Chapter 498: Chapter 471: Passed Unanimously

The death of the King of Tamriel and the Crown Prince’s succession to the throne were public knowledge.

In the years since the truce between Oduin and Tricia, trade had resumed between them.

So, the news quickly spread into the Oduin Kingdom, and one of the first to hear it was Garrett at Red Pine Castle.

After all, the Kingdom’s spies stationed there always passed firsthand intelligence to him.

’This is my chance!’

Garrett’s heart pounded with excitement. He had already spent the last few days making initial preparations, just waiting for a reason to initiate a war.

He never expected the enemy to hand him such a perfect justification on a silver platter.

After all, the death of a king and the accession of a new one often ushered in a period of instability, making the border the most likely place for war to erupt.

"Matt, go make the arrangements immediately. Have the leaders from Double Peaks Canyon, West Wind Hill, Gray Valley, Black Jade Bay, and our other posts depart for Red Pine Castle at once. Ensure they arrive tonight. I have an important military operation to plan!"

The key personnel at each point along the border defense line all had flying mounts, which made gathering them for important combat operations quite convenient.

Before long, a Griffin Knight landed at West Wind Hill, bearing Garrett’s summons.

After sending the messenger off, Ridder knew the horn of war had been sounded.

He couldn’t help but look across to Watchtower Castle. Over the past two days, Placido had been mobilizing personnel and conducting training exercises, appearing to have resolved to defend Watchtower Castle to the death.

While Ridder admired their courage, without new reinforcements, defeat was all that awaited Viscount Placido.

"Sir!"

Oduro walked into the camp’s main hall. "We captured a mysterious person in the West Mountain. They said they want to see the Marquis."

"Who is it?"

Oduro said, "It’s a woman. She’s wearing a black veil over her face, so I couldn’t see her features."

Ridder was puzzled. There were no cities nearby. Who would come all the way out here looking for the Lord?

And a woman, no less.

"Bring her here. Also, go notify Tom and have him come see me."

Because there were many matters to attend to in Moonlight Valley, and Ronin was busy with his own industrial plans, he hadn’t been staying at West Wind Hill continuously.

However, to make contact easier, he had left his personal guard, Tom, at West Wind Hill.

With a Griffin, the trip from West Wind Hill to Moonlight Valley only took an hour or two.

"Commander, you sent for me!"

Tom arrived quickly. He was now both Ronin’s personal guard and the leader of a Knight Squad. The naivety on his face had long since faded, and with the help of Enhancement Potions, his strength had reached the level of an Advanced Level Knight.

Naturally, his salary wasn’t enough to buy many of the potions used by Intermediate Knights.

However, Ronin took special care of his old subordinates, selling them some potions at a special price and even introducing a "loan" system so they had the opportunity to buy more.

"Red Pine Castle has sent a summons. This means war is coming. Relay this message to the Marquis immediately."

Tom nodded solemnly. "I understand. I’ll leave at once."

Just then, Oduro and a few Knights brought the mysterious woman in. As expected, she had her face concealed by a black veil.

Ridder waved his hand. "Everyone is dismissed, except for Tom."

Since she was unwilling to reveal her face, she naturally didn’t want more people to see it.

The woman glanced at Tom, her expression suggesting it would be best if he left as well.

Ridder explained, "This is the Marquis’s personal guard, Tom Knight. You can rest assured."

As he spoke, he stared intently into her eyes.

Although he had never seen those eyes before, he had a faint suspicion about her identity.

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"Very well."

The veiled woman pulled the veil from her face, revealing fine features that were nonetheless pale and exhausted.

"Hello, Commander Ridder. I am Melis Carmen, sister of Viscount Placido of Watchtower Castle. I’ve come to discuss something with the Marquis."

The corner of Ridder’s mouth twitched into a slight smile. He had just been thinking about Watchtower Castle, and now someone from there had actually shown up.

"Please, have a seat, esteemed Lady Meris!"

Ridder gestured for her to sit, then said, "My apologies, but the Marquis is not currently in the camp. If you are willing, you may wait here. He should arrive by tomorrow at the latest."

"Of course, if you are short on time, you can also tell us what you have in mind, and we will relay it to the Lord faithfully."

Melis considered for a moment, then smiled. "I forced my way here using an Earth Travel Skill Magic Scroll. It took a great deal of energy, and I was planning to recover here for a while anyway."

"So, I’d rather wait for Marquis Ronin to arrive before I say anything."

Some things were better said directly by her.

Ridder didn’t press further. "Tom, you can depart now. Remember to relay this matter to the Lord as well."

"Right!"

Tom nodded and immediately set off for Moonlight Valley.

"Lady Meris, I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t be able to keep you company."

Ridder stood up. "You can rest here. If you need anything, just call for the Guards outside."

Melis was indeed quite exhausted. And with Placido’s sister in their camp, it was unlikely Watchtower Castle would be planning any offensive maneuvers.

That’s why Ridder felt at ease leaving the camp.

"Please, don’t mind me."

Melis didn’t ask any more questions. She gave a polite reply, then sat quietly and began to meditate to recover her strength.

After giving a few instructions, Ridder mounted a Griffin and hurried toward Red Pine Castle.

Although his last experience at Red Pine Castle had been unpleasant, he wasn’t the least bit worried about being given a hard time again.

This was because before leaving, he first made a trip to Gray Valley, the camp managed by the Wushan Territory.

The place was named for the broadleaf trees with gray bark that grew there.

The person currently in charge of the Gray Valley camp was Melonika.

The two had become fairly familiar with each other after a few joint combat experiences.

Sure enough, Melonika had also received the summons.

Neither of them was in a hurry. They chatted for a while, and after Melonika asked him a few questions about cultivation, they finally set off.

By the time the two arrived at Red Pine Castle, many nobles had already gathered.

Besides the two Silver Moon Level knights Ridder had seen last time, Gushan and Yuge, the most eye-catching person was a man with a hooked nose and somewhat effeminate features: Ibn Toransi.

As the Leader of the Royal Griffin Knight Order and the Count of Double Peaks Ridge, this young man had been approaching the Proud Sun Level for many years.

In addition to him, there was Old Viscount Willis, who controlled the Black Jade Ore used for making Extraordinary Weapons; the Commander of the Duke Valgis Knight Order; and several Meteor Knights, including Mogaro from Screaming Island.

"Since everyone has arrived, I won’t delay any longer."

Garrett strode into the fortress hall, scanned the room, and frowned slightly. "Marquis Ronin didn’t come again?"

Ridder rose to his feet. "The Marquis has returned to Moonlight Valley. He will not be directly participating in the current war."

If other nobles themselves could choose not to come to the front lines, then naturally, so could Ronin.

The crowd couldn’t help but look at Ridder. They all knew that this young man was also a Proud Sun Knight.

Although he held no noble title, he carried significant weight.

This time, Garrett showed no anger, merely nodding faintly. "Since he is not here, you can relay the message to him."

As he spoke, he took out a letter and handed it to Gushan, who was standing beside him.

"This is the latest intelligence. King Tamriel of the Tricia Kingdom has died, and his son, Tyrone, has inherited the throne. That country has just experienced a rebellion by its duchies and now faces the king’s death from unknown causes. It is bound to go through a period of turmoil."

Garrett declared loudly, "Now is the perfect time for us to send in our troops!"

He said this while looking at Gushan, who was reading the letter, and then continued:

"My father, the King, Oduin V, has appointed me as the commander-in-chief of the front line, with Gushan as deputy commander. He has also appointed Marquis Ronin as a military advisor. This is his letter."

Although Gushan found it a bit strange, the handwriting was indeed that of His Majesty Bruno, and it bore both the Kingdom’s and the King’s private seals.

"The Crown Prince is correct. This is indeed the case."

He passed the letter to Ibn, and it was circulated from person to person until it reached the hands of Ridder and Melonika.

The letter not only mentioned the appointments but also authorized Garrett to launch an attack at an appropriate time. It also specifically instructed him to set aside his arrogance and listen to the opinions and suggestions of Gushan, Ronin, Ibn, and the others.

Ibn said, "It is now the beginning of September. In another three months, winter snow will cover Mist City. So if we are to launch an offensive, it would be best to do so before December arrives."

Garrett looked at his brother-in-law. "So, you agree with my decision?"

"Of course!"

Ibn smiled. "We’ve been preparing for nearly a year. We’re ready for war at any time."

The Black Jade Bay Viscount, Willis, stroked his beard. "This is indeed a good opportunity. I have no objections."

Both of their territories were on the border, so they had the need and motivation to expand. After preparing for so long, they naturally hoped war would begin soon.

"What is Count George’s opinion?"

Garrett’s gaze turned to the commander for Duke Valgis.

George considered for a moment, then nodded as well. "I approve."

"And Viscount Mogaro?"

Garrett asked the leaders of the great families one by one.

Without exception, they all approved.

"Ridder, although Ronin is not here, since he has given you full authority to represent him, you can serve as acting military advisor until he arrives."

Garrett’s voice was no longer arrogant and domineering; his attitude seemed to have changed. "So, what is your opinion?"

Ridder considered for a moment.

This war had always been part of the plan, so there was nothing strange about launching it now.

And as Count Ibn had said, if they didn’t fight in the next three months, they would have to wait until next year.

From Ronin’s perspective, he also needed to use the opportunity of war to bring the talented people from Watchtower Castle into his fold.

Ridder nodded. "I approve."

A smile played on Garrett’s lips. Although he had forged the letter, just as he expected, it hadn’t aroused anyone’s suspicion. This was how things had been arranged for years, after all.

Besides, he found the feeling of being unopposed utterly intoxicating.

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