"Him?"

"I mean that knight, wouldn't he come to protect you?"

"What exactly are you trying to say?" Griffith glared at her younger brother.

She was quite intimidating when angry, and the young boy couldn't help but shrink back: "I... I don't like you marrying Duke Anlek."

"Why?" The Half-Elf Girl was somewhat surprised. Her timid brother wouldn't usually talk to her like this, and she couldn't help but suspect that someone was instigating him from the shadows, but it didn't seem necessary.

Whether it was Macaro or that wise old man who was her teacher, they all hoped to gain Anlek's support. They clearly saw the poison behind the honey, but their purposes were evident. Griffith didn't want to thwart their wishful thinking because, at the very least, she still needed the support of the nobles; Erune was, after all, Erune of the nobles.

The young boy shook his head: "I don't like him."

"Why? You haven't even met him."

"No... I heard..." The boy looked at her, stammering.

"What did you hear?"

"They say Duke Anlek has had several wives already, and they all died. They say that the Lord Duke is a vampire who exclusively drinks the blood of women, sister..." At this point, the boy had shed the aura of Erune's future heir and had transformed into an ordinary, timid little boy. He looked uneasily at his sister.

"Nonsense."

Griffith rebuked.

But this rebuke was inevitably somewhat weak. The boy sensitively felt it; given his sister's character, if it were truly ridiculous talk, she would definitely be dismissive. However, he didn't understand what marriage meant to a sixteen-year-old girl, although she accepted it deliberately, she still carried unknown fears.

At this time, the attendant knocked on the door for the fourth time, the determined knocking seemed like it was balancing the stone pressing on the young girl's heart. She took a deep breath, regaining her resolve.

Griffith touched Haruz's forehead, stood up, with maids grooming her hair and smoothing the creases in her dress. The Princess extended both hands, overcoming all external factors, and retained the composure of the Colcorva family without the slightest flaw.

This was her choice.

As she left, a young knight from the Royal Academy quietly advised: "Princess, even if you stay at the academy, we are willing to fight to the death; the glory of the Erune Royal Family need not bow to those who betray trust."

But Griffith turned around and calmly replied, "Erune need not spill future blood because the time hasn't come yet."

Then she lifted her skirt, stepped onto the carriage, leaving behind a thin silhouette.

But it was those delicate shoulders that, in the not-so-distant future, would carry the hope of Erune's revival.

...

Brand gently pinched the folded letter with his thumb and forefinger, sighed lightly. It was as if time had reversed, this moment returned again to the starting point of everything, the moment that would decide Erune's future. The stage it played on in the past remained unchanged today, but what path will the future take? Who can assert with certainty?

"Erune's hope lies in our hearts..." He repeatedly read this sentence softly, feeling a sense of uncertainty. Erune's hope lies in the hearts of everyone who fought for it, but having dreams can't change everything. He personally experienced that helpless anguish. This time, he wanted to take control of his destiny himself.

Caglis stood to the side, observing his lord. He had never seen such an expression on Brand's face; the young lord had always carried a confident composure. He wanted to see what was written in Brand's letter, but unfortunately couldn't see anything, as the letter was magically processed, revealing only blankness.

"Whose letter is that?" he couldn't help but ask.

"A letter from Princess Griffith to me. She appreciates our efforts in making things difficult for the Count in Tonyger." Brand instantaneously regained his composure, having gone through many dangers and hardships, he had grown and was no longer the easily emotionally swayed Sophie.

Caglis suspiciously stared at his lord, "Ha, I wouldn't be deceived this time. If the Princess were to write a letter to us, rebels, then wouldn't those hung from Anwar to Yu Song Avenue be loyal heroes?"

Brand couldn't help but glance at him upon hearing him compare those robbers to themselves: "Didn't I say, I am the Princess's secret knight."

"Then I am the Shadow of the Dark Dragon's Chamberlain." Caglis nonchalantly retorted.

Brand opened his mouth, staring at the man in astonishment.

"What's wrong?"

"No, I was just thinking if you secretly learned astrology from Antitina?"

"Are you trying to tell me I guessed it again, Lord? Ha-ha, this old game can't fool me!" Caglis suddenly found his lord to be quite amusing, having claimed to be the Dark Dragon, a rather clever joke according to Caglis.

But even the cleverest joke needs to be interrupted by the jingle of bells, as Brand looked up to see the silver bells on the wall of the hall shaking and making noise. He turned to look at Monica.

"That's a signal type orchid plant; someone is approaching from outside, Lord." Miss Light Spirit said, perched on his shoulder.

"Why wasn't it there before?"

"We planted it. Valha is also the home of the Light Spirits; we plan to plant some chandelier orchids later."

Brand had already glimpsed the shadow of his Mage Attendant at the hall entrance, Char holding a Magic Wand, dressed in a golden-red long robe, followed by the timid Mo Duncan, holding his duck Summoned Demon.

"This place is nice, not much different from your place in Danier's old home." Char walked into the hall composedly, glanced around and raised his Magic Wand in admiration.

"My place in Danier's old home?"

Brand was slack-jawed, the White Knights that the Highland Knights were stationed at Danier — but seeing his Mage Attendant looking serious, he almost believed he had some residence in Karasu.

He glared at Char with irritation, the young Highland Wizard* remained unperturbed, bowing gracefully: "It's been hard undertaking ventures, but at last, there's now a foothold, congratulations, Lord. I have brought you some good news this time."

"Good news?"

"You better take a look at this, Lord." Char took out something.

Brand jumped up from behind the desk.

Destiny Card.

...

(First update, then heading out, coming back in the evening to continue writing. I know many say I lack planning, don't notify when doing things, well, indeed it is a flaw worth mentioning... ah, I'm rather aimless, but I'll try to pay attention in the future, pat everyone.)(To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and Monthly Tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)