The Amber Sword

Amandina nodded at Brendel, taking a stack of papers as she walked out. In a way, she was still the same person Brendel first met, stone-cold and highly disciplined. But from her cheeks, that seemed to gradually gain its redness, and her forehead that began to form wrinkles, she looked a lot more mature now.

She looked around and raised her eyebrows. She formed a fist and put it slightly to her lips, coughing, “Ever since our successful attempt in defeating Count Radner’s ridiculous attack…”

Several people chuckled, earning her death glare. Although she would not give a supercilious gaze, she radiated an air of displeasure throughout the entire place.

“Development in Firbur, Port Gris, and the Mirtai region are progressing smoothly. The projects held there are on time as well…” As the entire crowd began to settle down, she accordingly explained the entire situation that surrounded Aouine.

In summary, Firbur was steadily developing. The crisis of having a food shortage was resolved with the purchase of wheat and other produce from Ampere Seale. The amount of food they had was capable to last them until April next year. What was left was to pray for a bountiful harvest this year. But of course, they could still purchase some food. Amandina took this chance to propose the suggestion of purchasing goods as soon as possible. War seemed like it was about to break out soon in the North and the grain prices would inflate exponentially.

The few people who participated in the internal affairs of the region: Bosley, Romaine, Odum, and Ciel also agreed with her plan. Brendel, of course, could only naturally agree. He had originally planned to head for Ampere Seale, and could buy them in the meantime. Ampere Seale was decided to be the permanent central trading hub by the nobles and the Holy Cathedral. As the final talks for war were happening now, while most hoped that a civil war will not arise, the merchants were secretly wishing that it would, leading to the sudden inflation of grain prices. There were also a few people who were steadily stocking up produce.

But it’s guaranteed for a war to break up and there’s no way for both sides to reconcile. While the negotiations right now were made with the purpose to prolong the peace, it was actually the final verbal struggle to obtain the throne. The Princess will definitely let this be the chance for her to be wed to Duke Arreck, who in rumors, had arrived at Ampere Seale along with the Royal Faction’s messengers and was one step ahead of the king’s eldest son and his messengers.

Indeed, if they helped the Princess claim the throne, Carglise words might actually come true.  Everyone knew that the Princess did not have a supporter as of now and his support would be like sending embers during the winter. [T/L: Chinese saying to mean sending aid in times of need.]  Those who followed King Eric to become king, how are their families now?

House Arreck, House Seifer, House Viero. Which one did not hold a large influence?

At such a thought, the entire crowd became really enthusiastic.

Brendel saw their expression and deemed that the problem was no more. His closest aide would definitely follow him, and the Red Bronze Dragon Mercenaries, who were secretly the supporters of the Princess, would definitely do so as well. All that was left was to convince the other mercenaries. They did not have any beliefs and were, at best, a neutral party. They needed to have some gains in it, or else it would have lead to some problems.

He nodded, replying, “It is as he said. If we prepare well, the rewards ahead of us will definitely be plenty. And it would only be left for those who remained to the end… I believe I did not need to say that.”

“Of course, my Lord!”
“We understand.”
“No need to worry, my Lord! It is the Princess’s luck to gain your support! ”

It was obvious from their words that they were really confident. They may be bootlicking, but at least it showed their motivation.

People’s hearts would waver because they could not predict the worst possible situation. But if they saw that the outcome was not too bad, the people would be in their best forms when marching into battle. Brendel scratched his jaw. Facing the upcoming battle, he did not have much confidence in winning.

It was not because he was not confident, but because the enemies were too powerful.

If he failed, he would have to foil the wedding. But no matter what the outcome was, it would lead to having Duke Arreck’s ire pointing at him. The best outcome was being neutral, And if the worst comes down to the worst, he would have to take on the full force of the entire Aouine’s might.

Aouine’s forces were not really powerful, but that was against Madara and the Kirrlutz. The power of six or seven dukes against a single Trentheim. Put it simply, it would be like a 60-pound adult beating up a young kid. By then, the pitiful support he would get would be only from the princess.

I may not have the best way to defeat the opponent, but there is no more time to strategize. In any case, I will not let history repeat itself. To that end, I will have to go to Ampere Seale.

He saw Ciel walking slowly towards him to notify that the ship to Ampere Seale was ready to depart.

From Trentheim to Ampere Seale, the journey will only last for one week.