That's How We Necromancers Do Things

Chapter 173: Chapter 101: Senior Catherine and I, It’s True Love

...

Meanwhile.

Inside the garrison.

Lynch was watching this scene unfold through a shared vision.

In truth, he had already detected their movements when the troops were still several miles from Lakefront Town, using the Demon Rat Skeleton "spies" he had positioned on all the major roads outside of town.

Of course.

Given the current strength of Lynch’s Spiritual Power, at such a great distance, he could only vaguely sense that it was a massive army.

It was only when they drew closer.

Through the blurry shared vision, Lynch was finally able to make out the fluttering Tiger Battle Banner and another heraldic banner belonging to the Adela family. He instantly understood that Catherine’s "guardians" had come to hold him accountable.

Since Lynch had accepted the "gift" from his senior, Catherine, he was naturally prepared for this moment and had already made certain arrangements in advance.

After all, he, Lynch, wasn’t so naive as to think that after stripping Catherine and her entire retinue of their equipment, they wouldn’t react at all, right?

However, Lynch had considered every possibility, but he never expected them to use such a... simple, crude, and unexpected opening gambit.

When Andis spoke, Lynch was just about to moisten his throat with a cup of Red Ridge Red Mist tea that Sea Song had just brewed. Upon hearing the words, his wrist trembled, and the cup nearly flew from his grasp.

’Humiliation... that’s quite an accusation to throw around...’ Lynch was a bit stunned by this unexpected move. ’Aren’t nobles supposed to be all about dignity and subtlety? Shouting about "humiliating" their Rose so loudly—doesn’t the Adela family care about its own reputation?’

’No!’

’Something’s not right here.’

Lynch’s heart skipped a beat, and his mind immediately began to race.

’The man shouting outside must be the "Sword of Dawn" mentioned in the intelligence he’d gathered—Andis Adela, right?’

’He’s the commander of the Radiant Battle Group, Catherine’s paternal uncle, and a rising star in the Empire’s military.’

Lynch had been in Lakefront Town for just under two months. Though he spent his days immersed in cultivation and grinding skills, he had never once slacked on gathering intelligence about the surrounding powers, especially potential enemies.

Especially after the incident with Catherine, he had gathered a significant amount of intelligence through various channels—from his senior, Raymond, for instance, by writing Magic Letters to his mentor Annabella, and even by sending letters to Avril in distant Saint Roland City and to his senior, Amadis, who was stationed on the other side of the legion’s territory.

In short, of all the intelligence he had gathered, the one who concerned him the most was this Sword of Dawn, Andis.

This man was powerful; though still young, he was already a Tier Five Holy Knight. He also had an outstanding military record and was a future pillar of the state being groomed for leadership by the Empire’s military.

But what made Lynch even more wary was that this Sword of Dawn was known for his cunning strategies and tactical brilliance. He had led the Radiant Battle Group to victory against overwhelming odds on multiple occasions, establishing a renowned military reputation.

Barring any accidents, a man like him would, at the very least, rise to the position of legion commander in his lifetime, becoming a truly influential figure in the Empire. freewebnovёl.ƈom

How could such a man—top-tier in intelligence, strength, and status—act like a common street thug? How could he disregard all noble decorum, scream like a shrew at someone’s doorstep, and even drag his own niece’s name through the mud, all because she suffered a small setback?

It was clearly illogical.

Lynch paced back and forth, his mind racing.

Soon, he figured it out.

’This Sword of Dawn... his calculations run deep, indeed~’

By pinning on him the crime of "humiliation"—a vague accusation most likely to incite public outrage—Andis had seized the moral high ground from the very beginning, planting the banner of "seeking justice" firmly in his own hands.

Then, no matter what he did next, no matter how extreme his methods, he could explain it away as "acting out in a fit of righteous anger on behalf of a junior who has brought shame upon the family." This would easily garner sympathy and understanding, silencing any potential critics.

Furthermore, the word "humiliation" could be interpreted in different ways.

It could be used to guide public opinion in the filthiest direction, applying maximum pressure.

Or, if the situation changed and de-escalation was needed, he could simply pivot and clarify it as "spiritual oppression" or "a trampling of one’s dignity."

The power to define its meaning was entirely in his hands.

’This Sword of Dawn... going to all this trouble... his goal probably isn’t as simple as just seeking justice for his niece, is it?’

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Lynch quickly sorted out the situation and couldn’t help but sigh. "This Andis... his intentions are clearly not what they seem. This is not a friendly visit~"

But Lynch had long been mentally prepared for this day. What was to come, would come.

Immediately, he gave an order to Aus: no one was to make a rash move without his command.

Then, he straightened his Mage Robe and, under the worried and tense gazes of the Lakefront Town residents, Aus, Old John, and the others, walked alone toward the town gate.

His steps were steady and calm, his expression placid, as if the elite Tiger Battalion outside—a force capable of razing Lakefront Town to the ground several times over—were nothing more than a group of tourists who had come for a visit.

Arriving at the entrance to Lakefront Town, Lynch stopped. His gaze quickly swept over the grim and disciplined troops before finally landing on the magnificent-looking Holy Knight at their head.

In the next instant, Lynch bowed slightly, his tone polite and respectful. "Lynch Blackwood, at your service, Senior Andis. Your great name as the ’Sword of Dawn’ is as loud as thunder. Even when I was a junior at the academy, I heard of your great deeds and how your might awes the Southern Border. I have long admired you from afar, and to meet you today is truly a great honor~"