Chapter 106: Summon
Raven returned to the warehouse and quietly focused on improving his rune mastery.
Days passed in silence, and soon February arrived.
While he was working on creating his first Rare Equipment, an unexpected event shook the entire Empire.
The Viser Kingdom's envoy was assassinated in the capital.
The Viser Kingdom immediately accused the Empire of breaking the rules of war and declared open conflict. What shocked everyone even more was that when the declaration was made, the Viser Kingdom's armies launched their offensive.
They attacked multiple towns and cities across the Zenith Empire and seized complete control in a short span of time.
Among the territories struck were those of Margrave Sterlingheart, Count Magnus, three viscounts, and eleven barons.
These weren't ordinary lands. They were the backbone of the Empire's military supply, rich in iron and gold mines. The people of these territories were responsible for producing nearly 30% of the weapons used by the army.
The Sterlingheart family alone was known for providing 20% of the rune equipment distributed across the Empire.
The attack had been swift and sudden, leaving the Empire with no time to react.
On top of that, two massive Viser armies advanced toward Crimson Fort and Western Fortress. In response, the Western Serpent's Army and the Red Sepoys were immediately deployed to defend them.
After hearing this disastrous news, Emperor Ian summoned all high-ranking nobles to the capital. His order was clear: recapture the lost lands at all costs.
Count Spade was among those summoned and was tasked to protect Count Magnus's remaining land.
Count Spade summoned the Spade Council members as soon as he returned from the capital.
During this time, Raven, who had just finished forging his first Rare Equipment—a silver-plated armor—received an urgent invitation to attend.
He didn't even have the chance to inspect the armor's effects before the warehouse doors slammed open.
"Sir Adolf, Lord Thomas said not to disturb him!" Stephanie's panicked voice echoed.
Raven calmly stored the armor inside his spatial ring and exited the room.
Standing there was a man in his twenties, clad in silver armor, with blonde hair and sharp amber eyes.
"Lord Andres summoned you to the Spade Council right away, Thomas," the man said arrogantly.
Adolf Humphery.
'Young Master of the Humphery House, huh? As arrogant as ever.' Raven thought coldly.
"It is impolite to barge into someone's home, Adolf." Raven's gaze was sharp as he turned to Stephanie. "Get the carriage ready. I'll take a shower and go to Haven Manor."
The corner of Adolf's lips twitched at Raven's attitude. To him, Thomas Holmes might have grown wealthy overnight and reclaimed his ruined territory, but he was still nothing more than a weakling.
As Adolf stepped further inside, he noticed the lack of mercenaries. No Sepoy guards were stationed. Only the old steward woman and two young maids worked within the mansion.
His disdain deepened.
"No. Lord Count ordered to summon you right away. If you disobey, I'll use force to drag you the—"
Before he could finish, a spear's tip pressed against his throat.
Adolf froze, his eyes widening. He hadn't even seen Raven draw it out from his inventory. The suffocating aura pressing down on him left his breath shallow.
He swallowed hard and instinctively took a step back.
"Y-You! I'll tell the Count about this!"
"Go tell him whatever you want." Raven's voice was cold as shadow.
And in the next instant, he disappeared.
Adolf's face seethed in anger. He was a member of the 3rd Spade Squad, a knight who could one day stand in a high position among the young knights. If a few years passed, he might even obtain the position of Vice Captain!
He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, glaring at Stephanie, who was frozen stiff by the exchange she had just witnessed. Yet, despite the rage boiling inside him, he dared not do anything reckless. Instead, he turned sharply, stormed to the main building, and quietly left the Holmes mansion.
Fifteen minutes later, Raven came down from upstairs through the split staircase. His appearance was impeccable—he wore a black frock coat layered over a red vest, black long trousers, polished leather shoes, and a black bowler hat. A monocle gleamed in his left eye, completing the composed yet sharp image.
"Young Master Adolf left in anger, My Lord. Will it be okay?" Stephanie asked, her voice carrying concern.
Raven waved his hand dismissively as he walked forward. "You should know that even Count Andres cannot treat me badly due to my connections with the ancient families. Do not worry."
With that, he stepped out of the mansion.
Outside, a sleek black Clarence carriage was already waiting. Raven entered the carriage as the driver whipped the horses into motion. The carriage wheels clattered across the cobblestone, carrying him swiftly through Bristol Street toward Haven Manor.
…
The courtyard of Haven Manor was bustling with life. Luxurious carriages lined the stone paths, nobles and knights in polished attire filled the grounds, and tens of silver-armored guards stood at attention.
Raven's arrival instantly drew eyes. Whispers spread quickly, but he paid no mind to them. His steps were calm as he crossed the courtyard and entered the grand hall where the Spade Council meeting was held.
Just like the last time, a knight clad in aether armor stopped him for inspection. Once verified, Raven was allowed entry.
Inside, the chamber was already lively. Representatives of knightly houses and noble families were present, conversing in low tones as they waited for the meeting to commence. Raven crept to his allocated seat near the entrance door and sat without drawing further attention.
More members soon arrived in succession—Baroness Elara, Baron Thorne, Baron Ronald, Baroness Isolde, Baron Gideon, Viscount Alaric, Viscountess Rowena, Viscount Thorian, and Viscountess Isabeau—each taking their designated seats.
Finally, Count Andres Spade entered the chamber. His presence commanded silence as he strode to the elevated seat at the front.
"First of all," Count Andres began, his voice steady, "I thank everyone for attending the summons right away." He paused, scanning the room before continuing. "As you all have expected, war is near. His Excellency has ordered our Spade Council to assist Count Magnus in reclaiming the territories he lost to the Viser Kingdom—and to hold them until the war is over."
Murmurs spread instantly across the chamber.
"I heard three main cities and seven towns belonging to Lord Magnus were captured overnight by Viser's knights," Viscountess Rowena's sharp voice cut through the whispers. "How exactly are we expected to recapture them?"
Count Andres let out a deep breath. "It was Viser's Fallen Knight Army that carried out the assault. His Excellency ordered us first to strengthen the towns and cities that had not yet been captured. We are to wait for reinforcements to arrive before launching a counterattack."
"Reinforcements? From where?" Baron Gideon asked, his brows furrowed.
"The Red Sepoys are stationed at Crimson Fort, and the Western Serpents are already deployed to Western Fortress. Both are out of the question," Baroness Elara muttered grimly.
"Maybe the Southern Army?" Viscount Thorian suggested.
But Viscountess Isabeau shook her head firmly. "Impossible. Though the war against the orcs is almost over, many are still migrating from the deep southern forest. If the Southern Army withdraws now, the loss to the Empire will be immeasurable."
Viscountess Rowena's brows knitted together. "So even the Southern Army is out of options…"
The council chamber of the Spade Council became silent. The nobles seated around the long oak table leaned forward as the discussion of war strategy deepened.
"What about the Golden Serpent Army?" Viscount Alaric finally broke the silence, his voice calm yet edged with tension.
Count Andres stroked his beard thoughtfully before replying. "There are nine divisions within the Golden Serpents. Four are stationed to protect the Imperial Palace, while five guard the border cities of the Shadow Nation." He paused, letting his words weigh upon the room. "That is why we must wait until the battle at the Crimson Fort and the Western Fortress concludes. The outcome there will determine our next move."
Baroness Elara's eyes narrowed with concern. "And what of the people trapped in the captured territory? Surely, they cannot be left to suffer?"
Count Andres's expression hardened. "Most fled when the cities and towns fell. But not all were so fortunate. News has reached us that a thousand perished in Ironchester City. The survivors…" He clenched his fist against the table. "…were forced into labor. From what we gather, the Viser Kingdom has no intention of leaving. Their greed is fixed upon the gold and iron mines scattered across Sterlingheart Territory and the surrounding lands."
Murmurs rippled through the chamber. The thought of the enemy consolidating its grip with wealth and resources sent unease through the council.
"Count Magnus still retains control over seven towns and two cities," Andres continued after a measured pause. "The enemy tried to take them, but failed—too few men, and the distance worked against them. But that will not last. Magnus and his people must be protected." It was the emperor's order after all.
He lifted his gaze across the table, and his voice grew firm. "All three Spade Knight Squads will march to Gearford, Count Magnus's capital, to fortify the defenses there."
The council members straightened as orders began to fall like the strokes of a hammer.
"Viscount Rowena and Viscount Thorian—you will take charge of Moonveil City's defenses. Keep its walls unbroken, for it will be a key line of resistance."
He shifted his gaze to another corner. "Viscount Alaric, Baron Gideon—your duty is to Axeforge Town. Its forges are vital, and we cannot let them fall into enemy hands."
The parchment map on the table was marked with inked circles, each representing towns and strongholds. With each command, more circles became shielded under the council's protection.
Finally, Andres's voice rang out again. "Baronet Ares, the Sinclair Family, the Amell Family, and the Holmes House—you are tasked with defending Oakvale Town. Assemble your forces and reach your posts within a week. You will not move until further orders are dispatched."
Raven, seated quietly near the back, absorbed every word. The weight of war pressed upon his shoulders, though his face betrayed no emotion. When the meeting adjourned, the nobles rose, their cloaks sweeping behind them as they departed with grim determination.
Without delay, Raven left the chamber and hurriedly returned to the Holmes Mansion.