บท 68: Chapter 68: Lurking in the Dark III
"What? Don't tell me that you don't believe me. Did you think that I was joking?"
Herbert stared at Lord Eric's eyes unmoved as if to say that he was being serious. With this, Lord Eric sighed. His eyes seemed to have a hit of apology and thankfulness at the same time.
"Since you have said so then I can only gratefully accept your help."
"You don't have to be so polite, Lord Eric. It is only normal for us allies to work together."
"Alright, since it has already come to this, then please, let me call on the high-ranked awakened for this operation."
After saying this, Lord Eric called out and commanded a nearby soldier outside before returning to Herbert's side.
Herbert nodded his head and waited. Before his arrival, he had sent a message to lord Eric to make a breakthrough within a week. Admittedly, he knew that this request was unreasonable for the current forces of the Hawkwood barony.
This was why when he had Oliver send this letter away, he also added a couple more lines that could greatly entice the anxious Hawkwood Baron. Naturally, the Baron would have no other choice but to agree with his suggestion as it would only benefit him.
"Thankfully the Hawkwoods and the Ravenmoons have a similar characteristic, with your participation the Oxswords would surely be taken by surprise. The deadlock would once again be broken in our favor."
"Indeed, that is so. However, because the black feathers of the Ravenmoon are a stark contrast to the brown wings of the Hawkwoods, I would have to limit the number of Awakened on my side. Otherwise, the other households might become too weary of us."
Hearing this, Lord Eric frowned but he quickly adjusted his face so that it wouldn't linger. In the end, he knew that the Ravenmoons have a far higher stock of Awakened at the higher ranks. Even Herbert, a man who is far younger than him is possibly at the same or even higher rank than him.
"Sir Herbert, as you can see, the Hawkwood family is very welcoming to the Ravenmoon family. If you don't want to answer this question then please, ignore it."
Herbert looked at him with a slightly inquisitive look.
"Please don't hesitate to say anything. With the partnership between our two families, I won't take any offense."
"It's just that, I have something that I am wondering about."
With a slightly raised eyebrow, Herbert waited for him to carry on with his words. Lord Eric knew that with what he is about to say, he might sound rude. This was one of the things that he shouldn't do since his family is currently trying to please the Ravenmoons, but at the same time, he also doesn't want to leave any loopholes that might leave the Hawkwood family in a bad state.
"It's about the plan. You see, with all due respect, I have been wondering if the Ravenmoon duke is aware of this what you intend to do?"
After trying to probe Herbert with his question, Lord Eric made a slightly worried expression. He had heard of what happened to his sickly twin brother and knew that he had become overly protective of his current heir since there would no longer be any direct descendant that could succeed him in his position.
"So, that was what you were worried about. There is no need to fret about it. My father has his eyes everywhere. If ever I did something that he dislikes then you can rest assured since I would be the first to get the warning. Besides, my father also greatly treasures the partnership between the two territories and would hope to continue to keep it this way."
With a slightly relieved look on his face, Lord Eric gave him a nod of understanding. He knew that the Northern Duke would probably raise hell on him and the neighboring lands if ever his genius son were to get hurt or killed in his lands. At least, with this reassurance, he can feel a lot more at ease.
Before the two of them can continue their conversation, they were disturbed by the soldier who entered the tent with ten men and two women. From the order in which they entered, Herbert guessed their ranks.
The middle-aged woman who entered first seemed to be the leader of the group, She had a sharp gaze that seemed to penetrate through anything in her sight. Following her was a gray-haired old man who had a long beard. Among them, Herbert did not find the rest of the group as interesting so he ignored them.
"You're finally here. Sir Herbert, as you can see, these are the awakened that we have brought along for this invasion."
"Is this all?"
"It is unfortunately so. The rest are unable to come since they still have to protect the territory."
"I see"
Lord Eric could feel the subtle contempt in Herbert's eyes but he paid it no mind. The most important thing for him to do now was to be humble and accept the good graces that are about to befall him.
Originally, he was unable to launch a direct attack with his high-ranked awakened since the enemy would also deploy theirs which can evenly match theirs. As a result, the major factor that can affect the flow of the battle is his basic soldiers.
These soldiers had been equipped with the weapons that had been loaned from the Ravenmoon family. Lamentably, the enemy soldiers had equipment that was only slightly below theirs, with their greater number, this advantage has also been lost.
With how the Oxswords have been dealing with them, Lord Eric could already see that this war would soon reach its end without either side gaining a massive advantage over the other. This was not in line with what he wanted so it is great that his only reliance had finally decided to make their move.
"Let me introduce to you the leader of this operation, this is Ariel, my sister. She is currently at the same rank as me. Ariel, this is Herbert Ravenmoon, the heir to the Ravenmoon."
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