The room was engulfed in darkness, except for a faint light that illuminated the source of dampness and coldness. Drops of water fell continuously, creating a pool at the center of the room. The silence was deafening, and the tension was palpable.
There stood a man dressed as a royal warrior with a Barkaley insignia. He was watching the water falling in the pond and had probably counted it a thousand times, as if he was waiting for someone.
The sound of clomping feet could be heard, making the man let out a long sigh, "You've finally arrived."
A person in a red robe with a hoodie appeared from the darkness. The robe had the insignia of a multi-antlered animal. The antlers were like a deer, but the shape was closer to a lizard or a dragon devoured by a snake.
"Wyncall, have you finished all your business here?"
"More or less, I've finished influencing the children to destroy the fields. Right now, some of the children may have already killed their own parents."
"If that works, can I assume the Barony Barkaley are on their way to Herrwade?"
"Yeah thanks to you messing up the information outside, the people here don't know that our people are currently controlling Herrwade."
"Then, as planned, we will invade this region in the middle of the water month. But if something unexpected happens... master is testing what move you will do to solve the problem."
Wyncall smiled and replied, "That's good... My plan is smooth here, making me feel a little bored. I hope someone will spoil my plans; that way, I can show the high priests that I am a competent follower."
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe red robe person turned around then said "With your abilities, you might be able to fill the high priests' empty seats."
"Thank you for the compliment. By becoming one of the Order of Seven Devils, I will be able to serve my lord more, then avenge myself on the church and the angels."
That person left there while saying, "Until next time, I suggest you hide here first. If anyone comes, kill them. Because besides the plantation, the dungeon is also one of the food sources."
"Dungeon, huh? Barony said this place was a blessing for their territory, but a newly discovered dungeon would make it easy for people to hide and utilize it in many ways."
"In 10 weeks, we, Daemon Servus, will destroy Barkaley's territory."
"All for the sake of the eternal, Heil Satan,"
"All for the sake of the eternal, Heil Satan."
...
It had been a week since the estate was destroyed. Everyone was still surviving on what food they had. Still, it was likely that the food rations would only last for another week, which made Barony's wife, Theda Helme Barkaley, start worrying.
Her concern wasn't only about the food rations, which would be available once her husband returned home. But she had no news about her husband, who had not returned since he left for the Herrwade territory a week ago.
"What do you think about this situation, Branwhait? Is it possible that my husband is stuck in the snow on the way?" Theda asked Barkaley's secretary and right-hand man, Branwhait.
"I honestly can't imagine. We are not close to the hills. And the road to Herrwade's territory is not low-lying; they should have returned yesterday along with the merchants."
"Then maybe, they could have been attacked by bandits?"
"It would take a lot of bandits to fight the 50 soldiers of Barkaley. If I were a bandit, I wouldn't attack a carriage carrying 50 warriors like that; it's not worth it."
"At times like this, Waldo can usually come up with a solution..."
"Lady, at times like this, you shouldn't think negatively; it only damages your health."
"I know! Its good Jane is at the academy right now. If she were here, she would be stressed out trying to fill the void left by Waldo."
Theda then stood up from her chair,
"Lady, are you going to that place again?"
"I can't think clearly in this situation. I want to get some fresh air first. Please take care of the rest, Branwhait."
"Oh come on Lady, I can't handle it all alone! I also need your approval on this additional foodstuffs and soldiers request!"
Theda removed the ring on her finger and threw it at her secretary.
"Wait- LADY! You can't give me the family crest lightly like this! Lord Barkaley will be furious with you!" shouted Branwhait after receiving the ring for the Barkaley family seal.
"Let it be. I'm tired today. I want to see the flowers on the estate!"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Today is a water month! You will only see snow!" before she could hear him, Lady Theda had already walked away from the room.
Lady Theda Helme Barkaley, had a secret that she hid from her husband. Because of her passion for flowers, she always took the time once every three days to visit one of the estate's flower gardens.
But lately, since the middle of the estate month, Lady Theda had never been to the flower garden again.
Lady, feeling self-conscious, donned a modest wardrobe and took a leisurely stroll down the bustling high street. Upon stumbling upon a rather unappealing tavern, she was sceptical. She merely planned to grab a quick bite to eat and be on her way. However, the moment Theda took a sip of the potato soup, her eyes widened in astonishment. It was so delectable that she couldn't help but return every three days to satisfy her craving.
"I can't wait to eat those soup again!" Theda muttered excitedly in her room.
She walked out and intended to go to the tavern again, Rodion's Drugoymir Restaurant.
Upon arriving at the tavern, she was immediately greeted by Susan,
"Welcome back ma'am."
'Oh this is that weird rich woman,' Susan thought as she saw Theda at the door.
Theda might have intended to disguise herself, but in truth Susan and Rodion knew that Theda was not an ordinary commoner. Looking at her clean clothes and how nice she smelled from far away.
"Umm, please have that common soup."
"Alright, please wait a moment."
After five minutes passed, the soup finally arrived.
"This is the soup you ordered," Upon hearing the voice that sounded like a boy's., Theda raised her head and saw the black-haired boy.