Outside Dragon Clouds City, in a small house in a village.
"It's been five years, Cohen, and my dear Miranda. Did the tower send you here?" In the dark room, the short-haired girl on the wooden bed, Kroesch Mirk gave them a complicated but peaceful smile. "Seeing you now is the best comfort."
"Thank you, Uncle Kaslan." The short-haired girl expressionlessly thanked Kaslan, who was beside her.
Miranda furrowed her brows tightly.
'"Whether you can guard against theft or not depends on your ability. Whether you want to guard against theft or not depends on my attitude.
'"I have always despised thieves, whether they steal or enjoy stolen goods."'
Even someone as careless as Cohen could not help but notice that the Northland girl, Kroesch, had changed drastically since they were in the same period.
Compared to the high-spirited Kroesch Mirk when they parted at the Tower of Eradication five years ago, not only was she much thinner, she was also much duller. The determination that was once carved on her round face like a seal had turned into bitterness and disappointment at some point in time.
Cohen's gaze shifted to her hand, and he immediately held his breath.
This girl, who had a determined expression on her face when they were in the tower, trained hard, and never gave up easily …
Her sword-wielding right hand …
It was tightly wrapped in bandages.
"Kroesch …" Cohen tried his best to shift his gaze away from her right hand and forced an ugly smile. He carefully and slowly asked, "Are … are you alright?"
'Alright?'
The moment the words left his mouth, Cohen had the urge to slap himself.
Kroesch looked at him slowly, her gaze calm.
"I'm alright." The girl's hollow gaze made Cohen's heart ache. "It's just that my right hand … can no longer touch weapons."
There was silence.
Cohen was so embarrassed that he did not know how to continue. 'Damn it, if only Raphael was here at this moment. Comforting people has always been that boy in white's strong suit.'
As expected, Miranda walked forward, leaving Cohen to roll his eyes.
Then, like countless times in the past, she calmly and harshly stomped on the innocent-looking Cohen.
* Hiss — *
Just as Cohen was grimacing in pain, Miranda sat on the edge of Kroesch's bed. Her expression did not change as she said decisively, "Who did it?"
At this moment, any consolation would be futile. Miranda thought to herself, "I might as well get straight to the point so that she doesn't have to think about those useless things."
Beside them, Kaslan coughed.
The former leader of the White Blade Guards did not have much to say in front of Kroesch.
He had seen this kind of situation in too many retired soldiers.
Kaslan sighed deeply in his heart.
And they, the soldiers, would never know how lucky they were to be able to retire after being injured.
Kroesch snapped out of her daze and flashed an ugly smile.
"I think all of you should know some of the causes and consequences." Kroesch's tone had calmed down. She did not sound like a swordsman who had just lost hope in using a sword. "A military officer named Hardy was lurking in Black Sand Region's army and almost assassinated your prince with a Mystic Gun under the fortress."
Cohen nodded.
"I saw that scene on Broken Dragon Fortress, but I didn't see it clearly. I thought it was just a test shot to demonstrate," Miranda replied quietly.
"By the way, Miranda, you are now a capable subordinate of the Fortress Flower in Constellation, right?" Kroesch smiled at her former classmate. She then glanced at her right hand. Her expression darkened and she spat out a few words.
She said, "Congratulations."
Miranda's expression was indifferent. She did not speak. She only silently extended her hand and held Kroesch's left hand tightly.
Feeling the warmth of Miranda's hand, Kroesch trembled slightly.
"That … Ah!"
Cohen, who was scratching his ears and cheeks at the side, was about to speak when Miranda elbowed him with an expressionless face, making him swallow all the words he was about to say.
With a face full of grief and indignation, Cohen continued to bare his teeth soundlessly. At the same time, he continued to protest at Miranda with his gaze.
'Must you do this?'
Kroesch snickered.
This scene reminded her of what had happened in the Tower of Eradication in the past.
Kaslan, who was standing by the side with his arms crossed, looked at Miranda approvingly. 'What an attentive and considerate girl. She has unknowingly lifted Kroesch's mood.
'The Arunde Family's daughter is just a little too cold. It would be better if she could smile more.'
"According to the archduke's instructions, we tracked down the arms dealer of that officer, Hardy." Kroesch maintained the smile that had appeared on her face after much difficulty and continued to say, "They sold the Mystic Gun parts that Hardy replaced from the army and were supposed to be destroyed to the south and the west. Hardy used this to exchange for more funds, and then used these funds back on the training of the troops and social relations. "
"In a few years, perhaps His Grace's Mystic Gun Squad would be under the control of those people. Fortunately, we discovered it early and intercepted his underground arms dealer."
"That officer … What did you find out about him?" Miranda asked softly.
"Not much," Kroesch said faintly.
"Hardy came from a small village further north. It's the territory of Archduke Lecco in Defense City. He was a person who personally experienced the war between Eckstedt and Constellation eleven or twelve years ago. He survived the tragic attack and defense of Broken Dragon Fortress, but he lost a hand and half of his face under the bombardment of the Mystic Gun. "
Miranda's face paled.
It was the war from twelve years ago again.
Kohen sighed and walked forward. Carefully avoiding the range of Miranda's unarmed attacks, he asked slowly, "The Archduke of Defense City, one of the two archdukes in the north of Eckstedt? The Lecco Family? So, Archduke Lecco was the mastermind behind the conspiracy to murder the Prince of Constellation with the help of the Mystic Gun? "
Kroesch shook her head. "It's not that simple. Hardy came to Black Sand Region after the war and has been living there ever since. He hasn't come into contact with anyone related to Defense City, so we can't be sure that it's him.
"But there is one thing that makes us very suspicious.
"We interrogated Hardy's arms dealer and found out that Hardy mentioned once that he had a daughter named Lucy."
Kohen's eyes brightened. "You found his daughter? Is there something wrong with her? "
"Not only is there something wrong with her." Kroesch pursed her lips tightly and shook her head.
"There's no such person."
"There's … no such person?" Kohen asked, puzzled.
"Hardy has been single for more than forty years. This is what we confirmed from his neighbors. He doesn't even have a wife or a lover, let alone a child," Kroesch said faintly.
"We traced the name Lucy … and found that he mentioned her name to more than one person.
"From the arms market in Black Sand Region to the transport team in Prestige Orchid Region, when we followed the trail to Dragon Clouds City, we were intercepted." The short-haired girl raised her head, her expression frightening. "A group of unfamiliar swordsmen appeared."
Miranda furrowed her brows. "Disaster Swords?"
Kroesch lowered her eyelids and nodded.
"How were they? How many of them were there?" Kohen's expression changed. Ignoring Miranda's displeased expression, he rushed forward and asked anxiously, "What kind of Power of Eradication did they use? How did you recognize them as Disaster Swords? "
Kaslan, who was listening quietly, frowned.
"There were many of them. Their faces were covered, and it was dark, so we couldn't see their figures and faces clearly. But their Power of Eradication … is just like what Teacher Chartier described, "Kroesch said flatly." It's cold, ruthless, and its Power of Eradication is turbulent and never stops. "
I was the only one who managed to escape. "
Kohen was stunned.
But he immediately came to his senses. "Is there more information? When and where did they appear? For example, how did they draw their swords … "
"I've told Uncle Kaslan about the details of their appearance." But Kroesch only gritted her teeth and shook her head with a bitter gaze. "Go and complete your mission, whether it's for the Tower of Eradication or for your Prince of Constellation."
Kohen wanted to ask again, but Miranda grabbed his arm and shook her head.
"I'm tired," Kroesch said slowly. She slowly turned over and faced the wall. "I want to rest for a while."
Kohen and Miranda looked at each other, then at Kroesch. Finally, under Kaslan's gaze, they bade farewell and left.
"Kohen."
Before leaving, Kroesch suddenly called out to Constellation's guard.
Kohen turned around in shock.
She turned her head and raised her eyes. There was an indescribably complicated expression in her eyes. "You …
"Be careful."
Kohen froze for a moment. Then, he was pulled out of the room by Kaslan.
"You saw what she looked like … To be honest, based on my observation, I don't think she's really injured to the point where she can no longer wield her sword. It's the barrier in her heart that prevents her from continuing to wield her sword," Kaslan said flatly.
"What do you mean? Barrier in her heart? "Miranda asked with a frown.
"Kroesch is the daughter of my old subordinate in the White Blade Guards." Following the two young men out of the house, Kaslan looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance and shook his head. "You met her in the Tower of Eradication, so you should know that she's very ambitious. I guess it's also because you Constellatiates indoctrinated her …"
"Hey!" Kohen protested. "What do you mean by 'we Constellatiates' indoctrinated her? Kroesch has always been … "
Kaslan ignored him and continued to speak to himself.
"She's always been strong since she was young. She always wanted to become a legendary female knight like 'Heart of the Rain' Loraine."
"'Heart of the Rain' Loraine … I heard that she was in the same batch as Master Shao?" Kohen asked curiously. "Is she the Flag Leader Mercenary from the Hanbol Succession War in the Eastern Peninsula?"
"Yes." Kaslan seemed to have been reminded of the past. He paused for a moment as he reminisced. Then, he flashed a smile and said, "There are always some women you don't dare to provoke."
Immediately, the old Kaslan sighed. "After going through the training in the Tower of Eradication, Kroesch became even more ambitious. When she came back, she even recommended herself for the White Blade Guards' assessment, wanting to join the White Blade Guards …"
Miranda raised her head, her eyes burning. "But she didn't succeed?"
Kaslan raised his eyebrows. "The White Blade Guards rejected her. It was a huge blow to her."
Miranda looked puzzled. "Blow? As far as I know, the White Blade Guards have very high selection standards — "
"What struck her was not the rejection," Kaslan interrupted her and turned his head. "It was the reason she was rejected."
"The reason she was rejected?" Miranda stared at him.
"What is it?"
Kaslan took a deep breath and did not answer.
"I know," Just as Miranda was about to say something, Cohen answered from the side.
The police officer sighed. "Because she's a woman, right?"
Kaslan cast Miranda a meaningful glance and nodded. "That's right.
"Because she's a woman."
Miranda subconsciously clenched her teeth.
"Although many people say that we Northlanders are very tough, and when we're fierce, even women and children can pick up weapons," Kaslan sneered. "But according to my wife, most Northlanders still believe that territories, politics, wars, and aristocratic inheritance are all men's matters. Women should stay at home and wait for their husbands to return.
"Just like that, Kroesch brought her sword and went to various suzerains, but she ran into walls everywhere. A woman who had gone through the complete training in the Tower of Eradication, a supra class swordsman, could not even get a position with a count …
"There were a few viscounts and barons who were willing to take her in, on the condition that she would marry them after her term was up … Without a doubt, it was all because of her father's position in the White Blade Guards."
Miranda tightened her grip on the hilt of the sword at her waist.
'Compared to my smooth-sailing life in Constellation, my father's care, and Sonia's care … Is this what Kroesch faced in Northland, and what happened to her in Eckstedt?'
"According to her father … Kroesch even considered going to the Southwest, to Bramble Land, Dragon-Kissed Basin, or even the Great Desert to become a mercenary.
"But in the end, she went to Black Sand Region and used her father's name to work for my good-for-nothing nephew, a viscount named Kentvida. She got a position in his territory." Kaslan sighed.
Kaslan sighed and said, "I suspect that this is one of the methods Chapman Lampard used to draw me to his side, but looking at Kroesch …
"And this time …"
Kaslan shook his head.
"So you know why, little Arunde girl." The old man raised his gaze and looked at Miranda. "To be honest, your attire is too eye-catching in Northland."
Miranda did not say a word. She only stared at the distant Dragon Clouds City.
"When I was at the Western Frontline, due to the occasional shortage of soldiers, there were some female soldiers there," Kohen said slowly.
"There were female mercenaries from the southwestern countries who joined the army due to various reasons such as being unable to survive. Most of them were female mercenaries, but they … were usually not welcomed." Kohen's eyes sparkled as he said,
"Born with less strength and weight than men, a special requirement for the style of armor on the upper body, and an absolute disadvantage in height — these are often fatal when facing orcs, because you have to jump to attack their vital parts.
"Of course, there's also the monthly … you know.
"Their status in the military camp is very low. Sometimes, they often have to rely on …" Kohen lowered his head and furrowed his brows. "… to please their superiors and colleagues.
"And once they fall into the hands of the enemy, especially the Barren Bone people … they often end up much worse than men.
"So, even I usually avoid female soldiers when choosing soldiers for the commandos."
Miranda still did not say a word.
"I guess this is also the consideration of the White Blade Guards." Kaslan sighed. "Learning the sword in the Tower of Eradication is one thing, but … women are naturally not suited for the battlefield.
"Excuses."
Miranda raised her head abruptly and snorted coldly. "All of you — men only see the disadvantages of female soldiers on the battlefield and deliberately ignore their advantages."
"Advantages?" Kaslan furrowed his brows.
Kohen raised his eyebrows helplessly. At an angle that Miranda could not see, he spread his hands at Kaslan.
"Less exhaustion than men, endurance that far surpasses men, flexibility and agility beyond imagination, meticulous and keen observation skills, and calmness in the face of danger — these are all women's advantages," Miranda said indignantly. "Even in terms of strength and height — take the Kingdom's Wrath for example, I saw with my own eyes that his height and strength are not comparable to Lady Sonia's! Besides, we have the Power of Eradication! "
"And I am also a woman," Miranda said coldly. "In the Tower of Eradication, I am stronger than you, you, Raphael, Misadun, and every single one of you who were in the same period as me.
"Not to mention the legendary Valkyrie like the Heart of the Rain from thirty years ago, Knight Lorraine!"
Kohen coughed awkwardly.
"Uncle also said just now that the battlefield is another matter … and you can't compare it with some special people." The police officer spread his hands helplessly. "'Heart of the Rain' is a special case among special cases. Lady Sonia is also a legendary figure under the Duke of Star Lake. And Miranda, you are the daughter of the Arunde Family. You were born to be trained as a warrior, suzerain, and commander … "
As soon as Kohen finished speaking, Miranda's murderous gaze shot straight at him and pierced through his heart.
It also cut off the second half of his sentence in his throat.
"I think that Western Desert and Northland are more special." Kaslan snorted. "Western Desert is the frontline of war and chaos all year round, and the Northlanders' views on women have existed since ancient times …"
"I am also a Northlander!" Miranda retorted with a cold expression.
The old Kaslan led them to the stable. Two people who looked like soldiers bowed to him.
"You are a Northlander of Constellation, and an Arunde. You people even allow women to inherit. As far as I remember, you even had a queen a few hundred years ago.
"And Northland," Kaslan sighed and said, "is still very far away from accepting a female knight, a female suzerain, or even a queen …
"It's still very far away."
'No, even in Constellation, female suzerains are still looked down upon.' Miranda silently said in her heart, 'A few hundred years ago, the Queen of Constellation didn't end up well either.'
"There will be a day." Miranda raised her head, her gaze firm. "On that day, female warriors, female swordsmen, female suzerains, and even queens will no longer be the minority. We will prove to the world that men can do it."
"Women can do it too."
Kaslan shrugged and walked into the stable.
Kohen stuck out his tongue. He thought of his two devilish sisters at home and sighed helplessly.
'Miranda … Why would Raphael like her?'
But when he thought of Raphael, his current position, and the Power of Eradication in his body, Kohen's heart sank again.
"The army of Black Sand Region is stationed in a village near Dragon Clouds City to escort the prince. They will bring Kroesch back." Kaslan led two horses over and looked at the two young noble swordsmen. "I'll leave the next task to you."
"You're not going?" Kohen raised his eyebrows.
"My appearance is not a good idea." Kaslan's expression darkened. "It will alarm too many people."
"Fortunately, I still know some people in Dragon Clouds City, some old acquaintances. They can provide you with information, but when it comes to specific investigations and inquiries, identifying the Disaster Swords from the Sword of Eradication." Kaslan handed the reins to the two men. "No one is more experienced in this field than you and the Seeds of the Tower of Eradication this time. Whether it is the innate insight of nobles, supra class combat power that adapts to the battlefield, or the ability to sense the Disaster Swords."
"You know some people in Dragon Clouds City?" Kohen revealed a doubtful expression. "Uncle, haven't you been running a tavern in Black Sand Region for twenty years?"
"Ah, about that." Kaslan touched his white hair awkwardly. "At least I lived in Dragon Clouds City for many years."
"Are the people still usable after twenty years?" Kohen furrowed his eyebrows.
"I've been keeping in touch …" Kaslan looked around and chuckled. "And for a long time, many of the old subordinates of the White Blade Guards stayed in Dragon Clouds City after they retired. When they were trying to make a living, I helped them out a little …"
"Making a living? Help? "Kohen's doubts grew stronger.
"Um, when some of the retired soldiers were having a hard time, I would act as a middleman for them … and find them some work." Kaslan coughed unnaturally. "You know, there are always some jobs that require people who know how to fight to do …"
"You could have just said that you introduced them to the gang." Miranda had a contemptuous look on her face. "It'll be easier for us to understand."
Kaslan coughed loudly and drowned out Miranda's words. "For the past ten years or so, the gang in Constellation, the Brotherhood or whatever it is, has been causing a lot of trouble. They even expanded their business here. Some of my old friends are always short of manpower and wanted me to introduce them to them, so … "
"What?" Kohen widened his eyes. "After all this time, uncle, you're actually the contact and introducer for the gang in Dragon Clouds City?"
Kaslan's coughing grew louder. Under the doubtful gazes of the two young men, he raised his head in a righteous manner and patted their shoulders. "Anyway, whether it's the mission of the Tower of Eradication, giving Kroesch an explanation, or the truth behind the assassination of the Prince of Constellation, I'll leave it to you!"
Miranda and Kohen revealed a contemptuous look, while the other clicked his tongue and shook his head.
"Remember, your mission is only to investigate, not to throw your lives away for an unverified piece of information." Before they left, Kaslan became serious. "But all of you have the ability to come into contact with the Disaster Swords, and even survive their attacks.
"As long as you don't run into a supreme class swordsman … I believe in your abilities."
The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
"My people will help you … but if you make a big deal out of this, remember to hide yourself well … Although your prince is currently on a diplomatic mission to Eckstedt, and the tension between the two countries has largely been reduced by his arrival, it is not a good thing for Constellatiates, especially the family members of Constellation nobles, to recklessly expose their identities here.
"Also, what you need to pay attention to and worry about is not as simple as the Disaster Swords on the surface." Kaslan narrowed his eyes. "The Disaster Swords may be working with an Eckstedtian suzerain, such as an archduke. No matter what, to deliberately ally with a suzerain and assassinate the Prince of Constellation, I'm afraid their goal is not simple."
"I understand." Kohen inhaled and mounted his horse. "We'll find out their background and the truth, whether it's a plot to assassinate the prince or an intention to harm the Tower of Eradication."
Miranda did not say anything else. She nodded slightly and immediately rode away.
Kohen followed closely behind her.
Kaslan watched the two of them leave, then looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance. There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
'Back then, I also stepped into Dragon Clouds City from here.'
The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
"My people will help you … but if you make a big deal out of this, remember to hide yourself well … Although your prince is currently on a diplomatic mission to Eckstedt, and the tension between the two countries has largely been reduced by his arrival, it is not a good thing for Constellatiates, especially the families of Constellatiate nobles, to recklessly expose their identity here.
"Also, what you need to pay attention to and worry about is not as simple as the Disaster Swords on the surface." Kaslan narrowed his eyes. "The Disaster Swords may be working with an Eckstedtian suzerain, such as an archduke. No matter what, to deliberately ally with a suzerain and assassinate the Prince of Constellation, I'm afraid their goal is not simple."
"I understand." Kohen inhaled and mounted his horse. "We'll find out their background and the truth, whether it's a plot to assassinate the prince or an intention to harm the Tower of Eradication."
Miranda did not say anything else. She nodded slightly and immediately rode away.
Kohen followed closely behind her.
Kaslan watched the two of them leave, then looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance. There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
'Back then, I also stepped into Dragon Clouds City from here.' The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
"My people will help you … but if you make a big deal out of this, remember to hide yourself well … Although your prince is currently on a diplomatic mission to Eckstedt, and the tension between the two countries has largely been reduced by his arrival, it is not a good thing for Constellatiates, especially the families of Constellatiate nobles, to recklessly expose their identity here.
"Also, what you need to pay attention to and worry about is not as simple as the Disaster Swords on the surface." Kaslan narrowed his eyes. "The Disaster Swords may be working with an Eckstedtian suzerain, such as an archduke. No matter what, to deliberately ally with a suzerain and assassinate the Prince of Constellation, I'm afraid their goal is not simple."
"I understand." Kohen inhaled and mounted his horse. "We'll find out their background and the truth, whether it's a plot to assassinate the prince or an intention to harm the Tower of Eradication."
Miranda did not say anything else. She nodded slightly and immediately rode away.
Kohen followed closely behind her.
Kaslan watched the two of them leave, then looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance. There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
'Back then, I also stepped into Dragon Clouds City from here.' The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
"My people will help you … but if you make a big deal out of this, remember to hide yourself well … Although your prince is currently on a diplomatic mission to Eckstedt, and the tension between the two countries has largely been reduced by his arrival, it is not a good thing for Constellatiates, especially the families of Constellatiate nobles, to recklessly expose their identity here.
"Also, what you need to pay attention to and worry about is not as simple as the Disaster Swords on the surface." Kaslan narrowed his eyes. "The Disaster Swords may be working with an Eckstedtian suzerain, such as an archduke. No matter what, to deliberately ally with a suzerain and assassinate the Prince of Constellation, I'm afraid their goal is not simple."
"I understand." Kohen inhaled and mounted his horse. "We'll find out their background and the truth, whether it's a plot to assassinate the prince or an intention to harm the Tower of Eradication."
Miranda did not say anything else. She nodded slightly and immediately rode away.
Kohen followed closely behind her.
Kaslan watched the two of them leave, then looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance. There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
'Back then, I also stepped into Dragon Clouds City from here.' The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
"My people will help you … but if you make a big deal out of this, remember to hide yourself well … Although your prince is currently on a diplomatic mission to Eckstedt, and the tension between the two countries has largely been reduced by his arrival, it is not a good thing for Constellatiates, especially the families of Constellatiate nobles, to recklessly expose their identity here.
"Also, what you need to pay attention to and worry about is not as simple as the Disaster Swords on the surface." Kaslan narrowed his eyes. "The Disaster Swords may be working with an Eckstedtian suzerain, such as an archduke. No matter what, to deliberately ally with a suzerain and assassinate the Prince of Constellation, I'm afraid their goal is not simple."
"I understand." Kohen inhaled and mounted his horse. "We'll find out their background and the truth, whether it's a plot to assassinate the prince or an intention to harm the Tower of Eradication."
Miranda did not say anything else. She nodded slightly and immediately rode away.
Kohen followed closely behind her.
Kaslan watched the two of them leave, then looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance. There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
'Back then, I also stepped into Dragon Clouds City from here.' The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
"My people will help you … but if you make a big deal out of this, remember to hide yourself well … Although your prince is currently on a diplomatic mission to Eckstedt, and the tension between the two countries has largely been reduced by his arrival, it is not a good thing for Constellatiates, especially the families of Constellatiate nobles, to recklessly expose their identity here.
"Also, what you need to pay attention to and worry about is not as simple as the Disaster Swords on the surface." Kaslan narrowed his eyes. "The Disaster Swords may be working with an Eckstedtian suzerain, such as an archduke. No matter what, to deliberately ally with a suzerain and assassinate the Prince of Constellation, I'm afraid their goal is not simple."
"I understand." Kohen inhaled and mounted his horse. "We'll find out their background and the truth, whether it's a plot to assassinate the prince or an intention to harm the Tower of Eradication."
Miranda did not say anything else. She nodded slightly and immediately rode away.
Kohen followed closely behind her.
Kaslan watched the two of them leave, then looked at Dragon Clouds City in the distance. There was a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
'Back then, I also stepped into Dragon Clouds City from here.' The two of them looked at each other and nodded seriously.
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