novelraw Chapter 107: Wings Before the War
Chapter 107: Wings Before the War
Chapter 107: Wings Before the War
Raven returned to the Holmes Mansion with a calm but heavy expression.
Stephanie was waiting near the entrance hall, her eyes filled with worry when she saw him.
“My Lord, did something happen at the council?” she asked softly. She had seen Adolf speak about war and the Lord Count’s summons to the council and got panicked inside.
Raven removed the monocle and stored it in his pocket.
“Yes,” he replied, his tone flat. “Viser Kingdom has declared against our Empire. I’ll soon be leaving for Azmar Town to prepare for the battle.”
Her lips parted in shock.
“I know the tension between both nations has reached a high. But I never thought the war was already on us.” What shocked her most was that the newspapers, like Legacy News, didn’t cover the war.
“Will you be okay, My Lord? How long will the war last?” She asked in a concerned tone.
“I don’t know how long this war will last…” Raven muttered as he told the coachman to turn around the carriage. “But I’m strong enough to protect myself and the young kids. So, no need to worry too much.”
Though he said that, Stephanie herself knew that war shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Her eyes turned watery as she recalled how she lost her father during the ‘Crimson Fort War.’
Upon noticing her watery eyes, Raven sighed deeply and changed the topic.
“How is the wine factory reopening going?”
Though the seal was lifted, the Chateau Holmes Wine Factory remained closed due to a lack of employees.
“I reapplied for Wine Merchant’s License a few months ago, but still haven’t received it yet, My Lord. They even came to make inspections multiple times and said they would need two more months to do the legal processing work.”
Raven could tell that someone was manipulating from the shadows.
‘Most likely Richard Palmer’s doing.’ A deep sigh leaked out of his mouth.
Stephanie continued.
“I also checked the vineyard. It’s almost 50 acres of land and needs over 50 laborers to maintain the yard. We also need 15 cellular workers, five coopers, 10 carpenters and blacksmiths, a few accountants, guards to protect the goods, an overseer, and a Master Vintner.”
Raven nodded solemnly and spoke.
“Manage it properly. Also, take care of the other shops while I’m away.”
“Yes, My Lord.” Stephanie nodded.
After that, Raven rode to the Royal Bank in the city center.
As he entered, the bank’s grand marble walls and doors reflected the sunlight. Within moments, the manager—recognizing his arrival—personally oversaw his transaction.
Raven withdrew ten thousand platinum coins from his account, the heavy bag sealed with the Holmes family’s insignia.
After finishing the procedure, he returned to the mansion and handed Stephanie around 100 Platinum coins to maintain Holmes' mansion, wine factory, and shops.
“This should cover the expenses while I’m away,” he said calmly. “Try to hire new skilled employees and prioritize the safety and quality.”
Stephanie nodded.
“Please… take care of yourself, My Lord.”
Without answering, Raven gave a faint nod, entered the carriage, and left.
‘I wonder how long it will take the war to end? I’m going to miss this place.’ A deep sigh leaked out of his mouth as the Carriage left Bristol Street and entered the main road.
…
Once the affairs in Giaris were settled, he departed immediately for Azmar Town.
The black carriage rumbled along the dark dirt road, driven by a coachman who did not rest even through the day and night. The sound of hooves echoed through the cold air.
Around 10 P.M., the carriage finally reached the outskirts of Azmar Town.
Other than the newly paved road stretched all the way to Ythendale, nothing much had changed.
At the town gate, Lian and Albert were standing on watch. Their eyes brightened as soon as they recognized the approaching carriage.
“Greeting, My Lord!” Lian saluted quickly. “Why did you arrive at this hour?”
“Something urgent came up,” Raven replied curtly. “Go and inform everyone to gather at the mansion.”
Both young knights opened the gate without hesitation and sprinted toward the central square.
The carriage rolled through the uneven cobblestone road and stopped before the Holmes Mansion at the heart of the town.
Raven stepped down, his boots crunching against the gravel, and entered the main hall.
Within minutes, the key members of his group—Jacob, Felicity, Quincy, Leona, Reece, Marcellus, and all twenty young knights—arrived one by one.
The air grew heavy with expectation as they stood around him.
Raven sat on the sofa at the center, crossed one leg over the other, and spoke once the last person entered.
“War has begun,” he said. “And I must participate.”
The entire hall fell silent. The faint crackle of the lantern flame was the only sound that remained.
Though the younger knights had heard rumors of war, none expected to be directly involved. After all, no newspaper had mentioned the war. Yet, despite the tension, not one of them panicked.
They had been tempered through months of monster hunts and bandit raids—hardship had become their normal.
“Count Andres has assigned the Spade Council to protect Count Magnus’s territories,” Raven continued. “Each noble house is being deployed to key strongholds. We have been ordered to move to Oakvale Town, under the joint command of Baronet Ares, the Sinclair Family, and the Amell Family.”
Jacob stepped forward. “Who will be participating, My Lord?”
“Not the Sepoy mercenaries,” Raven replied. “Their duty is to protect our territory while we are away.”
Marcellus frowned. “Isn’t bringing these young ones to war too dangerous?”
Felicity and the others nodded in silent agreement.
Raven’s eyes lingered on the young knights standing before him. Their postures were straight, yet their faces still carried traces of youth.
‘They’ve grown stronger… but are not ready for a battlefield drenched in blood.’
He exhaled quietly.
“I won’t bring all of them,” he finally said.
Jacob stepped forward again. “Then, allow me to accompany you, My Lord. I won’t engage in battle, but I’ll protect you and the others if danger arises. At the very least, I can ensure a safe retreat.”
Raven sat silently, his sharp gaze lingering over the table before him.
Finally, he spoke.
“Very well. I will only take selected members to the battlefield,” Raven declared. “The rest will remain behind and continue training. Strengthen your foundation—this war will not end quickly.”
A unified, disciplined silence followed.
Raven’s eyes moved toward Felicity, who stood beside the weapons rack. “How are Fiona and Sam in archery?”
Felicity folded her arms, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “I was disappointed in Sam after training him all these years. But since arriving here, his marksmanship has increased severalfold. His mind is sharp, and his skill is now on par with mine.”
She paused, glancing toward Fiona, who stood quietly at the end of the line. “As for Fiona, she has enough talent to surpass me.”
Raven nodded, his expression unreadable. “Then, I will be taking these two with me.”
His gaze shifted. “Sam, come forward.”
The young man stepped forward and knelt on one knee, his armor faintly gleaming under the dim light.
Raven reached into his inventory and pulled out a sleek, black rifle engraved with faint mithril lines—Starflare-3R.
“Use it well in the upcoming war,” Raven said, handing it to him.
“Yes, My Lord.” Sam’s voice carried steady confidence as he received the rifle.
“Fiona,” Raven called next.
The young woman stepped forward, kneeling gracefully. Her calm eyes reflected the light of the flickering flames.
Raven drew out an eerie black bow shimmering faintly with a bluish aura—the Starchaser. Its body was made from rare Cold Star Metal, rumored to have fallen from an unknown world.
“This bow is powerful,” Raven said, his voice steady. “Archers are the aces in defense battles. Use it wisely.”
Fiona bowed her head, her voice soft but resolute. “I will not disappoint you, My Lord.”
Raven turned toward the rest. “Though I wish to take everyone, some of you must stay behind and oversee this place. Who volunteers to remain?”
A moment of silence passed before Marcellus stepped forward. “My Lord, please take Roland as well. He’s young but exceptionally clever. He plans several steps and will be a fine strategist under proper guidance.”
Raven nodded slightly, then shifted his gaze to Felicity, who spoke next.
“Take Edger and Drake, too, My Lord. Edger is a Fire Mage who wields a strange flame capable of healing wounds. Drake is a Light Wizard—his spells will counter necromancy and curses.”
Raven’s eyes glimmered faintly.
‘I thought the same.’
From the other side, Lorelai, Pierce, Lian, and Albert voiced their will to join. Reece also stepped forward. “Take Augustus and Westin as well, My Lord. Both are skilled scouts—perfect for reconnaissance missions.”
Raven clasped his hands behind his back and made his decision.
“It’s settled then. Prepare yourselves. We leave for Oakvale Town at dawn.”
“Yes, My Lord!” they all echoed in unison, the room vibrating with their resolve.
They left the hall to pack their belongings individually, leaving only a few behind.
Raven turned toward Rebecca, who was organizing documents near the window. “Once the road construction is completed, inform Luke to begin building the city walls and houses immediately.” He took out several leather pouches filled with platinum coins from the inventory, handing them to Marcellus.
“Please watch over them, Mr. Marcellus.”
Marcellus bowed deeply. “I’ll not disappoint you, My Lord.”
“Good.” Raven nodded approvingly. His tone turned firm as his gaze fell upon the younger knights nearby.
“While we’re away, do not neglect your training. Those who go with me will return stronger and more experienced when the war ends. Remember that. Every minute you waste now could cost you your life later.”
He paused, suddenly lifting two fingers to his lips and whistling sharply.
A deep flutter of wings echoed through the hall as a black raven swooped in through the open window, landing gracefully on his shoulder.
Raven gently caught the bird and placed it in Rebecca’s hands. “Keep him as your messenger bird. The telegraph lines haven’t reached nearby cities yet, so if any emergency occurs, send a message through him. He'll find me as long as I’m on Ivory Island.”
Rebecca nodded solemnly. “Understood, My Lord.”
“You all may leave,” Raven said, dismissing her and the others.