Knights of Tezoth

The trio philosophized for a while longer, after which Stefania headed to the tent of the next colleague, and to her luck this time found two at once.

The title of Knight of the Night's Silence was held by a man named Einar Legozlad, probably the knight closest to Roderick in terms of age and specialization. He was known primarily for his active participation in the annexation of Silverdawn's lands, impeccable etiquette, and luxurious mustache.

Eugene Grimm was the nephew of Adalard Grimm, and resembled him far more than his own son Aldelion did — he was an impeccable warrior and strategist, yet there was no treasure chest and a bit of extraneous junk — the title of Knight of the Rusting Soul came to him from his uncle for a reason. Many bad and varied rumors circulated about Eugene Grimm. The most popular among them were stories of his amorous adventures — it was said that, using his wealth, attractiveness, and charisma, he conquered many girls, only to later break their hearts. It was believed that he never accepted rejections to his romantic advances either.

- I should have stayed on the surface and prevented the collapse of Guildaria at the hands of that fool. - The blond sighed ostentatiously and gracefully adjusted the golden locks that had fallen onto his face — apparently, this kind of body language had long become a habit for him. - What madness guided my uncle?
- Hmm. Perhaps your temporary absence will help young Aldelion free himself from some of the chains that have enveloped his heart.
- What do you mean?
- Comparisons with you are frequent events of the spring of his life; numerous sharp tongues over the years have left deep wounds.
- Are you talking about how he was called a foundling, and I the true heir? - Receiving an affirmative nod, Eugene sneered contemptuously. - Only losers care about what others say about them. And whatever the circumstances, I care about the fate of Guildaria, not Aldelion. Tell me, Einar, as a sage who has outlived his time, who does your sharp mind see as the greatest threat to our destiny of total dominion?
- Her Tragicness, of course.
- The bloodsucker? Reasonable. The treacherous nets of the despicable demimondaine, spread across all of Tezoth, pose a far greater danger than any swords. Who besides her?
- Lord Impeccability.
- Why him, and not his father?
- The fruit turned out stronger than the tree from which it came. A colossal will lives in his heart, one that moves countries and writes history. The same can be said of Lord Loyalty, by the way.
- Vermgrace? There's nothing in common between them. I won't deny his administrative, strategic, and military skills, but to my eyes he appears as no more than a harmless dog. What did you see in him?
- Let's just say that's what my years-earned intuition tells me. Besides those listed, Lord Cartridge poses a direct threat to us, and it's quite likely that he is the culprit of our current predicament. I can see from your face that you think so too.
- Why isn't Richard on your list?
- One can always come to an agreement with Lord Dragonheart; he will inevitably choose the path that preserves Tenerezza's dignity and sheds the least amount of blood.
- Perhaps that is indeed the case, but I still wouldn't want to have such a dagger at my back. And what do you think, Stefania? - Apparently, both knights had noticed the Knight of the Wind approaching the tent.