Chapter 14: Choosing the Sacrifice

“My name is Ardin. It's an honor to meet the young masters of the MacGovern family.”

Five days later, soldiers arrived at the mansion's doorstep as if they had been eagerly waiting.

From the back, Karyl observed Ardin, noting his short hair and the piercing yellow eyes reminiscent of a venomous snake.

“Five hundred soldiers from the Valsar family have come to support the MacGovern family under imperial command.”

“I express gratitude on behalf of my father for the Valsar family's unwavering support, especially during these challenging times of border defense,” Martte said skillfully, nodding to Ardin.

He's just as the reports described. His presence is hardly notable.

Lacking

presence

wasn't merely about physical size, rather it implied a lack of significant impact or threat. It was the criterion that separated a threat from a non-threat.

Despite their reputation, the MacGoverns didn't seem particularly daunting.

There were rumors that their shortcomings were so pronounced they had resorted to adoption as a remedy.

The truly dangerous ones are those who were adopted.

However, in any lineage, those not of direct descent usually held lesser sway. Thus, Ardin dismissed them as inconsequential.

“And who might that be, standing at the back?” One figure, in particular, caught his eye. He asked about Karyl, his interest piqued.

“That's the sixth son. He has his reasons for hiding his face; we hope you understand.”

What? Another one?

Ardin's expression soured slightly as his gaze lingered on the masked figure standing with his arms crossed—a sight more common in social circles than among warriors.

“Ah... So it's not five young masters but six now. Hahaha.” He nonchalantly saluted Karyl his fist over his chest, holding his spear behind his back with the other hand.

Ardin mused, silently observing Karyl.

Such an odd fellow. But then, what of this Kuwell guy? Isn't it shameful for a count to bring in such rabble? Where's his pride?

Magic Lancer Ardin.

Karyl did not take his eyes off him. To Karyl, Ardin was an unforgettable figure.

He possessed a rather rare technique of infusing his spear blade with the element of lightning, a magic spear technique that was quite rare.

Despite having made a name for himself on the battlefield, presently he was just a new recruit of the Valsar family. Skilled individuals like him were plentiful across the continent, common to the point of being forgettable. Yet, Ardin was special.

He is a spy from the Lurein Principality.

Karyl came to learn of this fact much later.

During this subjugation, Randol dies at the hands of goblins. Everyone thought it was an accident. However, the situation changed completely when Ardin’s true identity was revealed later.

Randol's death brought significant repercussions for the Valsar family, casting a huge wave across the region. But by then, Ardin had disappeared. Any suspicions that did exist were inconclusive due to insufficient evidence.

But the rift between the Valsars and the MacGoverns—tasked with guarding the border—led to a significant loss of national power.

Karyl looked at Ardin. At this moment, he was merely a newly recruited commander in charge of five hundred private soldiers, with not much he could do on his own. But, what if he wasn't alone?

Was Ardin's timely arrival merely a coincidence?

Karyl thought otherwise.

I met him again years later during the war with the Lurein Principality.

In the end, Ardin died by Karyl's hands. But revenge was ultimately a futile act—it didn't bring Randol back to life.

His last words implied there was more to the story.

Karyl's gaze from behind the mask sharply focused on Ardin.

The fact that private soldiers from a baronial family, entrusted with border defense, were sent as reinforcements indicated the involvement of someone of significant influence.

There are higher-ups pulling Ardin's strings.

They would likely be another spy, someone residing among the nobility in the heart of the empire, the capital.

Not many have the authority to move personnel, but for high nobility to be spies...

The numerous defeats suffered during the war with the Lurein Principality were undoubtedly influenced by them.

Despite his appearance, Ardin was tight-lipped.

He didn't reveal the mastermind's identity until his dying breath, leaving their identity shrouded in mystery.

But this life will be different.

Karyl's objective went beyond just preventing the incident caused by Ardin, he aimed to expose the other spy hidden deep within the empire.

Karyl's eyes gleamed with determination.

“What are you thinking about?” Tiren, standing beside him, asked quietly.

“Nothing...” Karyl responded calmly.

“Understand why we had you wear this mask. We cannot let you reveal your identity.” Tiren whispered. It wasn’t something new, he had gotten used to such disguises, having spent most of his childhood in them.

There's magic in Einheri that can alter one's appearance, but using it would reveal my magical ability.

Karyl thought, touching the mask he hadn't worn in a long time.

I have to save it for a more crucial moment

. He had already devised a plan to reveal his power.

Besides, wearing a mask allows for more flexibility.

While concealing his power was crucial, hiding his identity also held advantages.

“Keep an eye on him.”

This was exactly what Karyl had hoped for.

It's a favorable outcome. After all, that was my intention.

It was not merely to save Randol's life.

But what's most needed to change the future.

No matter how exceptional he was, it was impossible to do everything alone. From the farmer tilling the fields to the common soldier, everyone was needed.

“Advance—!!!” Tiren's shout echoed. At his command, a thousand soldiers began to march in unison.

Karyl slowly lifted his head. Three years,

until the revelation of the Oracle’s decsent.

He must ascend even higher.

Power is, in essence, authority.

One must not forget.

If one cannot attain a position to enforce their will, they can do nothing. Relying solely on power to achieve everything would reduce one to nothing more than a murderer.

Olivurn.

The Second Prince, his trusted ally and only true friend. Yet, in the end, had he not killed him with his own hands in his past life? He couldn’t repeat the same future. To avoid that, it was clear what he needed.

I must head to the capital, away from the frontier, as soon as possible.

Toward the center of power.

Countless battles lie ahead.

He remembered everything from the methods of victory to the reasons for defeat.

To monopolize all honors.

Karyl's grip tightened. His determined gaze fell upon Ardin.

You will be the first sacrifice.