The Forgotten Field - Chapter 185

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 185
He received parchment and a quill from the Scribe, then composed an urgent letter.
“Select the two fastest Knights and have them deliver this to the Crown Prince and the lord of Dolakan Castle respectively. It wouldn’t hurt to strengthen our vigilance in preparation for any surprise attacks.”
Once he rolled up the parchment and sealed it with wax, a servant waiting behind him delivered it to Edgar, the squad captain of the Wolfram Cavalry seated at the far end of the long table.
The man tucked the letter into his breast and asked in a measured tone.
“Wouldn’t it be better if we launched our own investigation as well?”
“Where would we find the resources for that?”
Before he could even respond, a middle-aged Knight seated in the middle-left clicked his tongue and interjected.
“With the security situation already unstable in the Eastern Territories, we can’t afford to dispatch soldiers again over unconfirmed rumors.”
“I agree.”
Barcas acquiesced calmly.
“We already have six thousand elite cavalry stationed in the Northern Region. Any further deployment is unnecessary. Tracking down the traitor is the Imperial Army’s responsibility.”
“Well, now that the war has concluded, it’s time to strengthen our internal affairs.”
Before his words had even finished, Modrian, an honored Knight seated on the right, suddenly spoke up.
He had been directly appointed as cavalry commander by the previous Grand Duke, but currently served as a military advisor, having stepped back from active duties.
The man, whose age was difficult to discern from his taut face, wore a subtle smile as he spoke in a gentle voice.
“That is precisely why I raise the question—what are your intentions regarding the matter of succession?”
Barcas frowned at the abrupt change of subject.
The Knights, who had been sitting with solemn expressions, appeared flustered by a remark that deviated from the nature of the meeting. Yet the old Knight continued undeterred.
“When discussing the stability of a domain, is there any matter more critical than the succession?”
“Lord Modrian.”
Lucas, who had been silent until now, interjected with a rough voice as if exasperated.
“We are in a situation no different from wartime. The traitor’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the people of the Eastern Territories are uneasy—this is hardly the moment to raise such trivial matters.”
“Trivial, you say?”
Modrian shook his head in disagreement.
“The preservation of bloodline is the very foundation that upholds the order of these lands. Should anything happen to the Grand Duke, who would inherit the seat of lord in the Eastern Territories? Surely you don’t wish to see this domain torn asunder by conflict among kinsmen.”
“My successor is Lucas Laedgo Sierkan.”
Barcas spoke with finality.
“Did I not make that fact clear before departing for the campaign?”
“That was merely a temporary measure in case Your Excellency fell on the battlefield.”
Modrian touched the tip of his quill and continued in a soft yet sharp tone.
“By principle, the legitimate line of succession should pass through direct descendants. Since the Grand Duke has, by divine grace, returned safely, you must now fulfill your duty to produce an heir.”
The old Knight’s gaze shifted from the rigid Lucas to another target.
“Furthermore, I would hope you would soon decide on marriages for young master Lucas and young lady Raina. Both are well past marriageable age, yet neither has even been betrothed.”
“This is endless!”
Lucas’s face flushed as he abruptly rose from his seat.
“You are a military advisor, not a matchmaker! What absurdity are you spouting in a military council?”
“You’re right—it is hardly an appropriate topic for this setting.”
The old Knight, who conceded readily, leaned back against his chair and exhaled slowly.
“However, the other retainers dare not speak for fear of the Grand Duke’s displeasure, so this old man must step forward. All three of the Grand Duke’s direct relatives are without children—surely the retainers worry as one about the future of the Eastern Territories.”
“If we look into it, Lucas might have children scattered about.”
Baredon, who had been sitting quietly at the far end of the long table, finally couldn’t contain himself and blurted out the revelation.
“Young Master has been indulging in quite the debauchery since he was fifteen. There could be illegitimate children hidden away somewhere….”
“You damned fool, can’t you keep your mouth shut….”
“Enough.”
Barcas pressed his forehead and spoke with a chilling tone. Immediately, the tense silence descended upon the previously chaotic hall.
Barcas surveyed the assembled men who were watching his expression, then addressed the elderly knight calmly.
“I understand your concern for the future of the Grand Duke’s House, but you’re overstepping. You’re acting as though I’m some old man with only days left to live.”
“Forgive me, Your Excellency, but these are turbulent times. We must prepare for unforeseen circumstances….”
“As you say, I have only just returned from the battlefield.”
Barcas cut him off gently.
“To voice concerns about the line dying out while your lord stands before you, safe and sound, is rather distasteful.”
The elderly knight finally closed his mouth.
Barcas drove the point home with a final statement.
“I intend to address the matter of succession in due time, so cease your pestering.”
“Does that mean you intend to produce an heir through the Grand Duchess?”
Barcas fixed him with an icy stare.
“Must I confess the details of my bedchamber to you?”
“….”
“I will ensure that I do not suddenly drop dead and plunge the Eastern Territories into chaos, so spare me your meddlesome remarks.”
The face of the respected elder retainer of the Eastern Territories grew faintly rigid.
Barcas, who had been studying that stiff expression, twisted his lips into a smile.
“Or perhaps you’re plotting my assassination?”
“Your Excellency! How could you say such a thing…!”
“I jest.”
Barcas spoke in a light tone, his lips curving into a gentle smile.
“You were so concerned about my death that I couldn’t resist.”
The cunning man, who had been prattling on, finally sealed his lips completely.
Barcas gauged the length of the candle burning to measure time, then rose from his seat.
“It seems we have covered all the matters requiring immediate discussion. Let us adjourn.”
The Knights rose from their seats one by one.
Barcas crossed between them and caught up with Modrian, who was just stepping into the Corridor. The elderly knight’s face appeared somewhat stiffened, as though his feelings had been hurt by the earlier exchange.
Pretending not to notice, he spoke in a quiet voice.
“There is something I wish to ask you.”
“…Please speak.”
“Have you ever pressured my wife about the matter of an heir, as you did with me today?”
Modrian’s brow furrowed in disbelief.
“Have you forgotten that before Your Excellency departed for the campaign, you surrounded the Grand Duchess with Guards so thoroughly that nothing could escape your notice? It would be obvious that word would reach your ears, so who would dare commit such rudeness?”
The elderly knight, responding with a sardonic tone, shook his head and added.
“Besides, there is that terrifying Wolf Beast. No one in this Castle would have the audacity to approach the Grand Duchess carelessly.”
Barcas stared intently at the old knight’s face, as if gauging the truth of his words, then wrapped one arm around the knight’s shoulder and spoke in a considerably softened tone.
“If my jest from earlier offended you, I apologize. I intend to inquire into suitable matches for Lucas and Raina soon, so please be patient.”
Modrian, caught off guard by the unexpected apology, let out a small, awkward cough.
“…Since Your Excellency speaks thus, this old one has nothing more to add. Very well. I shall trust in the Grand Duke and await your word.”
The old knight bowed once and walked away down the corridor.
After watching him depart for a moment, I turned to leave the Outer Fortress, when Lucas, who had been standing a step behind listening blankly to our exchange, hurried after me.
“What you just said to that old man… did you mean it? Will you really look into a match for Raina and me?”
“Why are you so shocked?”
Barcas spoke bluntly as he walked down the corridor at an even pace.
“It’s been quite some time since both you and Raina came of age. It’s rather unusual for a child of a noble house to remain without a betrothal until now.”
“I’m only nineteen! And Raina won’t even be seventeen for another two months!”
“I’m not asking you to marry immediately. You can simply become betrothed for now, and the wedding can take place a year or two later.”
“Please stop saying such revolting things.”
Lucas raised his voice, nearly convulsing with distress.
“I intend to enjoy a bachelor’s life for the next twenty years!”
“Do I look like someone who would indulge such childish nonsense?”
Barcas stopped walking and looked down at him with sharp eyes. Faced with that resolute expression, a groan escaped Lucas’s lips.
“You’re serious?”
“As Modrian said, isn’t it time to strengthen the house’s foundation? I’ll provide you with a suitable list of candidates soon. Choose a lady who appeals to you and propose to her.”
“By suitable candidates, you mean daughters of houses that would benefit House Sierkan, correct?”
Lucas spoke sarcastically. Barcas regarded his half-brother with an irritated gaze for objecting to such an obvious fact.
“You are a member of the Grand Ducal House. Your marriage must benefit the family—that is only natural. It is the proper price for the privileges you have enjoyed.”
“Yet you married the woman you desired, did you not?”
Barcas, who had been about to turn and head toward the Stables, froze mid-motion.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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