The Amber Sword

Chapter 90 – The Gathering Storm (4)

“He’s showing us goodwill.” Makarov concluded simply.

“Are you sure he’s not trying to make us his shield,” Fleetwood frowned and disagreed, “offering us evidence of Count Randner’s wrongdoing and his territory? If we become allies of this youth, we’re forcing Count Randner to join hands with Duke Arreck.”

Gryphine creased her brows.

Count Randner was not a reliable ally to the Royal Faction and was more like a knife to their backs if he joined them. But it was also true that he had not stated where his support would be, and it would be foolish for her to force him to join her older brother instead.

“Hmph. That scheming Count.” She said a little irritably.

“The situation’s a little interesting.” Count Barre laughed once.

That youth was daring enough to take the city but his action could hardly be seen as impulsive. By delivering his letter at this particular time……

The youthful innocence of Oberbeck was gone, replaced by a sharp and firm air. He even had a new nickname, the Wolf Lord.

Oberbeck glanced at Makarov, then bowed slightly to the princess.

“Your Highness,” he greeted Gryphine, then turned to Makarov, “Lord Makarov, it has been a while.”

Oberbeck’s position within the Royal Faction was currently considered higher than Makarov, but his humble attitude made him feel pleased.

Makarov nodded back with a smile: “Lord Oberbeck.”

Oberbeck continued to exchange short greetings with the other men and caught up to the discussion that had happened so far.

“Let’s continue with the discussion. I believe that Makarov and Barre’s analysis is logical, but I have another thought as to what the youth wants—” He said

The room fell into a silence.

Everyone’s eyes were on him. Gryphine was the only person who knew that Oberbeck understood Brendel best amongst them.

“The people who do not even have the value as chess pieces are worthless, the people who become chess pieces without even knowing are fools, but people who are like this young man and become chess pieces on their own will, they are chess players.”

“Chess players?”

“Yes. Even if they only control a single chess piece, they are chess players. And on this chessboard, he’s now standing on a place high enough to meet us. If he’s a chess piece, then we are chess pieces. The only advantage we have over him is possessing more resources than he does.”

The others in the room were speechless.

“Oberbeck, you mean to say that he wants to get involved in this game as a player?” Even Gryphine felt disbelief. She drew in a light breath: “If this is true, his real goals are to take advantage of us? This is certainly quite displeasing.”

“Yes, and yet the only option we have is to accept it. His suggestion is still the most advantageous option for us.”

“This sly fellow,” Fleetwood suddenly felt he should not participate this discussion as he listened to all the complicated analysis on the letter. He rubbed his temples and asked tiredly: “Then what should we do now?”

“We can choose any option as long as it doesn’t directly interfere with the parties involved in this matter,” the Wolf Lord concluded mysteriously, “and after that, all that’s left for us to do is to watch that youth’s brilliant performance against Count Randner.”

The group of men looked at Oberbeck with disbelief. Even Eke who was confident in Brendel’s abilities became worried.

One was a youth who had no resources, the other was an experienced Count who had a large force.

Count Barre momentarily thought about the Silver Elves, but they stated they would not interfere with Aouine’s internal politics. He did not understand where the youth’s confidence came from to participate in this game.

But Gryphine knew why Oberbeck spoke in that manner. The report that came in almost at the same time as the letter had a simple line:

‘Trentheim, Lord Macsen’s utter defeat.’