs to wash over him. The body he inhabited was no longer the frail, unimpressive form he had inherited upon transmigrating. With his recent advancements, he had grown taller and stronger, his features sharpened into a noble handsomeness. Combined with his refined attire, he now looked every bit the heir of a noble house—if not a figure of legend himself.
When he entered the main hall, the conversations inside ceased abruptly. The assembled members of the Umbracrest family turned to face him, their expressions ranging from disbelief, astonishment to barely concealed hostility.
The room was filled with familiar faces: his second brother, Lucas, who had recently broken through to Bronze rank; his father's two concubines, standing protectively near their children; his three younger siblings, huddled nervously in the corner. Edwin also spotted his cousins, nephews, and three aunts—none of whom possessed notable talent. At the head of the table stood his uncle, the sole remaining Silver-ranked knight of the family and a man clearly vying for the title of Baron.
Edwin's entrance, flanked by his mechanical knights, shifted the atmosphere of the room entirely. His uncle's confident posture stiffened, and unease flickered across his face. The power Edwin exuded, both through his presence and his creations, was undeniable.
"Well," Edwin began, his voice calm yet commanding. "You called for me. Let's not waste time."
His uncle cleared his throat, attempting to mask his discomfort. "Edwin," he said, forcing a polite tone, "this gathering is to determine the future of the Umbracrest family. With your father and brother gone, the family needs strong leadership. As the only Silver-ranked knight here, I—"
Edwin raised a hand, silencing him. "Strong leadership?" His gaze swept the room, lingering on each face. "Tell me, Uncle, what strength do you offer when all you bring is a single Silver Knight and empty words?"
Gasps filled the room. Edwin's uncle's face darkened, but before he could respond, Edwin stepped forward, his knights following in perfect formation.
"I am not the same Edwin you once knew," he continued, his tone sharp. "While others mourned and schemed, I built. I prepared. And now, I stand here with the means to protect this family and lead it into a new era." He gestured to the mechanical knights behind him. "These are but a fraction of what I have created. With me as Baron, the Umbracrest family will not merely survive—we will rise."
The hall was silent, save for the faint hum of the knights' cores. Edwin's words hung heavily in the air, and even his typically reserved brother, Lucas, looked visibly shaken.
His uncle, however, refused to back down. He stepped forward, his voice low and cold. "Do not be so arrogant, boy. These… contraptions may look impressive, but they cannot replace the blood and strength of true warriors. This family was built on the sword, not the tinkering of a child in his workshop."
Edwin's lips curled into a faint smile. "You're welcome to test that theory, Uncle." He gestured toward the mechanical Gold Knight. "Shall we see how your Silver Knight fares against my commander?"
The challenge was clear, and the room held its collective breath.
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