Amber Sword

Chapter 1164: Chapter 291: First Round Clash (Part 4)

The Half-Elf Girl’s brow furrowed with sorrow, and she sighed softly—her helplessness made Brand feel a pang of sadness, but she no longer fussed over this issue. "Mr. Brand, our situation isn’t good—it’s embarrassing, but nonetheless, we wish for your assistance..."

"You are a Highland Knight, so I hope to ask you to help us gain the support of the Highland Knights, is that possible?" The Princess lowered her posture, speaking in a pleading tone. She could see that Brand had no malice towards the Royalists. There was only a misunderstanding in perspective, but she believed that time would prove her right.

Brand shook his head.

"You all know, the Highland Knights are not the same as you. I can personally support you, but to gain their full approval, might not be easy." Although he wasn’t a true Highland Knight, he was confident in his ability to convincingly portray one to the most perceptive individuals. In fact, even Char couldn’t find fault in Brand’s statements here.

The Royalists understood that what Brand said was true, and they couldn’t help but nod heavily. Fortunately, Brand still had control over Tonyger, which was an inconspicuous place now critical in restraining Count Rangdenier. Otherwise, the Royalists would question the sensibility of confronting the Holy Temple for the sake of this young man.

"However, there’s not no way to go," Brand suddenly smiled, "Karasu is deeply affected by Madara’s threats. The Northern Nobles’ compromising stance has already triggered dissatisfaction among the Highland Knights. As long as you all show goodwill towards them, they should be willing to lean towards the Royalists. But the key is in the situation, as no one wants to join the ranks of losers."

Griffith nodded. She knew it wasn’t that simple. Listening to Brand’s proposal was more a formality; the Royalists meeting with Brand was essentially about the Highland Knights, now that hope had faltered, this Princess suddenly felt somewhat drained.

She quietly glanced at the hourglass, realizing the noble meeting time was fast approaching.

"Mr. Brand, I have one last private question, would you mind answering?" Griffith raised her head, looked at Brand, and asked him finally.

Brand nodded.

"You and Yanbao...?" She had always been concerned about this issue, though not assuming Brand as Delphire’s house servant, considering at least Yanbao hadn’t sided with the Royalists overtly. Hence as a vassal, the actions of Brand seemed distinctly divergent—besides, her personal belief was that Brand ought to be her knight. Yet what mattered to her was the relationship between Brand and the Yanbao Family’s countess.

Her acumen was clear on how much benefit could be gained from drawing Yanbao into their camp.

"No, actually, I have nothing to do with the Count, quite the opposite—I simply coerced her to bring me into the venue." Brand smiled slightly, admitting truthfully.

The crowd was taken aback.

"Though saying so may be disrespectful, after all, invitations to the meeting were only sent to Duke Karasu. As a mere Highland Knight, I was not qualified to enter Huaili Manor. I trust you can understand the plight of a young person." Brand shook his head and added.

The Royalists finally grasped the situation, their gazes at Brand carried a peculiar light. The audacity to kidnap and coerce a noble right under the Holy Temple’s nose—that was quite daring. Had it not been evident that it was improbable, they might have suspected the morning’s assassins were somewhat tied to this young man.

However, the Princess slightly smiled; she didn’t believe Brand’s words. The reason was simple—she was once close friends with Delphire, and anyone could see that the countess was evidently concerned about Brand that morning. Would a kidnapped person worry about their abductor? Such a possibility might exist but certainly not in that setting. Still, she didn’t intend to uncover Brand’s clumsy lie, instead, she laughed, "Extraordinary people do extraordinary things; your deeds in Tonyger have already taught us a vivid lesson. I didn’t expect, having just arrived at Ambeser, you’d surprise me again—only it seems unfortunate for Delphire, Mr. Brand, you don’t have the slightest pity for the fair lady."

Brand, reminded by Princess Griffith, remembered the countess’s poignant gaze and couldn’t help but sweat a little.

It wasn’t intentional on his part; he thought to himself how he hadn’t anticipated that the countess turned out to be a soft girl.

Still, he sighed slightly, seeing Princess Griffith’s face become calm again. Brand knew that his persuasion this time had failed. Though he hadn’t held out much hope from the start. Compared to the Royalists, he was nonetheless an outsider. If this elder princess changed her mind merely because of his few words, he would doubt whether this Half-Elf Girl was an imposter.

Thinking of this, Brand prepared for the next action. However, he faintly felt an ominous premonition, the Holy Temple’s stance surprised not only the princess’s group but greatly exceeded his expectations too. Wood High Priest’s promise still echoed, yet he hadn’t anticipated Flame Temple’s reneging to be so swift.

Something was definitely wrong within this.

...

(PS Saw comments yesterday suggesting updating an hour earlier, it’s already too late, I’ll strive to update an hour earlier tomorrow.)(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation and monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.)