บท 220: Chapter 220: Audrey's Troubled Thoughts
Chapter 220: Audrey's Troubled Thoughts
She had always disliked war, preferring peaceful coexistence, a stable life, and for everyone to live in tranquility.
But now, even though she didn't understand much about politics or international relations, she knew that the clouds of war were gathering, and the next conflict was not far off.
The coastal Kingdom of Ruen would inevitably be the first to bear the brunt and become a land of turmoil.
If the threat only came from the southern continent, it would be manageable, but the Kingdom of Ruen also had the long-standing enmity with the Feysac Empire.
Once the situation in Ruen changed, the Feysac Empire might also launch a massive invasion, putting Ruen at risk of being attacked from both sides and increasing the likelihood of defeat.
Sigh, she thought, perhaps she should remind Earl Hall to pay attention to the coastal defenses of Southwell County when she returned.
If the southern continent dared to ambush and kill all the members of the Church of the Seven Gods, it would trigger a widespread war across both the northern and southern continents.
Alger glanced at the pensive Miss Justice and asked, "I want to know if the high-ranking officials of the Kingdom of Ruen also have plans to start a war."
"I can't guarantee to find out for sure, but I'll do my best," Audrey accepted this task, which aligned closely with her own goals.
After that, they each shared some information, and Mr. Fool took the opportunity to impart some knowledge from the Roselle diary that The Hanged Man had just handed over.
...
Back in Backlund, at the Hall family residence.
As soon as Audrey finished the Tarot meeting, she opened the door and called for Susie, asking what Earl Hall was busy with today and how he was feeling.
Susie relayed everything she had overheard, though with her current level of intelligence, she couldn't fully understand what those words meant.
Whenever she tried to ask Audrey, Audrey would always change the subject, saying that Susie shouldn't read too many books or think too much.
"Susie, I'll bring you some treats when I get back."
"Woof!" Susie wagged her tail excitedly.
Leaving the room, Audrey first calmed herself, organized her thoughts, and then went to the kitchen to prepare Earl Hall's favorite dessert before knocking on his study door.
Earl Hall rubbed his temples to ease his frustration. Knowing it was his beloved daughter who wanted to see him, his mood improved significantly.
When the door opened, Audrey brought the dessert to Earl Hall's desk.
"Dear Earl Hall, if you keep worrying like this, Lady Hall will be upset."
"Hahaha, with you here, there's nothing to worry about."
Earl Hall laughed as he tasted the dessert Audrey brought, sighing, "If only everything could go as smoothly as this."
Audrey's heart stirred. She walked behind Earl Hall, massaging his shoulders while observing his expression. "Has something major happened recently? Even our wise Earl Hall is troubled."
"Some matters concerning the southern continent and Southwell County. Let's not talk about these worries."
Earl Hall didn't want to discuss these troubling matters at this moment and instead asked, "How are things between you and Baron Campbell lately?"
"Of course, very friendly. Mr. Hasturis a good friend and sometimes a mentor who guides me."
"Just friends and a mentor?"
Audrey stopped massaging Earl Hall's shoulders, her beautiful brows furrowing in confusion. "What other special relationship could there be?"
"It's good if there's nothing else. Perhaps that's the best choice."
Earl Hall seemed to be speaking to Audrey, but also to himself.
Audrey feigned dissatisfaction, "Dear Earl Hall, must you always speak in riddles even with your daughter?"
Earl Hall smiled, "I was just thinking about some things. Perhaps I should promote some young people and let them gain more experience."
"Earl Hall~" Audrey elongated the title to express her current dissatisfaction.
He promised not to speak in riddles, yet here he was again saying things that were hard to understand.
"Alright, alright, I'll explain everything clearly."
Earl Hall laughed, signaling Audrey to continue massaging his shoulders. After a while, he said, "War is imminent, and Southwell County needs a suitable person to help the Duke of Southwell defend it."
"Your friend, Baron HasturCampbell, is a good choice."
"Because even before the signs of war appeared, he wrote a letter to the king, which I have also read."
"His foresight is impressive. He not only predicted the impending counterattack from the southern continent but also foresaw that Southwell County would be the first to face the test."
"For this reason, he wrote many strategies on how to strengthen coastal defenses, both to prepare for the upcoming war and to eliminate pirates who might take advantage of the chaos."
Audrey listened in a daze to Earl Hall's admiring tone.
She had never expected that the person who suggested addressing the coastal defense issues in Southwell County would be Mr. Hastar.
From Earl Hall's tone, it was clear he had already decided to recommend Mr. Hasturto go to Southwell County to help the Duke defend the coastline.
"At first, I was hesitant because war is ruthless, and he is still very young. He could have a few more years to grow before taking on such a heavy responsibility."
Earl Hall sighed and continued, "If Baron HasturCampbell were someone you liked, I wouldn't send him into this war. But I asked for your opinion, and you gave a suitable answer."
"Since he is so concerned about Southwell County, it shows he has a heart for serving the country and wants to restore the glory of the Campbell family."
"Therefore, the Duke of Negan and I don't mind giving him a chance. Young people should have more opportunities to gain experience."
Audrey stood frozen, her hands that were massaging Earl Hall's shoulders also stopped.
This was the first time Earl Hall had spoken so clearly about national affairs in front of her.
But she couldn't feel happy at all.
This sounded like it was because of her that Earl Hall decided to send Mr. Hasturto the battlefield in Southwell County.
She disliked war because it meant bloodshed and sacrifice.
If Mr. Hasturwent to Southwell County, his situation would be very dangerous, far less safe than staying in Backlund.
Earl Hall noticed Audrey's thoughts and comforted her, "This has nothing to do with you. He originally planned to go to Southwell County. I heard from Hibbert that he bought a lot of land there, not only the original Campbell family territory but also a large portion from other nobles."
"But..." Audrey bit her lip, not knowing what to say.
"He is indeed still young, which is why I was troubled before. After all, he is the last heir of the Campbell family, and I have to send him to the battlefield."
"Is it really Mr. Hastar's own will?"
"If you don't believe it, you can ask him now. I'm sure he will give you a definite answer."
"Then, when will he leave Backlund?"
"If the situation changes, he will go to Southwell County by the end of the year. If the situation is stable, he can wait until after the new year."
Earl Hall answered each question, feeling a bit heartbroken as he looked at the bewildered Audrey.
He had always disliked discussing national affairs in front of his family, especially in front of the innocent and naive Audrey.
But this matter was somewhat related to Audrey, so he made an exception to explain so much.
By the end of this year, the girl in front of him, his daughter, Audrey Hall, would come of age. She would gradually leave behind her innocence and start to learn to accept the harsh changes of the world.
"I want to go rest for a while. I didn't sleep well this afternoon."
"Go ahead."
Earl Hall watched Audrey leave the study, then turned his gaze back to the dessert on the desk, taking another bite. It didn't taste as sweet as it did at first.
In her bedroom, Susie was waiting behind the door, expecting Audrey to bring her something tasty this time.
Unfortunately, Audrey came back empty-handed.
"Woof?"
Susie barked inquiringly, but Audrey seemed not to hear, walking straight to the bed, lying down, and pulling the blanket over her face.
Susie glanced around, closed the door, and then ran to Audrey's side.
"Audrey, did something happen?"
There was no response from under the blanket. Susie patiently called out two or three more times before Audrey's voice came from under the blanket.
"Mr. Hastur is going to leave Backlund."
"Woof?"
Susie's eyes were filled with confusion. Wasn't it just leaving Backlund?
What was there to be so upset about?
Why feel sad about it?
She didn't understand. She wanted to ask Audrey, but in the end, she said nothing, lying down at the foot of the bed and wagging her tail as she drifted into sleep.
Whether living in Backlund or a small village in the countryside, it made no difference to her.
After all, she would never leave Audrey's side. Wherever Audrey was, that's where she would be.
(End of Chapter)
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