Early the next morning, as the first light of dawn broke, the two groups quietly departed from Red Maple Castle.
Moonlight lay perched atop the canopy of a broad cargo wagon, her pale golden eyes half-lidded, occasionally flicking her fluffy tail. Viscount Baker's contingent was significantly larger; dozens of wagons laden with goods, escorted by knights, stretched out into a long procession. To the outside world, they were merely heading to Red Leaf City for a large-scale commodity trade—a perfectly reasonable cover.
The journey passed without incident. Two days later, the silhouette of Red Leaf City appeared on the horizon. Unlike the rugged and sturdy feel of Red Maple Castle, Red Leaf City appeared more prosperous and refined. While the city walls were tall, they were adorned with decorative carvings; within, the buildings were elegantly arranged, and one could catch glimpses of gardens and fountains.
"The prosperity of Red Leaf Territory truly lives up to its reputation," Viscount Baker remarked as he rode alongside Leylo, taking in the sight of the city.
Leylo nodded. Red Leaf Territory sat astride a vital route to the heart of the Duchy. Its commerce was thriving and its population dense—a fact made evident by the endless stream of travelers and merchants on the main highway outside the gates. To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, the Storm Griffins and Pegasi had landed in a secluded woodland outside the city.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a surge of urban bustle. Shops lined both sides of the streets, and the air was filled with the sounds of street vendors, clopping hooves, and rolling wheels. According to their prior arrangement, they stopped in front of a shop called "The Scales Trading House." This establishment had a grand storefront, occupying the prime corner of the street—clearly one of the most prominent trading houses in Red Leaf City.
A middle-aged man who appeared to be a manager was already waiting at the door. Seeing Viscount Baker's banner, he immediately approached with a beaming smile. "Lord Viscount, Lord Baron, my master has been awaiting you in the private parlor upstairs for quite some time."
The manager bowed and led the way. Before departing, Leylo had dispatched a knight to coordinate this meeting with Gawain at the trading house to maintain discretion. Leylo and Baker exchanged a glance and followed the manager through the busy front hall and up the wooden stairs to the second floor.
The Secret Letter
In the private room, a young man dressed in a plain robe stood by the window. Hearing footsteps, he turned around. He looked to be about twenty-five or twenty-six, with handsome features and a lingering trace of worry between his brows. This was the eldest son of the Earl of Red Leaf: Gawain.
"Gawain greets Uncle Baker and Baron Leylo." Gawain stepped forward and bowed. His posture was humble yet dignified.
"No need for such formalities, Gawain," Viscount Baker said, offering a supportive hand. He studied Gawain for a moment and nodded slightly. "It's been a few years; you've certainly grown more composed."
"You praise me too much, Uncle." Gawain gestured for the two to sit and personally poured them clear tea. "I am deeply grateful that you and the Baron accepted my invitation."
After a few brief pleasantries, the atmosphere grew quiet. Gawain seemed to be weighing his words, while Viscount Baker held his teacup with an air of nonchalance, looking very much like a man who was just there to sell goods and check in on an old friend's son. Leylo remained silent; he knew the lead currently belonged to Baker and Gawain.
After a moment, Gawain pulled a wax-sealed letter from his robe and presented it to Viscount Baker with both hands. "Uncle Baker, this was written two days ago. My father took a heart-strengthening potion and, in a moment of temporary lucidity, wrote this letter by his own hand. Please, have a look."
Baker's eyes sharpened as he took the letter. The wax seal was indeed the private crest of the Earl of Red Leaf. He broke the seal and began to read. Leylo noticed the Viscount's expression grow increasingly solemn, his brow furrowing as he moved deeper into the text.
The content was not long, but the implications were massive. The Earl stated clearly that he felt his time was short and suspected his illness was not natural, but man-made. He had sensed the ambitions and schemes of his second son, Alaric, and feared that Red Leaf Territory would fall into chaos upon his death. Therefore, he officially named his eldest son, Gawain, as his successor and implored his "old friend" Baker to assist Gawain in stabilizing the situation once he was gone.
"This..." Baker put the letter down and exhaled a long sigh, his expression complicated. "My old friend... alas!"
He and the Earl weren't exactly "ride-or-die" companions, but they had been neighbors for decades. Their territories were intertwined, they saw each other constantly, and they had shared many drinks and faced common troubles together. Seeing a peer fall victim to foul play and reach out to him in his final moments stirred a sense of grief and duty within him.
"When Father wrote this, he was already bedridden, and his mind was often clouded," Gawain's voice was slightly hoarse. "He suspects... he suspects Alaric has been slowly poisoning him. But he has no proof."
"Alaric... how dare he!" Baker slammed his hand on the table, splashing tea everywhere. He was a man of tradition; while he knew nobles did ugly things for power, poisoning one's own father crossed every line of decency.
Leylo also felt a chill in his heart.
"Father left this letter just in case," Gawain said with a bitter smile. "He said that if he pulled through, this letter would be void. But if... the worst happened, he hoped this letter would allow you and his old acquaintances to see the truth."
"You were able to get the Earl's personal letter to me within two hours of our arrival in the city. That capability alone is enough for me to trust you," Baker said, looking at Gawain. "Since my old friend has entrusted me with this, how could I stand by? Gawain, rest easy. Red Maple Ridge is in this with you!"
During the campaign against the Ogres, Leylo had noticed that Baker and his knights adhered to an old-school chivalric code. Seeing the Viscount pivot from hesitation to total support upon seeing the letter confirmed his character.
Leylo spoke up at the right moment: "Lord Gawain, as you are the rightful heir, I am also willing to lend you my strength."
Excitement flashed in Gawain's eyes. He stood again and bowed deeply to both of them. "I thank you, Uncle Baker! I thank you, Baron Leylo! Words cannot express my gratitude; I shall remember this for life!"
"Enough, now is not the time for politeness," Baker waved him off. "Tell us, what is the exact situation in Red Leaf Territory right now? How many supporters does Alaric have?"