Amber Sword

Chapter 1189: Chapter 299: Maelstrom III_2

In comparison, Griffith valued Brand more as a Golden Rank Swordsman. Indeed, compared to Earl Oting’s battle-hardened mercenaries who had returned from the Black Forest, their role in the stormy situation of present-day Ambeser was much more significant.

Moreover, behind Earl Oting stood an ancient family and a large group of nobles sharing the same political aspirations, which was a considerable support. Gaining favor from this force was incredibly valuable for the Princess’s precarious faction.

However, Brand, hiding in the wardrobe, sneered at this. Sir Overwell and the Princess still relied on the strength of the nobles. This was understandable, as breaking free from these ideological shackles was not easy. Besides, the Kingdom indeed needed capable people to govern, and Brand had to admit that in this world, there were far more knowledgeable and talented individuals among the nobles.

Oberg the Seventh formed the Youth Guard Team and established academies to select talent from local areas, aiming to break the Old Nobles’ monopoly on power. However, Erune plunged into war just as these initiatives had begun. Nevertheless, in the future, Erune continued to benefit from this, as a large number of excellent talents selected from the Youth Guard Team enriched the Kingdom, bringing Eritrea this ancient country, a dozen years of prosperity.

If the second and third Black Rose Wars hadn’t interrupted this process, perhaps Regent Princess could slowly steer the derailed country of Erune Kingdom back onto the right track.

Thinking of this, Brand couldn’t help but sigh softly.

He continued to listen to Nemesia’s cold voice from outside: "The secret passage leads out of the city, but the nearby areas along the land route are under the Holy Temple’s control. Further south is Duke Anliek’s territory. The Knight Academy students had previously planned escape routes, with the only conclusion being that taking the water route offered a chance to leave Ambeser."

"But we have no ship," answered Sir Overwell.

"Even with a ship, it’s impossible. The storm in the New Moon Sea is approaching, making it impossible to sail during this season," Nemesia added.

"No, we might have a ship," Griffith suddenly recalled something. Her face showed hesitation, and both Nemesia and Sir Overwell looked curiously at the Princess. The Royal Family had spies and secret escape routes arranged everywhere, so a merchant ship being here as a planned move wouldn’t be surprising—there’s a common saying among the Erune folk that "the King has the most secrets"—though not entirely accurate, it reveals a part of the truth.

But unexpectedly, after a moment of hesitation, Griffith suddenly said: "Allow me to introduce a guest to you all."

"A guest?"

Nemesia was slightly stunned, but Sir Overwell revealed an understanding look after his initial surprise. Princess Griffith clenched her lips, squeezed her fingers, and knocked on the wooden table, saying: "Come out, Mr. Brand. I hope you’ll fulfill your promise to wholeheartedly help us leave this place."

Brand didn’t expect the Princess to present him at this moment, but he quickly adjusted after the initial surprise. The two outside appeared to be close confidants of Princess Griffith, indicating that she had already recognized him as part of their circle.

He exhaled, opened the wardrobe door, and walked out.

"It’s you!" Nemesia raised an eyebrow slightly.

Sir Overwell also lifted his eyebrow but didn’t rush to speak. Brand felt somewhat awkward, as one might expect rumors when a man is alone with a Princess—especially since he had indeed done something less-than-honorable earlier, albeit impulsively—but a guilty conscience made Brand blush slightly.

He couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly: "Sir Overwell, once again we meet. I heard you’ve seen me before, but regrettably, I never had the chance to meet you." He was referring, of course, to Sir Wolf secretly tracking them, which the Princess hadn’t told him, but was hinted to him by that little girl. Combined with some unintentional details the Princess revealed in a letter, Brand could easily guess whom he had encountered.