Chapter 751: The Battle of the Heirs
The Southern General approached Ethan with a broad smile and patted him on the shoulder, making his armor ring out.
"You did well," the Southern General said, nodding in approval. "Besides, you helped the princess in her first official battle. You are doing excellent, keep it up. I shall take my leave."
Without waiting for an answer, the Southern General launched himself into the sky and shot away from the area at a breathtaking speed, leaving the princess’s people alone on the quieted battlefield.
Ethan watched the streak of light left behind by the general before turning back to the princess.
"May I know why there was a battle in this place, Princess?" Ethan asked, letting a slight curiosity show.
Isabella let out a soft laugh and shook her head gently.
"I almost always forget that you come from an island," Isabella replied, looking him in the eye. "It is a tradition: the Battle of the Heirs. Each kingdom chooses its heir by making them fight. The first battle must be against a foreign power."
Isabella paused briefly and pointed to the vast lands around them.
"I was tasked with fighting in the south against the Blue Phoenix," Isabella continued. "Since we won, we will have control over the entire southern zone, and the Phoenix Kingdom will fall back, ceding the mountains, mines, seas, and forests. For the next thousand years, they will be ours. A thousand years ago, my father fought this battle and won; now we have secured the future thousand years."
Ethan listened attentively to every detail of the kingdom’s complex power dynamics.
"My brother, the fourth prince, is in the north fighting against the White Fox Kingdom," Isabella added. "My other brother is to the east against the Blue Dragon Kingdom, and my other brother to the west against the Dark Leviathan Kingdom. Only by dominating their respective zones will they be able to return home. Finally..."
Isabella smirked and took a step closer to him.
"You are my lucky charm," Isabella said in a sweet, pleased tone. "My campaign only lasted three years. I have heard that my brothers are having trouble and are unlikely to win without casualties."
Ethan listened attentively before asking the question lingering in his mind.
"And what comes next, Princess?" Ethan asked. "What is the next step?"
Isabella looked toward the horizon with her arms crossed.
"It is likely my brothers will desperately try to win their battles now that we have finished," Isabella explained. "In the Battle of the Heirs, it isn’t just about who wins, but also how fast those victories are achieved. For the moment, I am in the lead."
Ethan nodded slightly, taking in the tactical information.
"Good to know," Ethan said. "Who will be the next target?"
A dangerous spark gleamed in the princess’s gaze as she turned her eyes back to him.
"The next battle will be a fraternal war," Isabella declared with coldness. "Our armies will fight to the death, and whoever wins will become the rightful heir to the throne. What do you think? Do you still want to fight by my side? If we lose, you will die. There will be NO MERCY for anyone."
Isabella’s golden eyes shone with a burning longing, as if she were craving to dive straight into that new battlefield. Suddenly, her expression softened slightly as she remembered the promise she had made him years ago.
"As I promised, I will grant you one request," Isabella added. "Whatever it may be, I will not refuse. Tell me, what gift do you want?"
Remembering the weight of her vow and sensing the tension of the moment, a faint blush dusted Isabella’s cheeks. Deep down, she was expecting a rather aggressive or personal request from her destined one.
However, Ethan bowed deeply before her with respect.
"I want you to request the kingdom to search for a group of people," Ethan requested in a firm voice laden with emotion. "They are the survivors of my former world. Please, issue the search for my family!"
The princess couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed deep down, having expected something very different; however, she concealed it immediately, flashing a warm smile.
"I will send the request to my father so he issues a search mission for your entire family," Isabella said, looking at him with gentleness. "We will leave no stone unturned."
"I thank the Princess for her kindness and for helping me and my family," Ethan replied, maintaining his reverent posture. "I must also report that, during my mission, to maintain my cover I received a bit of help, and I would not want them to be executed. Their only crime was being born in the lands of the Heavenly Sword Sect."
Ethan made a subtle hand signal toward the main ship. Descending from the platform came Mary, Louisa, her young son Roy, Meave, and the rest of the maidservants, all walking cautiously and bowing deeply before the imposing royal figure.
"I understand," Isabella replied after observing them for a moment. "I will have them sent to your quarters; you may do as you wish with them. I am going to report to my father. You are coming with me."
"Of course, Princess," Ethan nodded. "May I know where to place the ships?"
"I will send my pilots to move them to the realm’s hangars," Isabella explained, crossing her arms as she surveyed the fleet. "They will serve our personal flotilla, though they’ll need a bit of repainting and modifications to be fit. I like that main flagship; I think I’ll take it for myself. My Rhino ship was destroyed on my last mission."
"Of course, Your Highness," Ethan said with a subtle smirk. "It is my honor to present you with your carriage."
"Stop flattering and follow me," Isabella shot back, turning around with elegance while hiding an amused expression.
"Obey the officers," Ethan told them all before leaving. "I will return after settling everything. Do not do anything stupid."