The identity of the Count of Tonyger is extremely unique, even having the shadows of Silver Elf and Dragon Clan behind him, making the upper echelons of the Holy Temple feel quite troublesome. Moreover, the opposing side does not seem to have any intention of joining the Empire, causing the opinions at the top to be divided; one side believes they should comply with the choice of the King of Flames, while the other is much more forceful.
This is yet another problem.
Too many years of arrogance have made the Flame Temple somewhat haughty and even indifferent towards external matters; some elders even have thoughts of assassination, not to mention how absurd it is to assassinate a noble under the Flame Temple’s rule. What truly angers Wood is that these people seem to have forgotten the teachings of the Ancestors.
To prioritize imperial power or truth, a hundred years ago, this was not an issue for the Flame Temple. Since the upheaval in Kruz, although the Empire’s centripetal force is strengthening day by day, the weight of royal authority increases daily, now threatening the very existence of Kruz.
It’s laughable that some people haven’t realized this problem at all.
Today, Wood is going to meet a representative of the Northern Nobles who still remain stranded at Ampezel Port, though matters under the table grow heavier by the day, the primary concern for affairs left in Erune is still to place the war at the forefront.
Regarding the war of Golden Mane Tuo Kui Ning. Whether the Crown Prince has made all the preparations is unknown, although he was quite confident when he made commitments, the Sifah Family had already suffered severely in this war. Moreover, as a puppet himself, how much authority he holds is still a question.
The Temple absolutely won’t invest much effort on a bet bound to fail. Wood can only hope that the Prince also understands this. Fortunately, he’s a smart guy, presumably not too naive.
With his deputy, he stepped out, but just then, a servant approached him and bowed, "Lord of Priest, there is a special visitor."
"A special visitor?"
Wood stopped.
Bald-headed Peter had already stepped forward intending to rush people away: "Can’t you see Lord of Priest has proper business to attend to? Whatever visitor it is, unless they’re an empire guest, let them wait a little—"
Wood interrupted him, reaching out to block this guy, "Is it someone from the Empire?"
Peter froze instantly.
"Yes," the servant answered respectfully.
"Let them wait, I’ll be there shortly." Wood thought for a moment, frowning as he responded.
But before his voice faded, a serious woman’s voice rang out: "No need, Wood Main Priest. You know my habits, we’re already here."
Wood heard this voice and paused slightly, he looked up. Indeed, it was that renowned woman of the Empire—
She had actually arrived.
...
Unlike the sunny side of Ampezel, crossing the expansive Flada Forest to enter Pedarson, the countryside’s climate becomes rainy and drizzly. Days of heavy rain caused the water levels of the Maji River to swell, making the roads in the Majitan area muddy and difficult to travel.
In the pouring rain, a black, ghost-like carriage bumped along the forest paths, the curtain of the window lifted slightly, revealing an eye like that of a dead fish, faintly white, staring motionless at the gloomy scenery outside.
The overcast clouds twisted together like a shroud hanging over the forest, though it was only noon, the sky was dark.
"What is the Commander of Sky Blue heading to Ampezel for? To declare war on the Eruein?" A hoarse voice inquired, followed by a cold laugh, seemingly finding the joke very amusing.
The cold laughter within the carriage was chilling, until another voice answered: "It’s probably for the northern conflict."
"If that’s what you think, then you’re not far from the gallows. The Cruz people don’t need to be distracted by a small Tuo Kui Ning. They’ve suffered greatly in the Ampezel battle and absolutely don’t want to give Bujia people a chance anymore." A third person spoke, with measured and dignified tones.
As soon as he spoke, the others fell silent.
"The Flame Temple lost both face and substance at Ampezel. Ostensibly, they gained nothing from us, but in reality, neither we nor they are the ultimate winner." The voice paused: "There is a wise Princess in Erune."
"Lord Duke," only then did someone dare to speak: "Are you saying we drew the Flame Temple’s attention?"
"Very likely, it’s impossible the Cruz people haven’t noticed something’s off; do you truly believe secrecy can be maintained flawlessly?" the dignified voice answered.
"Then what should we do?"
No one answered, leaving the carriage silent save for the sound of its creaking sway. After a while, the initially hoarse voice spoke again: "Just find a way to delay—"
"That’s indeed the purpose of our visit here."
The authoritative voice responded.
Just then, the carriage finally came to a halt during their advance, and through the rain curtain appeared a blue-black fortress, where soldiers scolded from the ramparts though the sound struggled to pierce the curtain. At this moment, the carriage door finally opened, and a cloaked Swordsman jumped out.
The Swordsman raised his head, the bearded face under the hood appeared like a wandering knight from Anlek or the northern parts but if Brand was here, he would undoubtedly recognize the name.
Eagle Knight, De Jia’er.
"Open the castle gates quickly, your Earl’s most distinguished guest is here." He shouted.
"Who are you?" came the soldiers’ questioning voice from the castle top.
"We are the ally he most wishes to see, go tell him, if he doesn’t want to be strangled by the Princess, he’ll open the doors and let us in right away!" De Jia’er responded haughtily.
This exchange was utterly rude, but as soldiers were about to react, the Eagle Knight threw an item far up to the castle. He watched that object arc beautifully through the rain and land in the castle, then shouted:
"Bring this to Jandener, he will understand!"
"Go ahead, idiots!"
...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation.)