Chapter 46 : The House Divided

　　After a period of mutual attrition through minor skirmishes, Worksmile began constructing permanent fortifications along the border, a clear sign of their long-term intent. Acting on the advice of his courtiers, the Lord of Nor dispatched a peace envoy to the Duke. Biletemori received the delegation with meticulous etiquette, sending them back to Suvillus with promises that seemed satisfying on the surface.　　Yet, the tension at the frontier did not ease. The Nor soldiers remained "sleeping on their spears," ever-vigilant. While large-scale confrontations had paused, small-scale operations persisted. Dilemos continued as the sector commander, fulfilling his duty to public safety through a balance of daring sorties and prudent defense.　　Among his ranks were the descendants of the Ledway family. Vorlos, the eldest son of Darimur, served alongside his four brothers. Dilemos, believing that the bonds of kinship and friendship were far sturdier than mere military structure, had assigned them to the same unit.　　During a minor clash, this unit captured five Worksmile riders. The casualties inflicted by the riders' exquisite marksmanship had left the Nor soldiers seething with hatred.　　One prisoner, a man named Kebes, feared the agony of the lash and the peril his family might face; he had no desire to be humiliated or executed by the angr