Chapter 451 (2/2)

Rene cast an appreciative look at Petrov and told the prince what had happened in his family.

“I see.” The prince nodded. “It’s a shame. If you could have stopped Earl Jacques, Longsong Stronghold wouldn’t have gone through this disaster.”

That remark shocked Rene, and Aurelia couldn’t help but ask, “What… happened?”

“Jacques Medde colluded with the Maple Leaf, Wolf, and Wild Rose families, and they attacked Longsong Stronghold two days ago.” The prince said coldly, “The attack led to mass casualties of innocent people, and two blocks were burnt down. To force the Honeysuckle Family to surrender, they even hurt Petrov’s family.”

Rene couldn’t believe his ears. “Even when fighting a rival noble, threatening them with their families is considered very shameful. How could Jacques do that?”

“This rebellion involved many parties, but I assure you that no one involved in the attack will escape the punishment of the law—all the rebels will be severely punished!” The prince knocked on the desk and said, “I came to Stronghold to clean the entire Western Region and not let a single rat slip through my fingers!”

Rene felt his back break into a sweat. “Your Highness, I…”

Roland waved his hand to interrupt him. “Don’t worry, I won’t take my anger out on innocent people, and the Elk Family’s offspring will be spared. Actually, I have a question for you. Jacques Medde was killed in the rebellion, so are you willing to inherit the title of Earl and serve me, just as Hull does?”

There was only one answer to this question. Rene Medde knelt down without hesitation, a standard gesture of a knight, and he pledged to faithfully serve the prince.

To his surprise, he felt quite calm while pledging his oath.

Actually, he had never hated this prince who took his father’s life. “In a battle field, anything could happen to anyone. Moreover, it was not the prince but Duke Ryan and the other five families who started the war. After the war, the prince didn’t treat the defeated noblemen harshly, and he also exchanged captives for ransom, a conventional practice among the nobility. If father hadn’t died in the battle field, he probably could’ve gone back to our territory safe and sound, just as the Earl of Honeysuckle did.”

Rene was trained as a knight and held the values of a knight deep in his heart—”A battle is plausible as long as it’s righteous, and what Jacques did was not only unrighteous, but also had no purpose except to exacerbate hostility.”

For the sake of Aurelia and all the other innocent members of his family, he must accept His Highness’ offer. Without the protection of the Elk Family, these people would not be able to live a stable life ever again.

After the pledge, the prince smiled and nodded. “In the following days, you and your sister can live in the castle. Petrov will arrange rooms for you. There are still a few members from other families that escaped who are fighting in the suburbs, so it’s better for you to wait until this rebellion quiets down before returning to your territory.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As Rene left the study, Petrov followed.

Looking at his haggard friend, Rene felt a range of emotions. “I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault.” Petrov patted on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.”

Somehow, Rene felt his friend was a lot different. He could see in Petrov’s eyes a look he had never seen before一a subtle resolution and calmness that was as strong as steel that had been repeatedly tempered with fire.

Rene realized that his friend was on his way to becoming a real leader.