CHAPTER 59: RED AND SNAKE

Frejlurd had finally arrived at the palace. His expression was heavy with unease as he approached the grand hall, the place where the Baron was seated on the large couch. Estefan, poised and calm, awaited the report that the Commander was about to deliver.

But Frejlurd didn’t begin right away. His hesitation lingered, weighted with guilt because after all he had failed to rescue the missing women in time and now he had to face the consequences of that failure.

"We have located them," Frejlurd finally broke the silence, his voice firm but tinged with remorse. He placed the report carefully onto the polished teapoy for the Baron to inspect. "But... unfortunately, we were too late. All three are dead."

His admission shook him more than he cared to show. It was more than a failure, it was a shame. Yet Estefan’s tone remained steady and almost comforting.

"I’ve already told you," Estefan began, folding his hands together, "this isn’t your fault. Mistakes are part of our nature, it is what defines us as humans. We stumble, fall, and sometimes we cannot prevent tragedies. But now, what I need to hear from you is why this happened."

Frejlurd didn’t hesitate this time. "Because I am not strong enough. I failed to guide my men effectively."

Estefan, however, didn’t accept that. He clicked his tongue in disapproval. "That’s not true. You are strong. Your City Guard possesses strength as well. But the problem isn’t your strength. It’s your attitude. Your force has grown complacent. You all have forgotten the seriousness of your duty."

The Commander stood straighter, ready to defend his people. "With respect, my lord, we give everything we have to this City. Every day we serve with dedication."

"Is that so?" Estefan raised a skeptical eyebrow, his voice now laced with disappointment. "Then explain to me how three of your own well trained City Guards who were abducted while under the very noses of your so called dedicated men since they were in a larger patrolling team. This happened especially because you and your City Guard allowed those scum to thrive right where your guard should be the strongest."

Frejlurd was silent. The truth was difficult to argue. His soldiers had failed. The guards were close, yet the women had still been taken, brutally violated, and murdered. He couldn’t defend that.

"You’re quiet now," Estefan noted, standing up and walking toward the Commander. He stopped directly in front of him, gazing down as Frejlurd bowed his head.

"I expected more," the Baron said coldly. "You have failed to see your own flaws, let alone correct them. You hold onto pride for a force that the people no longer even respect. That’s pitiful. But know this, you still have a chance to change. You are not weak, Frejlurd. But you have yet to prove your strength or that of your Guard."

Frejlurd clenched his fists, ashamed but understanding. He had been given multiple opportunities to redeem the City Guard, a force that had, for too long, been plagued by corruption and a twisted sense of inferiority. Once the lapdogs of criminal overlords, they now had a real leader and a strong government backing them. It was time to rise up and reclaim their purpose.

Estefan turned his back and began walking away. "This isn’t your last chance," he said. "Because I believe in the ability of humans to evolve. But understand this, you already have the sword to strike your enemies down and the shield to protect this City. The issue is... you have refused to use them."

Frejlurd looked down at his own trembling hands, then closed them into fists. "I understand, my lord. I’ll bring the perpetrators to justice."

But Estefan interrupted, "No. Don’t simply execute justice. Arrest them all and bring them to the fortress. Then summon the relatives of the victims."

Frejlurd’s brows furrowed. "You already know who the criminals are, don’t you?"

Estefan gave him a knowing smile. "Naturally. I had planned to keep it to myself... but I’ll give you a hint. Red. Snake. That should be enough."

Frejlurd’s mind raced. With years of experience in the Guard, the meaning was clear, the Red Serpent gang since they were the only one associated with the colour red along with a snake, but due to how small and insignificant they were compared to the larger gangs, the City Guards simply didn’t mind them at all.

"I want you to give them a punishment fitting their crimes," Estefan said, "but it will require careful preparation."

Frejlurd’s eyes widened after he heard what the punishment was from the Baron as he was absolutely shocked hearing the cruel idea of the Baron. "That punishment... isn’t it too extreme?" He couldn’t believe that the Baron would suggest something like this.

The Baron’s voice was low and unwavering. "I believe in equivalent exchange. They must feel exactly what their victims endured."

Frejlurd took a breath, then saluted firmly. "As you command."

With that, he exited the palace, leaving Estefan alone in the grand hall.

Ericka, the ever present maid, was nearby dusting the corners, but her eyes had been subtly trained on the conversation the whole time. Estefan, ever perceptive, noticed.

"You might want to pay attention to your balance," he remarked dryly, "you might trip if you are too distracted."

Flustered, Ericka turned away, her cheeks red with embarrassment. She hid her face, pretending to focus on her task again. Estefan, of course, already knew she was a spy planted by Lutis but he didn’t know that her mission was to seduce and manipulate him under the guise of service.

Meanwhile, Frejlurd was en route to the fortress which was his headquarters as he was riding inside a secure carriage. But the journey was interrupted when a small squad of City Guards blocked the path.

"What’s going on?" he asked, peering through the carriage window.

The unit captain saluted sharply before responding. "Sir, a violent group has been seen approaching the fortress."

Frejlurd leaned closer, alert. "Have they been identified?"

"We don’t have confirmation yet, sir... but early reports suggest it might be the Red Serpents." The Commander’s expression hardened. "The Red Serpents? What are they planning now?" He asked since he just got the information that it was them who were behind all the issues which just occurred.

[To be Continued]