Chapter 1081: Chapter 258: The War Without Smoke (Part 2)_4
As soon as Brand finished speaking, the assembly place surrounded by ten ancient banyan trees fell into a dead silence, with a pin-drop being audible. Everyone looked at Brand standing high on the platform, yet no one could utter a single word.
"Lord... why?" someone finally asked.
Brand thought for a moment: "Because I want to prevent a noble-blooded, most legitimate heir of the Kingdom, a true Princess, from falling into a trap. For this, Tonyger may offend all her enemies, and those princes and nobles who don’t get what they want at the negotiation table will unite, and the war will spread throughout Erune. We have almost no allies and can only rely on our strength to save this crumbling Kingdom."
Everyone was stunned, except for Antitina, who truly understood the truth and simplified Brand’s statement in her mind - I’m going to snatch the bride. The noble girl couldn’t help but curl her lips; she suddenly thought of something, lowered her head to look at a pendant on her chest - a relic left to her by her father.
"But what do those nobles have to do with us? They have never benefited us, so why should we risk our lives for them?" asked someone from the Gray Wolf Mercenary Group, who was among those deceived by Macaro and had no trust for the nobles.
"The reason is simple: in fact, the only reason we could establish ourselves here is thanks to the Princess’s approval. Officially, we reclaimed this territory from Madara. Whether you like it or not, if we lose this moral foothold, when the northern nobles determine their victor and have a moment to breathe, they will turn on us, making us their next target."
"Therefore, we can only join one side to defeat the other. Although the hope is slim, we have no other choice," Brand replied.
The assembly went silent once again.
But suddenly, a voice exclaimed: "By Martha, my Lord! In that case, if we help Princess Griffeyn defeat her brother and help her ascend the throne, wouldn’t we then have the merit of supporting the rightful ruler in times of crisis? By then, with your accomplishments, being granted a dukedom would only be natural!"
Brand turned to see Caglis, with a mercenary-like expression saying, "If you’re made a Duke, my Lord, at least we house servants should have the title of Baron! Ha, by then, let’s see how my old man can reprimand me, for I’d have a higher status than him."
Caglis had a vulgar expression while speaking, and Melia beside him blushed, pulling at his sleeve in embarrassment, wishing she could just disappear from sight. Never had she seen such a crude noble, and she wondered how Sir Min Tai had educated this guy.
However, Brand secretly laughed, knowing that this cunning young man was setting things up for him, but at least it showed that Caglis was supportive of him.
Caglis’s words indeed sparked a commotion. Why not? When faced with interests, most people first see the benefits rather than the risks behind them, and since it’s a gamble anyway, the risk feels insignificant compared to the rich reward.
Indeed, if they helped the Princess ascend to the throne, Caglis’s speculation could very well come true. Everyone knew how the Princess was currently unsupported; helping her when in need would be invaluable. Just look at what became of the families that first followed Former King Ai Ke?
Anlek, Sipah, Viero, each is a true power-wielding Duke now.
Thinking of this, everyone felt a surge of emotion.
Brand saw the expressions on their faces and knew it should be fine now. He knew that those closest to him would certainly follow him, and the Red Copper Dragon Mercenary Group veterans from the November War wouldn’t oppose either, as they were inherently Royalist sympathizers. He mainly aimed to reassure the remaining mercenaries, who had no particular faith and needed to know they were fighting for themselves, or issues could arise in the future.
He nodded and said, "Indeed, that is why I hope you all prepare yourselves. The reward will be plentiful, but only the ultimate victor can claim it. I trust you understand this even without me saying so."
"Of course, my Lord!"
"We understand."
"Rest assured, my Lord, with your wisdom, having your support is truly the Princess’s good fortune!" Some statements were bold assurances, showing some were already full of confidence. Brand knew most of them were merely flattering him, but at least it motivated them.
Sometimes, a subordinate’s anxiety cannot foresee the worst outcome. But once the worst is considered acceptable, when the real war erupts, Tonyger can join in its peak condition. Brand couldn’t help but rub his chin; truthfully, he wasn’t overly confident about the upcoming war.
It’s not that he lacked confidence, but the enemy was indeed formidable. He didn’t reveal the truth: if plans went awry, he might have to forcibly disrupt Princess Griffeyn’s marriage with Anlek. But any outcome might lead to Anlek angrily siding with the other faction, or at best, remaining neutral. The worst-case scenario meant Tonyger facing the pressure of all of Erune alone.
While Erune wasn’t strong, compared to Madara and Kruz, all six or seven Dukes of Erune overshadow Tonyger like an adult confronting a child. By then, his only ally would be the scant support surrounding the Princess.
In truth, Brand didn’t yet have a complete strategy, and time was insufficient for thorough preparation. He wouldn’t allow history to repeat itself; going to Ambeser was imperative. Right then, he saw Char approaching, which made his heart clear—it was the indication that the ship to Ambeser was ready.
From Tonyger to Ambeser, it would only take a week’s time.
...
(PS: First, thanks to [Night Wind Rises Clouds], [Ten Night T Lanfeng], [Awu Dumpling], [I am not sure], [Hemtica], and everyone on the forum who helped with organizing information.
Then correcting two BUGs, one is Kulan’s Gold Middle Rank strength, and another is the Fire Giant Spirit. I checked, it’s level 45 on the card, which is around Silver Peak, close to Gold Initial; barely considering it Gold Initial is possible.
Finally, Medisha, although her absolute strength is Lower Gold, her combat power reaches Gold Middle Rank.)
(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)
