Brando and Freya walked under the moonlight in the forest. The shadows of the pine trees were like a long and narrow tunnel. Their soft footsteps made rustling noises. There was a full moon above the pine needles. Owls were crying in the silent night, their sharp cries piercing through the forest. Brendel walked very quickly, and Freya could barely keep up with him. She held onto the hem of her shirt with one hand to prevent it from getting caught on the uneven shrubs, but her mind was already on their linked hands, and her mind was in a mess. She vaguely remembered that ever since they parted ways in Bruglas, they had not had the chance to be alone like this. The last time they walked side by side under the night sky was in the Deer Forest, and it was also in this forest.
"Brando, where are we going?"
"You'll understand in a moment."
Freya did not say anything else. Although she was a little shy, she still let Brando hold her hand tightly. The two of them advanced through the forest one after the other. It was a long but short journey. Gradually, the heavy branches parted in front of them, and the forest became sparse. Faintly, light shone through. Only then did Freya realize that they had passed through the forest from the other side, but she was full of doubts as to what was in front of them.
'We're here. We're still here.' Brando thought in his heart.
A large door opened in front of the two of them. Behind the door, there seemed to be a lively and prosperous market. This market was located at the edge of the forest. The market was dotted with lights, as if it was a banquet held by the forest fairies. Clusters of torches were lit and gathered here. But Freya saw the crooked huts and wooden houses in the market from afar. She pressed her left hand against her chest and opened her mouth slightly. She realized where she was.
Ever since the War of the Black Rose, refugees from Fortress Riedon and the Bucce region gathered around Braggs. Some of them left this sad land and brought their families to Manowar, Kurkel, and Magitan in the north. But there were always people who missed their homeland and the weak who could not move. They could not compete with the locals for land, so they could only build scattered settlements along the edge of the forest and reclaim the wastelands. Among the refugees who escaped with Brando from Fortress Riedon, some of them were grateful for Brando's kindness. They followed the Retto's mercenary group to Tónigel. But those who were willing to leave their homeland were the minority. Most of them chose to stay, especially the refugees in Bucce and the north.
"Take a look, Freya. These are the people who placed their hopes in you. Their circumstances are not good. Go and ask them. Ask everyone who survived the catastrophe in Bucce. Did they respect you and take care of you because of your background?" Brando said with some emotion. In his previous life, he knew these places very well. The construction of these settlements lasted throughout his entire time as a newbie. He knew very well what kind of people lived in these huts.
Freya had completely lost control of her emotions at this moment. She held Brando's hand tightly and couldn't help but cry. This was her dream home, her neighbors, the source of her ideals and beliefs.
Aunt Syl, Uncle, Captain Marden, Petit-finis, and everyone else. Did all of these people's trust in her come from her background?
This was a question that did not need to be answered.
"Do you still remember the oath you made, Freya?"
"Brando … … Brando … …" Freya muttered to herself as if she was interrogating herself.
"Freya, you are Everton's daughter, but you are also Bucce's daughter. No matter what you achieve in the future, this will not change." Brando stood in the night wind and quietly replied.
"I understand … … I should have understood … …" Freya closed her eyes and shook her head vigorously: "I was wrong, Brando, I'm sorry."
Brando patted her shoulder lightly. Bringing Freya back to see the villagers in Bucce was his original goal, but he did not expect it to happen so early. "Do you want to go in and take a look?" He asked softly. Freya took a deep breath and looked at Brando apologetically, then nodded vigorously.
Ever since the Year of Blossoms and Summer Leaves, the continuous influx of refugees had become the biggest headache for the nobles of Bruglas. They did not have the ability nor the will to help these homeless people settle down. The local government and the army were pushing the responsibility to each other, and the refugees' livelihood was declining day by day. When the kingdom finally chose to submit to Madara, they no longer had any hope of returning home. Inside the grey-white castle, the nobles were busy fighting for power and profit. It was as if the kingdom's defeat in the war had become the sharpest spear and sword in their hands, used to pierce the chests of their opponents. A group of unlucky people fell after the war and went to the gallows, but another group of people who sang the song of victory may not be sincere about this ancient kingdom.
Even at the local level, the local people, under the leadership of the manor lord, ostracized the outsiders. Although the people at the lower levels were naturally sympathetic, this sympathy was only built on the premise that their own interests were not shaken. The selfishness in human nature made the situation even worse for these poor people. They were powerless to compete with the local people for living resources, and could only enter the forest to huddle together for warmth. But even so, they still had to face the discrimination and suspicion of the local people. In such a situation, the situation of these refugees from the Bucce region could be imagined.
As a matter of fact, the refugees still had to face the uncertainty of their future. This was because the land that they relied on for survival was still the territory of one of the Counts in Bruglas. In order to not cause a riot, the nobles had to pretend that they did not see the actions of these poor people. However, the Count might not be satisfied with this decision. He did not care about this loss, but it could not be his loss alone. Otherwise, wouldn't he become a fool in the eyes of others? In fact, the Count had already made a request to the Parliament of Nobles, requesting to drive away these 'bandits' who had forcefully occupied his land.
This kind of thing was unimaginable to ordinary people, but the Parliament of Nobles had to carefully consider the Count's request. Protecting the legal property of the nobles was a serious matter.
Old Marden sat beside a bonfire, wearing a well-ironed garrison uniform. It was just that the corners of his uniform had been washed so many times that they had turned white. This uniform seemed to symbolize his honor. Although it was still meticulous, it was already a thing of the past. The matters of the Parliament of Nobles had more or less reached his ears. He looked at the dark night and let out a long sigh. Sorrow seemed to have seeped into every wrinkle on this old man's forehead. That day, he did not choose to leave with Brando and Freya because Bucce was his responsibility. The matters of the young people should be left to the young people. As for him, his old bones had already experienced too much wind and frost. Let him be buried here.
He could not give up his feelings for this land, and could not give up the familiar smell of Bucce's soil. Everyone was still here, so how could he leave?
But now, the situation was getting worse by the day. The poor land did not produce much, and the Count had forbidden the refugees from going into the forest to hunt. Although they could still chop firewood to keep warm, many people were already unable to eat. The key was that everyone lacked hope for tomorrow. It was as if they lived day by day, like walking corpses. They were already numb and had lost the ability to think, hope, and look forward. When did such days begin? Every time Old Marden thought of those times, his heart would become heavier.
The only thing that comforted him was another rumor he had heard these days.
A commotion could be heard from afar.
Marden frowned. Fenix's group of young people really did not stop.
"Irene, Mackie, go block their escape route!"
"Neberto, go call your brother Vlad and Eyke over. Hurry up, don't dilly-dally!"
The people on the street quickly retreated, as if they were used to such a scene. In the empty space that they made way for, two groups of young people were facing each other in a row. On one side, they were wearing the various uniforms of the militia and the garrison. However, most of the uniforms were old, and some were even covered with patches. Only the swords in their hands shone with a cold light, but most of them were numb with ropes wrapped around the sword hilts. They had either lost their gauntlets or their heavy hammers. On the other side, they were all wearing the uniform of Braggs's Patrol Cavalry. They were well-equipped and arrogant. Even the boots on their feet shone brightly. It was obvious that they were the children of Braggs City.
At this time, the one who was commanding the militia was Petit-Finis. He was at least a head taller than a year and a half ago, and he was wearing the uniform of the garrison. After the War of the Black Rose, he was recommended by Marden to be a reserve member of the Bucce garrison. However, not long after that, the Bucce garrison became a part of history and completely lost its existence.
"Fenix!" The young patrol cavalry shouted. "Count Nagin is about to take back this land. You bunch of illegal refugees, why don't you hurry up and surrender?"
Petit-Finis spat in disdain. "It's not too late to talk big after the Noble Parliament's discussion. Aren't you guys just trying to take advantage of this opportunity to get some benefits? I wonder who was the one who was beaten black and blue last time. You guys really forgot the pain after the scars healed."
"What did you say!?"
"You little bastard!"
The young patrolling cavalrymen were immediately hit where it hurt and started cursing. They originally thought that with their status, they would definitely be able to get rid of these country bumpkins. The last time they came out to earn some extra money, they did not expect to be caught by little Phoenix. They were caught and given a good beating, their noses and faces were swollen. Both sides were hot-blooded youths, and would not resort to any tricks for a fight. However, this time they had finally recovered from their injuries, so they naturally called their comrades to take revenge.
Both sides had the intention to fight, and because of a disagreement, they started to fight. In theory, the patrolling cavalry was well-equipped and well-trained, so they should have the upper hand. However, the youths of Bucce were not to be trifled with. Almost everyone present was Marden's student. What kind of existence was Marden? He was a veteran of the November War and even held the Candlelight Medal. None of his disciples were cowards. Not to mention Irene and Mackie, these old militia members had been on the battlefield and fought against Madara. In this kind of conflict, one of them could be used as a few people.
However, the most powerful was still Petit-Finis. He originally had a talent in swordsmanship, and he had also learned two moves from Brando. Now that he was personally taught by Marden, his swordsmanship was unparalleled in Braggs' area. The patrol cavalry obviously knew how powerful he was, so they specifically picked out three people to deal with him. After fighting with the three for a while, he suddenly freed his hand and stabbed one of them in the thigh. That person screamed and quickly threw down his sword to surrender. Although both sides were fighting, they still followed the rules. When Petit-Finis saw that person throwing down his sword, he did not bother him anymore and focused on dealing with the other two.
After a few more exchanges, he risked the injury on his shoulder and knocked away another person's sword. That person looked at his sword that was knocked away, helplessly shook his head and raised his hand to surrender. The last person knew that he was no match for Petit-Finis, so he quickly retreated to a large pile of boxes. Suddenly, he threw a box at Petit-Finis and shouted, "Hey, Mr. Ou Jin, this kid is too powerful, come and help me!"
Petit-Finis used his hand to block the boxes, and could not help but curse. At this time, he suddenly saw a sword coming towards him from the side. He was shocked, and only then did he see that the person who attacked him had already taken away the swords of a few people on his side. "Unlucky, this guy is at least a captain!" He quickly raised his sword to block, and with a crisp sound, he almost lost his grip on his sword and let it fly out of his hand. He was shocked and realized that he had underestimated his opponent. "This guy has the strength of a mid-level Silver Rank!"
But it was too late for regrets. His sword was blocked, and for a moment, he was wide open. Petit-Finis looked at the sword coming towards him, but he was unwilling to let go of his sword. There was only one thought in his mind: "It's over, Big Sister, Brother Brando, I don't know if I will be able to see you in my next life!"
However, before he could close his eyes, he saw a sharp sword shining with cold light appear beside him, and with a clang, it blocked the person's sword. Then, his vision blurred, and he saw that the person who came had forced the other party to retreat with two consecutive strikes. The speed of the sword made him fascinated, and he never thought that swordsmanship could be so clean and neat. Before he could finish this thought, the patrolling cavalry captain's sword had already been taken away by the person who came. Then, he was pressed on the chest and sent flying, landing heavily on the ground.
This move shocked everyone. Both sides stopped fighting at the same time and looked in this direction.
At this moment, little Fenix finally saw clearly who the person who had suddenly appeared in front of him was. He couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock and open his mouth wide. "Big … Big … Big sister … Ahh!" Unfortunately, before he could finish his words, Freya pulled out his ear with a straight face. "Ouch, ouch, ouch! Big Sister, let go!" Petit-Finis almost cried from the pain, but he didn't dare to resist at all. He didn't have the calmness from before, and was like a child who had done something wrong.
"Aren't you promising? Why didn't you throw your sword just now?" Freya asked in a bad mood.
"I was wrong, I won't do it again." Petit-Finis grimaced in pain, but when he saw Brando from the corner of his eyes, he couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Brother Brando, you're back too, that's great!"
Freya snorted softly and let go of this guy's ear. The latter hurriedly ran far away, as if the female Knight was a dragon that would devour people. Petit-Finis rubbed his face and looked at the two people who suddenly appeared, as if he was still in a dream. At this time, both sides separated and returned to their original positions. Most of the youths in Bucce had already recognized Freya and Brando. Only a few people from the North had not seen the two of them. On the other hand, the patrolling cavalry was a little uncertain. Of course, they could see that Brando and Freya were obviously on the side of the country bumpkins, but the other party's swordsmanship was too frightening. Those who had seen Freya's moves before couldn't even think of resisting. When the others heard the description of their companions, most of them were also skeptical.
But the captain of the Knight who was knocked down by Freya noticed more details. The patrolling cavalry who ran over to help him up even asked him what to do next, but when he saw Freya's epaulet, he couldn't help but glare at the latter.
Royal Knight Regiment, Knight Captain — —
His face was pale. Even in his dreams, he didn't think that this group of refugees in Bucce would have the support of the royal family. In his mind, these foreigners had no roots in this place, even if they were bullied, they might not be able to find anyone to stand up for them. But now, not only did someone stand up for them, the other party's background was not small either. The captain of the Royal Knight Regiment, Martha, was a Knight. In this kind of remote place, one might not even see one in their lifetime.
Brando greeted Irene and Mackie from afar, then looked at the patrolling cavalry and asked Finis, "What's going on?"
"What's going on?" Freya asked at the same time, but she immediately realized that she was thinking the same thing as Brando. She couldn't help but blush and subconsciously shut her mouth. This scene was of course seen by Petit-finis. He was still a naive youth back then, but now he had matured a lot. He couldn't help but laugh in his heart, thinking that Big Sister still liked Big Brother Brando. He looked left and right again, curious about where the witch went. Everyone in the militia knew about the relationship between Brando and the Roman, but the citizens of Bucce had always called the Roman and their aunt witches.
"What are you looking at!" Freya could tell what this guy was thinking at a glance and snapped.
Petit-finis was shocked and hurriedly looked down. Freya was the captain of the militia in the past, and when she was still in Bucce, Petit-finis was most afraid of this big sister, and now he was even more afraid of her. Brando looked at the relationship between the two and felt that it was funny, but he was slightly relieved that Freya had at least temporarily forgotten about her past, which was what he wanted. He was also surprised by Petit-finis. In the past, when they were escaping from Bucce, this youth only showed a little talent in swordsmanship, but now this talent was fully displayed. The battle just now had been seen by him and Freya from start to finish. Petit-finis' strength was faintly on the verge of the Silver rank, this rate of growth was really terrifying. One must know that Petit-finis had been in Bucce for the past year and a half, only receiving guidance from Marden. He didn't have as many opportunities as Freya and Bretton.
Brando also noticed another point, and that was that the strength of this group of youths was actually above the Iron rank, and many of them were already on the verge of the Silver rank. This was something unimaginable in the past, but after thinking for a while, he understood that the influence of the Great Demonic Wave was beginning to show.
These thoughts ran through his mind, and he returned to the matter at hand. He smiled at Petit-finis and said, "Tell me, Petit-finis. What's going on?"
Unlike Freya, Petit-finis dared to be indecent in front of her, but he was full of admiration for his big brother, Brando. Seeing that Brando had spoken, he hurriedly described the whole matter in detail, from the patrol cavalry to Earl Nakkin's suggestion.
Freya's face darkened when she heard it.
… …
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