章 583: Chapter 581 Approching the Eve Of The War
In the following days, Karsten Manor remained bustling with activity.
Every day, people were constantly passing in and out.
Dragon Carriages were coming and going each day.
Gradually, even fully armed soldiers began to gather in groups at the manor, making the atmosphere increasingly tense.
Under such circumstances, the people in the Royal Capital started to become restless.
"I heard a large number of Dragon Carriages entered Duke Karsten's manor today, is that true?"
"It's more than that. Even mercenaries and soldiers are also gathering at Duke Karsten's manor."
"Moreover, it seems the Karsten Family has been intensifying their purchase of weapons and armor, even acquiring Magic Stone products, and transporting Magic Stone cannons."
"With such a show of force, are they really preparing for war?"
"The Royal Selection has just begun, and Crusch Sama is already getting restless?"
Rumors like these spread more and more wildly in the streets and alleys of the Royal Capital.
In such a situation, the other Royal Selection candidates couldn't ignore Crusch's actions.
However, aside from Emilia, the other three Royal Selection candidates responded quite differently to Crusch's movements.
"How interesting. If a duke who prioritizes the kingdom's prosperity dares to start a fight in the Royal Capital, then this one would actually be delighted. As long as this one is the only possible victor, the rest doesn't matter. I just hope it won't bore me."
With these words, Priscilla chose to stand by and watch, letting events unfold as they might.
"A war? Nobles really do have nothing better to do. If she likes fighting, let her fight. Or you could go play with her if you want. I don't care."
Felt's words showed her disdain for the situation, leaving Reinhard feeling somewhat helpless.
Besides Priscilla and Felt, there was another Royal Selection candidate who reacted to the situation.
"Buying up large quantities of iron goods? Maybe Crusch Sama could show some patronage to our Hoshin Trading Company as well?"
Anastasia, with her merchant background, spoke these words with a gleam in her eye. She spent her days wandering the Royal Capital with her mercenary group, appearing to conduct business while taking the opportunity to make a considerable profit.
However, with her sharp business acumen, she was likely gathering intelligence through various channels.
In other words, the ultimate outcome was that each Royal Selection candidate chose to remain temporarily inactive, observing from the sidelines.
Despite their differing reasons, none of them believed Crusch would provoke a conflict at this time. Instead, they anticipated that Crusch was preparing for something significant.
Given this, even though the three Royal Selection candidates seemed indifferent, various forms of investigation were still carried out.
As a result, the atmosphere in the Royal Capital grew increasingly tense, causing the residents to become anxious and uneasy.
If this continued, perhaps even other nobles and members of the Sage Council would not stand idly by.
Finally, three days later, good news reached Karsten Manor.
"The fog has appeared?!"
In the study on the top floor of the manor, Crusch stood up from her seat upon receiving the news.
In front of her, Wilhelm knelt on one knee, showing unprecedented deference as he bowed his head to report to his master.
"According to the information we recieved, the fog appeared at midnight last night and was confirmed this morning. As a result, the caravans have altered their routes, and no one dares to head in that direction anymore."
"Hohou?" Ferris said with a hint of excitement on his face, "That saves us the trouble of blocking the roads ourselves."
"We mustn't be careless. If someone suddenly breaks through during the battle, it will cause us significant trouble." Crusch, not daring to be negligent, instructed Ferris directly, "Notify the Knight Order of the situation. Ferris, have them take responsibility for sealing off the roads."
Ferris nodded, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, and swiftly moved to carry out Crusch's orders, ensuring that the path to their objective would remain secure. The tension in Karsten Manor was palpable, but they were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"Understood, nya~" Ferris raised his hand in acknowledgment but added a note of warning in her tone. "But Crusch Sama, don't you dare think of leading the team alone while I'm gone, or Ferri-Chan might end up crying, nya~"
"Of course not," Crusch replied with a smile on her face. "You're the lifeline of our expedition team. I can't imagine you not being useful. I need every bit of power we have. So, Ferris, lend me your strength too."
"Of Course." Ferris's smile was adorable, but his eyes grew calm. "My life has long been dedicated to you, Crusch Sama. There's nothing more to say."
With that, Ferris glanced at Wilhelm with a meaningful look as he continued to speak. "Isn't that right, Old Man Wil?"
Wilhelm remained silent with his head bowed but a barely perceptible aura of sharpness began to radiate from his robust frame.
Seeing this, Ferris closed his mouth.
Crusch stepped forward and placed a hand on Wilhelm's shoulder, speaking solemnly.
"Be ready, Wilhelm-Trias."
"No."
"Wilhelm van Astrea."
The renowned surname made Wilhelm lift his head, and a dark intensity ignited in his eyes once more.
Astrea— the name of the Sword Saint family.
Indeed, Wilhelm's true surname was Astrea. Trias was his former surname. After defeating the previous Sword Saint, Wilhelm took on the Astrea name by marrying the Sword Saint's heir, becoming a part of the family.
Sadly, Wilhelm's wife, the previous Sword Saint, had passed away.
Fourteen years ago, when the kingdom sent an expedition to defeat the Hakugei (White Whale), it ended in failure, with no survivors. Driven by revenge, Wilhelm had spent these fourteen years searching for the Hakugei (White Whale).
"Fourteen years," Crusch said, gripping Wilhelm's shoulder tightly. "Fourteen years since your wife led the expedition to defeat the Hakugei (White Whale) and failed. Today is the day you fulfill your vow, Wilhelm van Astrea."
Hearing this, Wilhelm remained silent, bowing his head heavily, his entire being emanating a berserk aura as his answer.
...
Night fell swiftly.
At the city gate of the Royal Capital, numerous Dragon Carriages began speeding out, kicking up a trail of dust as they headed in a single direction.
In one of the carriages, Rem held the reins, urging the Earth Dragon forward.
In the carriage behind her, Emilia clasped a crystal, praying fervently.
Meanwhile, Fang Li had climbed onto the roof of the carriage and gazed at the horizon which gradually being overtaken by darkness, Fang Li's eyes gleamed with an icy blue light.
"What will the blood of the rumored 'Gluttony' taste like?" he murmured to himself. "I'm looking forward to it..."
...
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