As it turned out, it would.
The smell of autumn was getting stronger by the day, and the heavy fruits on the branches hinted at the arrival of the harvest festival. After entering the 'Month of Ariel' (1), the crops in Metz began to reach their bumper harvest season. The military nobles continued to station their troops on the western front while they began to arrange for the farmers in their territories to carry out the autumn harvest. At this point, the Silver Queen's plan to attack Metz before the autumn harvest was completely ruined — regardless of whether it was the eastern or western front.
But it was not all for naught.
After the 'Great Solar Eclipse' on Holy Day, the unnatural glaciers and snow from the Golden Needle Forest to the Silver Cove in East Metz gradually began to melt. The war on that day caused a devastating blow to the agriculture in this area. Both Fathom Port and Ovechin encountered a food crisis, and the nobles had to urgently order food from Ludwig and Mehotofen to provide relief. The multiple solar eclipses over the past few days inevitably caused panic in this area. The astrologers told the people that this was caused by the chaos caused by the magic tide that only happened once in a thousand years. Under such a background, the doomsday rumor spread like wildfire, and the forces lurking in the shadows took the opportunity to flourish.
Because of this, the eldest prince had to impose martial law in Fathom Port and Ovechin. This move actually slowed down the progress of their counterattack on the eastern front.
But it was worth mentioning that after Metisha and Maynild recovered the passage to the Golden Needle Forest in the Lache of Wa, the military nobles stationed in the north took the opportunity to advance east and recover the Flowerleaf Territory, eliminating the remnants of the White Legion that gathered there. Duke Vena obeyed Brando's orders and stationed a large number of troops at the Arrang Pass. On the other hand, she ordered people to rescue the second daughter of the Archduke of Flowerleaf, Faena's sister, Ilya, who was under house arrest in Verossa Castle and escorted her to Fathom Port to meet her sister.
There was also an episode that happened in between.
After seeing her sister who had been imprisoned for many days, Faena lost control of her emotions. She hugged her sister and burst into tears. In fact, ever since Mehotofen had been locked up in the prison van, her mind had been constantly tense. Even after being rescued by the others, she was still worried about the safety of her father and sister. It was only when the situation in East Metz had reversed, when Metisha and Maynild had taken over the Lache of Tile and the passage to the Golden Needle Forest, and when Duchess Weina had taken over the Flower Leaf Territory, that the heavy burden in her heart had finally been lifted.
However, the moment he saw his younger sister, the negative emotions that had accumulated over the past few days inevitably erupted.
The Crown Prince's counterattack was slow, but in the second half of the Month of Harvest, the sporadic battles in the eastern Metz and Mehotofen had come to an end. Following Brando to the north, the southern nobles, who were now loyal to the Crown Prince, had even taken Asgard Fortress and brought the Evergreen Corridor under their control.
Since then, the entire battle on the eastern front had come to an end, and Brando had followed the agreement and sent the White Legion, who had been 'recuperating' in the prisoner camp for many days, out of the Metz area in Businyan Forest.
In fact, the issue of the White Legion's departure had caused quite a stir among the northern nobles. Many people, including Duchess Weina, thought that these people should be detained until the end of the war, but in the end, the Crown Prince, Lenarette, stood his ground and supported Brando's decision. Count Alcorn and other southern nobles also agreed with the decision.
After all, everyone who had participated in the attack plan on that day knew in their hearts that although the White Legion had surrendered in the battle of Fattar Port, they had not really lost their combat power. Keeping them in East Metz was tantamount to a ticking time bomb that could explode at any time.
What's more, Count Alcorn also believed that in the civil war of the empire, their side must maintain a moral advantage, and must not lose the big picture for the small. In the end, his opinion reached a consensus among the northern nobles. Now that Count Alcorn had become Lenarette's right-hand man, he was obviously very satisfied with his current position. He had completely forgotten the scene when he stood on the side of the Silver Queen against Brando. He had repeatedly claimed in public that he and Brando were 'friends without discord'.
Brando was speechless about this guy's thick skin.
But two weeks after the White Legion left Businyan, bad news came. On the first day of entering Bankel, the White Legion's Commander, Duke Ambunal, chose to end his life in a hotel in Gretcher. It was said that he did not leave any will. He only wrote a letter to his family and Her Majesty the Queen. In the letter to the Silver Queen, the duke expressed his apology for failing to repay the trust of the royal family, detailed his lifelong loyalty and beliefs, and finally tactfully warned the emperor of the empire that the undead of Madara were not to be trusted.
After receiving the letter, Constance sighed slightly, and then burned it to ashes.
Later, she did not punish Ambunal's family for his performance in the war. She only ordered him to be buried solemnly, and then let Duke Ambunal's eldest son inherit his title.
Brando did not feel much about Duke Ambunal's death. He only felt a little pity. At least the duke was an upright person, but the upright people were inevitably tragic. In order to protect the White Legion, the duke was even willing to compromise with his enemies, but when everything was over, he chose to use his own life to redeem his honor as a soldier.
The news of Duke Ambunal's death reached Fathom Port on the third day after the Harvest Festival. At that time, Brando was bored to death, listening to the decision of Prince Lenarette and his subordinates. In fact, it had nothing to do with him, because since the middle of this month, Erouine's people had already withdrawn from the internal struggle of the empire. Although the fleet from Tónigel was still anchored in Fathom Port, it could actually set off to return to Valhalla at any time.
At this moment, the mission of the diplomatic mission had in fact been declared a failure.
However, Erouine's people had gained more than they originally expected. As for how the Holy War would unfold in the future, this ancient kingdom now had more options.
And just as Duke Weina was passionately talking about the need to launch a counterattack on the Western Front, the door of the hall was slammed open by a panting Count Alcorn. He brought the news of Duke Ambunal's death, and another news —
On the third day after Duke Ambunal's death, the Silver Queen Constance announced a piece of news:
In the political center of the empire that she ruled, a grand engagement ceremony was soon to be held. One of the parties involved in the engagement ceremony was the prince from the Lache of Wa, but the other party was greatly unexpected — the bride was not one of Her Majesty's daughters, but the newly conferred Countess of Wa Lache.
About this mysterious countess, in fact, since the day she was conferred the title, there were all kinds of rumors among the people. Some rumors said that she was also a mountain person, while others said that she was not actually a citizen of the empire before she was conferred the title, but came from a state under the empire's rule. Each of these mysterious rumors made people more interested in the countess. In all the areas under the queen's rule, people were discussing the engagement ceremony. For a time, even their military failure in Metz seemed to have been forgotten.
The heated discussion caused by the engagement ceremony even spread to Metz, Mehotofen, and Ludwig, which were under the control of the eldest son of the emperor. Although the people were a little quieter, the high-ranking nobles were also discussing the unusual move of the Silver Queen. From the beginning, this marriage was heavily political. It was obvious that it was to appease the mountain people who had just declared their loyalty to the Silver Queen, but what they did not understand was why the other party wanted to make such a big deal out of it.
Was it just to cover up the previous military failure?
The Cruz people did not understand, but some people knew very well in their hearts.
Brando understood that this time, the prime minister's daughter was right again.
After a brief hesitation, he immediately began to make arrangements. The confrontation between the east and the west of the empire had been formed. Although Lenarette's power was not yet stable, it finally had a foothold. He did not intend to let the Erouine people fight for the throne of the Cruz people, so now it was time to pull back and leave.
First, let Eugenie, Enid, and others take the little prince and leave the empire. The mission of the envoy group was over, and the little prince's mission was also over. Although Haruz also euphemistically expressed his intention to stay and advance with him after learning that his teacher was going to stay, Brando refuted him with the reason that 'a king must be responsible for his people'.
However, looking at the little prince's reluctant eyes, Brando's heart also warmed slightly. Since this diplomatic mission, the former had grown a lot and finally had the temperament of a king. This made him feel very gratified – at least it was worth the danger he experienced in the process. Although there were some troubles left, at least the 'Princess' on the battlefield that the soldiers talked about was one of them. He still had not figured out how to explain to Princess Gryphine where the missing 'Princess Fusha' went.
Fortunately, he did not have to face the princess for the time being.
Before the fleet left, Brando and Maynild met.
After absorbing the War Slate that day, the personality of Senior Allium Japonicum fell into a deep sleep and had not woken up yet. No one knew what kind of ability she had gained. Then Maynild's personality took the initiative of the body. As soon as she saw Brando, she gave him a loud slap in the face without saying a word. Then she gritted her teeth and looked at him. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she did not say anything.
But Brando read her lips and read the meaning of this sentence: Bitch!
Brando did not know whether to laugh or cry. Of course, he knew that she slapped him because of Senior Allium Japonicum, but it was not his intention. He was also a victim.
Fortunately, he felt a little guilty toward this young girl who had inherited his senior sister's soul, so he didn't make a fuss about it. Instead, he found it very interesting to see her face blushing all the way down to her neck after breaking through the cold and unapproachable aura.
"Miss Maynild, no matter what you think of me, this time, Erouine's domestic affairs are in your hands. Although Erouine seems to be calm now, under the calm like a mirror, there are turbulent undercurrents. Whether it is the Royal Faction, the Empire, or the undead of Madara, if any of these three parties is not handled well, the kingdom may fall into crisis at any time. Not to mention, All For One will definitely take the opportunity to stir up trouble in this situation. "
Maynild frowned as if she did not even want to look at him, and replied coldly: "I naturally understand, I don't need your unnecessary reminder."
But she also understood that among all the ministers under Princess Gryphine, only this one in front of her was the clearest about Erouine's future, so she asked: "If you have any thoughts, just say it."
Brando nodded, satisfied with Maynild's ability to remain calm.
"Go and tell Her Highness, the undead will definitely start the second War of the Black Rose within this year. No matter what anyone says to her, don't let her believe it. The Roman Black Rose must give up all hope!"
"Do you know, the Royal Faction has always thought that you want to use the threat of the undead to expand your influence?" Maynild looked at him coldly: "You mean to make Her Highness completely oppose it?"
"Those who think so are a bunch of short-sighted people. I believe that there are also people in the Royal Faction who can see all this clearly. Politics is an art of compromise, Miss Maynild, but not everyone has to compromise. "
"I will pass on the message."
"Thank you."
"No need to thank me, this is not for you."
Silently watching Maynild board the ship, Brando could not help but touch his cheek. "Ouch —" He could not help but grit his teeth. This woman really did not hold back at all, it really hurt a little. Although his defense was already beyond ordinary people, it was not able to block out the pain. Besides, Maynild's current strength was not bad at all. After absorbing the second slate, she had already faintly touched the field of Elemental Power.
"How is it, does it hurt?" At this time, a somewhat teasing voice came from behind him: "Count."
Brando turned around and found that it was the little princess of House Seifer. Today, Chiara was wearing an exquisite princess dress and holding a purple parasol, looking like a doll. Her two ponytails shone under the golden sun. She raised her small face and looked at Brando with interest, a sly light flashing in her blue eyes from time to time.
"Princess Seifer of House Seifer, send my regards to your brother."
"I will," the mischievous little princess replied with a smile. "But I have a question for you, Count."
Brando made a gesture of invitation.
"Now you should know what my brother is planning. I just want to ask you, Count, do you plan to marry me?"
"Pfft!"
Brando almost choked to death. He could not help but cough violently. He had seen many questions that went straight to the point, but this was the first time he had seen such a straightforward question. Especially since the one who asked this question was just a little girl. Although he didn't know how old this little princess was this year, but looking at her underdeveloped chest and her height that only reached his chest when she stood on tiptoe, no matter how he looked at it, she didn't look like she was more than fourteen years old.
"Your Highness …" Brando did not know whether to laugh or cry as he coughed and replied, "Let's talk about this question when you are an adult."
"Tsk," Chiara looked at him with disdain, "Hypocrite, don't think that I don't know the dirty tricks of the nobles. I am a daughter of the royal family, don't you want me?"
Brando felt that if he continued, someone would call the military police. He quickly interrupted the little brat and said, "Enough, Your Highness."
"Hmph!" Chiara snorted softly and turned her head away, but her small face was tinged with a touch of red. She was a little unconvinced, "My brother is better than your washboard princess in every way except for his eyes. And that 'Princess Fusha', it is better to let him be the king than to let him be. Anyway, there are many people who would like that. Count, don't you know what kind of king Erouine needs?"
Brando shook his head gently, "Miss Chiara, if your brother's surname was Corvado, then he would be an excellent king."
"The Seifer family also once ruled Erouine!"
"But that was in the past. Miss Chiara, you are a smart girl, you should understand what I am saying."
Chiara's eyes were a little gloomy. She bit her lips, as if she was very unconvinced. But with her wisdom, of course she knew that Brando was right. This ancient kingdom could no longer withstand another turmoil. She stood there, frowning and wringing her hands. Brando had never seen such a childish side of this little princess ever since he met her.
His heart softened slightly, and he was about to say a few words to comfort her, but he did not expect Chiyara to react first. She interrupted him and said, "You don't have to comfort me. I don't want hypocritical comfort from a guy like you. I still have one more thing."
"Hmm?"
Brando was slightly stunned.
Chiara lowered her head, put her hands behind her neck, and untied a necklace. She put the necklace in her palm, and then handed it to Brando, "Here, this is the amulet my father gave me. I'll lend it to you for a while, you have to come back alive and return it to me."
Brando felt that there was something wrong with her words. He looked at the necklace in his hand, which still had the residual warmth of the little princess's body. It was a beautiful crystal pendant, and it seemed as if there was blood boiling inside. He felt as if he had seen this necklace somewhere before, but he immediately saw the Seifer family emblem engraved on the base of the pendant. Only then did he remember the meaning of this necklace. This was the mark of the royal bloodline.
Although he didn't think much of the amulet, Brando didn't expect that she would lend him such a precious thing. He could imagine the thought behind it. He was slightly moved, "Your Highness …"
He didn't expect Chiara's face to be full of disgust, "Quickly put away that expression that's uglier than crying, it's disgusting. I just don't want to be a widow before I get married!"
Brando was suddenly speechless. He felt that if he continued to talk to this princess, he might really die of a heart attack. He didn't know where she got these strange ideas from, where did she receive her noble education?
…
Note 1: The local nickname for the Autumn Goddess in Metz.
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