Chapter 73: Another Contract
“Your Highness, didn’t you say Kailun was finished?” Paul, his face a mask of confusion, gestured towards a triumphant Kailun.
“How should I know?” Lodis clutched his head, his voice laced with frustration. “This is impossible! The Grand Duke’s territory is miles away from Stamp’s stronghold! How did they know when to attack? And how is this happening at such a convenient time?”
“It’s like he’s possessed,” Harry muttered, finishing his thought.
Hilna had been outmaneuvered from the start. Even as mere observers, they felt a chill run down their spines. The pressure she must be feeling was unimaginable.
“There’s something strange about that Kailun. I’d rather not cross him.” Lodis, observing Stamp’s despair, felt a surge of fear.
Paul’s eyes widened. This wasn’t what he had hoped for.
“If Kailun emerges victorious, we’ll have no choice but to confront him. But rest assured, we have the full might of the Divine Church behind us. He can’t escape their judgment.”
Paul’s expression was unreadable as he met Harry’s gaze.
“Kneeling is simply too humiliating! I’ll add another ten thousand gold coins! How about that?” Stamp’s desperate plea interrupted their conversation.
Kailun considered his offer. “Agreed. In twenty minutes.”
Stamp: “…”
Every second that passed meant more bloodshed at his stronghold. What was the point of victory if his family was dead?
“Father!”
His son’s cry shattered his pride.
“Thud!” He dropped his sword and knelt. “Please spare my family! I’ll withdraw my troops!”
“Spare your family?”
“Hahaha! Coming from you? That’s rich! Stop making me laugh!” Kailun glared at him. “Need I remind you how many families you’ve slaughtered? Your hypocrisy disgusts me. Hand over your military command, and I’ll spare you and your family.”
“Never! I’ll never surrender my command! Without it, I’m at your mercy! I’d rather die with my family than hand it over to you!”
“He’s right! You can’t surrender your command!” Hilna, her voice frantic, supported Stamp.
“Shut up, you foolish woman! I’ll deal with you later!” Kailun snapped.
Hilna: “…”
“I’m a kind soul. I hate bloodshed. So let’s play a game. A fun game.” A wicked smile spread across his face.
“A game?” Stamp was bewildered by his sudden shift in tone.
“Yes, a game. With four players.” He pointed at Hilna, Lodis, and Stamp. “If you lose, you surrender your command. If I lose, I become your prisoner. If you don’t trust me, we can sign a contract.”
He retrieved a contract from a stack he had prepared earlier.
The sight of the contract sent chills down their spines. Had he anticipated even this?
Was he even human?
Phils and the others, however, felt a surge of admiration. Even their favorability towards him increased slightly.
Stamp realized this proposal was in his favor. Even if Kailun had been training since birth, he couldn’t possibly defeat him.
He scrutinized Kailun. He was an ordinary mage, barely strong enough to pose a threat to his army.
Why was he so confident? Even in his old age, he wasn’t someone to be trifled with!
“What’s wrong, Duke Stamp? Afraid? Take your time. Being outmaneuvered isn’t the end of the world, is it?” Kailun offered him a reassuring smile. He had all the time in the world.
Hilna, who had clashed with Kailun numerous times, warned, “Don’t trust him, Duke Stamp! It’s a trap!”
“I know you’re anxious, you foolish woman! But hold your horses! I have a contract for you too. Your opponent will be your dear sister, Vivian.” He tossed the contract towards her. “Take a minute to read it. The choice is yours. If you want a civil war, I’m game. But I’ve given up on your feeble mind.”
Hilna fumed at his insults, but as she read the contract, two words popped into her head: “So tempting.”
Of course, Kailun hadn’t forgotten about Lodis and his companions.
He sniffed the air, detecting the peculiar fragrance of the Sunset Flowers. It was time.
He turned to them. As expected, they were starting to show signs of distress.
“My, my, Your Highness. Feeling a little… queasy? Unfortunately, there are no toilets here. You’ll have to make do.”
“You bastard! What did you do to us?!” Lodis’s face contorted in agony.
Harry, despite his magical resistance, was also suffering. His aged face was a mask of pain.
Paul, the most heavily poisoned, had collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony.
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