A Painful Struggle

The Mensas and Schumpeters felt ominous dark clouds looming over them when they heard of Richard’s recruitment drive. They knew this would be the beginning of his retaliation. It had taken all they had to send his father away, and he was far more wealthy than Gaton.

The Josephs maintained absolute silence. Richard’s safe return was proof enough that their expedition had been wiped out, which meant their forces were greatly weakened.

Many overnight meetings were conducted within the various noble families of Faust. Many who weren’t on hostile terms with Richard wanted to join his side, hoping to gain his favour and the goodwill of the royal family that backed him. However, even if they wanted to there was no way for them to set up an alliance; Richard...