Chapter 1984 - 537: Sage Time_4

Its fur was as hard as iron, and there were still traces of dried blood on its claws, clearly marking it as the overlord of this forest.

With the lords of Glanton Castle having followed their Earl into imprisonment, no one in the area came to fulfill those ancient duties.

The Priests were adept at dealing with the Undead, but not so much with Demon Beasts. As for ordinary Adventurers, they couldn't possibly handle a Fine Steel Level prey.

The nearby villagers couldn't afford to issue a commission with the adventurer guild, so they could only let this beast run rampant. It's said that several woodsmen who went into the mountains had already met their demise at its hands.

Upon learning of this, out of compassion for the villagers, Edward waved his hand generously, instructing his accompanying servants to carve up the bear meat, weighing several thousand pounds, and send it along with the Wild Boars to the nearby villages as a greeting gift from the new lord to his people.

As for himself, he kept only the four thick bear paws to present as gifts to the guests at the banquet. The fierce bear head would be used as a trophy of valor, to be hung over the fireplace in City Hall.

Just as the team was preparing to head back, a cloud of dust rose from the dirt road at the edge of the hunting grounds.

A Royal Cavalryman, dressed in civilian clothes, galloped in and reined in his horse ten meters from the Duke, dismounting swiftly.

He walked quickly forward, about to report, but stopped involuntarily when he saw Prince Colin beside the Duke.

Edward noticed his subordinate's hesitation but casually waved his hand, his tone filled with trust and calm.

"Speak freely."

Receiving permission, the soldier did not hesitate any longer, nodding slightly, and though he lowered his voice, he could not hide the tremor of excitement.

"Your Majesty, an urgent report from Twilight Province! According to the Scouts, the 'Lion Heart Knight Order' stationed there is packing up camp!"

Edward's pupils contracted slightly, instinctively pausing his hand-toweling motion.

The soldier hastened his speech, no longer restraining his excitement, and continued.

"...They have abandoned several forward camps and the main force is withdrawing westward in batches, heading towards Laine Royal Capital Roland City! As per intel from our bribed informer, it was an urgent confidential order issued last night directly from Roland City, likely by Theoden Devalu himself!"

For a moment, the edge of the hunting ground was silent, as if even the birds had stopped chirping.

Then, a burst of laughter broke the silence, and Edward clenched the handkerchief in his fist, his excitement visible in his lifted eyebrows.

"Haha! Well done! With Saint Sis above, that old thing is finally at his limit! I thought he could hold on until next year, seems I overestimated him!"

Luo Yan had rarely seen Edward show such a loss of composure. Clearly, the Duke had been waiting for this day for a long time.

"This is indeed... unexpected good news, it seems our His Majesty Theoden is indeed facing a serious financial crisis."

Even though Sarah had clearly reported this intelligence to him last night, his face still showed a hint of appropriate surprise, as if hearing the news for the first time.

"The Lion has retreated to its den, showing us its plump behind!"

Tossing the handkerchief he used to wipe the gunpowder onto a saddle, Edward turned around, his eyes burning more fiercely than when he'd test-fired his gun.

"Seems it's time for us to pursue the victory!"

The blood shed during the winter coup must be repaid!

Though he hadn't yet decided how far he would go with his revenge against the Devalu family, he would never forget this!

"Congratulations."

Luo Yan smiled warmly, offering his sincere congratulations with a nod.

"Indeed this is a heaven-sent opportunity. Now that the obstacles are cleared, maybe we can soon extend the railroad north of Rapids Pass. And perhaps Princess Aileen and the soldiers of the Northern Relief Army still holding out there can soon come home."

They stayed there to ensure the rewards for reinforcing Twilight Province weren't snatched by the Devalu family.

Now that the Lion Heart Knight Order chose to retreat, they naturally had no reason to remain, leaving the Pioneers with their allotted lands would suffice.

The entire Holy Light Council is an ally of the Campbell Duchy, and they will protect Campbell's interests in the area and continue to uphold their understanding with the Salvation Army.

Campbell has no need to station troops locally unless the Lion Heart Knight Order returns one day or new developments occur outside Brass Pass.

As for the Judicial Court, those Holy Light lords from the Holy City never belonged here and will eventually declare victory and withdraw.

The fate of all four factions is already sealed!

Hearing Aileen's name, the wild joy in Edward's eyes gradually softened to a touch of warmth, a broad smile spreading across his face as he spoke.

"Thanks for the good wishes, Colin! I assure you, this time I'll definitely have Aileen back soon! Then, we'll host a true triumphant celebration for her in Thunder City!"

Watching Edward, already eager to embrace the role of his brother-in-law, Luo Yan's smile remained unchanged, though he felt a bit complicated.

Alright.

He admitted it might sound a bit lousy, but he really was just making casual remarks and hadn't expected Aileen to return so quickly.

Thinking of Vivian and Mia at his manor...

He just hoped the Colin family's "follow-up actions" would be swift and wouldn't occur just as Aileen was returning.

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(Thanks to "Xu Xiaofeng" for the alliance leader's tip!!!)