Reincarnated as the third son of the Duke-Chapter 129 - Honor and Betrayal
129 Honor and Betrayal
As William and Ian continued chatting, they passed through the outer city gates and made their way toward the inner city.
That was when Raymond suddenly tensed beside him.
"My lord," he murmured, his voice low. "Something feels… off."
William raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"It’s hard to explain," Raymond admitted. "Look around."
William scanned the streets.
People were gathered in small clusters, whispering amongst themselves. The entire city was brimming with unease.
Narrowing his eyes, William motioned for a nearby guard patrol to approach.
"You there," he called. "Come here for a moment."
One of the guards turned—then immediately paled and dropped to one knee.
"L-Lord William!"
"No need for formalities," William said. "Just answer me this—why does the city feel strange today?"
The guard hesitated, then finally spoke.
"Sir… have you not heard? Sir Aizen’s successor is being knighted today."
William’s gaze sharpened.
So the day had finally come.
And if that was all… it would be fine.
But the guard hesitated before adding,
"…And, my lord, it’s rumored that the other Hern princes plan to recruit him—by any means necessary."
William’s eyes gleamed dangerously.
Oh?
It was not uncommon for a knight to swear allegiance immediately after their knighting ceremony.
Most newly appointed knights would pledge themselves to either the one who officiated the ceremony or the benefactor who had recommended them.
However, that was only if the matter had been discussed and agreed upon beforehand.
Forcing someone to swear fealty without their consent was an outrageous insult.
’And yet, for rumors like this to be spreading… My dear brothers must be getting desperate.’
Felicia’s knighting ceremony was bound to be grand—after all, she was the disciple of Aizen Brightner, the Sword Saint.
The other princes likely believed that if all three of them stepped forward in front of a watchful audience, she would have no choice but to choose one of them.
After all, it was Grand Duke Sigmund himself who would officiate the ceremony, and Felicia had undoubtedly benefited from both his patronage and that of her mentor, who had long served House Hern.
’If she refuses all of them, she’ll be labeled an ungrateful wretch. That’s what they’re counting on.’
William chuckled.
Such cheap tricks.
He waved his hand dismissively at the kneeling guards.
"Thanks for the explanation. You may go."
"Y-yes, my lord!"
The guards scrambled away, eager to escape.
Once they were out of sight, William turned to Raymond.
"What do you think? Do you really believe my dear brothers will go so far as to force Felicia into swearing allegiance?"
Raymond gave a small nod.
"It’s entirely possible. It’s not unheard of for someone to pressure a knight into swearing fealty. In fact, it happens quite often."
William smirked.
"That kind of tactic is usually used by minor lords when they’re trying to recruit someone far beyond their standing. It’s not something you’d do if you were confident in winning them over fairly."
"Which only speaks to how valuable Sir Aizen’s name is," Raymond replied. "If they manage to secure Felicia’s loyalty, they could completely upend the succession race."
"Aizen himself will find it disgusting," William remarked with a scoff.
And not just Aizen.
The Grand Duke—who had fought alongside Aizen for years—would not look kindly upon such shameless scheming.
And yet, William’s brothers had been so obvious in their intentions that the rumors had spread even before they acted.
"Pathetic."
"They’re feeling threatened," Raymond observed. "Your recent successes have shaken them. They’re looking for a decisive move."
William’s eyes gleamed.
"A decisive move, huh? What a coincidence. I was just thinking the same thing."
His rise in status over the past year had been impressive—but not unshakable.
Tristan and Jordi still had their established power bases, and even Joshua, the weakest contender, had the support of his mother’s family.
William’s success in suppressing the rebellion had propelled him forward, but his position as the frontrunner was not yet secure.
If this situation could be used to cement his dominance…
’And my brothers were kind enough to set the stage for me? I’d be a fool not to seize the opportunity.’
Click.
Aizen Brightner, the Sword Saint, folded the letter in his hands with an audible snap.
Another day, another disgraceful message.
’So they want me to warn my disciple in advance? To prepare her so she won’t be caught off guard?’
Each time, the sender was different—sometimes Tristan, sometimes Jordi, sometimes Joshua.
But the message was always the same.
An advance apology for their rudeness.
If they knew it was improper, why not simply refrain from doing it?
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Did they think acknowledging their own misconduct somehow excused it?
’It’s one thing if lives were at stake, but this…? This is nothing but greed.’
And more than anything—
They were addressing their apology to the wrong person.
’If they were truly sorry, they should be apologizing to Felicia, not to me.’
But instead, they only sought his approval, never even considering that Felicia had a will of her own.
Did they believe that if he gave his permission, his disciple would simply obey?
Aizen sighed.
He had served House Hern for years—long enough to understand its politics. But this was testing his patience.
"Felicia."
Whoosh.
"Yes, Father."
Felicia, who had been practicing her swordsmanship, instantly halted and turned to face him.
Her balance remained perfect, her stance unwavering.
Aizen felt a flicker of pride.
"Read this."
Though the letter had been addressed to him, she was its true recipient.
Felicia took the letter, her eyes scanning its contents swiftly.
A quiet, controlled anger seeped into her voice.
"They still haven’t changed," she muttered. "Do they really think that public pressure will force my hand?"
"This is not uncommon," Aizen admitted. "It’s a tactic frequently used in noble circles."
He shook his head in disappointment.
Jordi was always the type to resort to such underhanded methods.
But Tristan and Joshua?
Tristan had always prided himself on honor, and Joshua—though reckless—had never deliberately crossed the line.
Yet now, they were both mimicking Jordi’s behavior.
’Is it just a moment of desperation? Or have they truly abandoned their old principles?’
If it was the former, they might recover.
If it was the latter…
Aizen’s expression darkened.
That would be far more dangerous.
Felicia, however, had already made her decision.
"I won’t swear fealty to any of them," she declared firmly. "My allegiance was decided the moment I became your daughter."
Aizen nodded approvingly.
