Allies

"I told you not to push yourself to be the winner, Nicholas!" My mother said as soon as I told her everything that happened throughout the tournament. We're currently enjoying lunch in the dining room of our home.

"But I'm fine now, mom. I'm here standing strong and healthy," I say proudly.

"You stubborn child!"

"Don't be upset, my dear mother. I have a suggestion," I said. She waited for me to continue "You know I have to work within the Palace mother, and I was wondering if you wanted to move to the capital so I could pay you more visits."

"No chance, Nicholas. I don't like where this talk is going," she continued to eat. "But, Mom, the capital is almost a day's ride by vessel. If you stay here I won't be able to visit you as often."

"I'm okay with it, Nicholas. I can visit you, but I won't be staying in the capital," she said firmly making me sigh in defeat.

"All right, mom. But, please, stay safe here."

"Nothing happened to me during the months you were gone, so I'm good," I nodded, continuing to eat my lunch.

"How does the King look?" Tania inquires. She came to our house as soon as she heard I was coming, asking if she could join my morning practice while I was here.

"He's a dignified man full of power and authority, a good-looking man as well," I simply stated.

"Wouldn't that mean that the Crown Prince is also attractive?" She said tenderly.

Tania started questioning me about the King and what happened in the tournament. She's particularly interested in the second phase.

"I want to go to the camp and train as well," she said suddenly. It's no secret that Tania aspires to be a member of the Royal army or maybe one of the noble armies.

"But your sister doesn't want you to," I said.

"When I turn 21, she'll have no choice but to let me," she muttered.

Since Tania's birth, Thria has been strict with her. Tania's been under her care since their parents died five years ago. That caused her to isolate herself even more, and we're still not sure why.

"If that's what you really want, just prepare yourself. Entering the training camp is no funny thing. You are aware that it is well-known for its brutal trainers."

"Did you go through terrible training?" She inquired.

"Did you see me when I first went to meet my mother after 10 months? So, what do you think? "

"Oh, I remember that!" She exclaimed enthusiastically. "You hurt your left foot because of your trainer, and you put on a lot of muscle during the camp. I recall Thria dropping the dish of porridge because she spotted you half-naked while you were helping Aunty Rachel with the roof," she laughed.

"I thought it was you because you were cleaning it."

"She run to the house because she is embarrassed. Did you know—"

"Tania!"

She was interrupted by a shout from behind us. We both turned to see who it was and there she was, Thria, holding a basket of fruit. I believe she just got home from the market. "Help me in preparing our dinner," she added, glancing at me but avoiding eye contact.

"I have to leave, Nicholas. I'll return tomorrow to join you in your early practice," she said, getting up and running towards her sister.

I decided to see if my mother was prepared to leave for Reiss' place because the sun was already setting. The count wants to offer me something that might be useful to me while I'm still in the capital, so he said I should come over with my mother.

Minutes later, the carriage came. We quickly boarded and went to the Count's residence.

"To be honest, Nicholas, I don't think you should accept the offer," my mother said suddenly, causing me to look at her. She looks worried. I know she wants to talk about the past, but she's holding back. She had no idea I was already aware of it. Although I feel awful about it, I have to keep this information from her for the time being.

"Mother, I'm old enough. You don't need to be afraid. It's inevitable. You are aware that I want to work in the Palace, if not as an officer, then as a soldier for the Kingdom." I lied.

"Being near the nobility, let alone the Royalties, is dangerous," she stated seriously.

"Why did you say so, Mom?" my brows knitted.

"Ah, because... greedy people often target the lives of those in positions of authority, so I'm concerned you'll become a target of those people, especially since you'll be by the Crown Prince's side." She stammered a little.

"I can defend myself, Mom. I've said it before, but you don't have to worry." I reassured her, and she just sighed and looked outside.

We got to the Count's residence quickly. My mother followed me out of the carriage, and Reiss was waiting for us at their front door. Their house is not as grand as the mansions in the capital, but it is the largest in Western Sataraia.

"If it isn't my boy Nicholas, who faints during the competition but ends up tutoring the Crown Prince!" Reiss stated airily as he greeted us at their home. I met him midway and gave him a manly hug. "Your brother is very proud of you," he joked, patting my shoulder. I simply shook my head. As usual, he's cocky.

"Hello, Aunty Rachel!" I see you become more beautiful every day." Reiss remarked as he hugged my mother.

"You're still the same loud and confident kid, Reiss," Mom said with a smile, pointing to Reiss' arrogance.

"Please, dear Aunt, add the term handsome," he pleaded, wriggling his brows. "Well, Dad and Mom are in the dining hall. So, shall we proceed? "

The door is opened for us by their maid. Because of my training, it's been a while since I visited this place, yet, nothing has changed. The staircase leading to the drawing room and their rooms greeted us.

"Dad is very excited to see both of you because he has been very busy for a long time. He invited the two of you to celebrate Nicholas' achievement," Reiss said to my mother. We turned to the corner, and the door was once again opened by a maid.

The Count rose to his feet and led the Countess to greet us.

"It's been a long time since we met, Rachel," the lovely countess said as she embraced my mother and the Count kissed the back of her hand. They exchanged pleasantries before the Countess walked my mother to the table and the Count smiled at me, "You've done well."

I smiled back at him, and he drew me in for a hug.

"I wasn't able to attend the tournament due to my hectic schedule, but I heard everything from Reiss. How are your wounds healing? "

"It's still healing, but it's much better than it was."

"Dad, Nicholas is in great shape right now. Look at these muscles," he says as he lightly punches my arms.

"Count, why don't you take a seat now so we can eat? I'm sure we're all hungry. " said the Countess.

"Of course, my love. Let us take our seats now, boys."

We began to eat. Count Wilfred and Countess Rienella are chatting with my mother, while Reiss tells me about his current lover, the Lady from the neighboring Kingdom.

"How about you, mister? You don't have somebody in mind? " He inquires suddenly.

"What exactly do you mean?"

"Like, there are girls in the camp! Did you see anyone who can potentially capture your heart?"

"I didn't go there to find someone to date," I explained as I took a bite of the roasted beef I'd been eyeing since the maid brought it to me.

"What a nice guy you are!" He exclaimed.

"Nicholas is not like you, son," Countess Rienella pointed out.

"Because I'm a lot more attractive than him, Mom," he joked.

"Your boy is a natural charmer, Rienella. I'm hoping you could teach Nicholas, who is obsessed with being in the Palace. I wouldn't be surprised if he dies alone," my mother taunted.

"He'll undoubtedly find one soon, Rachel. He'll see a lot of noble ladies around once he enters the Palace," the Count said while grinning.

I just shook my head at them. They kept teasing me throughout the meal. My mother then went to the drawing room with the countess for tea, while the three of us walked to the Count's office.

We were sitting on his office couch when he handed me a folder full of papers. "Open it," he instructed.

I opened it and flipped through the first page. My eyes widen in surprise.

"How did you—"

"I caught Reiss looking for those files in my office. Knowing he can't lie to me, I inquire about your plans." I cast a lethal glance at Reiss.

"Don't be angry with Reiss. This was something I expected. I frequently tell my wife about Rachel and you, so Reiss may have learned about it as well, but I didn't anticipate it to be so soon."

"Are you going to put a stop to it?" I ask of the Count.

"Why would I? I've been itching to take my revenge on that scumbag Alexander. Your mother was not the only victim of his selfishness, Rienella's family also suffered as a result of his avariciousness," he added, pointing to the folder I was holding.

"Those are the details you'll need once you enter the Palace. That's all I can do for the time being. It will be difficult for me to act on his downfall since he will be skeptical of me because of my relationship with Rienella's family."

I take a look at the papers. It includes details on Alexander's family and properties. Also addressed are the people who became victims of his rotten attitude, as well as his accomplices, allies, and enemies. I shut the folder.

"Thank you for your assistance, Count. But you know I'm only doing it for my mother. I will not do this for anyone except my mother."

"I know, Nicholas. This does not imply that I would use you to take revenge on Alexander, I only want to assist because I would like to see him fall from grace."

"Bro, I know your idea is risky, but with Dad's help, you can act without being suspicious," Reiss remarked.

"Alexander has a keen eye for those he can use for his own benefit, and he can immediately identify those who have a grudge against him. And if he caught you, you wouldn't live to see another day," the Count explained.

I paused for a moment. If I don't receive this information, my strategy is to spy on and monitor Alexander, which, as Reiss pointed out, is risky. With this information, I can simply carry out my plans.

I heaved a deep sigh. "This will be very useful to me, Count Wilfred. I'm hoping I'll be able to ask for assistance when the time comes."

"Of course, Nicholas. I am very willing to help you. I've seen how your mother suffers because of her bastard relative."

"I will do all in my power to make him beg for forgiveness."

"Remember, Nicholas, you're going to work for the King, so don't be reckless. Unlike here or at the training camp, there are many eyes in the Palace. If you can gain their trust, everything will be easier for you." I nodded.

"This is an additional congratulatory gift," the count said as he rose to his feet. "This might come in handy," he said, handing me a box. When I opened it, I noticed a silver handgun that had been expertly made.

"Thank you very much, Count Wilfred. You have always been there for me and my mother, and I will be eternally grateful."

"It's nothing. Rachel has been my friend ever since, so it's only natural for me to assist her in reclaiming what is rightfully hers." I smiled at him and Reiss.

"One more thing Count because you've known my mother for so long, do you know who my father is?" The Count was obviously taken aback by my unexpected question.

He sighed before responding, "The only thing I know is that Rachel met him at the Palace's banquet, and he's a high-ranking noble."