Fire Mage

Chapter 708: Ember Kingdom

18th August, Year 6418, Second Arcane Era.

City's Outskirts, Royal Hope City, Ember Kingdom

Two figures suddenly appeared more than two kilometers from the gigantic city, surrounded by a tall fort wall.

One was a blue-haired young man, while the other was a brown-haired middle-aged man.

"Hmm, you should refrain from using wisdom power, lad. Unlike other kingdoms, this place holds many legendary powerhouses and even one Demi-God." Runeth spoke as he gazed at the towering city.

Meanwhile, Charles nodded, stepped on the grassy land, and asked while entering the paved road.

"Can you tell me more about the Nightwind Family? How many members are there? Who is my grandfather? Also, who is the Patriarch?"

"I thought you might've already gathered more information about them through the wisdom link." Runeth paused a moment and soon added with a chuckle.

"Although I'm still clueless about which branch of the family you belong to, I at least know a few things about the Nightwind Family. Listen carefully, lad. The Patriarch of the Nightwind Family is an older man named Diego. If I'm right, his current age should be around 1200. He is an old fox with lots of shrewd thoughts and a dangerous person in this whole city. To keep his position as the Patriarch, he killed two of his brothers and even crippled his younger sister around 1000 years ago. Anyone who shows a little more progression than an average mystic within the Branch Family would either get tied to politics or be assassinated stealthily."

'He is a ruthless man, huh?'

His words made Charles furrow his brows.

"Harry Nightwind was also killed by one of his schemes, isn't it?" Charles asked.

"Harry? Oh, your biological father. I think it is highly likely." Runeth pondered for a moment and then added.

"Eddie also said that Deigo tried similar things to assassinate him. But thanks to Eddie joining the Withering Shadows Organization in his earlier days, he evaded all other assassinations and finally became a Legend Rank powerhouse. He could've rooted out the bad seeds in the family but chose not to get involved in the family affairs. Also, Eddie always told me that getting involved in family affairs might cost his life. But when I think about it, he is just a scared cat."

'I think Eddie did that to protect his loved ones." Charles easily understood Eddie as he also went through a similar situation in the beginning.

'Moreover, the Patriarch and elders seem to have absolute control over the family itself. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare to assassinate the only Legend Rank Mystic of the Family. And from the information I've gathered, this Patriarch might be a main puppet of the Truelords. To please them and keep his position steady, he is going on any length.'

"How large is the family? And why does no one else oppose the Patriarch if he is such a wicked person?" Charles further inquired as they strolled on the paved path.

"There is a strict family hierarchy within all the nobles' families of the Ember Kingdom, and everyone must follow this rule as if it is a rule of the royals. Before that, let me tell you who the bosses of this place are. The one who controls this whole Kingdom is a total of three factions. The First Faction belongs to the Royal Family faction, composed of Royalties, some Nobles, and even a few powerful Mages and Mystics. It is the strongest faction in the city and has a firm hold of this whole Kingdom itself. The Second Faction belongs to a particular group of families called the five Guardian Houses. Each house has a rich history and powerful trump cards, so even a Legendary Powerhouse has to think twice if he wants to make any trouble with one of them." Runeth explained in detail.

Charles's gaze sharpened.

"Nightwind Family is one of them?"

"Spot on. In truth, the Nightwind Family is a 'Margrave' Rank Noble Family and is one of the five pillars of the Kingdom." Runeth answered.

"What about the third faction?"

"It's the Cathedral of the Wisdom Church. This place is also the headquarters of the Wisdom Church. However, they didn't show interest in the Kingdom's internal affairs when I was staying here, which appears to have changed significantly recently."

'Wisdom Church?'

"What about the other families of the Guardian Houses? Also, do you know anything about Truelords?"

"No. Although I don't know anything about that 'Truelord' secret organization, I have some information about the other four houses and the Royal House. Among the five Guardian Houses, the Curran Household is the most influential and powerful one and holds the title of 'Grand Duke.' Next in line is another 'Duke' Rank family called Ashford, who manages most of the shops, merchandise, and all magic-related things like potion materials, artifacts, etc. Among the five Houses, they are the wealthiest. The third strongest household is Undergrove; they are the shadow of the city itself and involve themselves in information gathering, auctioning, underworld business, and all other shady works. After being promoted from 'Margrave' to 'Duke' Rank around 300 years ago, they become the most corrupt and are always ruthless. And the fourth one is Dustfinger. It is the other 'Margrave' Rank Family, like Nightwind, and is the secret protector of this Kingdom. They are silent ones and only really show little interest in any businesses. But this whole family is a den of deadly assassins. On the outside, they look weaker than other families but are always feared by everyone. They are all more powerful than the Nightwind Family and have an immense reputation in this Kingdom." Runeth explained in detail.

"What about the Royal House?" Charles asked further.

"The Royals are called Amos, the most secretive family in the Kingdom, and have many mysteries around them. Although they never revealed their true strength, I'm sure they must have at least two or three Legend Rank Mystics in their possession."

Runeth's words made Charles frown deeply.

"So, if I attack the Nightwind Family without warning, all other families ally and stop me?"

"Only the other Guardian Houses will. That's why I plan on using a different approach." Runeth said as he folded his hands and continued walking.

"In truth, infightings happen all the time within the family. As long as you prove yourself to be a member of the Nightwind Family, no other family will interfere. You can either wipe out the whole family or forgive them at that time. It's all up to you to decide." Although Runeth's words appeared reassuring, Charles strangely felt something was off.

"Well, I don't think there is a person who could face us alone in the Nightwind Family," Charles said as he walked closer to the city gate and soon saw a large queue in the front.

"So, can you tell me more about the Nightwind Family? Like how many elders are there, how does the Patriarch control the people of the Nightwind Family?"

"Within the Nightwind family is one Main Family and more than 10 Branch Families. In truth, although the members of the Branch families retain their name as 'Nightwind,' they were nothing more than some officials and soldiers to serve their Patriarch."

"But the members of the Branch Families also consider themselves nobles, right?" Charles questioned.

"Of course. Anyone named 'Nightwind' will have equal respect as the main branch members outside. However, their position within the family is more complicated. Only when the Patriarch dies will the Branch Family members have the power to fight for the head position. Although they could still fight for the Elder Position every ten years, it has lots of politics."

"It looks like a family with many internal problems," Charles muttered as he took out an Iron Gold coin and passed it to the gatekeeper.

Although the gatekeeper refused to take the money, he let them enter the city after some persuasion.

After that, both quietly entered the city and started walking toward the Royal District.

In the Royal Hope City, there were a total of five districts.

They were Aurora Land, Celestial Market, Back District, District of Wisdom, and finally the Royal District.

The District Charles and Runeth entered just now was called 'Aurora Land,' where the most commoners reside.

Aurora Land was a bustling district with narrow streets filled with merchants peddling their wares, children playing games, and the aroma of various street foods wafting through the air. Charles observed the lively atmosphere as they walked through the crowded streets.

Runeth continued his explanation, "Now, lad, the internal politics of the Nightwind Family is a labyrinth. The Main Family, led by the Patriarch, holds the highest authority, but the true power lies in the hands of the Elders. Five prominent Elders form the Elder Council, and they have a significant say in the family's decisions. They are skilled in strength and adept at political maneuvering."

Charles absorbed this information, realizing that navigating the Nightwind Family's complexities would require strength and strategic thinking.

As they moved deeper into the city, the buildings became more refined, and the streets wider. The second district they entered was known as 'Celestial Market.' It was a hub for commerce, filled with high-end shops, luxurious inns, and exclusive establishments catering to the elite.

"Remember, lad, things get even trickier once we reach the Royal District. The Nightwind Family's estate is heavily guarded, and gaining access won't be easy. We need a plan," Runeth cautioned.