Chapter 60: A new trigger

Plot
This chapter is Hermann talking about past and current events.

Hermann is explaining the current situation the the Baumeister Knight Territory as the development by Wend is proceeding. He then starts discussing his past as the second son as how he was seen as a spare for Kurt. He envied his younger brothers who could leave the territory, but he was stuck there basically as a prisoner encase something happened to Kurt. He was only allowed to marry after Kurt was married and had his first son. He decided to find things to take him mind off it by working at his swordsmanship and running the territories guard unit. He also helped reclaim land to be farmed and today he is helping reclaim land that will go to Helge. Helge participated in the Demon Forest Expedition when he was 12 and both the reward he revived and the monster parts he was given by the dying colliders were taken from him. Artur taxed the reward till there was nothing left and his family took the monster parts and only gave him a few copper coins even thought they were worth hundreds of gold coins. Hermann is working hard to develop this land as it will go to Helge as payback for taking his reward. He further explains events of the Demon forest Expedition and how his great uncle keep the Baumeister army separate from the Bleichröder army and this is probably how some survived. After the failure Hermann his father reprimanded his great uncle for the failure which he had to do in public, but was dismayed that Kurt agreed with him when he should have praised their great uncle. Hermann noticed Artur's disappointment after Kurt made this comments. By Kurt making this comment and not praising their great uncle the animosity with the branch family increased.

As Hermann continues to narrate the story his father informs him he will marry into the branch family. He married Marlene when she came of age, but her and the rest of the branch family were distant towards him and on the wedding night she said it's required to produce an heir. Coming events would cause this to change. First, Paul, Helmut and Erich announced that they were leaving to go the the Royal Capitol, with Paul saying he had no attachment to this territory. Erich, who was popular with the population, also was leaving even though he would be a better lord than Kurt and finally there was Wend. He was the youngest and was smart like Erich, but he also displayed his magical talent. Artur decided to let Wend do what ever he liked so he would leave the territory and not cause a problem with the succession. He realized that if he wanted, Wend, could be the next lord due to his magical talent and Artur didn't want to change things from how they always been. The first son should inherit to keep the territory stable was his thinking. After seeing Wend do as he pleased, Hermann changed his outlook. The first thing he did was tell Artur and Kurt to reduce the labor for the branch family with Kurt saying that's why we sent you to them. With this comment Hermann realized that Kurt thought he was his henchman. Second. he told Artur they needed to pay the money they owe the branch family for the honey liquor they had acquired. This caused Kurt to tell him they will pay when they feel like it so Hermann told them they will receive no more liquor till the bill is paid. Artur then agreed that they should pay their bill much to Kurt's cringe. With this two acts Hermann was finally accepted into the branch family and Marlene started to act like a real wife towards him. Hermann had decided to walk his own path by seeing how Wend walked his own path without a care.

Back to the present, Hermann is talking with Klaus about his grandchildren causing problems in the territory. The grandchildren saw Wend become an Earl at 15 and all of their half brothers become nobles due to Wend. They believe it is only time before they become nobles since they are half brothers and have been spreading this around and attracting followers. Hermann is warning Klaus to rein them in since it can lead them to their death. After this discussion Klaus returned with several adventurers who took Herman and his family hostage. After seeing the adventurers Hermann realizes that they are retainers from another noble family. For now he will wait for Wend to resolve this.

Characters
Hermann von Benno Baumeister

Artur von Benno Baumeister

Kurt von Benno Baumeister

Paul von Benno Baumeister

Klaus

Leila

Helge

Locations
Baumeister Knight Territory