Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 537 - 233, Set in Stone_2

The moonlight outside the window poured into the inner chamber, and the magic lamp in the room cast a pale yellow halo. Laine placed a piece of pastry in his mouth, contemplating for a long time before slowly speaking: "It's a conspiracy, my Lady. If it weren't for you, I would already be in a predicament."

"If I choose to agree, then all my previous efforts would be in vain. My efforts to improve territorial security, to build an army, and to recruit Dwarfs would all be for naught. I would lead an Expeditionary Army of no more than a thousand into the desert to chew on sand and play hide-and-seek with those skeleton frames, perhaps unable to return for several years, even a decade."

"If I choose not to agree, then Richard has a direct reason to wage war against me," Laine said in a deep voice. "In that case, I won't be taken without a fight. The only answer would be war. The Duke of Leonais and Duke Montfort, who support Richard, would stand on the king's side. Mr. Francois and Mr. Bodric, who support me, would stand on my side. Therefore, as long as there's even a slight mishap, the whole Kingdom's civil war will begin."

Surya nodded silently, looking at Laine with concern, while also carefully watching the Lake Fairy, eager to hear what she had to say.

"Indeed, that's Richard's plan, but I must add that given Richard's nature, he wouldn't want to provoke a civil war. He would continuously pressure you, hoping you would yield and admit your error." The Lake Fairy extended a slender jade finger, pointing at Laine: "At that time, because of your opposition, the whole Kingdom would fall into the crisis of a civil war. My champion, Laine, you would be under immense pressure, and by the time you yield, Richard would have achieved his goal."

Laine nodded bitterly, knowing that if it came to that, even if he won the civil war, the country would already be crippled.

That's not what he wanted.

After a moment of silence, Laine continued, "I still don't understand why the king is so against me."

"Richard isn't against you; he's afraid of change. He's old now, and his mind is like a person trapped in a cocoon." The Lake Fairy swept her golden hair behind her head, took her teacup, and lightly sipped the High Elf honey tea: "People like him are like startled birds hiding in their cages, locking doors and windows, any disturbance would cause fear and anxiety. Laine, your actions have already touched Richard and the others' sensitive nerves. With me here, they don't dare act recklessly, but if you're really planning to... you should be prepared early."

"I understand." Laine had already decided on the path forward.

At this moment, Surya spoke cautiously, a bit sorrowfully, "Actually, concerning my father's matter, His Majesty Richard is the same..."

The Lake Fairy watched Surya sitting beside Laine with great interest. Even the Goddess found the knight's appearance outstanding, feeling a bit envious since this Duke's daughter had claimed Laine's undivided affection.

With a twinkle in her green eyes, the Lake Fairy knew some matters were better settled early, and with the Jialan Council sending two witches, the signal was clear. Laine had been rising very quickly with impressive progress in strength.

It's best to push things early to prevent any long-term complications.

"May I ask, my champion, when do you and Surya plan to get engaged?" The Lake Fairy shifted the topic with a smile.

Surya's small hand tightened, and the knight was almost overwhelmed with shyness. She was a devout believer in the Lake Fairy, and after the Fairy brought up the matter, she didn't know what to do, her delicate pearly skin flushed with red, and her sea-blue eyes were filled with panic: "Um... My Lady, I haven't discussed this with my father yet..."

"What does it matter? Do you really think Francois, your father, doesn't know? If he disapproved, could you constantly visit Laine's castle? If he disapproved, could Laine brazenly go to the Inner Castle each time he went to Helunhilde to find you?" The Lake Fairy's overwhelmingly beautiful face carried hints of seriousness: "I mean you should settle it as soon as possible."

"Since it's the Lady's oracle, I have no objection." The knight bashfully lowered her red face.

"What about your opinion, Laine?" The pressure turned to Laine.

Surya immediately focused on Laine, her expression mixed with worry and unstoppable anticipation. From Marinburg to Brittania, they had been through much together and had shared their feelings. She was confident, especially with the Lake Fairy's support.

"I have no objection, my Lady. It's my honor." Laine spoke without hesitation, exchanging a smile with Surya and interlocking their fingers.

"Then let your engagement ceremony be next year. I'll be there," The Lake Fairy was satisfied with the outcome: "That's all for today. Surya, I'll be staying here for some time, you're welcome to visit anytime. I'll send Mogiana to arrange these matters soon."

"Thank you very much! My Lady!" Seeing that Laine agreed, the knight's face radiated captivating brilliance. She stood up immediately, bowing deeply to express her gratitude, barely managing to maintain composure by leaning on her years of court training to preserve her poise, but her slightly trembling body revealed her thoughts.

The matter between her and Laine was always noted by Francois, who personally favored the marriage because Laine was an exceptional choice, whether in terms of power, wisdom, prestige, age, or appearance, he matched perfectly with Surya.

Especially satisfying to Francois was that Laine was an orphan.

His adoptive father was far away in Nord, and his godfather was in the Empire. If his daughter married there, she'd face no grievances because Laine had no senior family members here.

Don't underestimate this. It's crucial. Whether in the Empire or Brittania, they are feudal lands, and inter-nobility marriages often create highly complex blood relations and family networks. Such tangled noble marriages not only create confusion about ranks but can also lead to family factions suppressing external marriage partners.

Laine, however, had no such issues. He could be described as a lone lord in Brittania, with his territory near the Duchy's capital. The caring Duke could visit his daughter often and support her, ensuring Surya's life would indeed be happy.

The lack of engagement stemmed mainly from some thoughts Francois had. He had the notion of marrying Laine into the family, fully incorporating him, which he subtly asked Laine if he'd accept, proposing to change Macado's last name to Antre.

Laine gently declined, "My Duke, if you truly understood my origins, you wouldn't have asked that."

Having received a soft refusal, Francois retracted his inquiry, deciding not to rush the engagement until the awkwardness passed, which explained the knight's recent infrequent visits to Laine.

Surya was almost certain that once the Lady decreed it, her cunning father would seize this divine opportunity to consent immediately. She understood her father just as he understood her heart.

...

Upon leaving the Lake Fairy Tower, Surya nearly fled onto her Pegasus and flew away, which Laine found amusing, a warmth welling in his heart: Indeed, it's time to have a home, a Lady.

The joyful mood lasted only a few days before Ranger Des, who had sought refuge with Laine, brought bad news just two days before the Winter Festival.

"My Baron, the Vampires of Musillon have made a move. The Red Duke is slowly and determinedly assembling an army!"

"Call everyone, have a meeting immediately!"