Chapter 23 - Everettes plan

After joining the garrison, Nick, Amber, Flynn, Nolan, and Theo gained access to the officers' private barracks. They were lodged in a cabin with only four other officers, each having their own room. When Ferdinand was taken, they were instructed to report to the barracks. Although none of them were being charged, they felt uneasy. It was evident that it was Everette’s doing. They all knew that without Ferdinand's leadership, they would have perished.

Sitting around the dining table in the cabin, they maintained a tense silence. A knock at the door interrupted their thoughts.

“Who is it?” Nolan inquired.

“Your garrison’s leader requests your presence!” came the reply.

Nolan opened the door to find an officer accompanied by two guards at the cabin's entrance. “You are all to follow me!” the officer declared.

“Wait, do you know what this is about? We just returned, and one of our own was arrested,” Nolan questioned.

The officer turned to him calmly and said, “You are to follow me, now please.”

It was evident they had no choice. Whatever Everette’s intentions were, they would soon become clear.

They followed the officer all the way to the nobleman's camp overlooking the ocean. It was a breathtaking view. Led into a grand hall, the camp, though newly constructed for the call to arms, exuded majesty. Great elongated homes crafted from sturdy and beautiful wood stood proudly atop stone footings, with carved stones marking the entrance bearing the name of King James Argyle – a clear display of power orchestrated by Prince Grayson. Despite their Westlake lineage placing them furthest from the call to arms, political protocol demanded a royal presence at every gathering. Grayson seized this opportunity to prove himself, to earn his father's pride, and to expand their influence over the Luna Kingdom.

King James, a 5th rank mid-level wind user, possessed delicate features and a fondness for the arts, considering himself a painter. The Argyle family's mastery of wind speed techniques made them renowned as the most efficient assassins in all of Luna Kingdom.

As they approached the entrance, it appeared as if a celebration were in full swing. Inside, the hall was alive with revelry, tables laden with food enough to satisfy every appetite and then some.

Walking through the throng, Theo spotted Ariel standing alongside Everette's other aide, Draymond, a 4th rank low-level brawler. Ariel, now discharged, had expressed his gratitude to Ferdinand and the rest of the group before insisting on leaving on his own. He seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, partaking in the drinks, food, and lively atmosphere.

Upon noticing Theo, Ariel approached them. “Hey, just wanted to thank you all again. I've been part of many dungeon dives, but that was by far the most dangerous. I’m glad to have shared it with you. You may not realize it, but you proved yourselves to be some of the most incredible warriors I’ve ever seen,” Ariel spoke with immense respect, punctuating his words with a deep bow – a significant sign of respect in Luna Kingdom, reserved usually for nobles. The act of bowing placed him in a position lower than those he was honoring, a testament to the great respect he held for them.

None of them knew how to react. None had ever been bowed to, let alone by a noble's personal aide. Theo wasted no time. “Thank you for your kind words. Now, what do you know about Ferdinand's situation?”

Taken aback, Ariel hesitated before replying, “I am sorry, but I am not at liberty to speak on a pending judgment.”

“You know we survived thanks to him. If you’re grateful to us, then you should be even more grateful to him, perhaps even indebted,” Theo's words rang with force and truth.

Ariel knew Theo was right, but as a mere aide, essentially a glorified servant to a noble, he could not comment on his superior's actions. “I am indeed grateful and indebted. However, my duty lies with my master. I am glad to see you all well and hope you enjoy the celebration. After all, this celebration is in your honor,” Ariel concluded before taking his leave, refusing any rebuttal.

Bewildered by Ariel's words, they turned to each other. At that moment, a horn sounded, signaling for silence.

Prince Argyle emerged at the center of the hall. “Evening all! Thank you for joining us on this special occasion. As you may have heard, Nobleman Everette Wyamir recently returned from a dungeon dive with his garrison. Despite numerous losses, Everette demonstrated remarkable leadership when the dungeon, originally classified as a D rank, unexpectedly revealed a B rank monster as its final boss, escalating its threat level. Handling the situation with finesse, Everette and his 20-man garrison, mostly comprised of 3rd rankers, defied the odds and emerged victorious.”

As Prince Argyle spoke, Theo and the others couldn't help but feel that most of what was being said was an exaggeration, giving Everette undue credit. While Everette fought valiantly, they knew that eight deaths lay on his shoulders and that their survival was owed primarily to Ferdinand and Theo.

Theo clenched his fists as he listened to the Prince extol Everette's bravery and decision-making skills. Seeing red, Prim, fearing Theo would act impulsively, attempted to calm him.

“Theodore, remain calm. This is common practice among nobles. Those left standing have free rein to rewrite history. Everette, as the first to return to base, had the liberty to shape the narrative as he saw fit. Prince Wyamir may not even be aware of any misrepresentation. You may have an opportunity in the future to set the record straight, but now is not the time. Think before you act. We can strategize later,” Prim advised Theo.

Theo understood Prim's counsel. It reminded him of back home, where a reputation as a good kid often shielded one from scrutiny, regardless of any misdeeds. Everette was exploiting this to his advantage.

“So, in recognition of your bravery and remarkable achievement, I present you with this!” With a flourish, the Prince produced the Spider Queen’s B-ranked core – a significant prize, a deep blue gem the size of the Prince's head.

Everette stepped forward to receive the core. “Thank you so much for this honor. I am deeply appreciative and hope to live up to this distinction and continue proving myself,” he expressed.

“But I did not achieve this alone. Please, join me, my garrison, and share in the glory of this achievement!” Everette invited Theo and the others to step forward and join him.

Suddenly, the rest of the garrison and Everette's two aides formed a line behind him. The officer and the two guards who had escorted Theo and the others there pushed them forward, and hesitantly, they lined up behind Everette.

“I share with you the spoils of our hard work. Please accept these,” Everette declared, gesturing to his aides. They began to produce the C-ranked mana cores, presenting one to each member of the garrison lined up before them. The aides had undoubtedly already received theirs.

“And a special gift to a special member, Theodore Dawes, who with great bravery delivered the finishing blow to the dungeon boss. I present you with this!” Everette addressed Theo personally, handing him a small wooden box.

Theo hesitated but took the box and opened it, revealing a coin—a sapphire blue coin.

“I present to you the Sapphire Jubilee. It is a token bearing the council's insignia. By carrying it, you will command the council's respect and serve us. Will you accept this token?” Everette asked, his eyes betraying a hint of concern.

It was evident what Everette was doing. By attributing the final blow to Theo, he was granting him credibility as a warrior and someone deserving of respect and power. However, by giving him the token, he was effectively recruiting him, granting him some authority while keeping him under his thumb.

Prim intervened with advice for Theo. “Theo, accept it. You can't help Ferdinand by antagonizing Everette now. He has bound you. If you refuse, he can dispose of you as easily as he did Ferdinand. Empower yourself, and then we can strategize on how to save Ferdinand.”

With a deep breath, Theo stepped forward, his nerves and anger palpable. “Thank you for this honor,” he said as he accepted the token.

Everette's smile widened into a wicked grin. In his mind, he had triumphed. “Let's celebrate!” he exclaimed, raising his hand as the hall erupted into a night of revelry.