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Chapter 278: The Cold Breakfast
🕑 Added 2024-10-02 08:06:45 +0000 UTC"That's right," Rhett said. "So there's no need to worry. I have enough power to protect myself at the Coldstream Front, and I'll do my best to ensure the safety of those under my command."
He continued, "However, the battlefield is not a greenhouse; there is no such thing as absolute safety in the face of brutal life-and-death trials. We must face this storm head-on without fear. I believe that by crossing this harsh sea, the Green family will undergo an unprecedented transformation."
"An unprecedented transformation..." Riley murmured, repeating the words as if savoring their meaning. Suddenly, he asked, "Father, are you planning to vie for the title of Grand Duke?"
Rhett glanced at Riley, then shook his head with a soft smile. "Yes and no. The title of Grand Duke is just a symbol of our strength, but our true power doesn't rely on such a title..."
Seeing the calm confidence in his father's smile and hearing the steady tone in his voice, Riley couldn't help but be infected by the same sense of assurance. Knowing that his father had now become a Grand Magus eased much of the pressure he felt. However, thinking of other matters, he still spoke with some concern: "I trust in your strength, Father, and that you can overcome this challenge. But I'm worried that many of our knights may be sacrificed..."
"We must cross the chasm and face the storm," Rhett said after a moment of silence. "If everyone thinks of avoiding the fight, how can we achieve stability and peace?"
Riley was quiet for a moment before he sighed and said, "You're right. Waging war to stop war is the most correct and effective approach."
"Indeed. But you won't be coming with me to the Coldstream Front this time."
"What? Why not?"
"Dark Hawk City needs you. After I leave, there's no one more suitable to manage the territory than you."
"No, Father, I want to go with you!" Riley's face changed as he hastily protested.
"My child, be reasonable," Rhett said, patting Riley's shoulder with a gentle tone. "You’ve grown into a hawk who can soar on your own, with a sky that belongs to you. You don't need to follow me on every trial. After I leave, you can still play a crucial role in maintaining stability for the family."
"After all, Dark Hawk City today is not what Eagletown was five years ago when the war broke out at the Canyon Front. The territory has expanded several times over, and the number of transcendents has increased dramatically. This requires more effective management! Different environments require different strategies. In the current situation, if we all leave, the internal risk management will be severely compromised."
"This..." Riley's expression was full of reluctance, but he knew deep down that his father was right, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Rhett continued, "I will leave White Hat behind. As a sixth-level magus, he’s more than capable of suppressing any instability."
Riley took a deep breath. "Understood. I’ll follow your instructions, Father. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Good. Later, help me draft some letters to send to all the nobles in the southwestern borderlands, instructing them to prepare their military forces according to the kingdom's laws. Once the royal summons is issued, they should gather on the plains east of the Yak Forest." Rhett said, deep in thought. The Yak Forest was not far from Deep Rock Village, and the open terrain would make it an ideal location for assembling troops and providing supplies.
Riley nodded. "Understood. I suspect they’re already preparing their forces since this matter is of great importance, and no one would dare be lax."
With such a significant issue at hand, neither had the mood to continue their stroll. After discussing a few details, they returned to Dark Rock Castle to have breakfast.
It was the weekend, and Taylors and Mina were both at Dark Rock Castle. As they came down the stairs, they saw their father and Riley entering. Taylors, full of energy, greeted them cheerfully, "Good morning, Father, Riley."
Riley forced a smile. "Good morning, Taylors."
"Huh? Riley, you don’t look too well. Why do you look so troubled?" Taylors asked, noticing Riley’s somber expression. In his memory, Riley was always calm and composed, rarely showing worry. Seeing him like this was unusual.
"Did something difficult come up?" Mina, dressed in an off-white long dress, asked from the side.
Riley gave the two a complicated look before nodding slightly. "You could say that."
Mina pursed her lips and said, "Why not share it with us? Maybe we can help with some advice."
"Yeah, it's the first time I've heard of something that has Riley troubled. Tell us what's going on," Taylors said, still unaware of the seriousness of the situation, and asked with genuine curiosity.
"It’s not the matter itself that troubles me; it’s the fact that I can do nothing about it," Riley said after a moment of silence, then sat down at his seat.
"What’s that supposed to mean?" Taylors muttered, puzzled as he watched Riley’s back.
Seeing Taylors still curious and about to ask more, Rhett waved his hand and said, "That’s enough, Taylors. I’ll make an announcement once everyone is here. Just sit down for now."
"Alright, Father," Taylors said with a shrug, pulling Mina’s hand as they took their seats.
Not long after, Tucker, Vanessa, and Dick also came down and, after a few greetings, took their seats. Seeing everyone was present, Maru, the cook, began pushing the serving cart through the passage, and the kitchen maids started placing plates of delicious dishes on the table.
This morning’s menu included steamed blue-backed crayfish, garlic giant tooth scallops, roasted meat paired with frosted crab roe, seafood soup, vegetable and fruit salad, purple potato mash, braised rabbit, and cured venison leg...
The table was filled with the aroma of food, steam rising from the dishes. Tucker was already holding his knife and fork, fully armed and ready to dive into the meal as soon as the signal was given.
"Children, don’t start eating just yet. There’s something important I need to announce."
Rhett's voice broke the calm, and his gaze swept over each of them before he continued, "I just received a message. The situation at the Coldstream Front has escalated. We’ve suffered heavy losses due to a surprise attack by the orcs, who violated the rules. The royal family is preparing for a major offensive, and it’s expected that a summons will be issued soon."
"Ah!" Mina gasped in surprise, covering her mouth.
Startled, she accidentally dropped her utensils, which clattered onto the white plate, the sharp sound echoing painfully in the quiet hall.
Ding!
"Father, how could the news come so suddenly? Is it really reliable? Could it be a rumor?" Vanessa asked with a worried expression, her heart racing as an invisible weight settled on her chest like a heavy stone.
"It’s not a rumor. I can guarantee the information is accurate. Many in the southwestern borderlands are already aware of it," Rhett said, tapping his finger lightly on the table.
Tucker's mouth dropped open in shock. "What? Does that mean we won’t get to enjoy such fine food once we’re on the battlefield?"
Vanessa shot him a glare. "All you think about is eating! Don’t you realize how dangerous the Coldstream Front is? Just surviving would be a blessing, and you’re worried about food…"
"Haha, as long as Father is going, I’ll follow him. With him there, nothing dangerous will happen!" Tucker scratched his head and chuckled.
"I want to go too! I want to fight the orcs!"
Suddenly, a young voice came from Vanessa’s left side. It was Dick, waving his small fists and shouting excitedly, his little face full of determination.
The two outbursts lightened the tense atmosphere slightly, and the maids around the table also breathed a sigh of relief, their smiles returning as they listened to Dick’s voice.
"Little Dick, your courage is commendable. When you grow up, I’ll take you with me!" Rhett said with a gentle smile.
He then turned to the others and said, "In any case, when the summons arrives, as the Marquis of the southwestern borderlands, I can’t sit idly by. I must respond to this call to the Coldstream Front."
"But… what if the Canyon Front becomes unstable again?" Klina’s eyes flicked as she asked, "Father, as the Marquis of the southwestern borderlands, shouldn’t you be more concerned with the situation at the Canyon Front?"
Rhett turned to her and replied, "Isn’t the Brenn family and the King family still there? For this summons to the Coldstream Front, my plan for the southwestern borderland nobles is to have one of these two count families remain while the other small nobles contribute their forces."
"Moreover, the situation at the Canyon Front is currently very stable. The orcs have no plans to increase their offensive. All their forces targeting our Kingdom of Kinnon are currently concentrated on the Coldstream Front, so they’re unlikely to disperse them to other fronts."
After explaining, Rhett looked at everyone and said, "I’ve already discussed it with Riley. This time, Riley will stay to manage the territory, while Tucker and Taylors will accompany me to the battlefield."
The room fell silent for a moment, and the butler Sveta sighed softly, a flash of worry crossing his eyes.
Tucker, on the other hand, grinned and said, "No problem! Going to battle with Father again? Haha, this time, I’m going to crush those orcs!"
"You should be more worried about yourself. Don’t boast too much!" Vanessa said with exasperation, turning to Rhett with a hopeful look in her eyes. "Father, with the Green family’s bloodline depending on you, please make sure to keep yourself safe."
"Don’t worry. I will," Rhett nodded reassuringly.
Mina, sitting nearby, looked even more worried. She glanced at Taylors and then at her father. She wanted to suggest that Taylors stay at the Alchemy Tower to make potions, but she felt that excuse was too weak. After hesitating for a long time, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
Taylors scratched his head and asked, "Father, will I still be the executioner this time?"
"Yes, your strength is the weakest, so it’s best for you to continue as the executioner. I’ll make the request to the higher-ups, and there should be no problem," Rhett said, glancing at Taylors.
Hearing this, Mina’s eyes brightened with relief. She looked at Taylors and said, "Yes, you can be the executioner!"
"But… I wanted to go to the battlefield with Father," Taylors said, feeling a bit embarrassed. "After training for months, I was hoping to experience a real battle."
"No, you don’t!" Mina, usually so gentle, uncharacteristically showed a rare burst of anger, glaring at Taylors. "If you go to the battlefield, then I’ll go too!"
"Oh, no, don’t do that, Mina. You can’t go..." Taylors’ face turned awkward.
"That’s enough, Taylors. There will be other chances for you to go to the front lines. This time, just follow orders," Rhett said, waving his hand in a tone that left no room for argument. Although Taylors was now a second-level mage, on the Coldstream Front, he wouldn't be able to gather much destiny value. However, given that the orc prisoners there were generally stronger, he could still be of some help!
Seeing the resolute look in Mina's eyes, Taylors sighed helplessly. "Alright, Father."
With the arrangements settled, the family began their breakfast, but the thought of the upcoming battle weighed heavily on everyone, dampening the mood. The breakfast was noticeably somber and quiet.
After breakfast, Riley left for Dark Hawk City to handle urgent matters, while Rhett took Tucker to the training grounds.
After informing Tadel and Kers of the situation at the Coldstream Front, their expressions were, unsurprisingly, filled with shock. After some contemplation, their eyes grew solemn.
After a brief silence, Tadel couldn't help but ask, "My lord, how many people do you plan to take this time?"
"How are the knights at the training grounds doing? Give me a report first," Rhett said thoughtfully.
"No problem," Tadel nodded. "Currently, we have thirty apprentice knights, forty first-level knights, and twenty-three second-level knights in training. As for the third-level knights, they’re all out on various patrol and security missions."
"Then take all the first- and second-level knights with us. Additionally, we’ll draw about half of the second- and third-level knights from those on patrol," Rhett said decisively.
Kers, standing nearby, was taken aback and asked in confusion, "My lord, wouldn’t that leave us with insufficient forces to maintain security in the territory?"
"No," Rhett said, shaking his head. After a moment of contemplation, he revealed White Hat's true strength to the two.
Since White Hat hadn't been with them for long, Rhett had not disclosed his full strength to everyone, only a select few knew. But now, after hearing this, both Tadel and Kers visibly relaxed, their eyes gleaming with surprise. They hadn't expected their lord to have a sixth-level magus under his command—this was truly astonishing news!
Their earlier worries about potential unrest in the territory, given the kingdom's external threats and the lord's departure, were now assuaged. With a sixth-level magus as a deterrent, the patrols could be slightly relaxed without risking significant problems.
"This time… we’ll rely on the two of you again. With your past experience, I’m sure you’ll adapt even better this time," Rhett said, looking directly at them. "If this were the Canyon Front, I might have brought only the newcomers, but the Coldstream Front is different. I need to take veterans and novices together."
The two exchanged a glance and then suddenly laughed, "Haha, my lord, what are you talking about? If it weren't for your timely rescue in the icy wilderness back then, we might have fallen to the claws of the Ice Spike Bear. We’re honored to follow you into battle again."
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