Chapter Thirteen: The Earl's Domain
Outside the city walls, numerous anti-cavalry barricades were set up. Soldiers patrolled everywhere, and several knights were escorting refugees through the city gates. Kana spotted the refugees among them. It seemed that as these refugees scattered in flight, they had encountered patrolling cavalry.
"It's surprising there’s still a city that hasn’t fallen," Nicken said, somewhat astonished. After all, along their journey fleeing disaster, they had met many refugees from other cities. No good news had come through; it was as if overnight the entire nation’s cities had erupted into crisis.
“That’s because the count had foresight. He defended his territory and protected Lakeview City,” the knight captain said, speaking with great reverence for the count.
“You’re right, sir. The count must be a wise noble,” Nicken replied with a forced smile.
At the city gate, the cavalry captain ordered his men to escort Nicken and the others to another location for settlement. He also brought two horses, which he handed to Kana and his companion.
“Your Highness, please follow me. We still have some distance to reach the count’s barracks,” the captain said.
Kana nodded without resistance and mounted his horse with Aliris following behind.
...
Inside a square fortress, Count Vancha was in discussion with his subordinates.
“According to the refugees, apart from us, every other place has fallen,” a middle-aged man clad in armor reported.
“That was expected. Apart from civilians and some stubborn individuals, the rest were already allied with the royal family,” said a younger man wearing light armor.
“We should have prepared earlier. With our current forces, it’s impossible to hold back those monsters,” another voice added.
“No rush. Transporting supplies and civilians isn’t easy. Besides, most cities are still in chaos. Even if the royal family wants to stabilize and gather troops to attack us, it would take at least half a month,” the first man replied.
“That’s right. For now, we just need to focus on dealing with the monsters harassing us,” the younger man concluded.
The count furrowed his brow, gazing at the map as he pondered.
At that moment, the door was pushed open. A knight hurried inside, interrupting the conversation. Everyone turned their attention to him.
“Count, the prince has arrived,” the knight announced.
The room fell silent in surprise.
“Has the enemy attacked?” asked the bearded middle-aged man.
The knight looked confused.
“No, it’s the prince. No enemies,” he replied.
Everyone quickly realized this was not the situation they had feared.
The count immediately asked, “Does he look different from those blood creatures?”
“No, Captain Black is bringing him here now,” the knight answered.
Upon hearing Captain Black’s name, the count seemed to understand.
“Very well. You may leave. When Black and his men arrive, have them come straight here.”
“Yes, sir.”
The knight saluted and left the room.
---
As the door closed, the room erupted in chatter.
“What’s going on? Is this a disguise? Or are they here to persuade us?”
“They’re probably here to convince us to become like them—new forms of life.”
“Forget it. I’m not about to become some fool eating intestines.”
“Enough, quiet down,” the count’s adjutant said, slapping the table.
Everyone fell silent and looked to the count.
“I don’t know what’s happening either. Let’s wait to see him and find out. Let’s see what my father intends,” the count said, still confused by the prince’s arrival and motives.
Soon, a voice came from outside.
“Enter.”
The door opened, and Captain Black led Kana and Aliris into the room.
“Kana?”
“The Fourth Prince?”
“Why would it be the Fourth Prince?”
“What’s going on?”
Everyone in the room was stunned—no one expected the visitor to be the Fourth Prince. They had assumed it would be the eldest or second prince. This was completely unexpected. Furthermore, the prince clearly had not been turned into a blood creature.
“Black, you may leave now,” the count ordered.
Captain Black bowed respectfully, then exited and closed the door behind him.
Kana looked around at the people before him. Some were familiar, others not.
The count was, of course, the most familiar—once even called the village chief of the newbie village.
He was a robust man standing nearly six feet tall, clad in solid full armor. His short hair was neatly trimmed, and his beard well-kept. It was clear he had been a strikingly handsome man in his youth, and even at this age, he carried an air of dignity.
Beside him was his adjutant—name forgotten—a ruthless taskmaster who handled orders mechanically. Players called him the village official, performing duties akin to the count’s secretary, much like a village clerk.
On the count’s left stood a burly, bearded man—a familiar face. Unlike before, he was now unharmed, with no limp and both eyes intact. He was the blacksmith of the newbie village, often boasting of his past bravery. Now, it seemed his tales were true.
The second person to the left was unknown, possibly someone who died later in battle.
On the right was the militia instructor of the newbie village, the first NPC players saw upon awakening. He conducted opening briefings and guided actions, serving as the knight profession mentor.
Players nicknamed him “One Ear,” though now he had both ears.
The person beside him was also unknown, likely another casualty of the battles ahead.
In the corner sat a middle-aged woman resting, holding a large wooden staff.
Yara, the potion master of the newbie village.
Kana had completed several side quests for her and had run errands on her behalf.
Most were familiar faces.
As Kana observed them, the count and his men scrutinized him in return.
The count spoke first: “Kana, why have you come here?”
There was no kindness in his tone.
“Of course, I came to escape, uncle. I have no intention of turning into one of those monsters in the royal capital,” Kana replied.
The count’s expression grew serious. “With your behavior, you’re not qualified to know certain things.”
“If I were qualified, I wouldn’t have escaped,” Kana said with a smile.
Hearing this, the count suddenly understood and smiled. “If only I had been as clever as you when I was young.”
“Since I’m here, I might as well share what I know. After all, I fled all the way from the royal capital. I must have gained something, right?”
Kana was well-prepared for this.
“The royal capital has completely fallen. If nothing unexpected happened, it’s probably become a massive monster factory. However, assembling a monster army will take time. Still, they’ll likely try to gather a force to eliminate you as a threat. Otherwise, your delaying tactics would cause them to lose all their soldiers.”
The people in the room weren’t surprised; they had long anticipated this.
“Most likely, the leader is Martin, a knight of the late king,” Kana continued.
“Martin? I see,” the count said thoughtfully, then looked up. “Anything else?”
“On the way here, I found that silver weapons restrain the blood creatures. Also, there’s a plant called Sharpgrass; its sap acts like poison to them.”
The room’s atmosphere turned grave.
The count furrowed his brow. “Are you sure?”
“About silver weapons, you can ask my knights. A single silver dining knife pierced a werewolf’s chest easily. As for Sharpgrass poison, you can ask the soldiers who fought alongside us—they’ve seen and used it themselves,” Kana said calmly.
Aliris listened to Kana’s confident words. Aside from the details about the royal capital, everything he said was accurate. Considering he was a prince, it made sense. Perhaps his conduct in the capital had been a deliberate act to escape pursuit and danger.
“I will verify what you’ve said. For now, I think you two should rest. You look worse off than the refugees,” the count said.
Kana forced a smile. “After fleeing from the royal capital, we definitely need rest. This journey has been far from a stroll in the garden.”
“Black, take the prince down to rest properly,” the count ordered.
Then, turning to Kana, he said, “We’ll discuss other matters tomorrow.”