When the door closed behind him, Admiral Silas Delving felt as if a weight heavier than this entire estate had fallen off his shoulder.  

It was something he needed, a moment of calm, free from his father's incessant demand, so he could think better; examining this already rotten venture. Obviously, his father had a lot of trust in the defense system installed and he was right to do so. His decision to stay put was also sensible enough, all things considered. 

All in all, the plan would have a very good chance of success.

If only they didn't have to deal with that one last piece. 

Silas could see that the plan was starting to fall apart when Fredricus' hirelings dismantled Black Serpent. Forced his brother to retreat in the most shameful way imaginable, and then discovered his father's hidden armory. If a Delving family was personified, it would be in the form of a half-naked man presenting lies and deceit in front of the king to save his skin. With a small bit of reputation left to preserve his dignity and distant merit kept being echoed by an unseen supporter so the king would not behead this pathetic usurper.   
 
Walking down the stairs, Silas was expecting to meet with his father's trusted aide, but he found one of Aaaron's informants instead, one unassuming sailor with a scrawny build. And he was bearing ill news. 

[b]"Some of Sir Jonas' 'Usuals' stationed at Hdur were found dead this morning, the rest went missing. Killed in a similar fashion; gunshot wound. Pinpointly aimed at the head or heart."[/b] 

Admiral Delving, The Gold Saber listened with an uncannily calm expression. [b][color=FEF9A7]"Go on."[/color] [/b]

[b]"A new team has been dispatched to look for the missing men, should we send a dozen more of our men to storm the bakery?" [/b]

The bakery was the suspected place where the freelancers had taken the refugee. Since this morning His father had instructed his men to create a ruckus in that place to lure them out. Not only did the team remain undisturbed, but those thugs were also beaten handily by the owner himself. And now the death of the Usuals standing by in that area further exacerbated the situation.

[b][color=FEF9A7]"Give up the pursuit."[/color][/b] as he said that, his resolve was shaken. He did not look at the informant anymore, but rather a distant somewhere beyond the ornated wall of this manor, the place where the Achilles heels of this entire operation were being held hostage.[b] [color=FEF9A7]"Tell everyone in your division to stay away from Hdur until further instruction."[/color]
[/b]
[b]"What about Master Jonas? Should I report this to him?"[/b]

[b][color=FEF9A7]"No. From now on you will only report to me, unless my father specifically asked for it. You are dismissed."[/color]  
[/b]
As the informant saluted him and went about his business, another person stepped up. "I have something to report too... master." She cooed, blocking Delving's way. [color=#F6E1D3]"The house is squeaky clean and I would be more than happy if you could put in a good word for me next time you speak to our esteemed Father."[/color] 

The admiral forced a bitter smile before giving his little sister a headpat. [color=FEF9A7]"Don't take Father's word to heart. He meant well." [/color]

The slight change in Kirsten's expression made him feel like an idiot. He lifted his hand, realizing he shouldn't have brought that up, but he himself didn't know what to say, and thus, that not-so-comforting word was left hanging between the two for a few awkward moments later. 

[color=FEF9A7]"I... need to go."[/color] he said, even so, the eldest of the Delving Brothers was still trying to be lighthearted. [color=FEF9A7]"I would love to stay for a while, but you know nobody gets to relax after coming out of that chamber." 
[/color]
As he walked, Kirsten followed him by his side. 

[color=#F6E1D3]"Don't you hate it having to keep up the mask of admiralty? Shouldn't home be the place where you can let your guard down?"[/color] She said, tilting her body toward him before swirling to get his brother's attention by holding his hand. [color=#F6E1D3]"This is your first visit after six month worth of expedition. Come on, at least have lunch with me!" [/color]

Kirsten would always be like that, a ray of sunshine in this gloomy place. He could imagine those hurtful words their father barked at her when he was not around, and it was equally hard to imagine that girl could still remain upbeat despite all things.

[color=FEF9A7]"Kirsten! Kirsten, listen to me,"[/color] he called after realizing that the maid in front of him had towed him several steps already.

[color=FEF9A7]"I can't."[/color] He looked at her and smiled bitterly. And it was answered with two big amber eyes staring through her trendy black-rimmed glasses, right into his soul. That kind of stare that would make you feel bad to the core.

[color=#F6E1D3]"Orders from Father, I know,"[/color] she shrugged and walked away. For one moment Silas thought his sister was sulking until the young woman reached for one of the twin two-handed swords displayed above the fireplace and test-swing it with one hand. 

[color=#F6E1D3]"Well then, if a lunch can't sway you... I can go with you instead."[/color] Approaching Silas again, Kirsten leaned forward and gave him one of her most radiant smiles. [b][color=#F6E1D3]"And this time I'll take no for an answer!" [/color][/b]