Summoning the Holy Sword

“I expected someone to be here, but I didn’t know that it would be you, Grand Mage Amund.”

 Rhode put away the letter in his hand, crossed his arms, and leaned back on his chair. Just a few moments ago, he calmly read the letter sent by the Light Parliament. The so-called ‘calmly’ referred to him not smacking the table furiously, ripping it apart, or cursing before throwing it into the flames—yes, he had indeed read the letter calmly.

 “I don’t understand what the idiots of the Light Parliament are thinking and I don’t care at all, Grand Mage Amund. The front line is in an urgent situation and I have to stay here in case the Undead Army attacks. Moreover, I have a shortage of manpower. So, I apologize. I can’t respond to the pleads from those idiots. They have to clean up the mess they’ve created and are better off using their corpses to defend against the Undead Army.”

 Amund displayed a bitter smile to Rhode’s ruthless words. Of course, he understood clearly that this young man was evading the matter on hand. Everyone knew that the Land of Atonement held the most stable front line, where 150,000 troops were burned into ashes. Judging from the current situation, the Country of Darkness temporarily lacked sufficient troops to launch another attack. However, Rhode was smart to respond with this reason because the Light Parliament wouldn’t have any other ways to retort.

 “I’m sure you’ve also seen Her Royal Highness Lydia’s suggestion…”

 “Yes, Grand Mage Amund. Her Royal Highness Lydia has indeed ‘suggested’ it. If it is her ‘order’, I, as the subject, will have the obligation to comply. However, if this is just a ‘suggestion’, then I apologize. I won’t send my people to die for the sake of the Light Parliament’s foolish actions.”

Rhode narrowed his eyes and swept a glance to the letter on his desk. He admitted that Lydia was an understanding person. In this letter, the Light Parliament explained that they were admirable of Rhode’s abilities to repel the Undead Army. Currently, the Winter Castle was facing the threats of the Undead Army and in order to defeat them, they needed stronger reinforcements such as Rhode’s forces. If it were possible, they wished to receive the support of the Holy Maiden Statues. Not only that, but they also hoped to receive help from the Munn Kingdom and other nations to form an alliance!

 If this was all to the content in the letter, Rhode would have tossed it away. Lydia’s suggestion was the only reason stopping him from ripping it up. She didn’t mention that Rhode had to accept the Light Parliament’s proposal. Instead, she tactfully ‘suggested’ for Rhode to take more considerations into this matter and stated a few reasons. For example, once the Winter Castle collapsed, the front lines by the border of the Munn Kingdom would need to be extended. However, the preparation by the rear wasn’t ready yet. If the Winter Castle crumbled, the Undead Army could directly wrap around the defensive lines of Paphield-Grenbell, Dragon Canyon, Eastern Plains, and Sygram and launch their attacks on the Munn Kingdom. Rhode was aware that if the situation ended up in this state, it would be useless even if his fortress was secure.

 However, this wasn’t what made him curious. Instead, Lydia clearly hinted that this wasn’t the reason she wished for him to head into the Winter Castle. As for the specific information, Rhode could ask Amund for them. It was apparent that there were some essential matters Lydia didn’t reveal in the letter.

 “This was what happened.”

 Amund lowered his voice.

 “Her Royal Highness Lydia was aware of this news before making this decision. The news was that Her Majesty will be heading to the Winter Castle to boost morale and observe the battle. So…”

 So this is why!

 Rhode’s eyes glinted. He finally understood the reason now. There was only one person in the Light Mainland who was worthy to be called Her Majesty—the Light Dragon Soul Heir, Lilian.

 Previously, Rhode couldn’t figure out the reason because he didn’t consider Lilian as one of the factors. In the game, Lilian’s presence was almost close to none, where she didn’t influence any situations at all and the players weren’t too interested in her. But now, it seemed that Rhode had changed the story. After the Dragon Soul Ceremony, Lilian slowly shaped into the ruler and heir that she should have been. Of course, she didn’t do a great job and some things were even done poorly. However, this was for the best that Rhode could change the future. More important, anything that Lilian did could be seen as a lethal blow to the Light Parliament. The Light Parliament would surely try all ways to stop Lilian from recovering her authority.

 It was due to this reason that when he heard that Lilian was heading to the Winter Castle to boost morale of the soldiers, he instantly understood what Lydia had planned. Previously, it definitely wasn’t an ‘accident’ for him to meet Lilian in Casabianca. Judging from Lydia’s actions, it appeared that she looked favorably on their meeting and now, she even hinted to him to visit the Winter Castle. It was apparent that she wished that Rhode could influence Lilian even more. As the Archangel, Lydia couldn’t often leave her territory, so someone had to do it on her behalf.

 However, Rhode didn’t expect that even though Lydia indeed had such an intention, the one who suggested that he headed into the Winter Castle was Lilian!

 It was previously mentioned that Lilian was a kind, innocent child and the Light Parliament exploited this part of her. From the start, they stopped her from heading into the front line and naturally parted on bad terms. Then, the Light Parliament found another way. They agreed with Lilian, but at the same time raised a ‘suggestion’. It was imaginable how an innocent girl like Lilian would believe in the good guys joining forces in dealing with the evil enemies. Moreover, the Light Parliament somehow managed to learn about the relationship between Rhode and Lilian, which they purposely suggested to Lilian to invite Rhode into the alliance. This was great news for Lilian because she would be delighted to meet Rhode, which was why she agreed without any hesitation.

See? We’ve received the authorization from the Light Dragon and this is her seal of approval right here. What are you gonna do about it, Munn Kingdom? Hahaha. You called yourselves the loyal subjects of the Light Dragon, eh? Surely you won’t defy her, right?

 This was also why the Light Parliament brazenly raised such a request.

 As expected.

 Rhode knitted his brows. The Light Parliament had indeed forgotten their past pains after their wounds were healed and dared to provoke him. Since Lilian agreed to their invitation for Rhode, it meant that Lilian wished to meet him. However, she was still the Light Dragon, after all. If the Light Parliament taunted Rhode on purpose in the Winter Castle, things would be in big trouble. Lilian definitely wouldn’t wish to see Rhode attacking the Light Parliament. If the Light Parliament manipulated her properly, they might even make Lilian dissatisfied with Lydia, which would surely influence the Munn Kingdom.

 However, if Rhode submitted to the humiliation, the Light Parliament would definitely climb all over and vent their frustrations on him.

 Their scheme is quite well-thought.

 But…

 Rhode revealed a gentle smile.

“I got it, Grand Mage Amund. I accept the invitation.”