Amber Sword

"Is it only the Eruein people who have honor?" Templar Stephen looked deeply at Brand: "The ancestors made vows on the Holy White Plain, and we descendants can only continue the legendary flames with our blood." He bowed slightly to Brand.

This knightly salute contained both obedience and respect.

It was a respect for the true ideal, akin to the footsteps of followers of the King of Flames. Only those who share the same conviction truly understand each other, whether Eruein or Cruz people, among all, there are those who strive for the same noble pursuits. What he wished to prove was only this point.

Barbara stood silently by, smiling mysteriously. The Dark Dragon Lord was once called a Fool, but true foolishness was only among the mundane people.

Brand was dumbfounded.

The knights’ words echoed in his ears, like those vows that reverberated in his heart night after night, seeking kindred spirits who all left such footprints. Whether they were men or women, old or young, strong or ordinary, ideals are neither elevated nor humble due to the person.

Brand once thought he could only find those pure ideals in games, but he realized he was wrong.

But now they have returned.

Right here, beside him.

Just like the players who once fought side by side with him. Frustration, failure, and death could not halt their steps, others laughed at them as fools, persisting for a piece of virtual data that doesn’t exist. But isn’t the world itself so, anything is not born with inherent significance.

What everyone fights for is the persistence in their hearts, such persistence bears no difference in nobility or baseness. Brand has no intention of rebutting others, but if one cannot hold to their own in the virtual world, how can they avoid losing themselves in the broader world?

Retreat is merely a display of cowardice.

Princess Griffine’s clear voice suddenly interrupted Brand’s thoughts.

"This is a noble plan, but not perfect."

The Half-Elf Girl took a gentle breath and spoke: "The current situation is presented before all of us, leaving no room for even a single mistake or a chance to retry. Hence, we must ensure every detail is done to perfection."

"Mr. Brand’s arrangement is undeniable, but here, only Your Excellency is most familiar with the Giant Cloak. During the upcoming battle, multiple intermittent uses of the Giant Cloak will be involved, but missing even one opportunity among them will lead to a never-ending disaster."

"Erune cannot afford such a failure."

"So I suggest Mr. Brand and I exchange roles, with me as the commander of this battle. Mr. Brand then escorts Miss Antitina until the task is completed."

The Princess said calmly. Indeed, and everyone seemed to realize this problem now; though Brand proposed this plan, the core of the plan isn’t the group attracting fire, but how to flexibly apply the Giant Cloak, which lasts less than a minute, to reach the other side of the battlefield.

This is absolutely not a simple task.

Although Brand claimed the cloak is easy to operate, anyone can see that’s merely due to his wish to preserve the Princess’s personal interests.

Such personal interest deserves respect, but it may not suit the timing.

Brand felt the Princess’s incredibly calm eyes on him, suddenly realizing what she intended to say: "Wait, but—"

"I know what you want to say, Mr. Brand."

The conversation thus far lasted but a moment, with the Demon Army surging forward, her time is limited. Princess Griffine lowered her eyelids, interrupting: "Though I have never asked about your purpose, I can feel such sincerity, I am very grateful, Mr. Brand."

"But at this moment, emotions are not the primary factor we consider. If choosing between myself and Erune, I hope more for Erune’s existence; I cannot represent Erune, Mr. Brand, only its people can."

The Princess’s words left everyone silent, especially Nicholas and Reid, as if today they recognized the Princess for the first time. Antitina grasped Brand’s sleeve, as if now realizing why Brand chose such a path.

But what she couldn’t understand was.

Why Brand seemed to know all this in advance.

Brand gazed at the Princess, the Princess continued: "So, please ensure success."

"Your Highness," Brand could not help but say.

But Princess Griffine turned back, wind and rain falling on this young girl, her silver hair clinging to her shoulders. She held her head high as she looked at the others:

"The future King of Erune is still young, cannot lead you into battle himself; today, I shall, as the Regent Princess, lead you in overcoming all challenges."

"This is my honor, my responsibility, unseizable by any."

"If today I die in battle here, then at least let me say for the last time—"

"The blood of Kerkova, shed for Erune."

Amidst a silence, knights suddenly roared loudly:

"Long live the Princess!"

"Long live the Regent!"

"Long live the Erune Kingdom!"

Their voices echoed through the pouring rain, Brand found himself unable to say a word. The words Regent Princess struck like thunder and lightning in his heart, history so wondrously overlaps, the same torrential rain, the same proud Princess.

Almost unchanged declaration. Her stubbornness and tenacity forever so vivid and shining.

As if it has never faded from his heart.

Perhaps this is fate.

Brand thought.

...

(Song FF Network encountered a problem, someone else updated through me, any issues can be left in book reviews) (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)