In contrast, on the Princess’ side, apart from the Royal First Fleet still resting in Ambeser, the only forces the Princess can rely on are Flada’s army and the Southern Army, in addition to the support promised by Duke Lantoniyan and the Highland Knights. However, the Southern Army has long been without supplies, and its structure is largely incomplete. Duke Lantoniyan’s forces also suffered heavy losses in the battle of Ambeser, so the only forces that can participate in the battle immediately are Flada’s noble army and the Highland Knights’ reinforcements, plus the meager military strength of Tonyger.
These ragtag armies combined still cannot form an absolute advantage against the troops under Duke Anliek and Count Rangdenier. Even without considering the schemes of Anliek’s side, launching a campaign against Rangdenier and Anliek would likely be a task that takes years. The problem is Brando clearly knows that Erune simply can’t afford the time for such a protracted war.
He must seek other assistance.
The best choice, naturally, is Duke Viero, who has a blood feud with Count Rangdenier.
Princess Griffith silently listened to Brando’s thoughts. When the sunlight from the courtyard passed through the archway and shone on her face, the Half-Elf Girl paused and turned back: "I understand... I will leave the war against Rangdenier entirely in your hands, Brando Qing. Flada’s army should also be merged with Tonyger for you to command together."
Brando suddenly stiffened: "Your Highness?"
He certainly understood the implication of these words, but it seemed he hadn’t reacted immediately, subconsciously pausing to look at this Princess.
The afternoon sun seemed to just cascade over the wild grape trellis in the courtyard, casting a verdant hue through the final stretch of the corridor before the archway, imprinting on the Princess’ long dress.
Time felt like it paused for a moment, completely silent.
Princess Griffith looked at him, her silver eyes retaining a very calm color: "There is no need to say more, I trust you, Mr. Brand."
"But—" Brando felt a bit parched, although back in Ambeser the Princess had also entrusted the Key Stone to him, this crisis was different from past emergencies, now with Princess Griffith entrusting nearly all her strength to him, there seemed to be a touch of indulgence.
This didn’t seem like how a clear-headed politician should act.
However, the Princess didn’t seem to want to give him a chance to speak, she lowered her eyelids, her thick lashes flickered slightly, and continued quietly, "There’s one more thing."
"Hmm?"
Brando breathed out lightly, luckily that little girl Alorz had already uninterestingly left, or she would have surely laughed at his embarrassing state.
"Magdal... is my dearest friend, I understand she became this way because of me. In any case, as long as there is a glimmer of hope, I hope you can wake her up."
"Beside me, only you have such an ability."
"So, can you promise me?"
Brando did not look at the expression on the Princess’ face, but he could hear an unusual softness in her tone. He didn’t say much, just nodded, in fact, even if Princess Griffith didn’t mention it, he would find a way to awaken Magdal.
Having fought side by side, they were companions. This was something his Senior Sister had said herself.
"I understand." He replied.
The Princess lifted her head, looking at him carefully, then stepped forward two steps. She reached out a hand and pressed it on his noble cravat, smiled a little reassuringly: "Thank you, my Knight, you have never disappointed me."
Then she stepped back, gave him one last look, lifted her skirt, and walked down the stairs, quickly disappearing into the courtyard, leaving Brando standing a bit dazed under the archway.
"It seems like the Princess is fond of you, Brando." Until a crisp voice interrupted his thoughts.
Brando’s brow lightly twitched, he turned back, and sure enough, saw a familiar face. Romantic, wearing her thick merchant attire, hugged her arms, standing a bit behind him, equally curiously watching the direction Griffith had disappeared.
Who knows when this person had gotten there.
When Brando saw her perplexed expression, he couldn’t help but ask slightly grumpily: "So, aren’t you at all jealous?"
"A little bit."
Brando glared at her.
"Did I... answer wrong, Brando?" Romantic looked at him, shrinking her neck.
Brando sighed, reached out his hand: "Give me your hand."
"Why?"
"It’s an order."
"Oh—"
Miss Merchant thought for a moment, wiped her hand on her fur coat, and then placed it in his palm. Brando felt the slightly cool temperature, couldn’t help but glance at this young lady, feeling a soft spot in his heart: "Have you been to the street?"
"Not yet, Furlo won’t let me go out. If I had known, I wouldn’t have borrowed that gun from Qian, it’s too much, I already returned it to her." Romantic said with a face of dissatisfaction.
"I’ll accompany you for a stroll."
"Really?" Miss Merchant asked in surprise.
"Of course."
"Then... Brando, can you really wake that Princess? It sounds like a knight’s tale, the Prince and the Princess, will she marry you when she wakes up, Brando?"
"That’s not something you need to worry about."
Brando responded with a bit of annoyance.
...(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to give recommendations and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)