Chapter 389 - 385: Provoking Trouble
The mission Duane gave them could be summarized in a single sentence:
Lune and the others were to form an elite squad, disguise themselves as men of either Viscount Freddy or Duke Eldrin, and launch surprise attacks on the opposing side. This would incite both parties’ anger, goading them into fighting each other before Duane’s army arrived.
𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
"I’ve already had Count Kais arrange for people to spread rumors within the Star Sea Duke Territory at the end of January, letting Eldrin know that Viscount Freddy has already compromised first. At the same time, the Count’s people will also spread similar rumors in the Scorching Wind Territory to make Freddy think Eldrin has taken the same action."
At such a sensitive time, regardless of whether the rumors were effective, both sides would become suspicious. This was especially true for Viscount Freddy, who had, after all, genuinely compromised with Duane.
So when he heard such rumors, he would definitely wonder if Eldrin had also taken similar action.
At that point, if Lune’s team, disguised as the Duke’s vanguard, were to raid Sentry Town, Viscount Freddy’s suspicions would reach their peak.
"I’ve brought you Spell Scrolls for the Stealth Technique, Fog Condensation Technique, and others. Use them wisely to create chaos."
Duane retrieved these supplies from his Void Space.
After several months of production, he had accumulated a large number of Level 2 Spell Scrolls. Even after giving four or five hundred to Lune’s team, he would still have plenty left.
"Also, as a precaution, I’ll have the Big Cat stay in the Starfall Islands to coordinate with you. It will intervene to save your lives in a crisis."
This was why he had brought the Lynx. A Demon Beast comparable to the Peak of Shooting Star Level was unstoppable in a small place like this.
However, Duane instructed Lune and the others to avoid direct confrontation and focus on creating chaos instead.
For instance, they could burn their granaries, ambush their patrol squads, and then shift the blame to the Duke’s Territory or the Scorching Wind Territory.
It sounded simple, but executing it flawlessly would be quite difficult.
Lune and the others were both amazed at their Lord’s strategy and lost in thought, racking their brains over the operational details.
"I’m leaving this matter to you. The few of you can discuss the specific details of how to proceed."
Duane said, rising from the main seat, "I’m going to Sharp Stone Castle now to bring you the standard uniforms of the Yalvis Clan and the Star Sea Clan."
Lune quickly said, "It’s almost evening. I’ve already had a banquet prepared. Why don’t you rest for the night here in Mountain Village, my Lord?"
Duane smiled slightly. "Consider it a welcome feast for Conrad and the others. You all should get to know each other. I won’t be attending."
With that, he cast the Soaring Technique and quickly vanished into the sky.
"The Lord... he can fly?"
Ross, shocked, went to the door and gazed into the sky, but Duane’s figure was already gone.
Conrad sighed with emotion. "I only just witnessed this myself when I got off the ship. To be honest, the Lord’s abilities have likely reached a level beyond our comprehension!"
To break free from the bonds of the earth and soar through the sky was a dream everyone had, but how many could actually achieve it?
In their experience, at least, Duane was the first person capable of doing so.
"Alright, everyone. We need to discuss how to flawlessly complete the mission our Lord has given us."
Lune set aside his shock. "This is our chance to prove our worth. We cannot fail to live up to the Lord’s favor and expectations!"
Ross and Conrad snapped back to reality. "Right! We absolutely cannot disappoint the Lord!"
Meanwhile, Duane soon arrived above Sharp Stone Castle.
Three years had passed since Selena took control of Sharp Stone Territory. After she abolished many of the exorbitant taxes and levies, the lives of the common people here had slightly improved.
But this was not Black Forest Island, after all. She couldn’t openly reduce taxes with great fanfare, as she would have a hard time explaining herself if Freddy were to find out.
Using Stealth, Duane slowly descended. He could see Brison in the castle’s rear courtyard, helping Willard sit on the back of a small pony.
A child so young was already learning to be around horses. It was clear that Selena and Brison placed great importance on Willard’s upbringing.
"Selena. Brison."
The sudden voice made them both jump, their movements freezing for a moment. But upon recognizing it as Duane’s voice, their tension eased slightly.
They hurriedly looked around but couldn’t see Duane’s figure.
Duane descended slowly and deactivated his Stealth Spell, finally revealing himself to the three of them.
The sudden appearance of a person made Willard cry out, but Brison quickly calmed him down.
"My Lord, you’re finally here!" Selena came forward to greet him.
Duane smiled. "Sorry to interrupt your pleasant time together."
"You’re too kind!"
Brison lifted Willard off the pony. "Quick, greet the Lord."
Willard, being a three-year-old, was still afraid of the stranger before him, but he obeyed his teacher’s instruction and offered a childish greeting.
Duane smiled and patted the boy’s little head. "Time flies. In the blink of an eye, Willard has gotten so big."
After some simple pleasantries, Selena handed Willard over to a servant.
"My Lord, we’ve already heard from Viscount Freddy that you will soon be attacking the Starfall Islands. Is there anything we can do to be of service?"
They had received considerable protection from Duane over the past few years. Now, Selena was a Level 5 Mage and Brison an Earth Tier Warrior. Without external interference, the two of them were more than capable of suppressing anyone else in the territory.
When they heard that the Akutas Kingdom was facing a siege from four other kingdoms and that Duane was the one attacking the Starfall Islands, they knew the time to change their circumstances had arrived.
As long as they cooperated with Duane to take the Starfall Islands, they would be completely free of future worries. They would no longer have to live on edge, fearing that the matter concerning Torre would be exposed and bring Viscount Freddy’s wrath upon them.
"That is precisely why I have come to see you."
He briefly explained his arrangements, then said, "What I need you to do now is prepare representative clothing for both Freddy’s and Eldrin’s sides for Lune and his team. Then, help Lune’s squad secretly pass through Sharp Stone Territory to reach the front lines."
Brison said, "During the wars a few years ago, we confiscated a lot of supplies. Among them was a batch of armor and cloaks bearing the ’Silver Star and Sea Waves’ emblem, which will be perfect. We already have clothing of the Blazing Sword. This won’t be difficult."
Selena added, "I will bring Lune’s squad to the castle under the pretext of recruiting a new batch of guards from the villages. Then, I will send them to the border under the guise of a patrol."
Duane nodded to himself. The two of them had clear minds; they were worthy of being the lords of Sharp Stone Territory for so long.
"With your cooperation, Lune’s mission will be much easier. But this matter must be kept secret. At least until my army arrives, not a word can get out!"
Brison said, "Rest assured, my Lord, we will be vigilant. We just don’t know when you will officially attack the Starfall Islands, or what else you need us to do."
"We set sail in early March. In about a month, we will attack the Star Sea Clan’s territory from the south."
Duane said, "I will notify you when you are needed. Until then, actively prepare for war!"
"Yes, we understand!"