The Amber Sword

Chapter 140 – Warm words of hope

When Brendel walked out of Graudin’s manor, he clenched his sword’s hilt till his fingers were white. The men who waited in the courtyard were confused as to why their lord looked so angry as the people who were in the mansion did not explain what happened in there.

[In the end, I chose to compromise……]

Brendel wanted to swing his sword and destroy the landscape.

It was not because he was afraid of Madara and Graudin’s combined forces, but because Scarlett’s pleading eyes had moved him. Just like how he could never become someone like Makarov, he would never allow his anger to affect his men who were still waiting in the courtyard.

The Grey Wolves Mercenaries were her last kin, and she had the right to stop him from killing Graudin to make sure no retribution was going to happen to them.

He had tried to resist Aouine’s decadent politics ever since he came to this world but he soon realized he did not have the power to go against the nobles. His heart was especially heavy because Amandina had subtly objected to his actions, and was disappointed that she tried to make him play the game that all nobles did. Even though she did not state it directly to him, she did not hide her intentions either.

[Yes, this might be a better choice for me but is this worth it? This is the first time I abandoned on my decision that I made. I didn’t even think there would be a day like this. No, there’s no way I can let this fucking go. Even if the entire kingdom is backing Graudin I’ll definitely cut him down. Just give me some time……]

He looked back at Romaine: “Brendel, who came from Bucce.”

Romaine immediately winked at him mischievously and gave a curtsy.

Amandina was slightly awed by his words but she quickly regained her sense: “But there’s possibly a better choice. I understand your thoughts, my lord, but the dead has no power to speak amongst the nobles! We are not just facing Baron Graudin and his family, there’s also Madara to worry about—”

There was a fire that was stoked within her heart from Brendel’s words but her eyes were also full of worry.

“That would be my problem, miss Amandina. Regardless of Graudin, count Randner, or even the entire Madara army.” He looked back at Graudin’s large manor. “Since we’re going to face each other sooner or later, I’ll be ready for them.”

He said, and continued to walk back to the inn.

Scarlett tightened her grip on her long spear when she heard Brendel’s speech as she followed him.

Amandina’s eyes followed his back with worry but there was a newfound respect for him in her heart. At the same time, she began to think about the number of enemies they were going to face. No matter how she looked at it, there was no way for a small group of men to go against the hundreds and even thousands of soldiers Graudin had at his disposal.

=============== Graudin’s POV ============

There was a loud smash and crazed yelling. Pieces of white porcelain were shattered across the ground.

Graudin was throwing his belongings in his study in absolute fury regardless of how valuable it was  after Brendel and his men left.

Rothko and Kabias had already left the manor. At this point of time, even if count Randner was found to have an alliance with Madara, there would not be any repercussions to him because of the chaos in the capital. However, his reputation would fall beyond unsavory if people found out he worked with the undead.

The people left beside him were his two male lovers. This was the reason why he could openly vent all his anger.

“Viscount Gaston, Viscount Gaston, god fucking Viscount Gaston, damned these fucking Northern bastards!” He yelled at the top of his lungs.

If Brendel’s forces did not appear to be as strong as he was, he would have ordered all his men to attack him and cut off his head. He did not care even if he had to go to war with another family.

One of the male lovers saw an opportunity to come up to him when Graudin was taking a respite to gain his breath: “My lord, since they already left the manor, do you want to gather your soldiers and kill him—”

TL: Bit of trivia on medieval research—

I can’t believe how much text is written about medieval sexual orientation. Like why only the missionary position is the only position allowed. Lol. And sodomy (note it doesn’t matter if it’s female or male) is apparently worse than prostitution.

Things that date back even further in Rome was how it was okay for a high class noble to penetrate male or female without any loss of status, but getting penetrated would probably result in a loss instead.

“Penetration and power were highly correlated with the rights of the ruling elite in Roman society. It was acceptable for members of the less powerful group to surrender to penetration by members of a more powerful group. Thus, penetration was associated with a man’s power and authority, and was not regarded as either a homosexual or heterosexual act.” – Excerpt from wikipedia

The greatest reason as to why and how sex was controlled in the medieval era was pretty much due to the church which was pretty powerful. Since this world hardly has a doctrine to speak of and considering the goddess favors the undead and the living equally without bias…… Well I don’t want to think about it. Too much effort. Just know that this particular world probably does not frown on gender-based sex.