Chapter 212

Early in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Old Abel yawned, got out of bed, and went to the pigsty outside the farmhouse, preparing to get today's feed ready for the animals.

This was one of the few jobs he had in winter.

However, just at this moment, the commotion coming from the feed shed made him tense his nerves.

There were only two situations for this kind of thing to happen: either it was a drunken adventurer, or it was a beggar from outside the village.

If it were the former, it would be easy to handle; just notify the Adventurers' Guild. The latter was not necessarily the case.

As for the most dangerous third situation, that would be the little demons from the nearby forest.

But those cunning guys would never stay until dawn; usually, they would fly away once they were full, so he hadn't considered that at all.

"Let me see what kind of thing you are..." Old Abel muttered to himself, first calling people from around, then grabbing a pitchfork and rushing in together with the others.

And the scene that met their eyes next gave them a start; they saw a dozen or so goblins gorging themselves beside the feed bucket, having finished off more than half of the swill they used to feed the pigs.

Seeing the villagers standing at the door, the goblins, busy stuffing their faces, were all terrified, their wide-open mouths frozen in place.

"Catch them!"

Anger surged to the top of his head; Old Abel roared and rushed up, and together with the crowd of villagers, they pinned down these guys stealing the feed in no time.

Although ordinary goblin soldiers were not easy to deal with, these guys were clearly not professional soldiers; on the contrary, the humans here were all farmers who had received military training.

Under the crushing weight of physique and strength, the goblins stealing pig feed were beaten black and blue in no time, begging for mercy under the old farmer's fists.

Having been bullied by the Demon King's army twice yesterday, Old Abel was holding a belly full of fire and didn't know where to vent it. Now that he had finally caught the opportunity, he grabbed one of the goblins by the neck and interrogated it while holding the pitchfork.

"Speak! Are you the Demon King's man!"

Looking at the gleaming three spear tips, the goblin being held by the neck was scared to the point of peeing itself, stuttering.

"I, I, I, if it's the goblins of Disaster Castle..."

Old Abel's eyebrows glared, and the pitchfork in his hand was about to thrust out, scaring the goblin into changing its words quickly, screaming in panic.

"I am the Demon King's goblin! No, I am the Demon King's man!"

The expression on Old Abel's face turned to satisfaction.

Seeming to see this, the goblins, who were good at reading the room, quickly unified their story under the threat of death, emitting successive screams.

"That's right! We are the Demon King's warriors!"

"He sent us to attack you!"

"He, Hero, spare our lives! We won't dare again!"

Looking at the goblins begging for mercy, Old Abel felt very comfortable in his heart.

So this is what it's like to be an adventurer; no wonder so many people are tireless in it.

Just as he was enjoying that feeling of showing off his power, commotion came from outside the door; "Shield-Dropper" Hebar's people walked in from outside carrying firelocks.

"What happened? I heard there are Demon King's army people here?"

His sharp gaze scanned the crowd, and Hebar soon discovered the goblins pinned down by the villagers, his face immediately showing a surprised expression.

"Goblins? How could they be here?"

"They were stealing Baron Guss's grain, sir," Abel walked up proudly, claiming credit, "But they didn't succeed; we only lost some swill and pinned them down!"

Even a mosquito is meat, no matter what, this is a merit, Hebar waved his hand.

"Take them away."

The militiamen swarmed up and tied the sixteen goblins together with rope.

And just at this moment, the sound of a bell suddenly came from outside the town.

Old Abel and the surrounding villagers who heard the sound were all startled, busy exchanging terrified glances.

"The Demon King's army is attacking?!"

"No..."

Hebar looked bewildered in the direction outside the town, watching the flags appearing on the horizon.

If he could, he would rather it be the Demon King's army attacking; after all, if you can't win, you can still run.

His Adam's apple moved, and he said with a trembling voice.

"It's His Majesty the Grand Duke..."

A mighty army marched to Bai Yin Pine Town, with a fully equipped formation of at least twenty thousand people.

With the rigor of the feudal era, adding a zero to a number encountered is standard practice, adding two zeros is conservative, and adding three zeros is heaven-defying, so claiming an army of two hundred thousand is not excessive at all.

Hearing the commotion outside the town, the residents of the town and the adventurers in the tavern walked out one after another, casting curious glances at the flags showing off their power in the distance.

"Is that the coat of arms of the Campbell family?!"

"I heard Her Highness the Princess is coming recently..."

"No, that's not Her Highness the Princess, her personal guard doesn't have that many... it might be His Majesty."

"Looks like Mr. Kelin really got into trouble, even His Majesty was alarmed!"

Whispering voices spread at the entrance of the town; everyone had long known about Baron Guss being captured, but they still had doubts about Mr. Kelin's whereabouts.

But now it seems the rumors are true.

Just as everyone was discussing, several fast horses stepped past the street beside them and headed in the direction of the army.

The dust raised by the horse hooves crossed the frozen fields, and Sheriff Adlai, who arrived at the front of the formation, flipped off his horse, knelt on one knee in fear and trembling, and saluted.

"Your Majesty! I am the sheriff of Bai Yin Pine Town, as for the mayor, he is still on his way here. We didn't know you were coming, please forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar..."

"Rise."

Edward, riding on his horse, replied casually, his indifferent gaze looking toward the quiet town in the distance, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, while his heart felt relieved.

His mood was actually very contradictory; he both hoped for some war to happen, and didn't want it to be too intense.

After all, once a war broke out, all the problems he faced would be solved, and those nobles who opposed him would return to his side again, including his younger brother who had many complaints about him, who would no longer have the power to contend with him.

But in contrast, once this war turned into a total war, his ideals would also turn into bubbles.

Grand Duke Aaron Campbell had already become a legend in military affairs, and it was impossible for him to replace him; the only way was to become a monarch of a well-governed world, so that he could leave behind a good name.

Perhaps—

The reason why the late king left that sword to his younger sister instead of handing it to him might not have been without considerations in this regard.

This was his thinking during this recent period.

Of course, even if his father had sufficient reasons, this kind of betrayal was unacceptable to him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Adlai stood up tremblingly and nodded respectfully, standing to the side.

Holding the reins, Edward, clad in armor, looked down at the top of his head and continued.

"I heard that a Demon King's stronghold appeared on the land bestowed upon you by our ancestors, what is this all about?"

"A stronghold did indeed appear in the north of the Bai Yin Pine Forest, but strictly speaking, that is not Baron Guss's territory. During the period when the late king was still alive, the Andes family had a mine there, but it was soon occupied by monsters, and only adventurers would occasionally go there." Adlai lowered his head and answered truthfully.

Although he didn't like Baron Guss, facing the monarch's questioning, he still had to speak for this guy.

After all, he wouldn't naively think that the whip in the Grand Duke's hand would only fall on Baron Guss's head.

And taking a step back, even if only Baron Guss was punished and had his title confiscated, it was definitely not good news for him, who already controlled the local real power of Bai Yin Pine Town.

Grand Duke Edward seemed to accept this explanation, or perhaps he just didn't want to waste time on such trivial details.

His gaze crossed over the top of Sheriff Adlai's head and looked at the quiet and peaceful Bai Yin Pine Town, saying in a voice without much emotion.

"Whatever happened, seeing that you are all okay, I am relieved."

"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace!" Adlai said gratefully.

Edward looked at him, changed the subject, and said again.

"... However, what I cannot accept is that the stupidity of your lord not only implicated himself, but also implicated the distinguished guests of the Principality, and even caused my dear sister to fall into danger. I will hold him accountable later, as for now, tell me everything you know about the Demon King's army."

Adlai of course couldn't tell His Majesty everything about the Demon King's army; after all, his interests had long been firmly tied to the Demon King, and he had even sold his soul to the latter.

To be honest, he didn't know what tricks the Demon King was playing this time, actually performing a play of kidnapping himself.

But just at this moment, Hebar, who arrived in a hurry, helped him out of the siege.

Not wasting his promotion, that cowardly Shield-Dropper flipped off his horse, knelt, and said in fear and trembling.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, we captured scouts of the Demon King's army near Bai Yin Pine Town... they were suspected of seeing the movement of your great army and came to us to spy on intelligence, but we didn't let them succeed, and we pinned them down as soon as they showed their heads!"

Edward looked at him.

"Bring them up."

"Yes!" Hebar glanced hurriedly at Sheriff Adlai beside him, got an affirmative look from the latter, and then retreated in a hurry.

Not long after, the sixteen goblins were soon brought up, their heads pressed to the ground by the militiamen.

Perhaps feeling the majesty of the human monarch, or perhaps intimidated by the mighty military power, they shivered, not even daring to make a loud sound when breathing.

Edward had no interest in interrogating them personally, just giving a look to the knight attendant beside him.

After receiving the order, the attendant flipped off his horse, didn't say a word, raised the whip in his hand and lashed the group of goblins, finally taking a bucket of salt water and splashing it on them, not starting to ask questions until they were tortured into a state of confusion.

The goblins, tortured to the point of being on their last breath, didn't dare to tell a single lie, and soon told the story of what they had encountered exactly as it was.

Including the Hell Dwarves taking them to pick up goods, and including encountering an attack by a human mage while transferring goods.

Those few fireballs were described by them as fire rain filling the sky; in short, they didn't dare to stay for a moment and could only flee like birds and beasts.

Hearing this, Edward showed a surprised expression, but soon felt relieved.

The soul level of nobles is all above Bai Yin, and the nobles of the Empire have a preference for magic, so it is not a rare thing for noble families to give birth to powerful mages.

Just like Edward himself, he has Bai Yin-tier strength, it's just that he doesn't have many opportunities to use it.

Throwing those goblins aside, the attendant clad in heavy armor returned to Grand Duke Edward, performed a knight's salute, and reported in a booming voice.

"Your Majesty, according to the confession of these goblins, they should be defeated soldiers on the battlefield. The Demon King of Lei Ming County is suspected of having formed an alliance with the Hell Dwarves of Suiyan Peak; they sold the captured Baron to the latter and were attacked by Mr. Kelin during the handover of goods. If nothing unexpected happens, I speculate that they should have returned last night." Hearing this, Grand Duke Edward's eyebrows relaxed slightly, and a comfortable smile appeared on his face. And the knights surrounding him also felt relieved in their hearts.

They were not afraid of fighting the Demon King's army, but marching to the battlefield so hastily, it was hard to say how much chance of winning they had.

"Very good."

Edward looked at the soldiers behind him and ordered.

"Pass my order down, the whole army sets off for Baron Guss's manor."

"Yes!" The knights saluted respectfully and rode back to the front of their respective military formations.

The rustling military flags changed direction, and the mighty army set off on the road again.

The residents of the town breathed a sigh of relief; it seems the stable days have returned. And those adventurers sighed with regret; there was no good show to watch.

Looking at His Majesty Edward who came and went like the wind, Sheriff Adlai asked hurriedly.

"Your Majesty, how should these goblins be disposed of?"

No errors, no omissions, read it all at once!

Edward waved his hand.

"Hang them in the square."

The Campbell Principality doesn't need these things; the demons they capture have always been disposed of this way.

Adlai's expression became solemn, and he saluted respectfully.

"Yes!"

The mighty army soon arrived near Baron Guss's manor, and the dust raised by the horse hooves almost immediately attracted the attention of the people in the manor.

Baron Guss never imagined that his trouble would not only alarm the Princess, but even alarm His Majesty.

At the entrance of the manor.

Baron Guss hurried out to meet them, came to the Grand Duke in a panic, and said.

"Your Majesty?! Why did you come in person?"

"My subject was captured by the Demon King's army, how could I sit idly by." Although he was annoyed in his heart, Edward still showed his side of caring for his subordinates and treated him with tolerance.

Reprimanding words can be said after closing the door; even if this country bumpkin doesn't want face, he is a person who wants face.

Especially since Mr. Kelin is here.

After dealing with his vassal, Edward looked at Kelin, who was standing beside Baron Guss, flipped off his horse, walked up, and said with an apologetic smile on his face.

"I have already heard about what happened yesterday, I have made you laugh."

"Not at all," Luo Yan nodded slightly, and said with a smile, "Baron Guss's love for the people as his own left a deep impression on me, and Her Highness Ailin Campbell's urgency for the needs of the people must also come from you as the eldest brother. The Kingdom of Ryan is worthy of being the hometown of knights, and the Campbell Principality is even more worthy of being the traditional guardian. This trip opened my eyes, and after I go back, I will tell my father about this legendary experience."

This polite wording had no flaws and was as standard as a textbook; he was worthy of being a noble from the Empire.

A bright smile appeared on Edward's face, and he held his right hand enthusiastically, becoming reserved instead.

"It is our honor to receive your praise! Please also convey the greetings of the Lord of the Campbell Principality to your father. The Campbell Principality will always remember the help his child extended when we faced threats. Shengxisi will witness the friendship we have forged today!"

"I will definitely do so. Being able to forge such a deep bond with the descendants of heroes is the honor of the people of the Kelin Principality."

Luo Yan smiled and shook the right hand of Grand Duke Edward that was holding his tightly, completely merging into the persona he had created for Luo Kexai Kelin.

Under the witness of countless battle priests and knights, the Demon King's right hand was firmly held together with the ruler of the human principality, although the latter was unaware of it.

The troops of Lei Ming City and the Trident Knights were stationed near the manor.

Edward ordered the soldiers under his command to write a letter notifying the recruitment point in Lei Ming City to cancel the mobilization plan, then walked side-by-side with Mr. Kelin, and led Baron Guss, who was following closely, into the manor.

"... I heard about your deeds while I was still in Campbell Castle, and I wanted to meet you a long time ago, but I didn't expect my useless sister to abduct you to such a countryside place as Bai Yin Pine Forest."

Looking at Grand Duke Edward with a smile on his face, Luo Yan nodded with a smile and said.

"It is the same for me; I heard your name as soon as I entered the Kingdom of Ryan."

A flattered expression appeared on Edward's face, and he smiled embarrassedly and said.

"Is that so? I thought my father would be more famous."

"Indeed."

Luo Yan nodded honestly, but changed the subject and said.

"However, the nobles I met all expressed that Grand Duke Aaron excels in bravery but is slightly lacking in wisdom, while his child Edward Campbell possesses both his advantages and fills his deficiencies."

Based on his previous observations, this Grand Duke Edward's heart was not just ambition to build a career, but also possessed a vain side.

Although he probably hadn't heard few flattery, compliments from people of the same status had a completely different effect.

Sure enough, a hearty smile appeared on that majestic face.

Grand Duke Edward said modestly.

"They overpraised me! The current me is still inexperienced and not enough to be mentioned in the same breath as my father."

Although he said so, his heart was as sweet as if he had tasted honey, and he liked this guest who had come from afar even more.

Luo Yan had no doubt that if he made any proposal at this time, this respected Grand Duke would seriously consider it.

However, he didn't want to expose his purpose too obviously, as this would bury hidden dangers for his subsequent plans.

And...

He subconsciously thought of his sister again, so he couldn't help but say one more thing.

"Although I have many things I want to talk to you about, the person who needs you most right now is probably Her Highness Ailin Campbell. If you could go see her, she would be very happy."

"I have that intention."

Edward, who had been coaxed comfortably, was able to listen to advice, and looked at Guss on the side casually.

The latter noticed the Grand Duke's look and opened his mouth hurriedly.

"Her Highness Ailin is resting in bed in the annex! Ever since she came back that day, she has had a high fever, suspected to be a backlash from the Light of Praise..."

Edward frowned and said.

"Why didn't you say so earlier? Take me there immediately."

"Yes!" Looking at His Majesty who was playing dumb, Guss didn't dare to expose him and hurried to the front to lead the way.

Luo Yan didn't follow, just nodded slightly and said.

"I will wait for you in the reception room."

He knew very well that if he were present, both Ailin and Edward would feel uncomfortable and wouldn't be able to show their usual selves, only being able to speak while wearing masks.

"Please wait a moment, I will be back in a while." Edward understood his good intentions, gave him a grateful look, and then followed behind Baron Guss to the annex on the other side of the fountain garden.

Watching the group go away, Luo Yan stood by the fountain for a while, and then was led by a servant to the reception room of the main building.

In order not to let him, who was also a guest, feel neglected, Marina took the place of her husband and entertained him diligently just like yesterday.

Although that diligence was a bit too enthusiastic, Luo Yan still accepted her good intentions and then indicated that he wanted to wait quietly before talking to His Majesty.

The regretful look turned into resentment, but Marina finally retreated and closed the door for him gently.

The noisy room returned to quiet, as if the canary singing had returned to the cage.

Luo Yan tasted a sip of black tea and put the teacup back on the tray.

Youxi's shadow appeared on the rippling water, sighed slowly, and said.

"... Sometimes I really can't figure out what kind of feelings Grand Duke Edward has for his sister. He seems to both hate her and not be able to let her go."

Just like before.

It had been eating melons silently on the side, and probably had gone to the annex without boundaries, only just floating back from there.

Although that was not the Demon King's territory, after all, there were "believers" of the Demon King present, and the Demon King was not far away, so it could float by the window and take a look.

Luo Yan pondered for a while and said.

"Complex feelings."

"You said nothing." Youxi couldn't help but complain.

"Because this is indeed not something that can be explained clearly in a few words." Luo Yan said casually.

Just like Vivian's feelings for him, it's nothing more than whether hatred or indebtedness has the upper hand.

Even he himself is the same.

Originally, he felt justified in teaching that brat a lesson; after all, he really didn't owe the Kelin family anything, but when he saw the efforts Ailin Campbell made in places Edward didn't know, and the suspicion in Edward's eyes, he suddenly felt whether he was too harsh.

Some mistakes were clearly caused by the older generation.

Luo Kexai's indecision and silence almost destined Vivian's misunderstanding, and Luo Kexai's silence might not be because of selfishness, but also came from the pressure of his father, Prince Caesar.

As for Prince Caesar, he also had his own problems. He didn't just have to face the Demon God, but also the other members of the Demon God's cabinet and the Senate of the Kelin Principality; even a demigod couldn't truly do whatever he wanted.

"Every family has its own difficult scriptures to read." Luo Yan couldn't help but sigh.

Youxi, floating beside him, teased.

"Are you thinking of yourself?"

Luo Yan replied calmly.

"I am not a machine, sympathy for each other is human nature."

Just at the same time his voice fell, the carrier pigeon with the royal order finally flew back to Lei Ming City, followed by fast horses running from the Governor's Mansion to various military camps in the city.

Before the recruitment point began to play a role, Grand Duke Edward lifted the mobilization.

With the arrival of this letter, the war clouds hanging over Lei Ming City seemed to disperse in an instant.

But in contrast, a new tsunami swept through the entire city in silence...

(End of chapter)