Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 93 - Shadows of Deception

93 Shadows of Deception

There was no one to blame but himself.

He could only hope that the abyss they were about to fall into wasn’t too deep.

Not a single voice rose to defend William against the First Prince’s tyrannical decree.

No—more accurately, even those who wanted to speak up found themselves unable to.

Neither the one who issued the order nor the one receiving it desired any protest.

To step forward in William’s defense now would only result in earning the ire of both sides.

So the lords stood by in silence, watching William’s quiet departure, their unease growing with each passing moment.

All except for one.

"This isn’t right, brother."

The following day, just as they were about to convene once more to discuss their next course of action, the Second Prince finally spoke up.

For the first time, he straightened his back fully, no longer the quiet observer he had been until now. The change made his tall frame and sharp features stand out even more, his presence commanding attention in a way it never had before.

The First Prince scowled instantly.

"You’ve kept your mouth shut all this time. And now you suddenly decide to make a scene?"

"I had assumed that after a day had passed, you would come to your senses and rescind your order."

"But since I didn’t, you decided you had to interfere? What right do you have? Do you even hold an official position in this army?"

Technically, the Second Prince was merely an attendant to his older brother. He held no formal title.

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In rank, he was second only to the First Prince, but he had no real authority to interject in matters of military command.

Even so, he did not back down.

"I hold no title. But as a member of the Imperial family, I have a duty—to ensure that my brother does not stray from the right path."

"What?" The First Prince’s expression twisted in rage. "Are you saying I’ve strayed?"

"Yes," the Second Prince answered calmly. "The Hern family is the Empire’s most loyal and accomplished house. Even if they had erred, such mistreatment would be unjust. Yet William spoke nothing but reason, and you cast him aside. I beg you to reconsider your decision."

"You dare lecture me? Are you saying you know the right path, and I do not?"

The First Prince roared in fury, but the Second Prince did not falter.

Instead, he dropped to one knee, his voice ringing louder than before, filled with conviction.

"No one is perfect. At times, it takes wisdom to admit a mistake and the courage to correct it."

"Shut your mouth!" the First Prince bellowed. "Are you afraid because the Hern forces are gone? Fine! If you’re such a coward, then stay behind as well! I will handle this war myself!"

"Brother!"

"Prepare for departure! We will advance immediately! Our forces will march to the next town for water and then continue to Bodiam, where we will bring down the castle!"

The First Prince, unwilling to hear another word, brought the meeting to an abrupt end.

The lords, watching the heated exchange, wore uneasy expressions.

No one had expected the Second Prince to intervene.

Was that true loyalty I just witnessed? Or was it a calculated move to stand out?

Does he seek the throne, or is he truly without ambition?

The matter was too delicate to discuss aloud.

And so, in the heavy silence that followed, the lords withdrew one by one, leaving the tent with unreadable expressions.

William had nearly reached the exit himself when he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Lord William."

The Second Prince—Cedric—approached, his expression regretful.

William turned to face him and immediately bowed.

"Your Highness."

"There’s no need for such formality. If anything, I should be apologizing."

William frowned. "Apologizing, Your Highness?"

"I regret that I could not restore your honor."

William shook his head. "There’s no need to trouble yourself over me."

"But how can I not?" Cedric sighed. "A loyal vassal of the Empire should not be treated this way."

"That’s not what I meant."

William smiled faintly as he watched Cedric continue to look at him with guilt.

"I simply meant there’s no need to add unnecessary words. You’ve already achieved your goal of withdrawing from the frontlines."

"...!"

Cedric stiffened at the implication. For a brief moment, anger flashed across his face, but before he could lash out, William continued speaking.

"His Highness the First Prince is marching down a treacherous path. The Grand Accord has been broken, and the enemy’s response remains uncertain. Yet, he charges straight into their trap."

"So you think I used you to secure my own safety?" Cedric asked, his voice taut.

"You must have heard that I refused any defense on my behalf. Even if you hadn’t, someone as astute as yourself would have figured that out."

"Lord William, I believe you are gravely mistaken," Cedric said, his gaze steady.

"I only stepped forward because I feared that the relationship between my brother and his retainers would be irreparably damaged. It was never my intention to use you as a tool for my own protection. You may insult me as you wish, but don’t assume I acted with selfish intent."

"If my words offended you, I apologize," William replied evenly. "But since things have turned out this way, I should start preparing for deployment."

"Deployment?" Cedric frowned. "My brother ordered you to remain in the rear guard."

"But that won’t last long, will it?" William said. "When the time comes, I will move as reinforcements the moment the order is given. You needn’t worry."

With that cryptic remark, William turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Cedric standing motionless, watching his retreating back.

Once William had disappeared from view, Cedric finally let out a breath and loosened his rigid expression.

"William Hern… truly a terrifying man."

Terrifying?

A voice, low and unnervingly smooth, slithered from the depths of Cedric’s shadow. The darkness beneath his feet shifted unnaturally, as though something hidden within it had just spoken.

To me, he seemed nothing more than an insolent fool. He failed to recognize my lord’s true worth and drew conclusions on his own whim.

Cedric strolled leisurely to a secluded corner, his hands clasped behind his back. Without looking down, he replied to the unseen speaker.

"Insolent? That’s amusing. If anything, he was pointing out my own arrogance."

Forgive my ignorance, my lord, but I fail to see your meaning.