Chapter 485 – Making Contact.

“What’s the meaning of this? Grand Knight Commander”

Roland looked up at the Grand Knight Commander, Leopold, who stood like an immovable mountain, his sword drawn but not yet hostile. Leopold’s stern eyes bore into Roland’s who would not be intimidated.

“The Counts have decided that you should remain here for now, Professor Wayland. Once they are done discussing the matter, you will be called. You are to remain here and wait.”

There were no explanations as to why he was to stay here but instead an order. It seemed that his position wasn’t taken that seriously. This was not something out of the ordinary, he was a dangerous outsider with magic powers. It was normal for them to be wary of his motives. Probably unless he took down his armor fully and allowed himself to be surrounded by guards, they would not let them into the main De Vere mansion.

“Very well, I’ll wait here.”

Roland stepped back calmly. Leopold’s posture remained rigid, but he gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Roland did not return to the room where Robert was but instead took a seat near a small window. This entire floor was mostly occupied by the room where his brother was sleeping, with just a bit of space outside. There were multiple floors below, each with many guards, and of course, more guard towers outside with soldiers watching his every move.

The Grand Commander had gone down to keep watch over them at the base of the tower prison. It was a structure made for political prisoners and had multiple floors with one cell each. They had been placed at the last floor and when looking at his map display, he could identify multiple people looking their way. There were seemingly no blindspots and climbing out would be instantly noticed. Luckily, Roland had spread out many of his golems throughout this whole compound, and through a runic network, he could control them all from this very location.

‘I’ve got lucky, they are still ignorant of my true abilities.”

Roland was a unique class holder with tools that no one had previously used before. They had seen his floating golems already but their true capabilities were unknown. A few of them were hovering overhead, recording everyone’s movements. Now that Robert was somewhat safe, it would be possible to make their escape. He could analyze everyone’s patrolling patterns to probably sneak his brother out but that Grand Commander was a problem. His level was the highest from the tier 3 class holders he had encountered.

‘Champion of Lords huh? Never heard of that one but it would be better for me to avoid this guy…’

His opponent was perhaps not a tier 4 class holder just yet but his level was extremely high. The name ‘Champion of Lords’ likely conferred abilities that made him stronger when in the presence of his lord. There were classes with support skills that would boost the class holders’ power immensely once certain conditions were met. Knights made vows to their lords so this man might have chosen obedience to gain power.

‘Probably the best way to defeat someone like this would be to either kill their ‘lord’ or make them perform an act against them but perhaps I can use this to my advantage…’

Roland could see a plan where he used one of his golems to attack Count Graham working. Leopold would be forced to defend his lord in such an event and perhaps give him and Robert enough time to flee. However, the whole place was well guarded with multiple tier 3 class holders everywhere. There were even reinforcements arriving during his scan of the area.

‘They brought in more mages, smart…’

It was starting to look like an escape attempt would be impossible. Even if the Grand Knight Commander was stalled, he would still need to contend with a small army of knights. He was unable to form a teleportation gate here and probably before he could build one, the mages would notice him or use a spell to block their escape.

He gave out a big sigh while settling into the lone wooden chair here. Things weren’t looking good and it seemed that he would need to participate in this noble trial. He was still unsure of the whole picture but in this world, nobles in high positions weren’t given the leisure to elope with just anyone. The head of their house needed to approve of the spouse and it was clear that he did not approve of Robert.

‘They seem to have entered Graham’s office, I should gather more info before deciding on anything, hope paying these bastards off will be enough…’

While he was sitting at his spot and seemingly looking out this tiny window another scene was playing out elsewhere. A small metallic spider was shifting forward from under a cupboard. It was around the size of a tarantula but fully made out of metal. Its body shimmered for a moment as it moved but then quickly blended in with the environment. Its sole eye focused on the large desk behind which Count Graham De Vere took a seat with Count Laurence settling into a nearby chair.

At this point in time, the sun had already set and the light of candles cast flickering shadows on the walls of Count Graham’s office. The atmosphere was serious and the two men faced each other in a discussion. Graham drummed his fingers on the polished wood of his desk, his eyes narrowed in thought. Count Laurence, on the other hand, appeared calmer as if he was actually enjoying this peculiar situation.

“Count Laurance, do you truly intend to go ahead with this farce? That young man is a villain who attempted to abduct my daughter, as a father you should understand.”

It was clear that Graham was unwilling for this to go to court and was trying to dissuade the other count from playing judge. However, the other man came from a unique family of judges that adamantly did things by the book. To no surprise, the idea of not holding the trial was rejected in the next response.”

“Count Graham, you know as well as I do that justice must be served, especially when it involves the nobility. We cannot simply sweep this under the rug. The integrity of our titles demands transparency and fairness.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Laurence said, his voice steady. Graham clenched his jaw, his fingers ceasing their drumming.

“I understand your position, Count Laurence, but this is more complicated than a simple trial. This young man’s actions have threatened my family’s honor. He must face the consequences.”

Laurence leaned back, his gaze steady and his words unyielding.

“If his guilt is proven, he will face the appropriate punishment. But until then, we must uphold the principles of our society. You agreed to this course of action, and I intend to see it through.”

Even though Roland was looking at this scene through the small runic camera within his spider, he could feel the tension in the air. He had been really lucky to encounter this man as usually with some gold anyone would look the other way. Perhaps them going through the trial wouldn’t be that bad as long as someone like this count Laurence was there.

“Very well,”

After a few seconds of contemplating Graham responded with a nod.

“We will proceed with the trial. However, I insist on a time limit. We cannot afford to let this drag on indefinitely.”

Laurence nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Agreed. Let us set the trial for three days from now. That should give all parties enough time to prepare.”

“Three days it is. Now, the servants will guide you to your guest quarters, Count Laurence. We shall reconvene tomorrow to begin preparations for the trial.”

The two counts stood, a silent agreement passing between them. Laurence, satisfied with the outcome, gave a polite nod and followed the servant who had entered to guide him. Graham remained behind, his face hardening as soon as the door closed.

“Three days… This will be more than enough time to ensure that whelp’s guilt is undeniable!”