The Lord’s Shadow.
It was the new path Evan had chosen.
Evan recalled the explanation he had heard from Illudan.
“The emblem symbolizing the Kerthen County is not merely decorative, is it?”
The shield with two crossed swords above it.
It was a design one might find anywhere, but Illudan’s profound meaning was embedded within.
The two crossed swords represented the Lord and the Lord’s Shadow, while the shield symbolized the family.
Just as the two crossed swords supported the shield, it meant the family was protected by two individuals.
It was a measure set in place to safeguard the family.
Humans were not perfect beings. Alone, one inevitably meets their limits.
Especially when it comes to succession over generations, it wasn’t always the wise who would become the family’s head.
And if the head was not wise, the family could not survive.
The moment of downfall might come someday.
That was why the family was protected by two.
“The family is upheld by the Lord, and supported from behind by the Lord’s Shadow.”
The Lord was the eldest son in the direct bloodline.
But the other role, the Lord’s Shadow, was assigned to siblings or relatives.
Of course, that position required passing harsher tests than even the Lord.
Character, temperament, and the absence of flaws were the most important criteria, selecting only the wisest.
Because, depending on the situation, the Lord’s Shadow had to stand in as the Lord’s proxy.
On the other hand, it was also to check the Lord’s dangerous unilateral decisions.
“To have created such a system, it shows how cautious they must have been…”
There was a good reason behind it.
It was a problem Evan would have to face going forward.
“In any case, the Lord’s Shadow can be considered virtually no different from the Lord.”
Since it was a secret card left for managing the family, the Lord’s Shadow was said to be a proxy Lord with rights equal to the Lord in name.
For Evan, the conditions were not so bad.
Clyd stared at the red sword in surprise.
“This is the sword symbolizing the Lord’s Shadow. How did you get that…”
It bore an encrypted mark that only the first Lord could leave behind.
The symbolic sword of the Lord’s Shadow.
Unlike the Lord’s sword, which was blue, this one was red.
But the sword symbolizing the Lord’s Shadow now was a replica.
Though it was said to have been passed down from the first Lord, no one had ever found the original.
It was either hidden somewhere as an heirloom or believed not to exist at all.
Truly like a shadow without form.
The sword had become an abstract concept without physical substance.
And yet, Evan never expected the day would come when he’d see the real thing in his lifetime.
“The real one is simpler than I imagined. Would you like to see it?”
“Yes, please.”
Clyd accepted the red sword carefully, marveling at it.
As he drew the sword from its sheath, a sharp blade radiating a crimson aura appeared.
Clyd admired its brilliance and aura once again.
Evan continued.
“The role of the Shadow—that is the will of Illudan Kerthen, the first Lord. I have vowed to carry on his will until I complete the mission given to me. I intend to act independently.”
“What do you mean by that? Evan, the first Lord?”
“I met the first Lord. Through the clues left in this memoir, I was able to reach him.”
Evan glanced once more at the Lord’s Shadow sword and spoke further.
“That sword was personally bestowed by the first Lord. The true Lord’s Shadow of the Kerthen County can only be chosen by him. I passed his trial with confidence.”
“This sword is proof of that.”
Clyd, who had been fuming moments ago, instantly calmed down.
No, he now felt even prouder of Evan.
This was the greatest achievement of their generation.
He was proud of Evan’s honorable accomplishment.
“Truly admirable! You met the first Lord and were able to become his successor. This will be remembered for generations. Now that things have turned out this way, we must change our plans!”
Clyd’s spirits soared with the good news.
No matter how hard he tried, he wouldn’t be able to contain his excitement.
The fact that each of the sons would take responsibility for the family was truly a joyous matter.
Even Delian, who was on the verge of death, looked bewildered.
Evan smirked and said to him,
“Now that things have turned out this way, you’d better keep your wits about you. Without me having to work too hard.”
***
Delian silently nodded slightly.
Everything about the succession was settled.
Things had gone better than expected and were flowing smoothly.
Now the official succession ceremony would take place.
The announcement of the new formal heir and the other proxy Lord.
It would once again capture public attention.
“Well, I guess that’s that.”
Returning to his room, Evan reorganized his plans.
On the surface, things seemed to be resolved favorably.
But the true purpose of the Lord’s Shadow was something else entirely.
It was also tied to the newly updated quest.
“I thought I would complete the quest differently, but it connects directly to the main quest.”
The Branch Quest of the family’s heir had changed to the Path of Shadows and became a Main Quest.
This meant Illudan’s work was of significant importance to the world.
“In other words, there must be seriously harmful forces here. Enough to warrant a Main Quest rank.”
Evan opened his quest window.
[Description: You have inherited Illudan’s will. However, you have heard unsettling history about the kingdom from him. Their existence is wicked enough to threaten the world. Identify the evil forces within the kingdom.]
[Classification: Main Quest]
[Difficulty: B]
[Objectives: Gather intelligence 0/3]
[Recommended Level: 150]
[Recommended Players: None]
[Rewards: Merit 500,000, Small experience points]
The main quest aligned with the duties of the Lord’s Shadow.
“To deal with forces that pose a tentative threat to the family.”
Passing the trial, Evan recalled his conversation with Illudan.
The kingdom had been flawed from birth.
No, it was said the kingdom had many problems even before the Lupes Royal Family came to power.
The Bellerian Kingdom.
Remnants of their influence remained scattered here and there.
Though the aftermath was purged, some massive forces were still untouchable.
Just like the Nervan Cult, those forces were enormous.
And the most important fact was that the king was human.
The king in Illudan’s time was honest and just, but there was no guarantee the descendants would be the same.
Including the possibility they might fall like the Bellerian king.
Taking that into account, the conclusion was clear.
In his view, the future of this kingdom was as predictable as fire.
“It’s best to gather forces and deal with the remnants. Also, keep an eye on the current king’s movements.”
A power-hungry tyrant.
His greed was boundless, not lessened at all.
It was almost strange that peace was still maintained.
“I can’t stop them alone. I have to gather opposing forces.”
Evan’s first plan was to build a power base centered on the Magic Tower.
If the tower was completed, at least he could secure the factions related to mages and technicians.
Then, through them, he could reach out to other forces.
“I should discuss this. Darwen is probably more of an expert in this area than I am.”
Evan stood and headed to where Darwen was.
Darwen was staying in Valles due to business cooperation with the Kerthen County.
So Evan could visit him comfortably anytime.
Darwen greeted Evan warmly.
“Young Master! What’s the matter? I’ve heard bits of the story. Congratulations on things going well!”
“Yes, thank you. But I came today for something important.”
Evan shared the conversation he had with Illudan.
The overall flow and history of the kingdom.
The kingdom’s collapse had been decided from its foundation.
How long it would last was the only question.
“Unless we catch those forces, there is no future.”
“Those forces… if they have been around for so long, they must be huge organizations by now.”
Darwen scratched his head, troubled.
He had thought it was dangerous that such organizations existed in the kingdom after the Nervan Cult.
“Yes. Besides them, we must also keep in mind the possibility of upheaval or rebellion that could shake the kingdom.”
“I see. I’ll prepare on my side as well. Maybe this could be a strategically important point. Should we start telling the Count secretly?”
Evan nodded.
“It seems like there will be many limitations, so I need help. But it must remain confidential.”
“I know that well. If we’re not careful, we might offend the king’s temper or put ourselves in danger.”
“Yes. Then I probably won’t see you for a while.”
“Hm? You won’t see me? What do you mean?”
“I’m planning to leave for a while.”
“Leave?”
“Yes. I have other things to do, and I need to gather forces. Strong ones, too.”
“Do you have a place in mind?”
“Yes. I intend to check all three of the kingdom’s Four Pillars.”
“Huh? That’s quite a big deal.”
“They won’t be able to refuse to help me.”
“Heh, well, if that’s possible…”
Darwen was speechless at Evan’s ideal answer.
If the four founding retainers of the kingdom united, no faction would be feared.
Even the Kerthen County alone was strong enough to guard the northern kingdom.
If all four gathered, they could surely straighten the kingdom out.
“I see. Is there anything I can do to support you?”
“There are a few things.”
Evan said eagerly.
Darwen chuckled heartily and answered, “Heh, so you do have a plan?”
“Yes. First, I need the Marquess’s endorsement and a letter of recommendation for the Magic Tower.”
Darwen stroked his beard and said, “That won’t be difficult. But you have to be careful.”
“I understand. Don’t worry about that.”
“All right. I’ll prepare it immediately.”
“Thank you.”
Darwen got up and went outside.
***
Left alone, Evan thought over his plans while waiting for him.
There were enough methods to draw in massive powers.
‘The Geumje Liberation.’
The kingdom’s four founding retainers.
Including Clyd, they all bore Geumje seals.
But there was a way to lift those seals.
‘The sword I received after passing the trial.’
Evan lightly raised his hand.
At that moment, a crimson aura gathered over his hand.
[Ascalon has been summoned.]
Surprisingly, the sword was neither made of solid iron nor did it have a physical form.
It was a sword materialized from the mind, similar to the sword used during the heir’s trial.
The difference this time was that it could be used outside the trial grounds.
And the sword held a special power.
The Geumje seal could be broken through this sword!
The only means to draw in the three great families of the kingdom.
Evan’s most powerful secret weapon.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.