Chapter 21
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
Chapter 21: Noble War
Two days later, an ordinary carriage slowly entered the Asreks family’s castle.
Though the Sais family hadn’t yet declared war, there was still a risk of ambush after the assassination attempt. To avoid this, Midi chose a low-profile method, returning swiftly to his family’s territory in a plain carriage.
Inside the castle, Midi’s father, Count Ingman, stood waiting in formal attire. The old steward Lothran was busy giving orders behind the scenes. Servants rushed about silently, faces tense.
The whole castle seemed on high alert.
The carriage rolled to a stop before the main hall. As Midi stepped out, he caught his father’s meaningful glance.
_All this fuss for this?_ Midi winced inwardly.
But for a mere count, such formality made sense. The guest bore a noble name and was the most talented young genius in the Belmar Duchy’s aristocratic circles. She warranted the grandest reception a count’s territory could offer.
_Let’s play the part then._
Not wanting to disappoint his father, Midi straightened like a spear—left hand behind his back, right hand raised in perfect noble etiquette.
The carriage guest extended her small hand gracefully, resting it on his.
Her maple-red hair swept into view, stunning the castle.
“The Asreks family welcomes you, Miss Fina Hamilton,” Count Ingman said with a polished smile, balancing hospitality and dignity. “Thank you for guiding my untalented son at the academy.”
Midi barely suppressed an eye-roll. In his past life as a troublemaker, he’d often mocked Fina’s Queen’s faction behind her back. How could his father say this with a straight face?
Fina detested hollow noble formalities. Yet today, the future Queen of Magic played her role flawlessly—curtsying elegantly, her gentle smile lighting up the room.
When she chose to, Fina could charm anyone. Her poised manners, sharp wit, and quiet strength soon won over the count, knights, steward, and all present.
Even Sigmund and Lilian weren’t overlooked, as the count skillfully included everyone.
Everyone except his own son.
Midi—the future heir, freshly honored for his perfect transmutation—stood forgotten at the back.
“Young Master Midi,” Lothran whispered tearfully, “you’ve done splendidly! Your father hasn’t stopped smiling these days. You’ll be a fine lord!”
“Son!” The count suddenly pulled Midi into a hug during the festivities, eyes gleaming. “You must succeed! Ask me anything—your father was once Asreks’ famed ‘Ballad Prince’ with the ladies…”
Midi blinked at his usually dignified father’s antics. He knew what this was about: courting Fina. Not for political ties, but genuine affection. The eagerness left him flustered.
Yet seeing his father’s graying temples and joyful wrinkles, warmth flooded Midi’s chest.
_This is family._ What he’d neglected in his past life now embraced him—awkward yet heartwarming.
“I’ll handle it,” Midi said, patting his father’s shoulder. “But let’s end this ceremony before Fina loses patience.”
Fina’s smile had grown strained—the telltale sign the future Magic Queen’s ladylike act was nearing its limit.
_Time to get to business._
Midi made his decision swiftly.
Though slightly regretful, the Count didn’t object. The welcome ceremony ended hastily, and Midi’s group moved with purpose to the castle hall. Maps, communication mirrors, detection crystals, markers, and sand tables filled the space—now a proper war room.
Starting the noble war against the Sais family’s invasion was why Midi had brought Fina here.
In military gear, Fina radiated a valiant charm. Her crimson hair and elemental mage robes gave her the aura of a battlefield Valkyrie—commanding awe, admiration, even worship.
The family knights admitted this war queen outshone the elegant lady they’d greeted earlier.
But could their playboy young lord ever win such a highborn lady, the Hamilton family heir? Many harbored doubts. Despite recent good rumors from the capital, Midi’s reputation as a wastrel remained hard to shake.
"Bartran," Midi began, oblivious to their thoughts, "report the situation."
The middle-aged knight bowed. "At once, Lord Midi." Unfolding maps, Asreks’ tactical expert delivered a crisp briefing. The reality was worse than even the Iron-Blooded Duke’s hints suggested.
The Sais moved fast. Though their lands didn’t border Asreks territory, Senator faction neighbors granted passage—even offering York County as a forward base.
Daily, Sais supply trains poured into York County. Once fully mobilized, their 10,000 troops would strike.
Asreks mustered only 3,500. Worse, their forces lagged in training, gear, and weapons. Defense might hold at the capital, but how to protect outlying lands? How to counterattack?
"The situation’s dire," Fina’s voice cut the silence. "No strongholds. Thin defenses. Their core forces outmatch ours. This will be tough."
Even stoic Count Ingman paled. But Midi smiled faintly.
He saw echoes of the Hawk Brigade commander who’d faced impossible odds head-on. Notably, Fina said "tough"—never "defeat." The Queen of Magic’s dictionary lacked "lose." Even dying for her lover counted as victory.
Reborn, Midi vowed to stand with this red-haired girl through every trial.
"Midi?" Fina naturally took charge—not from pride, but because silent rooms crown the first speaker. Such presence earned her "queen," not just magic.
He smiled, then addressed the map. "Conventional tactics won’t work. When outnumbered three to one, we need unconventional solutions." A game piece struck the map near Forest of Gran’s edge. "Reinforcements."
"Reinforcements?" Bartran’s eyes kindled.
Count Ingman frowned. Fina tilted her head—they couldn’t expect aid from Queen’s or Senator factions. Beyond the duchy then?
Midi nodded. Where forests grew thickest, life flourished. Advanced lifeforms. Like…
Elves.
