"Let's hunt them down," said Riz.
It is better to clean up his own turf before doing anything else. Furthermore, it removes the obstacle that might hinder him from implenting a centralization system.
"H-Hunt, milord?" Charlotte was a bit surprised. She doesn't understand the context of the 'hunt' Riz is implying to. She reminds her lord, "But one of them is Baron Csorvar, your step-grandfather."
"I don't care who they are. They betray once, then they might do it twice. It's safer for our future by uprooting them now." He explains to Charlotte.
The idea of sharing power with these backstabbing nobles doesn't sit well with him. He issued an order. "Charlotte, go and call William for . Tell him to et at the office."
After seeing Charlotte hurriedly start searching for William, he shifts his attention to Theodora. "It looks like I need to return to my office. Let's et again during dinner."
Theodora just nods. She understands Riz's busyness and...his ruthlessness. He never lets his enemy escape and if they do so, he will patiently wait for the right ti to strike. She had seen it during Russell's assassination on how her fiance swear to hunt his brother down to the end of the world. The thought of that day still makes chills run up and down her spine.
Riz moved to the office. Shortly after he sits down on his chair, William arrives.
"Milord, what do you need for?" said William respectfully.
Without wasting any ti, he orders his head knight. "William, sent out three battalions and apprehended the three barons with all their family mbers. I don't even want a single person to escape. Gathered all of them at Coreton. I will go there and et them personally."
Though he is surprised, it's understandable to him. William doesn't utter any complaints or opposition. It's a big deal for many people when a noble family perishes from this world, especially for the ruling class. However, this logic doesn't apply to his new lord. Riz has a good track record in eliminating one bloodline.
'I can only pray that the three barons die a painless death. Though I don't think they have much hope in that too.'
He proceeded to carry out the order as told.
....
Three battalions moved out the next day. Each of them has a different destination but the sa purpose.
Naturally, this news made its way to the ears of citizens through the tavern and 'insider' news. It is futile to try to hide such big news. There are a lot of ears among the maids in the mansion. He didn't reprimand or take action against them. It's understandable for humans to be curious. As a public figure, he is at the centre of the spotlight.
He needs people to understand his justification for making that decision. The last thing he wants is for his people to label him as a bloodthirsty lord. His image and reputation are important to him.
A week after their departure, Riz begins his journey to Coreton. Along the way, he enjoys the greenery of the forest. From the start of the blockade stuff, he was overwheld with a lot of work. Rarely does he get a chance to rest.
Often he cos across the rchants heading to and from Bideford. Riz was lost in his daydreams as he watched the rchants. Inwardly, he lanted his fate. 'I should just be a rchant instead. At least I don't need to deal with the nobles. I won't be swamped with work either.'
It's a lie to say Riz didn't feel anything. He is extrely tired of all things that have happened since his arrival. All of this ss happened because of the war two hundred years ago. The effects are still felt to this day.
Three uneventful days passed in the blink of an eye. Riz finally sees the wall of Coreton. "It's been a long ti since he ca here." He mutters in a low voice.
He was greeted by William who has been waiting for him for a few days. William respectfully bowed to him the mont he stepped out of the carriage.
"Have you captured all of them, William?"
"I have executed your order down to the letter, milord."
"Good job, William. Let's go and et them."
Accompanied by William, he made his way to the Coreton Mansion where all of them were held.
*Creak*
William pushed open the large double-leafed wooden door with the Coreton crest made of gold for him. Dozens of pairs of eyes turned towards him. They are all in a state of disarray. There is no difference between them and beggars. The aura of nobility has disappeared from them.
"Milord..."
"Milord..."
"Milord..."
All of them try to speak. Perhaps this young lord took sympathy for them and forgave their mistake. Riz however doesn't really want to waste his ti listening to their reason, "Please shut up and let speak first. Bring the chair to sit on."
A soldier brings the chair for him. Riz lazily sits down with legs crossed. He looks at their face; fear, anger, humiliation, disrespect and surprisingly confidence. He takes out a piece of paper before opening his mouth.
He read, "Baron Newbigle; allowing and greeting the enemy's forces at Durbotes. He didn't report it to the lord. Baron Coreton; providing rations, weapons and soldiers to the enemy. He didn't report it to the lord. Baron Csorvar; nothing much. Just refuse to send so support to Ryntum force. Anything else to add?"
Riz looks at them. As expected, they just lowered their gaze and didn't dare to look at him. "Now, what should I do with all of you?"
Baron Newbigle is the first one to say, "Mi-milord, I-I was threatened by the king. They plan to kill and my family if I don't obey them."
Riz raised his eyebrows, "Oh, really? That's cruel of them to threaten you with a 'viscount' rank and the ownership of Durbotes Town."
Baron Newbigle's face turns pale. His wife and children start to cry. So do Baron Coreton and his family. If the lord knows about Baron Newbigle's deal, he must know about them too.
Riz's eyes flickered to Baron Csorvar. He imdiately defends himself with confidence, "Milord, my only fault is not sending you soldiers for war. Furthermore, it was a request, not an order. I never conspired with the enemy to stab you in the back."
"Yeah...I guess you're right."
Baron Csorvar smirk. He knows Riz won't harm him since Riz is close with his granddaughter, Reina. However, his thought is proven to be wrong. He completely forgot that his fate depends on Riz's whim.
"But it still doesn't feel right for ."
"Wh-What do you an, milord?" Baron Csorvar panicking.
"Your smirk face reminds of your grandson, Russell. Surely you know what he has done, right? Moreover, look at this letter." He handed a letter to Baron Csorvar.
"Th-this is just a joke, milord." His hand is trembling. It's a letter he had sent to Richard in the past to pressure him to na Russell as an heir. He finally realizes that this young man never had the intention to let them go.
After Riz found the crumbled letter in the office, he began to search for more.
Riz smiled, "There's no way I'm gonna let a power-hunger, backstabber and coward like you to live on my turf. I can't kill your grandson yet so I'll settle with his maternal family for now."
"P-Please milord. Have so rcy." Baron Csorvar rushes and grabs his leg which truly pisses him off.
"William, kills every single one of them. Start with children first. Bring all their wealth and possession to Bideford."
"Your wish is my command."
As he is about to leave, he hears a curse. "You heartless monster!! I hope you just drop dead."
He turned around. Apparently, it's one of Baron Newbigle's children. "Yes, I am heartless and your father knows that. You're here today because of your father's foolishness. Bla your father for everything that happened to you."
Riz ignores their cry and plea. He walked toward the door as he has other things to do there.
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