---- 422, THE MOST POWERFUL DUCHY, NARRATOR The news of Duke Thesios death during a hunt, supposedly devoured by wild wolves, spread like wildfire across the neighboring duchies and beyond.


    Greedy eyes immediately turned toward the poor widow, left with little support from Thesios army but with an abundance of gold andnd ripe for the taking.


    It was like stealing candy from a childshe hadn''t even had time to conceive an heir, so the crown wouldnt interfere, no matter how much she protested.


    Ovidio Pensival wasted no time reaching out to Thesios general, enticing him with all kinds of promises to sway him to his side.


    The man was fairly new, having only recently risen to his position after the previous generals death.


    His loyaltyy more with money than with the woman who had climbed into his former masters bed.


    They nned to strike from within, with the general himself opening the city walls for Ovidio before anypetition arrived.


    Aneat nexcept they didnt realize they were already toote.


    Brenda had warned Elliot the night before Thesios execution, and by then, every hidden alley, tavern, and crevice in the city was crawling with Everharts soldiers.


    ed ---- That morning, the cemetery behind the castle grounds was suddenly surrounded.


    They had barely lowered the Dukes cold corpse into his coffin, the earth still fresh, his widow mourning in anguish, when the sharp neighing of horses filled the air, encircling those attending the funeral.


    "surrender without protest, Duchess, and I will give you the chance to live!" The general, sporting a thick mustache, dismounted from his dappled horse, striding forward heroically toward the small group of mourners.


    Brenda herself had preferred a discreet ceremonyher own downfall.


    The mustached generals threatening gaze locked onto Brenda, who "trembled" in fear.


    what are you doing?! This is treason! How dare you rebel?! I am.


    the head of this family now" "SHUT UP!" he roared, and the ten soldiers apanying him had already dismounted, surrounding the funeral attendees.


    Most were women, their heads covered with ck veils, quietly sobbing, their eyes downeast.


    Give me the security key to the walls! The steward told me you stole it! Tell me where it is!" He advanced toward her, fully intending to search her roughly.


    He was in a hurry, having already wasted too much time upon ---- discovering that the city gates had been locked without his consent and that this wretched woman held the master key.


    You mean this key?"