Long ago, the Coves were the strongest power in the north-eastern region of the Salmer Kingdom.
But due to deception and manipulation by the Vertin House, our ancestors had to lose their power and nobility.
Today, it has happened again.
The Vertin House has stolen my rights once more.
"This is a declaration of war, and I shall respond in kind," said Decron as he submitted his letter of resignation.
If not for that Zamean, I would still be in power and would have made the life of Clave Vertin a living hell. But of course, Zamean was just a pawn—a powerful pawn, but still a pawn. After all, how could a commoner strategize like that?
I must eliminate Clave to take my position back.
For that, I need an army—
an army that can revolt,
an army that can slaughter Clave and his servants.
---
On the other side, preparations for war also began.
Clave took leave from the university.
Reason: regional instability.
Clave took Salmer and Sclara with him because he knew Zamean would only come when he was needed.
But while riding in the carriage, he continued reading the mysterious text.
Then he read: Cards are important, but if a card becomes too powerful, it must be eliminated.
A strategy formed in his mind.
What if he could deal with both Zamean and Decron at the same time?
What if—
Suddenly, the carriage stopped, and his mother—a clear-skinned, chubby but fit woman—rushed to hug him.
"My son has returned. What a pleasant surprise," said the woman.
"Countess Fera, kindly accept our greetings," said both Salmer and Sclara, bowing.
"Oh, darlings, no need for such formalities. You protect my dear son; that is quite enough for me," said the woman in a cheerful voice.
"Mother, can you please release me?" said Clave.
"Oh, of course, my child. But let me express my grievances first. It's been three years since you visited even once. Why is that? Has your heart gone to some other woman?" she said, pouting.
"Enough talking. Let us have brunch," said the woman.
Soon, they sat in a huge garden as a maid served tea.
"Thank you, darling. You may leave now," said the Countess.
"So, you declared a war, huh?" said the Countess, still wearing that cheerful smile.
"Where is Sir Zamean?" she asked.
"Well, you know how he is," Clave replied.
"When are you planning to dispose of that rogue card of yours?" she asked, without any change in her expression.
"Well, I have decided that he will reach his end after this war," Clave replied.
"Quite late, but better late than never," she said, smiling her cheerful smile.
That is my mother. After the death of my father, she handled the entire county all alone. She shows the reaction of a cheerful, ignorant woman, but in reality, behind that cheerfulness resides the mistress of politics.
---
On the other side of things, a group of people gathered.
"My dear countrymen," said Decron, "do you accept a cow as your ruler? How can you accept that cheerful, chubby woman to fight for our rights against the King?
"If she is truly so kind, why is there still a separation between nobles and us?
Why do they live in better houses?
Why do they collect taxes?
"We must be given the right to choose our own leaders!"
The guards who came to stop him also joined the revolt.
What shall be the fate of the county now.