The Lord Of Blood Hill-Chapter 39: Father and Son Confrontation

In Iron Pit City, Obiken waits for his youngest son to arrive. It's late afternoon when Fabio finally makes it to Iron Pit City.
"Got some nerve, huh? Making me wait for you like this!" Obiken taunts.
Fabio responds coolly, "My military duties keep me busy, unlike you high and mighty folks who have nothing to do all day."
Obiken glances at his son, "Oh? Just because you have over ten thousand men under your command, you think you can talk to me like that? Do you really believe that there's no one in the duchy who can rein you in? Or do you think that with the main legions deployed elsewhere, your legion can sweep through the remaining forces?"
Fabio smirks coldly, "Count, I certainly don't think I'm invincible. And my Iron Wall Legion isn't the most formidable force in the duchy."
Obiken abruptly taps his cup, correcting with a stern voice, "It's the duchy's Iron Wall Legion!"
Fabio holds his father's gaze unwaveringly, emphasizing each word, "It! Is! Mine!"
The two stare each other down for a moment before the old butler behind them considers stepping in to mediate.
However, Obiken is the first to break eye contact, rubbing his temples as he speaks, "Do you understand your current situation?"
"Of course! The Grand Duke sees me as a rebel, you see me as defiant, and other nobles view me as a useful tool. Everyone treats me like a clown, trying to exploit me for their own gain from this situation."
Fabio shifts his tone, "But! This is my best opportunity! The coalition and allies are preparing for negotiations. If the duchy descends into chaos now, countless lives will be lost, and two years of national strength wasted on this war. Even our allies will simply laugh, seizing a portion of the spoils, and if necessary, carving out a piece from the duchy itself!"
"Knowing this, you still proceed? Where does that leave the duchy? Where does that leave our family? This will ruin the duchy's rise and render our family's century-long plans futile!"
Fabio shrugs, "Yeah, but what does that have to do with me? I just want what I deserve—is that so difficult? If I can't get it, and you try to restrain me, I'll take it by force! I've fought for the nation and for our family. Now, I want what's mine!"
"If you won't give it to me, I'll take it! I can traverse the eastern borders of the Ika Kingdom and break through encirclements. I can just as easily cross the duchy to find someone willing to offer me what I desire!"
Obiken takes a sip of his tea, "Do you understand the consequences? Even if the duchy agrees to your terms now, what will you do once the negotiations with the six nations are over?"
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, the violation.
Fabio gestures around, "This place is fine! I'm staying put! If the duchy tries to besiege me, I'll simply align with the Ika Kingdom! If the duchy finds me useful, I'll defend the border for them! Either way, I'm not leaving! Just give me this territory!"
Obiken retorts, "That's your plan? The duchy won't set this precedent; they'll definitely send troops! Not just the duchy, but once the local nobles this, they'll seize the chance to attack you. Are you prepared for all that?"
Fabio grins, "Father! What do you think I've been doing all this time? Chasing women and throwing parties? Of course, I'm prepared! My Iron Wall Legion has expanded to eighteen thousand men, training non-stop for five months!"
"I want to see if my Iron Wall Legion can really fight! Whether it's the fleeing force you mock or a true iron bastion, I need to prove it myself!"
Obiken stands up, "Very well! The duchy will send troops in half a month, and the noble coalition might take a bit longer."
"Goodbye, Count!"
As Obiken is about to leave, he turns back and asks, "This isn't just you being stubborn, is it? You're not upset because I took your little friend, are you?"
Fabio, who has maintained his composure throughout, finally breaks upon hearing this.
"How dare you take my man! He's my Honor Knight! I promised he'd grow up safely! He saved my life—more than once! You've disgraced my honor! I can't even face my men now. How do I explain this? I couldn't even protect a child! What right do I have to demand their loyalty?"
Obiken responds, "You know the Shadow Guards have always been in the Iron Wall Legion to protect you. You know they had orders. You knew they were targeting that kid, yet you didn't stop them, did you?"
Fabio roars, "I explicitly ordered the Shadow Guards not to touch him! I've been guarding against them! I thought they'd make a move during the river crossing campaign, so I sent my guards to protect him! But I didn't expect you to act once we returned to the duchy."
"Why? We were back in the duchy, wasn't he already acknowledged? Why go after him then? Just because of his identity? He's from the Ika Kingdom! But I can tell he genuinely wants to follow me! Otherwise, during the eastern incursion into the Ika Kingdom, he had plenty of chances to leave!"
Obiken speaks calmly, "Fabio, you already know why, don't you? You understand that I won't let him stay with you forever. He's talented, but not someone you can control. You must have anticipated this, otherwise, you wouldn't have taught him our family's Lion Sword technique along the way."
"Rest assured, I haven't killed him. I've arranged things for him. He's still immature, but in ten years, if he still possesses such remarkable talent, I won't stop him from pledging loyalty to you. As for his whereabouts, I can't tell you. But I can guarantee he'll grow up safe and sound for a few years."
Fabio glares at his father, "You always want everyone to follow the path you set—my elder brother, my second brother, and me too! Now even outsiders, you want to arrange their lives! This time I won't listen to you! I'm going to make a fuss! I want to see if I'm really as incapable as you say!"
Obiken shakes his head with a smile, "Son, you're mistaken about one thing. I don't think you're defiant. I'm proud of you! Go ahead and do it! Crush those who jump too high, and annihilate the armies they've united! I'll handle the rest."
With that, Obiken walks away without looking back.
The old butler bows to Obiken, "Young master, the lady misses you! She's grown thin because of the elder master's situation."
Fabio's expression is complex, "Lazio, tell my mother that once I finish this battle, I'll return to her amidst flowers and cheers!"
Meanwhile, in the Billie Kingdom, Henwell, who has been "well taken care of" and sold for seventeen silver coins, awakens...