Eitan looked at the two men standing before him, his face warped in a smile that wasn't quite so. "They didn't even care to try hiding it." He ran a hand over his long, silky hair to settle himself. "To think he would use servants of his own house for such a thing." He couldn't help but shake his head as he reflected upon the report he had just received. The culprit, rather culprits, of the rumors had been identified and apprehended with ruthless efficiency. The verdict?
Deyton Burge, as expected. But what Eitan hadn't expected was that the man hadn't even bothered to outsource the task. After some work by the Silver Wolves, combined with the information Farrel had gained, the three culprits were easily identified as servants of Burge. Farrel and Owen currently stood before him, having provided the reports.
The anger radiating from Farrel seemed to cut through the air. "His audacity is fit for a king. How dare he carelessly slander the lord?"
Owen flinched slightly in response to both the cutting atmosphere and borderline treasonous words coming from Farrel. Eitan raised a hand, and the white knight's presence snuffed out like a blade going into its sheath. "That isn't what's important right now." His placid gaze levelled on Farrel. "You said that it was discovered that funds from the castle were being funneled to Burge?"
Farrel, reigning himself in, nodded stoically. "Indeed, my liege. It appears there was some type of agreement in place between that Gehan and damn viscount." His crass words made his lidded but intense displeasure obvious. "The specifics are unknown, but Saorise was not the only palace with such circumstances. There were similar traces discovered among other fiefs as well. It's almost like a tribute." He finished stonily.
Eitan pressed his lips together and glanced at Owen. "What about those servants?"
Owen narrowed his eyes. "The only instruction they received was to spread the rumors." A coarse chuckle laced into his words. "They hardly seemed like trained spies or anything of the sort, so it's doubtful their purpose could've been much more complex anyway."
A small exhale escaped Eitan's lips. That was one thing. Dreyton didn't seem intent on making any big waves, at least not yet. Whether that was out of an underestimation of Eitan or he simply deemed the effort not to be worth it, who could tell?
"Alright," Eitan acknowledged. "For now, just keep an eye out. If deemed manageable, deal with anything else as soon as it arises."
Owen's eyes flashed, and he bowed. "It will be done." He then caught Eitan's look and tactfully took his leave.
Once the mercenary was gone, Eitan looked back at his knight with a heavy gaze. "Any news on that matter?"
Farrel lowered his head. "There have been no notable movements from the Cairas merchants as of late. However, evidence of the previous trades has been dug up."
That was one more thing Eitan had ordered. Before that assassin took the head of the Cairas guildmaster and chaos inevitably descended, he wanted to secure evidence of Kathryn's illegal trades. A pleased, twisted smile bloomed on his lips. "Good. Keep it well, I'm sure it will come in handy in the future."
"Of course, my liege," Farrel agreed respectfully.
Eitan tapped on the desk with upturned eyes. Countess. This time, I will personally ensure your miserable end. Since she wanted him dead so badly, it'd be remiss if he didn't repay the favor of both lives.
"My liege."
Eitan glanced up. "Is there something else?"
"What is to be done with those troublemakers?" Farel inquired, his voice edged.
Eitan's finger paused, and his expression became thoughtful before his lips curled into a sly smile. "Since so much effort has been put in to promote my name, isn't it only right to return the favor?" Farrel's eyebrow subtly rose as Eitan expounded, "The Arhell and Wyrst baronies." These were two baronies near the wildlands and were unveiled to have quite deep ties to Burge. They also happened to be quite close to Saorise and had been touched by the plague. "Spread a rumor that Viscount Burge had discovered the cure to the ghost leaf plague, but kept it under wraps for the sake of profit."
Farrel's golden eyes shone with understanding. "Understood. Shall I employ the information guild?"
Eitan opened his mouth but then closed it and remained silent for a moment. Farrel didn't prompt him and quietly waited until he spoke. "No. Put Miles in charge. Notify Beren to provide the necessary support."
Farrel's eyes widened for a split second before he bowed his head obediently. "I shall follow your command."
"Go," Eitan dismissed him coolly.
Farrel bowed deeply before swiftly leaving to fulfill the task. After he left, Eitan stood up from his chair and stretched. For now, everything was taken care of, so he finally had some freedom. He made his way out of the study and to the yard, picking up a wooden sword from the rack.
He happily spent the next portion of time wielding his aura. Rather than letting it blaze free, he focused primarily on controlling the aura around the wood, not allowing another incident like the time before.
Unfortunately, his fun time was interrupted when he sensed a presence nearing him. The red aura dissipated, and he lowered his sword, turning around to see Lind approaching. Yuriel also scampered over, handing Eitan a towel which he used to wipe his sweat as the blond butler revealed his purpose.
"Your Lordship, an invitation arrived for you." Lind respectfully held out an envelope.
Eitan's face stiffened. He didn't immediately recognize the seal, but considering recent events, he doubted it was anything good. Already? He had only just struck down the rumor mess and hadn't expected another move to be made so soon.
He took the envelope from Lind with a hardened gaze, his expression molded into something unreadable as he delved into the contents.
Lind watched with apprehension, which was broken into bewilderment as Eitan suddenly let out a laugh. "Lord Eitan…?" He prodded cautiously.
Eitan held the letter on top of the envelope and returned it to Lind with ease. "Send a response that it would be my pleasure."
Lind quickly read over the letter and soon wore a strange expression. "Dinner? Showcase…?"
Eitan chuckled. "That's right. This Baron Mithow is quite the entertaining fellow."
Lind didn't seem quite settled as he bent his waist. "I will send a letter of acquiescence post haste." He emphasized, still confused but sensing his lord's eagerness.
Eitan gave him a nod and looked down at the sword in his hand, a lingering smile on his lips. A martial showcase, huh? I knew he was unique, but this is really something. The letter had come from Indra Mirthow, and it was an invitation to his estate for dinner and a martial showcase. On larger scales, this was an event where nobles would pit their knights against one another for entertainment and a show of force for pride. When conducted personally, it was generally for one of three reasons. A way to crush an opponent's will, a bet for resources or rights, or as a pure martial exchange. Eitan had no conflicts with the man nor anything he would covet, so only the latter remained.
I'll bring Farrel and Agni along. Eitan decided as he returned the sword to the rack. Aengus would be a bit disappointed, but what could he do? Considering the somewhat testy situation, his role in the territory was uncompromisable. Aura knight, commander, and instructor. If anything unforeseen happened, Aengus would be necessary to hold down the fort.
The man himself knew his duties well, so Eitan knew he wouldn't kick up a fuss at being left behind. Unlike a certain fiery redhead, if the situations were switched. Eitan chuckled to himself at the thought as he headed back into the castle, intent on freshening up and then breaking the news.
*****
The carriage came to a halt, and Eitan stepped out, scanning the surroundings to be immediately greeted by a familiar face.
Indra stood at the gate to the manor, with only a servant presumed to be a butler by his side. Once Eitan hit the ground, he stepped forward with a lively smile. "Welcome, Lord Eitan. I know you've just arrived, but would you be ready for dinner? I organized it early so there would be more time for the later festivities."
Eitan was taken aback but not at all displeased by the man's directness. "That is all the better to me." He responded with a light smile and a courteous bow.
Indra's expression brightened, and his gaze travelled over Eitan to the two taller men behind him. "And I assume these are the knights accompanying for such?"
The two he was referring to were, naturally, Farrel and Agni. The latter of which was technically not a knight, but Eitan saw no need to correct him. "Yes. They will participate in the showcase on my behalf."
Indra's eyes lingered on them for a brief moment more, and Eitan caught the sharp scrutiny under his light-hearted demeanor. But Indra soon took a step back and made an inviting gesture. "I look forward to it. Then, please."
Eitan followed him into the manor and to the dining hall. Throughout the venture, he noted that the man's taste in decorations was a welcome difference from the recent sights. Aside from the obligatory painting here or there, it was all remarkably minimal. However, when they arrived at the dining hall, one particular decoration drew Eitan's attention.
Noticing this, and perhaps having expected it, Indra smiled as he followed his gaze. "Impressive, isn't it?"
The subject of such praise was a grand spear mounted on the wall. It was nearly twice as long as an adult man was tall, and the material seemed to shine even without direct light.
"It's a replica of my family's heirloom," Indra explained before Eitan could even pose a question. A bit of mischief bled into his expression. "It's well made, though, so I bet you wouldn't have guessed it isn't an original, huh?"
He was right. Even with Eitan's keen eyes, he hadn't the faintest thought that such a majestic weapon was a mere replica. Of course, if he had actually examined and handled it, it may have been different, but that didn't take away from its first impression. Eitan shook his head and smiled good-naturedly. "I hadn't even entertained the notion. An impressive display indeed."
Amusingly, Indra's chest seemed to puff up a bit with the compliment. "Naturally." He made his way over and sat in the head seat. "I hope the food is as much to your liking as the decor."
Eitan allowed a genuine chuckle to flow out. "I have faith in the baron." He took his seat as he spoke. Farrel and Agni took their places behind him, although one noticeably more poised than the other.
Indra's gaze followed them, and he spoke up. "If you so please, why not have your knights dine as well? It'd be a shame if their performance falls due to fighting on an empty stomach."
Eitan's brow rose with surprise, and even a hint of doubt. Although largely considered inappropriate, to have a subordinate, particularly a noble knight, dine with their master was not unheard of. However, to invite those of another house to do so? At a yes, small, but formal event? That was beyond a simple breach in etiquette.
Eitan didn't respond immediately, but instead turned his head to look behind him. Farrel's stoic demeanor hadn't faltered, but Agni's gaze on the baron had shifted to a fierce suspicion. Eitan then turned back to Indra and smiled smoothly. "Then it would be remiss of me not to comply with your graciousness." He looked back again and beckoned. "Thank the baron and take a seat."
Farrel's gaze sharpened, and he bowed to Indra before wordlessly sitting by Eitan's side. Agni, however, rapidly looked between Eitan and the man a few times before his lips pressed together. "Thank you, Baron." He said tensely, bowing like Farrel before plopping into the chair by him.
Eitan observed that Indra's butler didn't seem at all ruffled by this exchange, and once all were seated, he rang a bell, signaling for the dishes to be brought out. The table was soon covered with a large variety of simple foods. Once the spread was complete, Indra opened his arms with an inviting smile. "Please enjoy."
The meal passed with surprising normality, ending with satisfied stomachs and mouths. The dishes themselves may have been largely modest, but each was cooked with unique perfection. Once the spread was cleared, Indra stood up and made eye contact with Eitan. "Now that we've eaten our fill, isn't it time to digest?"
The corners of Eitan's mouth curled up, and he rose to his feet with Farrel and Agni following along. "Indeed. Working up a sweat is required to allay a full stomach."
Indra blinked and, after a moment, let out a brusque laugh. "Our little lord is quite right. Shall we be off, then? Harod has already prepared the arena. Ah, Harod is the butler here."
So that's what he was doing. The butler, apparently Harod, had disappeared mid-meal. Master and servant are of one mind. He thought with amusement, as Indra had not given any direct instructions for such. It was merely the natural course of events. Eitan glanced at Farrel and Agni before nodding to Indra. "Let's."
The smile on Indra's face widened, and he walked out of the dining hall, pausing just outside the doorway to wait for Eitan to follow. Eitan stared ahead for just a brief moment, meeting the man's stormy gaze. Let's see exactly what you're looking for. He hid his thoughts behind a smile as he walked forward. It was time for the main event.