97 Form An Alliance (2/2)

Duyi Zhong's expression sunk. Never would he had expected for An Sun's reason to be so extreme.

He wanted to attack the Eastern Empire capital? Only a fool would wish to attack the largest and most prosperous empire!

Then again, the man before him was no fool. He was An Sun, commander of the Tuhan men and a member of the great An Clan. Such a man was not to be looked down upon in strength and status.

However, it was clear from his offer for an alliance, that his army was not up to par with the Eastern Empire's capital.

This was the reason why he needed to borrow and build his strength.

”I decline. Such a quest is too risky for my people and men.”

An Sun merely nodded as if expecting such an answer from the man.

True to Rin's words, Duyi Zhong was highly protective of his people. Such a trait, An Sun couldn't help but respect.

An Sun sighed and looked at Duyi Zhong with a serious expression, all traces of his sinister expression erased.

”I can understand your reasoning. The feeling to protect my own men from such dangers is why I haven't tried to attack them as of yet. However, that doesn't mean I'll stray away from a fight if I know there's a chance at winning.”

An Sun's eyes hardened and his head slightly bowed. ”Which is why I seek your assistance to assure such a chance is possible for us. Please think it over.”

Duyi Zhong stared at An Sun's lowered head in silence, his expression unreadable. Closing his eyes and sighing, he opens them to stare intently at An Sun.

”I'll take your offer into consideration.”

Raising his head, An Sun's stern expression remained. ”Thank you.”

Nodding his head, Duyi Zhong glanced over toward Rin and Manchu.

”Your men in the prisons will be set free. For the time being while I consider your offer, you all can stay in our province inn.”

Rin smiled faintly and bowed her head politely.

”Thank you for your offer Governor Duyi, but we'll be resting at our camp.”

Furrowing his brows, he felt somewhat baffled by their refusal.

Wasn't it freezing out there? However, not wanting to force them, he nodded.

Led out by a Jilin soldier, An Sun, Rin, and Manchu walked out of the governor's office.

As they left, they hadn't noticed the governor's lingering gaze on the petite figure in between the two tall men.

The three remained silent until they walked outside into the frosty weather.

”Do you think they'll agree?” Manchu asked.

An Sun continues walking with a silent expression, his eyes glancing over toward Rin. Noticing his gaze, Rin chuckled.

”From what took place, I can't be too sure. However, I believe he's convinced thanks to Lord An's words.”

An Sun snorted lightly. ”Don't think I only said such words to convince him. I meant every word.”

”I know,” Rin replied softly.

An Sun stared at Rin with raised brows as they walked. Coughing lightly, he shifts his eyes away from Rin's piercing emerald eyes.

”For now, all we can do is wait and see what'll happen.”

Rin nodded her head in agreement with a faint smile.

Unknown to him, Rin's respect toward An Sun grew even further after witnessing his conversation with Duyi Zhong.

It brought a new light into Rin's eyes as she realized the cold, ruthless commander was also someone who could make peaceful comprises and lower his head to those of lower status.

Serving and working alongside such a man didn't seem so bad after all.

Little did Rin know of the tragedy and darkness that awaited her newly discovered journey.