Berserk: The Prophet

But surely Hickel's wedding still needs to be planned? At a time like this, what important things could possibly need to be done?

Edward immediately asked a servant who knew more about the matter, "Do you know who gave Hecker the task?"

The servant replied respectfully, "Young Master Edward, I don't know either. But judging from the insignia, he seems to be one of the Grand Duke's men. After he spoke with the young lady alone for a moment, she immediately began preparations for departure."

Edward's eyes narrowed, sensing something was wrong. It seemed the Grand Duke's action had been carried out shortly after he left.

"...I understand, you can go now."

...What exactly is the Grand Duke up to? Could he be planning to use Hector to get rid of Gurenbeldo?

Filled with questions, Edward decided to head to the "Dragon's Nest" first, where he might find more information about the incident. So he mounted his horse and prepared to gallop towards the "Dragon's Nest."

However, at that moment, the sound of rapid hoofbeats suddenly came from outside the door, and Edward became alert.

The gates of the Eugenson family were flung open, and Edward's trusted men burst in. "My lord, it's terrible! The Grand Duke seems to have discovered our plan and has sent guards to surround the Halvorson residence."

Upon hearing this, Edward's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. The messenger hawk he had actually sent to the dragon's lair should have arrived by now, and he hoped that Gurenberdo would not act too rashly.

He should take advantage of the fact that the Grand Duke hasn't found him yet and immediately look for the old nobles in the city who can support him.

Just then, another commotion came from outside, and the Earl and Countess of the Eugensen family were startled out by the disturbance.

Edward cautiously drew his sword, initially thinking the Grand Duke had found his trail, but unexpectedly it was Heike's fiancé who arrived with a group of men.

In the marriage arranged by the Grand Duke, Heckler's fiancé was Dick, the eldest son of the Olsen family.

Upon seeing Edward, with whom he had been at odds since childhood, Dick's face immediately contorted with rage. Seeing Edward draw his sword only fueled his fury. "You despicable bastard, how dare you abduct my fiancée!" he roared.

Edward was secretly annoyed, but he had no choice but to explain, "I did not abduct her; there is another reason for this." But the other party clearly did not believe him and drew his sword from his waist, ready to stab Edward.

Edward dodged to the side, shouting, "If you act impulsively, you'll only hurt Hickel!" This made Dick Olson pause.

"What do you mean?" he demanded.

“Hickel has been taken on a dangerous mission by the Grand Duke’s men, and his fate is now unknown. The right thing for us to do is to cooperate against the Grand Duke,” Edward said sincerely.

Dick hesitated for a moment, then sheathed his sword. "So what do you plan to do?"

“I am about to unite the old nobles in the city to rebel against the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke is now acting recklessly and has threatened the interests of many families. If you are willing, you can lend me a hand.” Edward’s gaze was firm.

After a moment of contemplation, Dick sneered, "You lowly bastard, haven't you always longed for the Grand Duke's approval? Why would you go against the Grand Duke?"

A flicker of pain crossed Edward's eyes, which quickly hardened: "I did crave his approval once, but his actions have shown me that he is nothing but a greedy and cruel man. He harms innocent people, including Hickel, just to satisfy his own desires. If he continues to act recklessly, he will betray this country sooner or later."

Dick paused slightly, not paying attention to what was said afterward. Thinking of the potential danger to Hekel, he tightened his grip on his sword. Although Hekel was no longer a virgin, the joy he had felt since childhood made him unwilling to give up easily.

After all, he'd had his fill of brothel girls and demure ladies, and he was genuinely curious about the taste of this wild horse that had broken free.

...especially seeing the wild horse gradually being tamed and then becoming docile under his crotch.

"Then how can you ensure the reliability of those old nobles? What if they turn against you at the last minute?"

“I possess evidence of some of the Grand Duke’s secrets, enough to incite them. Moreover, they have had enough of the Grand Duke’s oppression. If we plan properly, the chances of success are extremely high,” Edward said confidently.

The Earl of the Eugensen family, who had been listening in for a long time, immediately snorted and returned to his mansion. The reason his family had endured for so long was that they did not actively participate in political disputes.

Upon hearing that her daughter might be in danger, the Countess immediately burst into tears and tried to persuade the Earl to send troops.

The count gently patted his wife's back, comforting her, "Don't panic, let's observe the situation first." But the countess couldn't suppress her worry, "Are we just going to stand by and do nothing? If that Grand Duke really does something crazy, who will be spared?"

At this moment, Edward and Dick were also discussing their next move. "We need to gather more support as soon as possible. Relying solely on those nobles who are dissatisfied with the Grand Duke is not enough. Earlier today, I sent a secret letter to General Kirsten. I believe that after the general hears about my matter, the city's guards will also assist us," Edward said, frowning. In the current situation, he had to use everything he had to win over a reliable ally.

Dick toyed with the hilt of his sword. "Hmph, do you know? The Grand Duke just sent me a secret letter saying you're going to elope with Heikel."

Edward's expression changed slightly. Had the Grand Duke already considered his escape route?

“This is utterly absurd! Hikel and I are just comrades-in-arms. This must be a slander by the Grand Duke, who is trying to sow discord between us.”

Dick narrowed his eyes slightly. "Hmph, it's not impossible."

"Your suggestion is good, but unfortunately, it's a bit too late..."

“I have already sent someone to tell the Grand Duke that his good-for-nothing son is at Eugensen’s house.”

Edward's heart sank upon hearing Dick's words; he hadn't expected Dick to act this way. But he quickly regained his composure and said, "You're pushing us all to the brink of danger. The Grand Duke is already suspicious; your actions will only make him more convinced that we harbor rebellious intentions. He won't let anyone connected to me go, including you and Heckel."

Dick shrugged dismissively. "I don't care about all that. All I know is that Heikel is my fiancée. You're getting too close to her, and I have to let the Grand Duke handle this. Besides, I don't believe you can really succeed in rebelling against the Grand Duke. His influence and spies are all over the country. You're just throwing an egg against a rock."

Edward looked at Dick, his eyes revealing determination and resolve. "You're wrong. The Grand Duke's tyranny has long aroused public anger. Those old nobles were just waiting for the right opportunity. Now he has personally given Gurenbeldo an excuse to take the throne, and has become the fuse for those diehards who want to take the opportunity to overthrow the Grand Duke."

"Even if you reveal it to the Grand Duke now, you cannot stop the impending changes. Once Gurunberudo has secured his position as Grand Duke, your family will be purged sooner or later. It will bring nothing but harm!"

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves and shouts came from afar, seemingly the Grand Duke's guards approaching the Euhansen residence. Edward gripped his sword tightly and said to Dick, "We still have a chance to cooperate and fight against the Grand Duke, otherwise we will all become his prisoners."

Dick hesitated. He looked at Edward, then thought about the dangers Hickel might face and the future interests of the family. He struggled with his conscience, weighing the pros and cons.

Taking advantage of this moment, Edward turned to the Earl of the Eugenson family and shouted, "Your Excellency, if you do not lend a helping hand now, your family will not be able to escape unscathed when the Grand Duke settles accounts later."

The Earl stood at the gate of the mansion, his face grave. He knew Edward's words were true, but he did not want to easily get involved in this conflict. However, the Countess rushed out and cried to the Earl, "My lord, we cannot stand by and watch our daughter be in danger! Please save her!"

The Earl looked at his wife, sighed, and finally made up his mind before stepping out of the mansion. "Edward, I can provide you with some supplies and manpower, but I will not participate in the battle directly."

Edward looked at the Earl gratefully. "Thank you, Your Excellency. With your support, our chances of winning have increased even further."

...The golden butterfly, bound by the law of causality, is struggling to flap its wings and break free from the scarlet net woven from 'flesh and blood'.

And what fate awaits it...?

Just breaking free of the cocoon alone... leaping out of the water like a fish must have exhausted all its strength, right?