Rise of Edwin Von William Highland : Volume 1

Chapter 14: Aftermath

It has been 4 days since the fall of the capital. The royal crest of Edwin's household once again flew over the capital and border watchtowers of Highland.

Everwood, Jarodor, and Vidfamne all took notice of this. With no information coming from the kingdom and all spies sent there never returning, Everwood and Jarodor pressed Vidfamne to send an envoy to determine what happened in Highland.

Vidfamne had no direct action in Highland, and with its connection across the continent, Everwood and Jarodor felt an envoy from Vidfamne would have a better chance of returning alive.

"Ha...Those fools are going push this onto me."

In her castle, Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne sighed. She held two letters from the Everwood and Jarodor royal families requesting her to send an envoy to Highland.

"What will you do?" asked a lady next to her. She was Shelley Lancaster. An official advisor to the duchess and her longtime friend. 800 years ago, Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne found Shelley Lancaster. She was only 13 years of age and was being sold as a slave.

She, not liking the thought of one of her kin being a slave, bought her and raised her like she was her own daughter. She taught her many things about politics, and soon Shelley Lancaster proved to have talent.

Over time Shelley Lancaster worked her way through the ranks until finally becoming the duchess personal aide and advisor, a role she took seriously and with pride.

"I do not have a choice. I have to send an envoy to Highland. I too am curious to find out how that fool Lance Von Winters lost to his kingdom to a child, and all in one week."

"Do you think he was betrayed by Count Gunnleifus Varma?"

"The possibility does exist, but the question that would come to mind is, where is Count Gunnleifus Varma? I don't see that guy staying quiet with the borders to Highland closed."

"True. That guy always loved the finer things in life. Then can we assume he is dead as well?"

"Yes, and it scares me."

"It does?"

"The former king was a good ruler, but even he was overthrown. Prime Minister Herman Clark excels at management but not military or political affairs. I really can't think of anyone capable of turning the tide so quickly. The only possibility is..."

"The former crown prince, Edwin Von William Highland"

"Correct, but from the reports I got from Euphemia, there was nothing special about that boy. If anything, for a royal he should have been a disgrace."

"Could it be that lady Euphemia was mistaken?"

"It's hard to believe, but that is looking to be the most likely scenario at the moment."

"Then how are we going to approach Highland?"

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne thought for a moment. How she approached this would determine the relationship between Vidfamne and Highland. While Vidfamne in no way aided the downfall of Edwin's father there was the matter of her daughter canceling her engagement to him.

Highland might attempt to hold Vidfamne liable for triggering the revolt by not going through proper procedures to annul the engagement.

Past marriage arraignments with Highland have always failed similarly, but this was the first time that such an action caused serious trouble for the royal house of Highland. Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne didn't think she could, just play it off like she did so many times before.

Lady Rania Euphemia Vidfamne was someone who resembled Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne very closely in terms of beauty and intelligence. Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne was finding it had to believe that the Euphemia could misjudge the character of someone.

Was he hiding his capabilities? Or did he develop them in this short time, or perhaps there is a third party I am unaware of?

She thought to herself. If Edwin was responsible for the events in Highland, then clearly, he was a capable man.

However, she could not reprimand her daughter for marrying the hero.

A hero is indeed a valuable asset to marry into one's family, especially during times of war. With her marriage to the hero, Euphemia had secured Vidfamne place in the alliance, as an important member even though they were not sending troops or aid.

Vidfamne could not afford to do either, as they couldn't do so. Their troops roughly number just over 4000 for the whole territory. They were well suited for defense, but not attack.

Vidfamne also could barely afford to raise crops for the local population. Sending food out was also not an option. The only thing they could afford to send as rations would be fish, but it spoils quickly and is not practical for a marching army.

Another advantage would be the children born between them. It is well known that children born from strong fighters tend to become strong themselves.

The union between Euphemia and the hero would result in strong grandsons or granddaughters.

Granddaughters?...hum

"Shelley"

"Yes"

"I will send you to Highland. Find out as much information as possible and-"

Duchess Rania Teresa Alumet Vidfamne laid out her instruction to Shelley Lancaster. Shelley paid close attention to her words, never showing any concern that her life would be in danger if she went.

Two days past and Shelley Lancaster was in a castle town in the east of Highland. The town was the capital of the territory of former Count Gunnleifus Varma. She had never visited this place before, but she noticed that the coat of arms that were once associated with the house of Varma no longer flew and were replaced with one she had never seen before.

"I have kept you waiting envoy. My apologies." The person who spoke was a beauty. Her long light blue hair was tied in a ponytail, her red eyes stared at Shelley Lancaster as she walked across the room. She wore an expensive-looking knight's armor.