After conversing with Albert, I headed over to my study, which was located near the library at the west wing of the Aegis Manor, as much as I would love to retire... There are many things I have yet to complete, such as writing a letter to the bureaucrats about relinquishing my powers and packing for my journey to the Northern Border... lots to do in such little time I have left. After a while of walking, I arrived at my study... the moment I opened the door... I felt a wave of nostalgia.
I set a fresh sheet of parchment on my desk, picked up a quill, and dipped it into the inkwell. The nib scratched against the paper as I began to write.
[To the Esteemed Bureaucratic Authority of the Unified Council,
This letter serves as an official declaration made under my name, Leonhart Aegis, Duke of Aegis.
Effective immediately, I hereby renounce all claims to authority beyond my ducal title. I will no longer involve myself in continental politics, wars, or matters of governance. Furthermore, I relinquish all extraordinary powers, magical authorities, and sealed abilities currently bound to my name. These powers are to be transferred into the custody of the Bureaucratic Authority, to be sealed, regulated, or redistributed at your discretion.
This decision is not made in haste, nor is it a provocation. This is final
My estate shall remain intact, and my lands will continue to operate under existing laws until a lawful successor or administrative body is appointed. Any allies, subordinates, or affiliated individuals acting under my banner are hereby released from all obligations. Their actions following this declaration are their own and do not represent me.
I will withdraw from public affairs within the span of one week. During this period, arrangements may be made for the proper transfer and containment of the aforementioned powers.
This is not a request. This is merely a notice.
I expect professionalism, discretion, and efficiency in handling this matter.
Leonhart Aegis
Duke of Aegis]
I folded the parchment carefully, pressing it flat and sealing it with the Aegis family crest.
Standing up, I put the letter into the pocket of my pants and proceeded to leave the study. I originally planned on delivering the letter myself, but... I suppose some minor casualties are to occur if I were to personally go to the High Chancellor Augustus Halvyr's estate uninvited... It would cause suspicion. If that were to happen, I can kiss my retired life goodbye. The only option left for me is to ask one of my servants to deliver it.
After a while of walking around, I happened to bump into someone I didn't know. He had light brown hair and light brown eyes that seemed far too emotionless to belong to someone of the rank of a servant.
''Who are you? I haven't seen you here before.'' I replied as I looked through my memories to remember whether I knew the guy.
''Oh... My name is Matthias Everard, My Lord. I've been here for a week.'' The boy named Matthias Everard replied without making eye contact.
"Doesn't he know he's supposed to make eye contact when talking to someone?" I thought to myself, but decided to keep shut, 'Oh... Ok'
''Is there anything that this humble servant can do for you, My Lord?.''
''Hm..'' I hummed as I was lost in my thoughts. I didn't know whether I should trust this guy or not. I sighed as I got the letter out of my pocket, 'There is one thing that you can do for me.''
''What is it it My Lord?''
''Can you deliver a letter for me?.'' I replied as I handed him the letter
''Deliver it to whom, My Lord?''
''Augustus Halvyr.'' I replied with a smirk
''A...Augustus Halvyr.''
''Yes.'' I replied in a slightly annoyed tone, why repeat something when you clearly heard it well?
''But... Why?''
''That's for Augustus Halvyr to know.'' I replied, feeling annoyed, I couldn't help but think to myself, ''Seriously, why the fuck does this guy keep asking me questions?''
''I see My Lord.''
''Good... Off you go then.'' I gave him a dismissive wave
''As you wish, My Lord.''
After the servant Matthias left, I wandered through the manor in search of Albert. I wanted to ask if he would accompany me to the village to purchase a few necessities for our trip to the Northern Border. Since it was the month of June, I'd heard the weather there could be surprisingly warm. If that was the case, I would need to prepare properly for the trip north. Heavy coats would only be a burden in such weather, so lighter clothing would be far more sensible. Linen shirts, breathable trousers, and a thin travel cloak would be far more practical for the journey. I also made a mental note to purchase a wide-brim hat and a comfortable pair of boots suitable for long rides and dusty roads.
With that in mind, I continued down the corridor, checking the usual rooms Albert liked to occupy when he wished to appear busy. The library was empty. The small sitting room was silent. That left only one place he could possibly be.
Letting out a quiet sigh, I turned toward the back corridors of the manor and made my way to the kitchen. As expected, the faint clatter of utensils and the rich scent of food drifting through the hall told me everything I needed to know.
I pushed the door open and found Albert exactly where I had expected him to be—standing near the long wooden counter, deep in conversation with one of the cooks while holding a small pastry he was clearly not supposed to have.
He noticed me almost immediately. The pastry vanished behind his back with impressive speed, though the crumbs on his sleeve betrayed him completely.
"My lord." he said smoothly, as if he had been waiting for me the entire time. "Is there something you require?"
I raised a brow but decided not to comment on the obvious. "We're going to the village. I need to purchase supplies for the trip to the Northern Border. You're coming with me."
Albert's expression shifted between mild surprise and reluctant acceptance before settling into a polite smile. "Of course, my lord. Shall I prepare the carriage?"
"Yes. And try not to steal anything from the kitchen on your way out."
"I would never, my lord." he replied with absolute confidence, brushing crumbs off his sleeve as he spoke
I gave him a long look but said nothing. There was no point arguing with a man who could lie so confidently with evidence still clinging to his clothes.
"Meet me at the front entrance in ten minutes," I said, turning toward the door.
"As you wish, my lord."
By the time I reached the main hall, the manor had already settled into its usual quiet rhythm. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting warm patterns across the marble floor. It was the kind of peaceful morning I had hoped to enjoy more often in this life.
Unfortunately, peace rarely lasted long.
Outside, the summer air greeted me with gentle warmth. Somewhere in the distance, I could hear the faint sounds of the village waking—carriages rolling, merchants calling, and the steady hum of daily life beginning anew. Soon, we would be part of that bustle.
All I wanted was to buy a few clothes and supplies.
Surely, nothing troublesome could happen in a simple village trip.