Chapter 68: Poor Winnie
“Father, our journey to reinforce Princess Hilna must be worthy of the highest commendation, right?” Stamp’s son asked excitedly as their army marched towards the valley.
Duke Stamp chuckled, unable to contain his glee. “It might not be the highest, but it’s certainly a significant contribution. If all goes well, our family might even surpass the Grand Duke’s.”
Young Barr, ever the strategist, offered his analysis. “Father, with all due respect, the Grand Duke’s family poses no threat. Their sole heir is a complete fool. He’s about to be surrounded by Hilna’s forces and he’s still oblivious.”
“Haha, once we capture that boy, we can hold the entire Grand Duke’s family hostage! We might even be able to seize a portion of their territory! Foolishly opposing the brilliant Princess Hilna? He’s practically begging for death!”
Stamp had always envied the Grand Duke’s family. They had started from similar positions, but over generations, the gap between them had widened significantly.
His own family was in decline. With the impending change in royal leadership, he had no choice but to side with Hilna.
This was his chance to restore his family’s glory. Failure meant demotion and the loss of their lands.
He was grateful that Kailun was an incompetent fool. Otherwise, this power struggle might have taken a different turn.
And holding a grand wedding at such a crucial time? What a perfect opportunity for Hilna to strike!
However, the wedding venue… He couldn’t shake off a sense of unease about that valley.
“How long until we reach our destination?”
“Just half an hour, Your Grace,” his aide replied.
“Excellent! Increase our pace! This battle will be our rebirth! Victory will bring great rewards! I’ll personally recommend those who excel for promotion and noble titles!”
His booming voice masked his inner turmoil.
…
Meanwhile, another Knight Order from the Grand Duke’s forces had reached Duke Stamp’s stronghold.
They observed the city from afar, concealed within the forest.
Their cloaking magic had ensured their journey went unnoticed.
Or perhaps it was simply Stamp’s negligence. He had likely never considered the possibility of an attack from such a distance.
Such long expeditions typically didn’t carry excessive supplies, limiting the attackers’ ability to sustain a prolonged siege. Failure meant attrition and defeat.
But this wasn’t a normal situation. Stamp’s undefended stronghold wouldn’t stand a chance against these elite knights. They were simply waiting for the opportune moment.
Master Kailun had called it an auspicious time. They didn’t understand the significance, but they followed orders.
If all went well, Kailun’s standing in their eyes would soar.
He glanced at his watch. Half an hour until the designated time.
A similar scene played out near the Eternal Fortress. Everyone was waiting for the same synchronized moment.
As if guided by fate, the Silver Moon Knights and Stamp’s army both arrived at 9:00 am.
For Kailun, this was the perfect time.
…
“Princess Hilna is truly generous. A gift of ten thousand gold coins? Far more extravagant than a certain prince.” Kailun examined the contents of the chest Hilna had presented him with, offering a perfunctory compliment.
“A mere trifle.” She waved her hand dismissively.
The gold wasn’t meant for him. It was a reward for Stamp, to be presented after his capture.
“I’m truly indebted to you, Your Highness. First Phils, then Vivian, and now this generous gift. You spoil me.” He gestured for his men to collect the gold.
Hilna suddenly felt like a fool.
Phils, one of the Five Great Beauties of the Royal City? Gifted!
Her adorable little sister, Vivian? Gifted!
A wedding gift of ten thousand gold coins? Gifted!
What else could she possibly offer? Her kingdom? Herself?
“How’s Vivian doing?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Excellent! Very useful!” He gave her a thumbs-up.
Hilna: “…”
Shirley: “…”
If not for Stamp’s impending arrival, she might have attacked him on the spot.
Sensing the conversation was going nowhere, Kailun gestured towards Lodis and his group. “Your brother and his companions have just arrived. Why don’t you join them? Catch up on family matters.”
Hilna’s face darkened. “I doubt they’d welcome me.”
“How about I leave Phils to entertain you?” He grinned mischievously.
Hilna’s eyes narrowed, a hint of cruelty flashing within. “Is that so? I have much to discuss with Miss Phils.”
Phils quickly hid behind Kailun. Leaving her with Hilna would be like throwing a lamb to a wolf.
“What a shame. Phils seems quite attached to me. My apologies.” He offered a insincere apology and led Phils away.
As they walked away, he leaned in and whispered, “Compared to Hilna, I’m quite kind, wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes, yes! You’re the best!” She nodded eagerly.
A minor noble like her, without protection, would be crushed in this power struggle.
Pitiful, weak, and… well, she needed Kailun’s protection to maintain her facade of confidence.
She clung to him, feeling safe and secure.
[Phils feels safe under your protection. Favorability increased. Current favorability: 82.]
“Since I rescued you from Hilna’s clutches, you wouldn’t mind helping with the venue preparations, would you?”
“Of course not! I’ll go right away!” She hurried off to assist Carol, her eagerness a performance for the benefit of those watching.
With a little time to spare, Kailun decided to make another attempt at pushing Paul’s favorability past -100.
He had already punched the guy, and his favorability hadn’t budged. Was he made of stone?
His gaze fell upon a pitiful Winnie. An idea sparked in his mind.
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