Gospel of Blood

In the Twelfth Month of the Holy Calendar year 1445, Castell County experienced its first snowfall of the winter.

Being a coastal county, snowfall was not an annual event for Castell, but this year, the weather was noticeably colder. Snowflakes gently descended, painting the land in a delicate white.

It had been five days since Charlotte had awakened, yet the Lagrisse family’s rebel forces remained encamped upstream of the Dorn River.

They seemed to have forgotten about continuing their

offensive, showing no intention of crossing the river. Instead, they were fortifying a long-term camp on the north bank.

Outside Northport, the noble armies summoned from various regions were ready. A sea of tents stretched along the coast near the Castell Bridge, seemingly endless.

The maritime traffic was busier than usual; the docks at Northport saw ships constantly departing and arriving.

Strategic supplies from all over were converging on

Northport, supporting the operation of tens of thousands of troops. The daily consumption of military provisions alone was astronomical.

The tension in Northport was palpable, as the imminent approach of war loomed ever closer. This was especially evident as more and more warships docked, with military vessels from various noble families lined up, their dark cannons exuding a formidable presence.

Rumors swirled through Northport about the young countess appearing at a noble assembly, rallying nobles to head north to confront the rebels.

All eyes in Northport were fixed on the count’s mansion in the town center.

In every tavern, patrons speculated on when the young countess would march out to quash the rebellion and how many troops she had gathered. Estimates varied from twenty thousand to fifty thousand.

Despite the different figures, there was a widespread consensus: though the northern rebellion seemed formidable, the young countess would inevitably crush it.

This confidence stemmed from two main reasons.

First, nearly all the nobles of Castell had been mobilized. Even though the Lagrisse family had a formidable reputation, they were at a distinct disadvantage against an allied force consisting of private armies from over three-quarters of the county’s noble families and the elite Castel forces.

The previously disunited northern nobles had now found a leader in the young countess, transforming a fragmented territory into a united front.

Second, increasing maritime traffic to and from Tulip County suggested something significant was afoot. Even the most oblivious merchants sensed the change: the Borde family’s garrison in Tulip County appeared to be preparing for war.

Given the Borde and Castell’s relationship, many believed that the Borde Duchess, who had declared neutrality, might not remain neutral after all.

Rumors from Tulip County hinted at this shift. It was said that a drunken officer had let slip in a tavern that the Borde Duchy was also preparing for war. This led many to believe that after the young countess’s appearance, she had reached some agreement with the Borde family.

As Castell’s overlord, the Borde family would abandon their neutrality and assist Castell in quelling the rebellion.

However, a contrary belief persisted among some nobles in Northport.

They suspected the Borde family wasn’t there to suppress the rebellion but to target the Castell family, allied with the rebels.

Those supporting this conspiracy pointed to an ambush the countess had faced en route to her territory, orchestrated by the Borde Duchess’ husband, Prince Philip.

These opposing views clashed in taverns and noble salons until, two days later, a noble claiming to be a messenger from the Borde family arrived by ship from Tulip County, seeking an audience with the young Countess of Castell.

“Countess, the Duchess is delighted to hear of your safety and has sent me to inquire if you require the Borde family’s support.”

The messenger said respectfully in the reception hall.

“As Castell’s protector, the Borde family is willing to help you swiftly quell the rebellion and restore order to the north.”

Charlotte gazed at the Borde family’s messenger, expressionless.

After a moment, she responded coolly.

“Oh? But hasn’t Borde already declared neutrality in this matter?”

“Countess, at that time, the Duchess was unaware of your safety. With rumors of your potential misfortune spreading in the south, the Duchess declared neutrality for caution’s sake. In reality, Tulip County has been preparing for war.”

The messenger’s hopeful gaze turned to Charlotte.

“Countess, have you considered our offer?”

Charlotte scrutinized him for a moment, then smiled faintly.

“Thank you for Borde’s support. However, this matter is significant. Many of Castell’s nobles might not welcome higher-level intervention. I need to consult with them before giving you an answer.”

After sending the messenger away, Charlotte’s smile faded.

She moved to the window, gazing at the dense, impressive military camp along the coast. She asked quietly.

“What do the nobles think of the Borde messenger? I hear he has been quite vocal about his intentions before seeking an audience with me.”

Behind her, Sebastian, dressed in a tailcoat, responded respectfully.

“Master, opinions are divided. Those aware of the ambush in the Violet Forest are skeptical, but the majority believe the Borde family is here to support Castell and assist in quelling the rebellion.”

“Assist us in quelling the rebellion? Ha, Sebastian, what do you think?”

Charlotte scoffed.

After a moment’s pause, Sebastian said,

“The Third Prince once sought your life and covets Castell. He cannot be acting in good faith. Though we lack concrete evidence, I also believe the Lagrisse family’s rebellion likely has Borde’s support.”

“Indeed, they can’t be acting in good faith.”

Charlotte sighed.

“Master, should we act first or continue monitoring Borde’s movements?”

Sebastian asked.

Charlotte pondered for a moment before replying.

“Continue the investigation. Do not act rashly. If Borde intends to target us, the Tulip County garrison and rebels alone won’t suffice. They must have other plans.”

Sebastian hesitated.

“But…if they plan to strike, won’t delaying give them more time to prepare?”

“Don’t worry, delaying benefits us too. After all…we are not without allies.”

Charlotte reassured him.

“Allies?”

Sebastian’s heart skipped a beat.

Following Charlotte’s gaze out the window, he saw she was looking towards the sea—the direction of the Starfall Kingdom. Sebastian’s expression changed showing realization.

Just then, a commotion outside the hall drew their attention.

Charlotte frowned slightly, turning towards the door.

“Sebastian, go see what’s happening outside.”

“Yes, Master.”

Sebastian bowed and left. He returned shortly with an odd expression.

“Master, the Borde messenger has been captured outside the count’s mansion.”

“Captured?”

Charlotte was taken aback.

Sebastian’s expression grew stranger.

“Yes, by the Roman-Four family. They are outside, requesting to see you.”

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