Chapter 11 The Earl of Tulip

The outer forest of Tulip.

A group of private soldiers clad in armor emblazoned with the Tulip insignia moved through the dark, torchlight flickering as they searched through the trees and underbrush.

Rustling, rustling—the sound of leaves shifting.

“Captain Lant, there’s someone here!”

Suddenly, one of the soldiers drew his sword from his belt and shouted loudly. At his words, the thirty or so others immediately snapped into combat readiness. Their orders tonight were clear: search for the assassin who had targeted young master Jon. The responsibility weighed heavily upon them; those assigned to the night patrol knew they could ill afford any mistakes.

“It’s me!”

From the shadows of the trees emerged a slender youth, bearing an ornate cruciform sword. His attire was richly adorned, though not of noble cut; at the hem, however, was the crest of the Tulip family.

“Stand down, it’s Linwei!” Lant called out loudly from within the group.

Linwei narrowed his eyes, struggling to adjust to the sudden glare of so many torches after so long in darkness.

“Lant, you’re tracking the assassin?” Linwei’s gaze swept across the group, instantly discerning their purpose.

Lant’s face was lined with worry. “That’s right. By order of Commander Nacken, we’re to hunt down the assassin.”

Linwei nodded, his tone lightening a little. “In that case, let’s all head back together.”

“Hm?” For a moment, Lant was puzzled by Linwei’s words.

“The assassin is already dead.”

With a calm motion, Linwei slid his cruciform sword back into the clasp at his belt.

“The assassin is dead?!”

Lant all but cried out with relief, the burden in his heart finally lifted. If the assassin hadn’t died tonight, he knew it might well have been his own life forfeit.

With that thought, Lant let out a long breath. “Thank you, Linwei. If not for you, I might have faced the Count’s wrath tonight. But—where is the body? I need to bring it back.”

Linwei waved a hand in dismissal. “There’s no body. Let’s go back.”

“But Lord Nacken gave strict orders—we must—” Lant tried to protest.

“Do as I say!” Linwei’s tone turned cold. “There are some things I’ll report directly to the Count and to Lord Nacken myself.”

For some reason, a chill ran through Lant’s heart. It was then he recalled something else: according to those who first arrived at the scene, the assassin’s speed while fleeing was said to rival that of a knight’s squire. If Linwei had killed him, then—

Linwei had never studied the knight’s discipline. The only possibility was that he had perfected the fencing technique Lant himself had taught him!

The thought startled Lant. He himself had spent ten years mastering that art, which had made him a standout among his peers. And Linwei… had taken only two weeks?

It seemed to Lant that a new star was rising in the Tulip family.

…

The heart of Tulip territory.

A grand three-story house stood, resplendent with gold-edged embellishments and lifelike stone carvings. At the very center of the roof, a round tulip emblem gazed down—mark of the Tulip family.

“Nacken! I demand an explanation!”

A voice, seething with fury, echoed through the great hall.

The speaker wore a robe of dark gold, his bearing stern and his features sharp. A few lines etched his face, not of age but of command, adding to his formidable presence.

He was the current master of the Tulip family, Count Lamo Nolan Mountain.

“My lord, I beg your forgiveness. This failure is mine alone. Please punish me as you see fit.” Nacken knelt on one knee, his face full of shame.

“Forgiveness? Punishment? What use are they? In just a few days, my direct heir has been targeted by assassins twice! The first time might be explained away, but this time? The assassin had already infiltrated the Tulip Manor! According to Jon, their actual target was me! The Count of Tulip himself!”

The Count’s anger grew with every word. He flung his teacup to the floor, where it shattered, shards scattering in every direction. One piece, no larger than a thumbnail, cut across Nacken’s cheek, and blood welled instantly, running into his eye—giving the ghastly impression of a bleeding pupil.

Nacken remained motionless, as if the wound were nothing.

Seeing this, the Count drew a deep, steadying breath. “Nacken, you have served me many years, accomplished much on my behalf. For that, I will not hold you to blame this time. However—”

“I want the ‘Sword and Blossom’—gone from my lands, utterly! Do you understand?”

The Count’s tone was edged with ruthless finality.

“Yes, my lord!” Nacken responded, fists clasped, solemn and resolute.

“My lord, Linwei requests an audience with you and Lord Nacken!” a guard’s voice called from outside the door.

“Oh? Linwei?” The Count’s expression softened. “I owe much to that child. Were it not for him, I might never have seen Jon again. I recall his parents died saving my lady, and now he has twice saved Jon as well… Nacken, if you have the chance, nurture this young man well.”

A chill ran through Nacken’s heart—Linwei was now firmly within the Count’s notice, perhaps even as Jon’s future right hand.

Nacken rose and nodded to the Count.

“Let Linwei enter.” The Count’s anger had entirely abated, replaced by a noble bearing that put others at ease. His voice was gentle as he spoke to the guard.

Linwei, his sword at his side, adjusted his collar and cuffs, and walked in with a straight back.

“I greet you, my lord Count, and you, Lord Nacken.”

Bowing, Linwei paid his respects as soon as he entered.

The Count regarded him with a faint smile. “Linwei, I must thank you for saving Jon’s life—twice.”

Linwei raised his head. For the first time, he saw the most powerful man in Tulip territory. He seemed a kindly middle-aged man, but instinct warned Linwei this was no ordinary person.

“It is my duty to serve young master Jon,” Linwei replied humbly, while silently issuing a command to his Core Sphere, “Core, bring up the Count’s data.”

[Lamo Nolan Mountain; Strength: 7.9; Agility: 7.9; Constitution: 8.3;]

“So… he’s even stronger than Nacken. The Count himself is a knight-level powerhouse…” In that moment, Linwei’s understanding of the man before him deepened profoundly.