Plans and Contingencies

After many years apart, Duke Colin showed no trace of unfamiliarity and quickly struck up a conversation with Benjamin, seemingly trying to close the distance between them. However, Benjamin was in no mood for idle chatter right now. He swiftly skipped over the usual pleasantries between "old acquaintances" and brought the conversation back on track.

"...About your plan to rescue the king, I'd like to know the details."

At that, Duke Colin finally put away his smile and adopted a grave expression. "Speaking of which, Headmaster Benjamin, have you had time to visit Havenlight?"

Benjamin asked in return, "Not yet. What happened there?"

"The Royal Capital is a complete mess, like a pot of porridge. It no longer resembles what it once was." Duke Colin sighed, his face full of worry. "Ever since His Majesty the King was placed under house arrest by The Church, order in the Upper City has become increasingly difficult to maintain. Every day, huge crowds gather in front of the Grand Cathedral to cause trouble. Even the royal knights have had to take to the streets to keep the peace."

"Then... how many nobles are actually willing to oppose The Church now?"

"At least seventy percent." Duke Colin paused before continuing, "You need not doubt their loyalty. The Church's actions have grown more and more excessive. There are not many left who can endure it any longer."

Benjamin nodded, believing that as well.

The nobles were not fools. Other than those who believed in religion until they had lost their minds, they would certainly fight desperately to protect the interests of their class. And the words "the king" were the ultimate embodiment of the entire feudal class; their importance went without saying.

The successive destruction of Riserfel's two great families might initially have been killing