Amber Sword

"Did you send those people away?" Brand put down the scattered items in his hand and looked at her sympathetically. He couldn’t imagine how much of a blow such an experience would be to the Countess, but it would surely leave a shadow in the future.

Delphire nodded. The Harbor Guard was relatively easy to dismiss, after all, the nobles present included a Princess of the Kingdom. Her statement was convincing with evidence to support it, plus Demons have been Active within Ampezel Port lately, so no one raised any doubts.

After all, who could say for sure if Demons have Existence similar to the Crystal Man; it certainly wouldn’t be Human, that’s for sure.

"I always knew Acker had a notorious reputation, but I didn’t expect him to be so insane. Nia just told me some things; it’s all my fault for not protecting her." Delphire sighed with guilt.

Brand guessed somewhat; when the Female Knight previously made her request, he had factually guessed there might be a grudge involved here.

But after all, this was someone else’s family affair, so he could only nod awkwardly.

"But Mr. Brand, I’m very familiar with Acker and Baron Darrel’s character. I’m really worried about my father, although the Princess says..." Delphire questioned with some concern. Clearly, this was her most pressing worry.

Princess Griffine once tried to comfort her with the Holy Temple’s stance, but the Countess was no fool. After thinking it over, she felt Brand’s guess was closer to the truth. Otherwise, her brother wouldn’t appear at Ampezel, since Yan Castle is quite some distance from the port. Based on the time her brother departed, the war at Ampezel hadn’t started yet, let alone the current rumors.

Brand looked at her and sighed: "Delphi—"

"You’re going to lie to me again, aren’t you?" Delphire stared at Brand, softly asking: "Mr. Brand."

"I..." Brand was embarrassed, thinking what’s with you accusing me of lying again. But upon reconsidering, he couldn’t be sure if he had lied before. After all, his own background was a huge lie, and previously when invading this Lady’s estate, he seemed unlikely to have told the truth either.

He pondered, then replied: "Delphire, may I call you that? Regarding your father’s situation, I have some analysis, if you’re willing to listen."

"Of course," the Countess nodded obediently, not clarifying which question she was responding to: "Say what you will, Mr. Brand."

"Your father may well be in trouble already," Brand answered.

Delphire uttered a gentle "ah," and Brand watched as she gripped the wheelchair’s armrest tightly, her hand turning white from exertion.

"Do you intend to return to the Territory immediately?" Brand asked.

"Of course," Delphire gently breathed, replied: "Mr. Brand, if your family, your father were in danger, would you remain unmoved?"

Brand shook his head: "I certainly wouldn’t, but I don’t advise you to return."

"Why?"

"It’s simple: your father’s possible predicament is either imprisonment or murder." Brand saw Delphire’s complexion worsening and quickly continued: "In the first scenario, if you return to the Territory, your father loses his value of Existence."

"And in the second scenario, do you believe your current physical state can avenge your father? It would only offer your uncle a piece of spoils of war."

Brand finished, fixating on the Countess, fearing she might faint from shock. But Delphire demonstrated an exceptional resilience, only replying after a while: "If I die, would you avenge me, Mr. Brand?"

"Of course I would," yet Brand shook his head: "But what significance would that have? If you think revenge solves the problem, why not avenge personally?"

"Avenge personally?" Delphire slightly stunned, then excitedly: "Can I? Even in my current state, can I avenge personally? Mr. Brand, do you have a method?"

Brand nodded: "Delphire, your Life is merely overspent. Your current physical condition isn’t beyond recovery. Besides, the Count may not necessarily have been harmed yet, but as long as you live a day, he has the chance of rescue."

The Countess fell silent.

Brand watched her gently inhale: "I understand. Can you give me some time to consider, Mr. Brand?"

"Anytime," Brand replied: "However, I also need to inform you, Countess, regardless of your decision, I will not allow you to return to Yan Castle alone. Please trust me; I’m accountable to the heroes of Ampezel Port."

"Mr. Brand, you..." Delphire couldn’t help but laugh and cry: "Thank you, Mr. Brand, you’re truly excessive."

"I have always been excessive." Brand answered unblushingly.

And just then, he saw Princess Griffine return from outside. The Princess seemed to have finished her message, and looked at them both. Although she heard their previous conversation, she offered no comment and only addressed Brand:

"Mr. Brand, could you accompany me to visit someone?"

"Visit someone, now?"

𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Her Royal Highness nodded.

Brand paused, vaguely guessing that the person the Princess wanted him to meet might relate to Northern issues. At present, only this matter might captivate the Princess’s mind, because solving the Northern troubles would resolve everything, from Yan Castle to the Kingdom’s future.

"Who?" he asked.

"Wood Main Priest."

...

(PS: Suddenly struck by Caven, feeling tangled, spent over a day sorting out some thoughts, unsure how tomorrow will be, Caven is just like a menstrual period, annoying every month for a few days...)(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendations, Monthly Ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)