Shadow's Oath-Chapter 91

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

Chapter 91: Vadio’s Plan

‘It really looks like they’re escorting a criminal from a public trial.’

Vadio thought this as he watched Rusef dragging Charlon along.

Looking closely, he could tell that the older brother was actually supporting his younger sister, who was hanging limp.

Whether she had lost strength due to exhaustion or was unable to walk because of her injuries, he couldn't tell.

Vadio then looked over at Prince Damion, who was watching the scene, and thought to himself:

‘The prince is pitiful. If I were in his place, being forced into a political marriage with such a foolish young girl, I’d feel just as suffocated.’

Vadio recalled his own wife, Japlina, whom he met after two divorces.

She never questioned anything he did.

She simply raised the children and managed the household.

His previous wives had nagged even when he visited prostitutes, but Japlina got along well with his two mistresses.

Even though his nights with Japlina were dull, he had no reason to divorce her.

The other two women were enough to satisfy him, and they didn’t even cost much.

‘A prince of the royal family wouldn’t have such freedoms. Even seeing an extra woman requires approval and supervision.’

Just then, one of the royal knights approached him.

“Count, the savages keep gathering in the plaza. Should we leave them be?”

Vadio didn’t even know the knight’s name.

He only knew that the knight was personally sent by the king and followed Vadio’s orders, not Terdin’s.

Soon, he planned to take control of Terdin’s commanders as well.

Ordinary soldiers wouldn’t even realize who was truly giving the orders.

“Disperse them. Don’t let them talk to each other. If they resist, use your swords.”

‘If we kill one or two now, things will be easier later.’

He didn’t say that last part out loud.

Terdin had just arrived.

“Why did you interfere in the trial, Count Vadio?”

The word ‘suddenly’ seemed to be missing after ‘why.’

His expression was wary.

He tried to appear composed, but Vadio could see through him.

‘He may have honed his skills on countless battlefields, but he’s completely clueless about politics. Why did he seem so difficult to handle before? He’s so easy to manipulate.’

“I had no intention of interfering.”

Vadio replied in a soothing tone, as if speaking to a child.

“Archbishop Aikob asked me to summon you. When I arrived, I saw that His Highness needed assistance, so I stepped in.”

It had been entertaining.

By the time he arrived, one of the savages had already been beheaded, so he had missed out on that spectacle.

However, he had still been able to witness the witch’s execution by fire.

Then Charlon interfered, and Damion ended the execution in a dull manner.

So Vadio did what needed to be done.

“I had to step in to ensure things were properly concluded.”

“You only made things messier. His Highness was handling matters carefully—why disrupt them like that?”

Terdin, rarely, was showing his anger.

“I had no ill intentions. But in the end, didn’t it work out well? I merely did what was necessary.”

Even without Rusef’s request, he would have acted the same.

Throwing a stone into a still pond to create ripples had been fun as a child, and it was just as fun now.

As expected, his single action had unsettled everyone.

People were talking noisily, flustered, panicked.

The expressions and movements of the tribal chief, his mother, and the young high chieftain, who all feared what he might say next, were utterly amusing.

‘To think I suffered for the past two years because of such people! It’s not enough. They need to suffer more. I’ve lost too much in this affair—financially, emotionally. I need to gain something out of this.’

Terdin asked, his voice filled with doubt:

“But why did the archbishop summon me?”

“To ask you to return with His Majesty.”

“I already told him—I’ll return once things are settled here.”

“That’s not all.”

Vadio whispered as if revealing a great secret, ensuring Prince Damion wouldn’t hear.

It didn’t matter if he did, but the mere act of whispering would spark curiosity in the prince.

It would create suspicion toward the general.

If he could push them apart, he could insert himself between them.

For Vadio, the prince would be just another easy piece to maneuver.

“The archbishop claims to have received a divine revelation about you.”

“About me?”

Aikob hadn’t told Vadio much beyond that.

But Vadio acted as if he knew everything.

“The archbishop’s health seems to be failing. Did that witch curse him before she died? From a distance, it looked like she was casting some strange spell in front of His Highness.”

“It wasn’t a spell, and it had nothing to do with the archbishop. Besides, he rode here without issue. He only collapsed from dizziness and started mumbling about visions—he’s probably just exhausted. Did you hear? There are two healers in the main army?”

“I didn’t ask. Because both are useless.”

“Well done. At least we can use their presence as an excuse to persuade him to return.”

Vadio asked, a little puzzled.

“You don’t seem interested in the revelation?”

“He’s just delirious from shock and fatigue. Probably seeing things. It’s nothing to worry about.”

“You don’t seem like a very devout man, General.”

Vadio smirked.

“Did we ever discuss faith even once during the war?”

Terdin countered.

Vadio shrugged.

“Not that I recall.”

“And we won’t be discussing it in the future either. Faith doesn’t shine brighter just because you flaunt it.”

“You truly believe that?”

Vadio spoke as if he had found a weak point.

It wasn’t really a weak point, but Terdin’s sharp glare was satisfying enough.

“Enough. You should see the archbishop before his condition worsens. I’ll clean up this mess and follow later.”

Vadio urged him.

Terdin pointed at the knights standing with raised spears, refusing to leave even after dispersing the villagers.

“If the Count doesn’t withdraw the royal knights, I can’t withdraw my men either. We need to put an end to this grim scene.”

“That’s simple. Take all the forces you brought with you. Your knights don’t seem inclined to listen to me anyway. Once you leave with them, my knights will withdraw as well.”

Vadio knew that now was the time to appear relaxed.

“I need to have a private conversation with the prince.”

Terdin’s gaze grew even more suspicious.

‘Yes, go ahead and doubt me, old man.’

If Damion started doubting Terdin, and Terdin started doubting the prince, Vadio could sit back and reap the benefits without lifting a finger.

Terdin approached the prince and said,

“Your Highness, I must return to the camp. The archbishop wishes to see me.”

The prince replied weakly,

“Do as you must.”

“I will need to take my shadow with me.”

The way he said it felt as if it was meant for Vadio to hear.

Damion gave his permission.

“Stuga, go with the General.”

Ram hesitated before following.

Vadio felt an odd sensation at that moment.

‘Strange. Of course, the general would take his shadow. But it almost feels like the prince is sending him to spy on Terdin.’

And then, Vadio realized it immediately.

‘I see. That shadow already belongs to the prince. That’s why the general insists on getting the prince’s permission, even when he’s been ordered to follow.’

Earlier, in the courtroom, the general had claimed that the shadow’s final command was to protect the prince and the great chieftain, implying that he had no choice.

That statement was a lie.

There were times when Vadio found it frustrating to deal with people who were too stupid.

He often wondered how someone could think in such a foolish way.

Sometimes, having such an idiot on his side felt like a curse.

But other times, when dealing with fools so dull that their thoughts were easy to predict, it was quite convenient.

"The trial must have been difficult, Your Highness."

Following Terdin's orders, the troops were retreating back to the camp.

Vadio spoke to the prince, using the noisy footsteps of the soldiers as a convenient cover for their conversation.

"It was difficult."

"It's always hard to deal with a witch. I’ve burned a few myself, and even when their guilt is certain, all kinds of legal restrictions make it complicated. It’s a shame she wasn’t burned at the stake, but given the circumstances, you handled it well."

"What if I had forcibly stopped the trial and saved the ‘witch,’ Count?"

Damion asked sharply once again.

‘Ah, what am I supposed to do with this petulant royal?’

Vadio resisted the urge to sigh, suppressing his frustration.

"If Your Highness truly wished to save her, you should have done so. In that case, I would have had to punish the chieftain Ikarum instead."

Burning a few children in place of the witch, hanging Ikarum’s severed head at the village entrance...

Perhaps including Miela as well.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

Nothing was more effective than displaying the heads of a mother and child together.

Vadio didn't particularly enjoy thinking this way.

Even if they were savages, closer to beasts than humans, hearing the screams of children was not pleasant.

But it was a necessary task.

It wasn’t just about revenge for the losses he had suffered over the past two years.

This was about securing the future, ensuring stability, and maximizing his gains.

"Well, whatever Your Highness decides, it is only natural that I support you. However, in the future, I would appreciate it if you consulted me before acting alone. That way, ‘we’ can continue overcoming many hardships together."

Damion gazed into the distance without responding.

Another frustrating silence passed.

Vadio suppressed the urge to push the prince forward and spoke instead.

"It’s already quite late. His Majesty must be waiting, so we should hurry."

Damion pressed a hand to his forehead, then slowly stood up.

"What are your plans moving forward, Count?"

"For now, I can’t directly manage the Born forces that Captain Rusef brought. The Born knights will likely demand additional pay, and Rusef will need to negotiate the amount for them to remain here. Once that issue is settled, we’ll decide how to distribute the forces between the Born troops, the royal troops, and General Terdin’s men."

"So the existing main force will withdraw, and this place will become our new base?"

"That’s correct."

Vadio looked down at the encampment on the hillside.

The makeshift barracks were hastily built and not very sturdy.

If they were to be properly constructed, it would take considerable time.

It might be better to build a new base elsewhere.

"And what about my father?"

"He’s already preparing for withdrawal."

"I understand. I’ll take some time to collect my thoughts and follow you later. You go ahead."

"Are you sure? I may have dismissed the troops, but this place is still crawling with savages."

"I’ll be fine. My knights are here."

"As you wish."

Vadio briefly entertained the thought that it wouldn’t be so bad if the prince met with an unfortunate fate at the hands of the savages.

Many soldiers were already simmering with resentment over being denied the chance to plunder the conquered lands.

If he promised them loot, his financial problems could be solved instantly.

If they could also satisfy their carnal desires using the women of Elum, even bigger issues would disappear.

‘Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if the prince just died?’

Deliberately avoiding looking back at the prince, Vadio descended toward the camp, half-expecting some commotion to break out behind him.

As he neared the encampment, he spotted lieutenant Aedun moving about busily.

"Where is General Terdin?"

"He entered Archbishop Aikob’s tent just moments ago."

Aedun answered dutifully.

Vadio suddenly wondered what Aikob wanted with Terdin.

But he didn’t ask Aedun—he didn’t want the general to know he was curious.

He could already guess the topic of conversation anyway.

Aikob must have found a pretext to eliminate Terdin in this incident.

He would convince the general to go before the king, who would then use that excuse to remove Terdin—not by execution, but politically.

Vadio glanced back at the Elum village.

No riot had broken out as he had anticipated.

‘So these savages are more docile than I thought. I didn’t even need to instill fear.’

With this, the prince would grow disgusted with this place and leave.

That would make Vadio the inevitable ruler of the north.

There were no other nobles with the knowledge or ability to govern the northern lands—only Lord Noralin.

‘No matter how I look at it, I’m destined to become the ruler of the north.’

He had suffered great losses in this war.

But if he could seize the north, it would all be worth it.

As Vadio walked toward the camp, he noticed a shadow standing near Aikob’s tent.

Judging by its position—ten steps away from the tent—it was clear that Terdin didn’t even want his own shadow to overhear the conversation inside.

‘So he is wary. That shadow is definitely no longer his.’

Vadio stealthily approached the slave.

"Why are you here?"

Vadio’s voice was cold and devoid of emotion, his expression blank.

That was the most effective way to intimidate a slave like this.

"The general ordered me to wait here while he speaks with the archbishop."

As expected, the slave immediately assumed a subservient posture upon seeing Vadio.

After scanning the surroundings and confirming they were alone, Vadio pressed further.

"What task did His Majesty give you, slave?"

The slave hesitated for a moment.

‘Does he not understand what I’m asking? Or has he forgotten that I was there when the king summoned him?’

The slave looked at him with a completely clueless expression and answered.

"His Majesty did not assign me any task."

Vadio continued his pressure.

"Did he order you to keep it a secret from me?"

"He did not assign me anything, so there is nothing to keep secret."

"Then why was the captain Claive of the Guard missing an eye?"

"I do not know, so I cannot answer."

"That captain was very interested in you."

"I do not know what he was curious about."

"If I leave you alone with him, would you still say that? From what I hear, he’s angry enough to cut you down without hesitation."

The slave looked up at Vadio, clearly startled.

He opened his mouth to say something, then hesitated.

Vadio waited.

Applying pressure and then giving a moment to breathe—that was his strategy.

And as expected, it worked.

"I do not know why the captain is angry with me."

Vadio wasn’t entirely sure either.

But now, the slave would be anxious and fearful for days.

For a finishing touch, Vadio added,

"You’ll find out soon enough."

He turned and started walking toward Aikob’s tent.

Then the slave suddenly called out in a loud voice.

"Count Vadio!"

Vadio turned with an annoyed expression, as if irritated by the mere fact of being addressed.

It was an act, of course—projecting displeasure helped establish dominance.

"What is it?"

The slave approached slowly and whispered.

"If… if I were to leave General Terdin and remain in the north, would you take me in?"

‘Oh?’

Vadio was genuinely surprised.

This one might not be as foolish as he seemed.

He was worth testing.

"What could you offer me if you were by my side?"

The slave answered without hesitation.

"I can do what you are thinking."

Vadio liked him immediately.

A skilled assassin, capable of killing Mantum and even coveting the throne, had just walked into his hands.

"In that case, I promise."

Vadio whispered.

"Thank you."

The shadow bowed respectfully.

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

Everything was falling into place.

His past losses were not just recovered—they were turning into newfound power.

His long-held dream was now within reach.

‘The King of the North.’

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]