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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 Silence was borne by a man named Einar Legozlad, likely 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 dark and varied rumors circulated about Eugene Grimm. The most popular among them were stories of his romantic exploits — it was said that, using his wealth, attractiveness, and charisma, he conquered many maidens, only to later break their hearts. It was believed that he never accepted rejection of his romantic advances either.
- I should have stayed on the surface and prevented the collapse of Gildaria at the hands of that fool. - The blond sighed ostentatiously and gracefully adjusted the golden locks that had fallen onto his face — apparently, such 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 to you are frequent events in the spring of his life; numerous sharp tongues have left deep wounds over the years.
- 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 Gildaria, not Aldelion. Tell me, Einar, as a sage past your prime, 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 webs of that contemptible half-demiwoman, spread across all of Tezoth, pose a far greater danger than any swords. Who else besides her?
- Lord Impeccability.
- Why him, and not his father?
- The fruit proved stronger than the tree from which it came. A colossal will lives in his heart, the kind that moves nations 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 martial skills, but to my eyes he appears as nothing 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 mentioned, 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 blood.
- Perhaps that's true, 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 approach of the Knight of the Wind to the tent.
— About who most wants to prevent Gildaria's prosperity at any cost? — clarified Stefania, who had arrived in the middle of the conversation and could only grasp the context. — There could be many such people. I would primarily fear Lords Cartridge and Genburry. The first clearly has a grudge against us, not to mention that he might have brought unknown military tricks from Ikazkan. The second is generally a shady character on his own. I'm not personally acquainted with him, but my father never said a single good word about him.
The fact that he was repeatedly called Sratos in the Valentine household, the girl decided to keep to herself entirely.
— I sincerely hope that the young master, with the support of my father and Rainris, will be able to defend the honor of your family and our lands, — she said this addressing primarily Eugene, as he was not only a member of the Grimm family but also a potential heir worth reckoning with.
