The Grand Duke's Son Is A Heretic

Sol led Kael through the camp, weaving past rows of tents and soldiers busy at work. In the middle of it all stood a larger, heavily guarded tent with banners flapping in the wind. The guards at the entrance moved aside at Sol's signal. As they walked, Sol glanced at Kael with a tense expression.

"I hope you know some manners and show some respect to Her Highness," Sol said in a low voice.

Kael paused slightly at the entrance and replied, "I'll try."

Sol stopped, blinking in disbelief. 'What do you mean you'll try?!' he screamed inwardly. But by the time he opened his mouth, Kael had already stepped inside.

The atmosphere in the tent changed the moment Kael entered.

It was quiet too quiet—and thick with tension.

A round table stood at the center, with a large map spread over it, filled with markings and pins. Around the table stood several people. Most were women, each one with a strong, seasoned aura. Their gazes were sharp like blades, assessing Kael from head to toe. And among them stood a rough-looking old man in a crisp butler uniform, his face filled with lines of age and wisdom.

At the head of the table stood the woman from before—the green-haired knight in silver armor. She looked calm but radiated authority. Her eyes, cold and piercing, locked onto Kael.

Without hesitation, Kael dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

"With due respect, Your Highness," he said clearly, "I am honored to be in your presence. If I may, may I know your name?"

The room stayed quiet for a moment.

The coldness in the woman's eyes slowly faded and was replaced by a faint smile.

"I am Martina De Luther," she said, her voice clear and composed. "The First Princess and the fourth born of Blood Sovereign De Luther. In command of the eastern forces and one of rightful heir to the Azure Throne."

Kael lifted his head slightly, eyes narrowing as recognition hit him.

'So that's who she is… No wonder she's so sharp and strong.'

He remembered seeing her name once on the continent's noble list. He didn't bother to remember most royals, especially since there were far too many of them, but a few names always stood out—hers was one.

Martina took a step closer, her gaze scanning Kael again.

"You don't look ordinary at all," she said.

Kael's lips tightened slightly. He had been expecting this.

From the moment he saw her, he knew she had high talent in swordsmanship. Strong warriors could often sense each other, and it was said that those with great talent were especially perceptive to others like them.

His own swordsmanship was growth-based now, constantly evolving, but still at a level far above most. It wasn't surprising she had picked up on it. Still, Kael wasn't going to make it easy.

"What do you mean, Your Highness? I'm just a simple mercenary. Trying to earn a living like everyone else," he said with a straight face.

Martina tilted her head, clearly not buying it. She looked at the butler beside her, who gave a small nod without a word.

"What were you doing here?" she asked, her voice firm.

Kael sighed inwardly, already feeling the pressure. "I'm heading further south. Planning to meet an acquaintance."

"Hm," she muttered, then looked down at the map again. Her fingers tapped against the surface as if in thought.

"It would be a waste to not use someone like you," she finally said.

"I agree!" Sol chimed in suddenly, his voice filled with excitement. He turned to Kael with hopeful eyes.

Kael frowned. That look made him uneasy.

"What's your name?" Martina asked.

"Ael," Kael replied shortly.

She gave a nod and then smiled faintly. "So Ael, why don't you join my entourage?"

Kael stiffened. "I… I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to refuse. Being around royalty is too risky for someone like me."

Inside, he cursed. 'Damn it. I hope she doesn't get angry. Refusing a royal in front of all these people…'

But to his surprise, Martina didn't show any anger. Instead, her expression stayed calm, maybe even a bit amused.

"That's unfortunate," she said. "Still…"

She glanced down at the map again and seemed to think for a few seconds.

"Are you still open to commissions?" she asked, lifting her eyes to meet him.

Kael raised his brows slightly, feeling a shift in the air.

"That's something I can do," he replied, "But I'll need to know what the task is first."

Martina stood silent for a moment, then placed her hand firmly on the map, dragging her finger toward the southwest.

"We're leaving for Nevan," she said calmly, as if it were just another city.

Kael's brows twitched. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes before he managed to steady his expression. Still, he couldn't hide the subtle tension in his shoulders.

"Nevan?" he asked slowly, voice low.

His gaze lowered slightly, thoughtful. That name stirred something in him.

He remembered how the docks outside the Nightstar Port shipments going to the Nevan freeweɓnovel.cѳm

"Yes," Martina replied, not missing the change in his posture. "We have some work to do there."

Her words were curt, offering no explanation. That alone made Kael more wary.

He didn't speak immediately. Instead, he looked down at the map again, then at her. His mind worked quickly, weighing the options. A chance to get closer to one of the blood royals could be dangerous—but it could also be an opportunity. Nevan was not a city one walked into lightly. But if Martina had a reason to go there, it meant something important was brewing.

"I'll go," Kael said at last, lifting his eyes to meet hers. "But… I have one condition."

Martina's gaze sharpened. "And what is that?"

Kael shrugged lightly, as if brushing it off. "It's nothing major. I'll just need access to a communication crystal. I need to contact someone."

The room stilled for a second. Then the old butler gave a slight nod, acknowledging the request. Martina, however, kept her eyes on Kael, reading him carefully.

"No messages to enemies, I presume?" she said, her tone laced with both suspicion and amusement.

Kael gave her a faint smile. "No, nothing that dramatic. Just… tying up loose threads."

Martina didn't reply immediately. Then she stepped back and crossed her arms.

"Fine. You'll have access to one tonight."

Kael nodded in thanks. "That'll do."

Without saying more, she turned back toward the map and gestured for Sol to prepare the travel plans. The tension shifted slightly in the air. Plans were in motion now.

Kael glanced outside the tent. The wind was picking up. He exhaled slowly.

"Nevan," he whispered to himself.

'So we're going back…'