Chapter 471: Chapter 471: 469 Lark City_1

The sunset was slowly approaching the horizon, but its afterglow clung to the earth.

Shuttered within its city gates, Lark City appeared particularly desolate under the amber hues of the twilight.

Especially the pile of bloody skulls accumulated outside the North City Gate, which made the howling Northerly winds seem like the wail of vengeful spirits.

Colin rode on horseback, gazing at Lark City in the distance, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes.

The “hospitality” of the Fein family not long ago left him both shell-shocked and full of rage.

But he was reasoning enough not to impulsively give an order to attack the city.

It’s not a sensible choice to attack a city with cavalry.

Moreover, he only had three thousand cavalrymen at his disposal.

Previously, in Riverside City and Huorong City, Colin had penetrated them by tricking the city gates open, or launching surprise attacks, not by way of a frontal assault.

He is not stupid enough to let his precious Blood Knight Army launch an assault on a solidly fortified city.

Although he would not attack the city, Colin has noted this debt in his heart, and in the future, he would certainly settle the score with the Fein family…

Just as Colin was about to withdraw his troops, no longer entangling with the Fein family, the city gates of Lark City unexpectedly swung open!

Colin squinted immediately, carefully watching the direction of the city gate, his heart filled with suspicion.

The Fein family can’t be stupid enough to want to fight in the open right?

If so, Colin would indeed be eager to make these ignorant Easterners understand what a truly invincible army is!

The Blood Knight Army soldiers by Colin’s side also started to move, set up formations, ready in case the Easterners really charged out.

Of course, they were not too tense. After all, as the swift cavalry, if they really wanted to leave, the Easterners couldn’t stop them no matter what.

Under their watchful eyes, a person and a horse slowly emerged from the open city gate.

It doesn’t seem like they’re preparing for a battle.

As the person approached, Colin was surprised to find that it was a woman riding the horse.

A woman who, had she been a decade or two younger, would certainly be considered an exceptional beauty.

But now, the relentless passage of time had left traces of vicissitudes on her face.

Moreover, she didn’t seem concerned about her appearance, not wearing any makeup, her wheat-colored skin indicating that she was not a delicate lady who stayed in seclusion.

From her steady horsemanship, commanding gaze, and the aura she exuded in every gesture, it was clear that this must be a female knight who had been on the battlefield.

But at this moment, she wasn’t wearing armor, and she wasn’t holding any weapons – only carrying a bloody—

Skull!

It seemed to have just been decapitated, with fresh blood still dripping from the skull, forming a trail of red behind the woman.

“Let her pass.”

Colin ordered his guards, who were trying to intercept her.

The guards had no choice but to make way for her.

The woman slowly approached, undaunted by the eying covetously of the Blood Knight Army soldiers surrounding her.

Looking at this spirited female knight, Colin chuckled, “What? Has the Fein family run out of men?”

The female knight came to Colin, performed a subservient bow on her horse, pointed at the pile of skulls not far away, and responded with a laugh:

“Aren’t the real men of the Fein family over there?”

Colin grinned slightly, finding this woman interesting, and asked again, “Since you dare to come to me alone, won’t you introduce yourself?”

“My name is Beatrice, the mother of Viscount Fein.”

“Lady Beatrice…”

“I prefer to be called, Knight Beatrice.”

Colin smiled vaguely, finding this woman increasingly interesting. He pointed at the skull in her hand and asked,

“Okay, Knight Beryl, what’s the meaning of the skull you are holding?”

Beryl held up the bloody skull in her hand, showing it to Colin, and spoke at the same time:

“Honorable Guardian of the North Territory, Count Angler, on behalf of the Fein family, I express my deepest regret and apology for the assassination you suffered!

This skull belongs to the instigator behind the assassination, I hope it can appease your anger.”

Colin examined the skull in the woman’s hand.

It was also a woman, younger and prettier.

“Who is she?” Colin asked curiously.

“She is the wife of Viscount Fein.”

“Well, why did she want to assassinate me? To avenge her husband?” Colin said with a cold smile.

“No,” the woman shook her head, “She is simply a madwoman who wanted to get rid of you at all costs.”

“Oh? A madwoman?” Colin burst out laughing, “So, the Fein family is planning to pin the blame for my assassination on a madwoman?”

The woman remained calm and spoke, “Count, do you know what her identity is besides being the viscount’s wife?”

“What?”

“She is also the bishop of Lark City.”

Colin raised his eyebrows, finally getting some understanding of what she meant.

“Killing a bishop, Knight Beryl, aren’t you afraid of incurring the Church’s anger?”

Beryl’s face was calm, she said lightly, “When this woman, for some unspeakable purpose, deliberately incited the warriors of the Fein family to go to their deaths, she no longer deserved the glory of the Lord.

If His Holiness the Pope wants to blame someone for such a person, I will shoulder it on my own!”

Admiration in Colin’s eyes increased.

Honestly, since crossing the Angry River into the Eastern Territory, Colin had been quite disappointed.

He felt that in such a vast Eastern Territory, there were hardly any heroes that impressed him.

The sort of hero needed not necessarily possess great power, but rather a presence, a faith, a tenacity.

Duke St. Prowse was strong enough, but this kind of person, who hesitated over choosing an heir and constantly worried about the consequences, truly failed to win Colin’s respect.

And as for Marquis Vincent, Count Evan, Count Brugen, Count Howell and the like, in Colin’s view, they were all just superficial, unable to withstand a single blow.

However, when he stood outside Lark City and saw Knight Beryl who, alone, dared to open the city gate carrying her daughter-in-law’s skull, and walk casually into the Blood Knight Army’s formation, he suddenly felt that long-lost heroic aura.

Even if this woman’s power was probably between the third and fourth rank.

“So, Knight Beryl, did you come to see me just to deliver this skull?”

“Of course not just that.” Beryl shook her head, gave the skull to a guard by Colin’s side, and then invited him with a smile, “Honorable guest from the North Territory, do you dare to come to Lark City and feel the true sincerity and warmth of the Fein family?”

The fresh blood on the woman’s hand had not yet dried, and there was a hint of provocation in her smile, but clearly, it did not daunt Colin.

“Great!” Colin gently nudged his horse and moved forward slowly, ordering his warriors at the same time, “You guys wait for me outside the city!”

“Lord Count!”

The warriors of the Blood Knight Army changed their expressions and wanted to dissuade him, but Colin immediately raised his hand, signifying that his mind had been made up.

Beryl showed appreciation on her face, but she still suggested:

“Lord Count, wouldn’t you like to bring a few guards?”

Colin laughed heartily, “If you dare to come out of the city alone, I dare to enter the city alone!”

Beryl laughed too, did not say any more, swung her riding crop, and dashed towards Lark City.

Colin spurred his war horse to follow closely behind.