System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1514: Hidden Arrangement

”Sir. Thereʼs no way I have the ability to do this. Iʼm still not qualified to be the Pillar of Defense. My skill is still nowhere near your level.” Grandel protested, believing that he was still lacking compared to Howard.

Howard smiled. ”You are underestimating our lord.”

”Pardon?” Grandel tilted his head in confusion. ”What are you talking about?”

”Do you know why I decided to accept this promotion even though I want to stay as the Pillar of Defense?” Howard smiled.

Grandel shook his head furiously. How could he even know if there were other intentions? ”Were you promised something else?”

”No.” Howard shook his head. ”Imagine the map in your head. Then, check the land that has been given. What do you think?”

Grandel closed his eyes, imagining the map. There were three lands that had been given to his vassals. ”I donʼt see anything? The lands are far from each other.”

”Now, add the fortresses that our lord has made.”

”Mhmm?” Grandel suddenly widened his eyes in shock. When he added those fortresses, it would create a massive bell shape using this city as the basin. ”Wait. Donʼt tell me…”

”Thatʼs right. Our lord is truly… amazing. Even when giving us the lands, he is strategically thinking about the upcoming war.

”We are pieces on his chessboard. I know that my role is crucial. Thatʼs why I chose to let you take over my post.” Howard smiled while patting Grandelʼs shoulder. ”I know you have a lot of doubts about yourself, but your talent surpasses mine.

”You are extremely talented, both as a commander and as a trainer. However, due to your exceptional talent, you grew arrogant.

”Thanks to the madam humbling you, you were able to grow to this level. I believe you will be able to become the Pillar of Defense, surpassing me or the previous person who took that seat.

”I give you my position to let you know the burden you are going to carry from this day onward. And I believe you have the talent to do it.

”Everyone makes mistakes in their lives. Whatʼs important is how to stand back up after you fall down. You can cry, but donʼt forget to solve the problem even when tears are streaming down your face.”

Grandel clenched his hands. ”But I… I donʼt think I can do it. Iʼm still not ready to be the Pillar of Defense. I have learned a lot from you, but Iʼm not a capable commander.”

”You donʼt have to worry about that. The lord has foreseen this situation. Thatʼs why he invited an expert to teach you and a few officers about it.” Howard smirked and pointed forward.

”Yo, Howard. Why are you calling me here? Although I returned here, it was because of the lordʼs request. I had no intention of rejoining the Ardagan family.”

”You are…” Grandel recognized this personʼs face. He was none other than Raven, the Pillar of Defense of the previous Ardagan family.

Howard smiled. ”Raven. I think you know what Iʼm about to ask. Become the instructor to the kids for a bit. You should be aware that I might be good at teaching them how to train, but Iʼm not that good at provoking their thoughts.”

”Hmm? Ah, I see.” Raven remembered how disoriented and stiff the airships were. Even though they possessed overwhelming power, the people didnʼt know how to use it.

The only one who could utilize them was Noel, but Noel wouldnʼt be there to command the airships.

”The Grand Duke has asked you to teach them. One or two months is fine. You will be compensated as well.”

”Hahahaha! It looks like the lord is planning something big.” Raven laughed out loud. ”This is interesting. If Iʼm not mistaken, the Ardagan family is about to launch a counterattack.”

”Yes. We are preparing for an expedition. It will begin 10 days from now.”

Raven thought for a moment before nodding his head. ”All right. I will teach these kids. I will come in three days since I have to finish a few things.”

”As long as you are comfortable.”

”Still, the young lord has grown to become such a remarkable individual.” Raven smiled. ”The last thing I remembered was when Lady Leysha flicked his forehead because he was reading in the garden with his head on a maidʼs lap.”

”Ahem!” Howard coughed hard to remind Raven not to say anything useless. ”He was never lecherous.”

”I know that.” Raven turned around and waved his hand. ”I will have to finish things fast, so I should get going.”

Howard nodded.

…

”The lord wants me to give this to you.” Rose came to Incetta in private.

”What is this?” Incetta examined the letter, not finding any sender, so it must be a direct letter from Noel.

”The Sherveana family will probably decline after this. After knowing their blunder, other nobles might take advantage of it and scrutinize them. It wonʼt be enough to destroy the family because theyʼre still aware of the relationship between you and them.

”This is a blank letter with the seal of the Ardagan family, which had the guarantee of the prime minister of the Zaecuria Kingdom. If you want, you can directly send this to the Zaecuria Kingdomʼs royal family.

”If you write that you want the Sherveana family to disappear, the royal family will send a subtle message to everyone to make the Sherveana family disappear from this world. If you want them to be spared, the royal family will grant that family a certain level of immunity.

”If you donʼt send this letter, they will just let things take their course.”

Incetta was surprised by this letter. Even though she was a spirit transcendence, she didnʼt have a direct influence on the Zaecuria Kingdom. The latter had every right to defend the Sherveana family from her. In other words, Noel lent her this authority.

Depending on how she used it, the Sherveana familyʼs fate would be decided.

Incetta already had an answer in her heart. She smiled and returned the letter to Rose before saying, ”My father was not poisoned or murdered. Although there were hardships, nature just took its course. And so, that will be what happens next.”

”All right. I shall respect your decision.” Rose nodded and took back the letter.