Count Nicoll suddenly turned around, only to see the sea of fire in White Dew City miraculously extinguished.
The fire itself was mysterious, but its disappearance was even more baffling.
Count Nicoll became increasingly convinced that this was no ordinary fire!
As the rumors about Fallen Eagle City resurfaced in his mind, Count Nicoll looked pointedly at Knight Logh, asking gravely,
âKnight Logh, could it be that someone has attempted to sacrifice White Dew City to unleash a Forbidden Spell, the Eyes of Judgement?â
âYes.â Knight Logh nodded.
âWas it Mr. Ji?â
âWho else could it be?â Knight Logh looked at the hateful gaze that Count Nicoll was projecting, adding, âBut by himself, Mr. Ji couldnât have sparked such a fire in White Dew City.â
A sinking feeling came over Count Nicoll as a previous speculation resurfaced.
Despite his reluctance to believe it, he still asked in a trembling voice, âCount Evan helped him, didnât he?â
âWhat do you think?â Knight Logh threw the question back, not giving Count Nicoll any time to ponder, he asked the previous question once more.
âCount Nicoll, with White Dew City just beginning to restore order and the citizens in disarray, a respected noble is needed to stabilize the situation. Would you be willing to shoulder this responsibility?â
Hearing this again, Count Nicoll wasnât as dismissive as before, assuming that Knight Logh was irrational.
He finally believed that Count Angler was likely still alive.
And it was possible that he masterminded the extinguishing of the fire.
Perhaps, from the start, he had figured out the plans of Count Evan and Mr. Ji, closely followed by his countermeasures and fake death recovery.
At this thought, Count Nicoll shuddered â never had anyone put as much pressure on him as Colin Angler.
A military genius and unmatched strategist.
Compared to this Northern Earl, the direct descendants of the St. Prowse family seemed pig-headed⦠Count Nicoll suddenly realized.
Perhaps from now on, the whole East Territory would likely be shrouded in the shadow of this Northern Earl.
Simultaneously, Count Nicoll also understood the implications of Knight Loghâs invitationâ¦
For a moment, his heart pounded uncontrollably, and certain deep-seated ambitions stirred within him.
But the always composed Count Nicoll took a deep breath, calming his restless heart and asked,
âShouldnât you find a St. Prowse to serve this crucial role?â
A smirk surfaced on Knight Loghâs lips as he mocked without any effort of hiding,
âDoes the St. Prowse family have anyone capable of such a role? Can the citizens of White Dew City still trust them?â
Count Nicollâs recently calmed heart began to flutter once more.
Although he clearly knew that he could never become Duke of the East Territory, it wouldnât be difficult to temporarily take control of the East Territory with the support of Count Angler.
And this would undoubtedly bring revolutionary changes to the status and strength of the Nicoll Family.
Licking his chapped lips, Count Nicoll asked in a hasty yet hesitant voice,
âWhat is Count Angler planning, exactly?â
Knight Logh let out a faint smile, showing a look of being taken for granted, and said,
âAll the Count wants of course, is for the situation in White Dew City to stabilize as quickly as possible. Donât forget that the War Order from His Majesty has arrived; East Territory must be prepared to dispatch troops at the earliest opportunity.â
Count Nicoll knew that the other party still didnât fully trust him. He understood that if he accepted now, he would be seen as taking sides with the Angler family. If the situation in the East Territory were to reverse in the future, he could likely face retaliation and purgingâ¦
This thought caused his face to undergo rapid changes and inner conflict.
Knight Logh, on the other hand, was growing impatient. Seeing this, he urged,
âCount Nicoll, time is of the essence. If you refuse, Count Angler would likely have to find someone else.â
âIâll do it!â
Count Nicoll suddenly looked up, uttering in a resolute growl.
âExcellent!â A satisfying smile shaped on Knight Loghâs face, he waved his hand and commanded,
âBlood Knight Army, move into the city!â
â¦
White Dew Fortress.
In the icy prison deep underground, Princess Judy huddled in the arms of Prince Harrison. Her petite figure trembled, though it was unclear whether it was from fear or the cold.
The fire didnât actually reach White Dew Fortress. After all, no matter how cruel Count Evan was, he would never set his own castle on fire.
However, even though there was no fire, the fortress was surrounded by a sea of flames. The scorching air made every breath feel as if oneâs lungs were being scalded.
The scorching temperature made the White Dew Fortress seem like it was perched atop a steamer, intolerably hot.
The important figures within the castle had all been relocated to the basement.
Prince Harrison and Princess Judy had been placed in the largest chill room.
Here, the temperature was naturally unaffected, and the entrance was blocked with a wet cloth curtain, ensuring the air remained fresh.
However, this did nothing to alleviate the anxiety and fear of the people in the chill room.
âBrother, are we going to die?â
Princess Judyâs face was still streaked with tears, indicating that she had been crying recently.
âDonât worry, we certainly wonât.â
Prince Harrison hugged his sister tightly, using a firm tone to reassure her.
Yet in truth, he himself was not certain.
It was unclear whether Princess Judy detected her brotherâs insincerity. After a long silence, she suddenly asked:
âBrother, if we donât survive this catastrophe, what will you regret the most?â
This question made Prince Harrison pause.
He had intended to assure his sister that they would definitely survive, but he found himself unable to say the words.
Simultaneously, he couldnât help but contemplateâwhat would he truly regret?
Not being able to see his parents again?
Not being able to avenge his teacher?
Or losing the chance to ascend to the highest position of the Glorious Empire?
â¦
As he pondered, Prince Harrison found that the image that ultimately filled his mind was his first encounter with Kathy Savoy.
It was a blazing summer afternoon when he first saw Kathy, dressed in a blue waistcoat and a long maidâs skirt, shying away behind Colin. The moment she noticed Prince Harrisonâs gaze, she immediately responded with a respectful smile tinged with shyness.
It was this smile that struck a chord in the young, love-struck heart of Prince Harrison.
The thought of not being able to see Kathy Savoy one last time before death made Prince Harrison feel extremely regretful.
However, he quickly felt grateful that Kathy did not come to White Dew City with them.
Looking at her silent brother, Princess Judy couldnât help but tug at his collar, asking:
âBrother, why arenât you speaking?â
A flash of panic crossed Prince Harrisonâs eyes as he thought about how to respond to his sisterâs earlier question when a sudden noise came from outside.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Suddenly, they saw Knight Evan come running in, shouting:
âYour Highnesses, the fire has been extinguished! The fire is out!â
âReally?â Prince Harrison stood up abruptly, still holding Princess Judy.
âOf course! You can come out and see for yourselves.â
âLet me go see!â Princess Judy immediately wriggled out of her brotherâs arms and darted out like a small rabbit.
Prince Harrison hastily followed.
Emerging from the chill room, they indeed found that the great fire in the city had miraculously been extinguished.
Although the air was still filled with the acrid smell of burning, they could distinctly feel that the temperature was rapidly falling.
âThis is great! Weâre saved! Weâre saved!â
Princess Judy jumped excitedly, shouting in joy.
The surrounding nobles and guards were equally cheering and expressing their relief. Many devoutly knelt on the ground, praising the Lord of Glory.
Prince Harrison was also moved to tears.
Through blurred vision, he thought he saw a familiar figureâ
His teacher!
Just when Prince Harrison was beginning to doubt his sight, he heard his sister call out in surprise:
âTeacher! Teacher, youâre alive!â
With that, the little girl ran forward and threw herself into Colinâs arms.
The first light of dawn barely sprinkled into the White Dew Fortress, marking the end of this long night.