Chapter 522 (2/2)

She was startled hearing that Prince Roland had conquered King’s City in just a day but quickly recovered and said calmly, “Now you understand why I didn’t agree to marry Timothy?”

Calvin stared in surprise and asked, “You knew that he would end up like this?” Timothy had stayed in the Northern Region after he defeated the rebellious Duke Ise and like many other men, had his eyes on the Pearl of the Northern Region. But she skillfully turned down the messenger he sent to her. Her father was confused and even blamed her for refusing the king since if she had married Timothy and become the queen as many girls had dreamed of, the Kant Family’s status would have been further secured.

“You mean his city was occupied in one day? No, I didn’t expect that.” Edith untied her hair band to let her long green hair down. “I just felt he was not the right person.”

“Not the right person… Who is the right person is for you? Though his reign turned out to be quite short, he was still the king of the Kingdom of Graycastle at that time!” Calvin complained in his heart but did not tell his daughter what he thought. He had made his mind to pass his Duke title to Edith who he believed would bring a brighter future to the family, compared with her two brothers, if she refused to marry anyone.

“Anyway,” Edith bent to pick up some broken pieces of the porcelain water cup. “First, you have to order the army to retreat.”

“But they’ve been out for four days, and I’ve no idea which route they took. I’m afraid it’s too late.”

“That’s not a problem,” she arranged the broken pieces of the cup to represent the three locations and said. “You can send someone to Deepvalley Town today. If he sets out now from here, he’ll arrive at the town by evening. Tomorrow, he can take a boat to King’s City and reach it at least one day before the army. No matter which route the army took, they’ll end up on the main road leading to the city’s north gate, so if the one you send walks in the opposite direction to the army, he’ll meet and stop them in the suburbs of King’s City.”

“I see.” The Duke patted his head heavily and thought, “I should have thought of this solution. The news was just too sudden and astonishing for me to react calmly and quickly.” He said, “I’ll write a letter now! No, I’ll send out a guard with my keepsake to deliver the command! Guard!”

A guard came to receive the order and then quickly left. Edith said slowly, “Father, do you think we can withstand Prince Roland’s attack?”

A shiver went through Calvin. He knew that the outer wall of King’s City, which had been twice as sturdy as that of his City of Evernight could not stand long in the suppression of Roland’s powerful firearms. He replied, “I don’t think we can.”

“So, it’s not enough just to withdraw the army.” She shrugged and added, “Don’t forget that it was Timothy who made you a Duke. It’s natural for Prince Roland to consider us his enemies and it’s just a matter of time for him to destroy us. Under such circumstances, we have to be more proactive.”

You mean that I should swing to Prince Roland?” Calvin hesitated. “But why should he trust me?”

“Show your sincerity,” Edith said softly. “Most nobles hearing the news will be intimidated by Prince Roland’s overwhelming victory over Timothy and won’t be able to fight in unison against him. Given that, we would have to surrender to him as early as possible. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this way, so we have to show sincerity great enough to impress him.”

“But… how?”

Before Calvin could work out what she meant, Edith drew out her wooden training sword and smashed two of the broken pieces of the water cup with a smile.

“I think the Haws Family and the Lista Family would make great presents. What do you think, father?”