Amber Sword

"Lord, the other party has already left the castle. Why don't we just -"

The man lowered his voice: "Although he's a Viscount, I bet his family's influence doesn't reach all the way to the South - if I remember correctly, that guy is from Belta, the northernmost border of the Kingdom."

"Fool!"

Baron Grudin was fuming with anger but still had a clear mind. He couldn't help but curse and snorted, "Who should we send? That guy has at least Gold Level strength. Didn't you hear what that Bone Skeleton said? The red-haired woman by his side probably has the same strength. Do you think I don't have enough trouble already?"

"Baron, it's my oversight."

"Then how about sealing the city gate and keeping them here." Another male concubine cautiously suggested.

Grudin took a deep breath and directly kicked the guy out, scolding, "Are you brainless? Who can hold them? Or should I send you?"

The male concubine screamed but quickly got up, his face pale, shaking his head. He didn't know what Gold Level meant, but he knew it would be a death sentence if he went.

"Then let's have those Bone Skeletons handle it. Didn't they sign an alliance with us?" Another male concubine standing beside Grudin looked at his companion gloatingly and answered more servilely.

But Baron Grudin coldly shook his head, disdainfully saying, "Them? They won't make a move. Madara just signed a peace treaty with Erune. They won't offend another noble family at this time. Although I don't know what their Commander staying here is up to, he isn't likely to leave just yet."

He had another thought unspoken - both sides were just using each other. This hidden alliance wouldn't involve any open exchanges, but Jandener could leverage the Madara army's presence to suppress the Kingdom's Southern Army, further consolidating his power.

This was the true meaning of this alliance.

Of course, there was no need to discuss this with a male concubine. He turned his neck, touched the wound on his cheek, and answered bitterly, "But this matter won't end so easily. I must give that guy some hell. Father may not agree to go to war with another noble family, but the people around Viscount Gangsiting, I doubt he can protect them—"

He sneered and immediately said, "Bring me paper and a pen, I'll write to the Earl right now."

"Yes, Baron."

The male concubine beside him immediately bowed respectfully, ready to follow the order. But just then, the study door silently opened, and a shadow slipped in, speaking in a low voice:

"Lord, the matter on Carey's side is settled. I've just received their carrier pigeon—"

Grudin was slightly taken aback, then remembered the matter. He nodded quickly, gritting his teeth, "Perfect, send that and my letter to my father. I'm sure he won't refuse this small request."

He turned back, seeing the shadow still unmoving, asked impatiently, "Is there anything else?"

"Lord, the city seems unsettled now; I'm worried about those mercenaries..." the shadow replied quietly.

"Don't worry about them, although Madara's Bone Skeletons won't help me against that damned Viscount. But they won't let the rebels harm me, that I know better than you." Grudin waved his hand, "Leave now. If those mercenaries act up, I'll teach them to behave -"

The shadow nodded, then silently withdrew.

******

On the other side, even though Antitina wished for the rest of the day to pass peacefully, it seemed there are things in this world that do not change according to one's will. This noble daughter from Brags never expected events to unfold beyond her anticipation from the start.

After clashing with the local Lord, staying in Fir City was no longer an option. Although Brand did not fear Grudin's retaliation, he had to be wary of Madara's covert attacks. After all, they had clashed in Ridenburg once, and later were targeted in Brags. Now, they might still be assassination targets on Instarlon's list.