In a small patch of land far from the capital, twilight painted the sky with warm shades of orange and gold as a castle stood out against the landscape.
The castle was a modest yet sturdy structure. Clad in worn stone, it stood imposingly tall.
Inside the main hall, a fireplace crackled softly, casting a faint light that danced on the stone walls. In the center of the hall, a figure sat languidly on his throne, seemingly lost in thought.
His black hair and eyes, combined with his medium build, made him appear utterly common. If he were tossed into a crowd, no one would give him a second glance.
That is, if it weren't for his extravagant clothes, which clashed with the simplicity surrounding him.
This was Reynard, the lord of these lands.
From his elevated seat, he watched the verdant fields and small groves surrounding the castle's grounds through the spacious hall windows. The curtains waved gently, a warm breeze traveling through the castle corridors.
It was a tranquil scene, but this peace was about to be disturbed. The distant sound of horse hooves drifted to Reynard's ears, causing him to raise an intrigued eyebrow.
A few moments later, the sound of hooves ceased, signaling that the other party had arrived.
"Visitors...?" He murmured, shifting his gaze from the window and staring curiously at the hall's entrance. His once-lost focus had now returned.
CREAK
The hall doors were abruptly thrown open, revealing an old man with grizzled hair and worn clothing. His dusty attire and serious expression were a stark contrast to Reynard's nonchalant figure.
"My name is Geraint, the messenger sent by the kingdom. I apologize for disturbing the noble lord's activities." Like two sticks being rubbed together, the aged voice echoed through the silent hall.
Sweat still trickled down the wrinkles of his forehead, and a few strands of hair were stuck to his skin, giving him a not-so-dignified, disheveled look. Geraint slapped the dusty folds of his cloak, clearing away some dirt as he waited after announcing his identity.
'A messenger?' Hearing this, Reynard was confused. It was the first time he had received a visit like this sent by the kingdom... What was happening?
"No trouble at all, no trouble at all." Despite his confusion, Reynard still smiled, motioning for him to come closer.
Receiving permission, Geraint knelt respectfully before Reynard, revealing a worried look. "Lord Reynard, I bring news from the kingdom. News that requires your urgent attention."
Reynard settled into his seat and, with a casual wave of his hand and a neutral expression, indicated that the messenger should proceed.
Geraint took a deep breath, clearing his throat before continuing. "Sir, demons have been sighted in these lands..."
He did not stand on ceremony, directly relaying the information and the reason for his visit. Geraint was accustomed to the astonished expressions of other nobles, so he did not want to waste time thinking of the best way to deliver the news. His schedule was still packed, and he needed to visit other nobles before the deadline imposed by the kingdom expired.
"Demons?" Reynard murmured, tasting something strange in his mouth. He was slightly surprised internally but kept his expression calm. His gaze drifted from Geraint's face, looking toward the horizon as he pondered something.
Demons. Their existence was already well known to all. They were visceral entities that existed outside the kingdom and were feared by humans. Their attempts to creep inside, causing chaos and confusion wherever they went, tormented the nights of many commoners.
The kingdom's army still guarded the borders, reducing their occurrence, but if the net was torn, a few fish would still escape and cause problems for the common people.
Cases of demons being found in cities were not uncommon when this happened, so this was not a new issue that required such commotion.
This was precisely why Reynard was even more confused by this visit.
His lands were far from the capital. It was no exaggeration to say he was on the edge of the kingdom, so the occurrence of demons was slightly higher in these parts.
'I suppose it was bound to happen eventually...'
All of this was beyond his power. He could not deal with demons in his position as a mere noble, and they knew it. This made the visit even more suspicious.
Reynard felt that something was wrong.
While he remained silent, Geraint glanced at his face a few times before cautiously adding: "Movements of the Shadow Cult have also been sighted..."
Cold water.
A bucket of cold water poured over his head.
'What?' This time, Reynard could not keep a calm expression. His eyes narrowed, and he instinctively placed his hand on his waist, squeezing something hidden beneath his clothes.
Geraint looked at his reaction and shook his head internally.
He was accustomed to seeing that expression of fear on the faces of all the nobles he had spoken to previously. It was impossible not to be frightened by this news, and he didn't blame them. The Shadow Cult was truly a fearsome organization, and its reputation shook every conscious soul inside and outside the kingdom.
And this reputation was well-deserved. It hadn't emerged overnight but was built over years of chaos. Compared to the Shadow Cult, the demons were no longer so frightening.
This was one of the few moments Geraint was thankful for being a simple messenger and not a noble in this area. After finishing his duties, he could return to the safety of the impenetrable capital and leave these small nobles to deal with all these problems in this abandoned territory.
Of course, Geraint merely thought this and did not dare to speak it. He remained respectfully kneeling in silence, waiting for Reynard to recover from the shock and digest the information.
"Shadow Cult..." Reynard's thoughts became turbulent as he murmured the name, ignoring Geraint.
The mention of the Shadow Cult surprised him, but for a different reason than Geraint imagined.
Reynard was a little familiar with it. That is... He was a member.
When the messenger said that movements of the Shadow Cult had been sighted in this area, Reynard became alert.
'Have I been discovered?' That was his first thought, but he quickly dismissed it. If that were the case, it wouldn't be the messenger visiting him, but the kingdom's knights.
Those people were desperate for merit.
Composing himself, Reynard looked at Geraint and waved his hand, indicating that he should continue with his message.
Noticing that Reynard had recovered from the shock, Geraint cleared his throat again and continued: "The king demands the cooperation of all territories in the resistance against these two threats. It is necessary to be attentive to the movements of the demons and the Shadow Cult—"
Reynard suddenly raised a hand, interrupting him. "Be direct, Mister Messenger. What does this have to do with me? Why seek me out? You know, I'm just a small noble."
Geraint was slightly stunned. If he just let him continue the message, they would get there, wouldn't they?
Keeping his thoughts to himself, he let out a dry cough, composing himself. "Well, I didn't just come here to warn you. As I was saying, there will be a meeting with the other nobles to discuss these matters. The meeting will take place a week from now, at Baron Alderan's residence."
Pausing for a moment, Geraint seemed to hesitate but continued nonetheless: "All nobles, whether titled or not, must attend. Absence will be considered treason."
Saying this, he quickly added: "The King's words, your majesty. I am only here to deliver the message. All the nobles of this area will gather at Baron Alderan's mansion... A royal correspondent will be present."
Reynard frowned, noticing the emphasis on the last part of his speech.
If this weren't a message from the kingdom, it would clearly be a threat.
Geraint began to sweat coldly. This was already the seventh trip he had made, and it showed in his clothes.
The other nobles did not react well when he said refusing to attend would be considered treason, and some even made things difficult for him, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth.
No one liked to be ordered around, especially these nobles who spent their days gorging on wine and good food. But since it was an order from the kingdom, no one dared to bite the hand that fed them, yielding reluctantly.
Especially upon hearing that a royal correspondent would be present at the meeting.
The kingdom was sending a message to the nobles. The only problem was that the messenger could be attacked in the face of the kingdom's veiled threat. And he was the messenger right now.
After the fourth time, he was already used to having objects thrown at him. It was better for him to remain silent, waiting for the fury of these petty nobles to dissipate, all while silently cursing them in his heart, wishing that demons would invade their homes.
'Royal correspondent...' Hearing this, Reynard relaxed his expression.
Letting out a soft laugh, a smile played on his lips. "A traitor, me?" He stood up, circling the throne. "I would never go against the king's orders. I will be sure to attend the meeting at the exact time and place."
Geraint lifted his head, stunned to hear this. 'This easy?'
He had thought it would be difficult to talk to this specific noble. Despite being an untitled noble and belonging to the lowest category, his reputation was not good in the vicinity, so he tried his best not to displease the other party.
Even though he was a messenger of the kingdom, if a noble wanted to dispose of him or make his life difficult, it would not be impossible.
Of course, the kingdom would investigate the case, but even if they investigated and punished the culprits, what good would it be if he were dead? He valued his life.
"We still have a week. The kingdom cannot allow evil to advance. I will help with the resistance as if my life depended on it!"
Saying this, Reynard paused and thought for a few seconds, then continued: "Why doesn't Mister Messenger spend the night in my humble abode? My castle isn't grand, but there is always a room or two vacant for visitors." He smiled, bending down to help Geraint stand up from the floor.
Accepting his help, Geraint quickly explained with a slightly moved look: "That is very kind of you, Lord Reynard, but I still have to visit the residences of other nobles. Time is pressing for this old man..."
Geraint looked out the window, noticing the sky slowly darkening, and politely declined his offer.
He had heard local rumors from some commoners, all of whom said Reynard was a spendthrift who did not know the world's proper etiquette, but looking at him now, Geraint found him very polite and appropriate.
Rumors were just rumors, after all. If there were more nobles like him... Ahh, the world would be much better!
"Then I shall accompany you to the exit." Reynard smiled gently, his eyes forming two crescent moons as he patted the messenger's cloak.
"Thank you, Lord Reynard." Geraint thanked him sincerely, and, accompanied by Reynard, he left the hall with his head held high.
...
Twilight gave way to night, while the castle remained silent.
In the gloom of the hall, the fireplace still crackled.
Reynard, standing before the tall windows, watched night fall, observing the old messenger leave on his horse in the distance.
As the curtains continued to wave softly, he recalled the content of the message Geraint had delivered.
'Shadow Cult and demons...' He felt a headache just thinking about it.
Reynard, now alone, walked away from the window and sighed. Rubbing his eyebrows, he sat on his throne.
'Baron Alderan's mansion and a royal correspondent... Are things starting to get turbulent right at the beginning?'
It hadn't been a month since he had taken over this body, but problems had already begun to emerge from all directions.
He wouldn't be so worried if Reynard were just a common, untitled noble.
The catch was that he was a member of the Shadow Cult. A cult hated by the kingdom and hunted by all the righteous, forcing its members to live like rats.
'Reynard, Reynard... How did you get to this point?' Reynard sighed to himself.
The original owner of this body was already dead. He had yielded to temptation and was greedy, joining the Shadow Cult and putting him in this troublesome situation.
Such a miserable life did not suit him.
THUD
While he was trying to reorganize his thoughts, the heavy hall doors were abruptly thrown open again, revealing a delicate silhouette standing at the entrance.
His thoughts interrupted, Reynard looked at the figure and nodded briefly in approval, his mood improving slightly at the sight of her.
With light steps, the slender girl glided inside like a fresh autumn breeze. She looked around with curious eyes, seeming to want to confirm if the messenger had already left.
"Lydia, what's the matter?"
This was his young servant, Lydia. She had lightly wavy brown hair that danced over her shoulders, displaying bright, expressive eyes of the same hue.
Like a peony flower, her slender figure, brimming with vitality and youth, stood out in a simple maid's uniform, consisting of a linen dress with a skirt.
The soft brown of the dress enhanced the smooth clarity of her peach-like skin. The skirt, twirling as she moved gracefully through the hall, created an aura of lightness and grace.
As she approached Reynard, Lydia gripped the edge of her maid's uniform with her delicate, nimble fingers.
"Lord Reynard, dinner is ready." Her voice was soft, filling the hall. Her lips, like small cherry buds, curved slightly to form a smile that reflected the sweetness and innocence of a flower.
Reynard couldn't take his eyes off her. More precisely, his attention was fixed on the small, pale blue flame, the size of a walnut, dancing above her head.
The small flame lingered there, gently flickering as it burned with life.