Chapter 263: Congratulations, You

The battle didn't last long; the pursuit and engagement were over in half an hour.

Of course, this was thanks to Catherine's help.

She ordered fifty Violet Cavalry to join the battle.

Under the cavalry's slaughter, the Black Tiger Tribe warriors, forced to flee on foot, were each impaled through the chest by lances.

"Thank you for your rescue, Lord Gervas!"

When all was quiet and Dachier's body was brought back by Lei Meng, the Third Elder hurried to Gervas's side and bowed deeply in gratitude.

The heirs and Silver Moon warriors did the same.

Previously, they had held strong prejudices against Gervas.

But at this moment, all prejudice vanished.

Because tribal people value gratitude and repayment above all.

In the harsh environment of the Western Wastelands, those who extend a helping hand are truly good people.

With this belief ingrained, even Tiezhua and the others could not help but lower their heads in shame.

Earlier, they had cursed Gervas during meals and even planned to seek revenge against him later.

"No need for such formality—you just paid to redeem your people from my lands. If they'd been killed by these bastards, it might have been blamed on me!"

"By the way, aren't these fellows also from your Western tribes? Why would they ambush you?" Gervas spoke humbly; he knew these tribal people well—absolute "honest folk."

The more humble you are, the more deeply they feel indebted.

Indeed, hearing Gervas speak so casually, with no intention of leveraging the favor for gain,

the respect in the Third Elder's and the heirs' eyes grew even stronger.

Freya, who had been silently pursing her lips, stared at Gervas with dazed eyes, never blinking.

"Lord Gervas, these men are from the Black Tiger Tribe—they meant to kill us and frame you, provoking war between our tribe and the Kingdom!"

"We never expected betrayal from our own tribesmen. If not for Lord Gervas, we'd all be dead in their hands!"

"By the way, Lord Gervas, how did you know the Black Tiger Tribe planned to ambush us?" the Third Elder asked curiously.

"To be honest, you were lucky—I remembered Catherine had left some clothes at my castle, so I planned to send them via Magic Swift Eagle!"

"But the Magic Swift Eagle flew too far and happened to spot the Black Tiger Tribe lying in wait. I sensed something was wrong and immediately led my men here!"

"Now it's clear I arrived just in time—if I hadn't, they'd have succeeded!" Gervas gave his fabricated excuse.

And he had prepared this excuse beforehand.

So he simply pulled a bundle from his saddle.

Inside were the maid's outfit Freya had changed out of when redeemed.

Of course, there were two more—previous changes.

"Clothes?"

The Third Elder was stunned—he never imagined their rescue came because of this.

Seeing Gervas raise his hand to offer the bundle, he prepared to have a subordinate take it.

But at that moment, Freya, who had been staring blankly, finally snapped back to reality—her cheeks flushed crimson.

She rushed forward, snatching the cloth bag containing the maid's outfit before anyone else could.

After all, such shameful clothing must never be seen by her tribe.

Gervas had intended to tease Freya all along.

"Maid Freya, take good care of these clothes! They're all silk—three pieces together are worth dozens of silver coins!"

Freya clenched her silver teeth.

This wicked man! Just moments ago, she had been moved by him.

Now he was mocking her like this.

But before all these people, she could only blush and mutter a quiet "yes."

Gervas then decided to stay a while longer.

The Third Elder also decided to move camp—after all, the ground was littered with corpses and reeked of blood, attracting beasts and demons at night.

"Lord Gervas, we will never forget your life-saving deed. I will report this to our Great Chief!"

"Third Elder, no need to dwell on it. Go ahead—find a new campsite soon!" Gervas waved dismissively.

Immediately, the Third Elder led the remaining tribesmen, gathering their horses to depart.

Because of Gervas's earlier teasing, Freya remained silent afterward.

But as they were about to leave, she hesitated, unwilling to board the carriage.

Just as the Third Elder was about to ask, Freya suddenly ran up to Gervas.

"Thank you, Gervas!"

No embrace. No kiss.

Just a deep bow of gratitude, then she hurried back to the group and slipped into the carriage like a flash.

"Depart!"

The Third Elder's voice rang out as the Silver Moon Tribe vanished into the night.

"Gervas, your charm is truly great. Congratulations—you've won the heart of this tribal princess!"

"Uh, Catherine, don't joke! They're tribal people, and I'm nobility. Even if I saved them once, they might be grateful—but to say they've fallen in love with me? That's absurd!"

"Gervas, don't deny it—Freya clearly didn't want to leave you. She even wanted to hug you!"

"Uh! That can't be right?!" Gervas was stunned—he'd forced her to be his maid for days; she should hate him!

"Nothing's impossible. Otherwise, why did she run over to you at the last moment? Just to say thanks? Then why not say it by the carriage?"

"So Freya was just too shy—she got close to you but held back."

"Really? So… Freya really was conquered by me?" After this analysis, Gervas began to waver between doubt and belief.

"Gervas, are you feeling proud?"

"Uh!"

Gervas immediately sensed the shift in Catherine's tone.

Didn't this sound like an ex-girlfriend's jealousy from his past life?

"No, absolutely not! And Freya's returning to the Western Tribes—whether we'll ever meet again is uncertain. She'll probably forget me in two days!"

Regardless of his intuition, Gervas immediately denied it.

After all, unlike other transmigrators, he wasn't overly sentimental—he actually liked this countess quite a bit.

If things developed further in the future, he wouldn't mind.

Catherine fixed her beautiful eyes on Gervas for a moment, then slightly curled her lips—but said nothing more.

"Cough, cough—enough drama. Let's head back!"

…

Griffin Palace, Nacre Manor!

This luxurious venue atop the palace's rear mountain was built exclusively for grand banquets.

Tonight, Nacre Manor was brightly lit.

Servants constantly came and went from the banquet hall.

Inside, they were hosting several envoys from the western principalities of the Kingdom.

Although the actual power of these principalities was roughly equal to that of the Kingdom's marquis and ducal lords,

due to various reasons and constraints, these principalities had never been conquered or absorbed by the Kingdom, instead becoming targets for diplomatic outreach.

For example, these western principalities controlled vital trade routes deeper into the continent, so the Griffin Kingdom sought to court them, preventing them from being exploited by rival kingdoms.

Tonight's banquet was originally meant to be hosted by the Griffin King.

Unfortunately, the Griffin King was old and frail; after sitting briefly, he retired directly to his chambers.

Thus, the banquet fell to the princes, primarily the Crown Prince and the Second Prince.

Their rivalry had intensified since the King's health deteriorated.

And western trade brought the Kingdom enormous profits every year.

Neither prince wanted to miss this chance—they both sought to win over the envoys, gain their alliance, and strengthen their own power.

And the best way to win them over? Gifts, without doubt.