"You are right, Lord Arthur," Leon said calmly. "That's exactly why I've called you here. I have information that soon the duchy will gather most of its generals on one of its islands for a meeting to discuss the invasion of the kingdom. They specifically plan to go over their strategy. So… what do you think about joining me at this generals' meeting?"
Upon hearing Leon's words, Arthur was momentarily taken aback.
"Lord Leon," he began hesitantly, "what you've just said is truly important, and if we could somehow get there, that would be incredible. But I doubt we'd make it past the entrance. If it's a meeting of generals, then no one except the high-ranking officers or elite soldiers who have already proven themselves would be allowed in. The moment we step in—well, let's just say they'd feed us to the pigs… or worse."
"You would be right, my dear friend, if not for one small detail." Leon smirked faintly.
"First of all, the meeting takes place today. And second—over the past week, my people have been spreading rumors that a young man, sent personally by the duchess herself, will join the meeting to deliver crucial information about the kingdom's current stance."
Hearing that, Arthur could hardly believe his ears. The whole thing sounded like something straight out of a fairy tale—or more like a dangerous bluff.
As for how such a thing could even be possible, Leon had planned it all in advance. He had sent Luxion and Clara ahead of time. They whispered into people's ears, quietly seeding the rumor—and those people, in turn, passed it on to others. Gradually, the entire island began buzzing with talk about the mysterious messenger supposedly sent by the duchess herself.
"I know it's hard to believe," Leon continued, his tone steady but firm, "but unfortunately, I can't delay this conversation any longer. I ask that you join me in this mission—as a witness. If anyone asks who you are, simply say that you're my trusted servant or something along those lines."
Arthur let out a slow breath.
"It's still difficult to believe… but if this can help protect our country, then I will gladly follow your lead, my lord," he said resolutely.
As soon as those words left his mouth, the ship finally began to rise into the sky.
To Arthur's surprise, the vessel was astonishingly fast—almost unnaturally so.
"In about an hour—perhaps even sooner," Leon said, looking straight ahead, "we'll be in the duchy, Arthur. Our goal is not only to prove to the king that the duchy is preparing for war—so that he can ready his forces in advance—but also to gather information about their strength and their plans."
But in truth, Leon's plan was far more ambitious. He didn't merely intend to confirm the information and report back. No—after verifying everything, he planned to crush the duchy's forces on the island.
After all, that meeting would bring together their best soldiers, their strongest airships, and nearly all of their high command. Leon's idea was simple yet ruthless: capture them all in one decisive strike and then return to the kingdom with undeniable proof of their intentions.
However, before carrying out that part of his plan, Leon intended to capture one or even both duchesses, along with their flutes, and reveal to them the ultimate truth—who was really behind all the wars between the kingdom and the duchy. That very person was expected to attend the generals' meeting.
To ensure that no more wars would ever break out between the two nations, Leon planned to demonstrate absolute dominance. He wanted the duchy to think three times before ever daring to attack again—especially their so-called Black Knight of the Duchy.
(this chapter is short i know sry there will be +1 chapter in 4 hours)