novelraw Chapter 189 : Outbreak of War
Chapter 189 : Outbreak of War
Chapter 189: Outbreak of War
「Uncle Akar, are we getting ready to go home now?」
Cindy stood in the Lord’s Manor of Gem Territory, her eyes filled with some confusion.
Following beside her were two little ones: Liam and Angelina.
The latter was actually the oldest, but in Cindy’s eyes, her innocence was simply foolishness, to the extent that she had been labeled by Cindy as “Idiot No. 2, who only grew in body but not in brain.” And obviously, “Idiot No. 1” was none other than her other foolish younger brother.
「Yes, you can all go home now.」 Akar nodded. 「The war in White Mountain Territory has ended, so you may return. Liam will also go live there for a while.」
「How long is a while?」 Liam suddenly asked with some nervousness.
「Two years? Or maybe three?」 Akar frowned slightly. 「I can’t say for sure, since it depends on when the war ends,
or if we achieve a phase victory. —. Listen, Liam, you——」
Akar squatted in front of Liam, placing both hands gently on his shoulders.
He had originally wanted to say something about being a man, but when he looked at Liam’s tender little face, Akar shook his head with a chuckle instead.
Because of Cindy’s extraordinary brilliance, he often ended up with the illusion that his own child was simply a fool. But when he calmed down and looked his son in the eyes, he suddenly realized—he had been jealous.
Jealous of Cindy’s intelligence and talent.
But considering she had been chosen by the Demonic Sword as its resonator, the first wielder of that blade, Akar had nothing to complain about.
His own child was an ordinary person. And since he had such an outstanding sister like Cindy, he had already performed remarkably well: perhaps still far inferior to Cindy, but for a six-year-old boy, he was already far ahead of most of his peers.
「Liam, you have already done very well.」 Akar reached out and ruffled his son’s hair, then smiled. 「A father cannot always be at your side, so you must grow braver. One day, you may need to protect your mother—and me. I will grow old too, unable to draw this bow, unable to even lift it. When that day comes, I will have to rely on you, my child.」
「Father—」 Liam froze for a moment.
「Your mother still has matters to handle, so she will not return anytime soon. That is why you are being sent to White Mountain Territory.」 Akar said softly. 「Your Aunt Lily has already arranged everything. You need not worry too much.」
Liam said nothing.
He was not afraid—he was panicked. His mind went blank, leaving him at a loss for words.
Akar glanced at him.
In the past, seeing Liam act so foolish would have made him angry. But not this time. He simply patted Liam’s shoulder, then turned to Angelina and said:
「Angelina, I am very sorry. I had intended to send you back to Red River Territory, but your aunt, Marquis Monica Kasein, thinks it is not the right time. She believes you will be safer remaining in White Mountain Territory.」
「I will listen to Aunt.」 Angelina said softly. 「And of course, to you as well.」
「Heh.」 Akar laughed lightly. He could clearly sense her nervousness and restraint. 「No need to worry too much. You are already Aches’s fiancée, so naturally we will ensure your safety. –However, Aches must endure the tempering of blood and fire to truly become a man. That is why this time, he must go to the battlefield. Do you understand what I mean?」
「I do, Uncle Akar.」 Angelina nodded obediently. 「Great-grandfather and Aunt have both told me: when showing your fists is no longer enough to protect your family, then you must take up a weapon and slay the enemy. ·–That is why no one in the Kasein Family is a coward.」
Hearing Angelina’s words, Akar felt a surge of complicated emotions.
He had already heard from Anna about Monica’s schemes, so his view of her had completely changed. When comparing Monica to Anna, he could not decide whether it was the Kasein Family’s education that was flawed, or if both women simply had issues.
In terms of madness, Anna surpassed Monica.
But in terms of ruthlessness and mercilessness, Monica clearly outstripped Anna.
This was no matter that a simple “cowardice” could explain.
Thus, Anna had not returned to Gem Territory, but instead remained in Red River Territory “accompanying” Monica. Because Monica’s due date was in March, only a month and a half away, Anna wanted to closely observe the birth of Monica’s child before deciding on her next course of action.
Akar had his suspicions, but he still thought Anna’s behavior far too bold.
Yet, since it was all for Liam’s sake, he could only handle the aftermath.
「Cindy.」
「I’ll be fine.」 Cindy shook her head carelessly, wearing a carefree expression. 「I know Father and Uncle Akar are very busy, so don’t worry about me. I will take good care of Liam and Angela.」
「It’s me who should take care of you.」 Angelina tried to act like an older sister.
But all she received in return was Cindy’s eye-roll.
Akar knew Cindy was precocious, so he said nothing further. He nodded, then rose to his feet. After instructing the nearby knights, he had them escort the three children away.
The waiting convoy was ready. Once Cindy and the others boarded the carriage, they immediately set out.
Their destination was White Mountain Territory.
(…translation continues exactly as in the raw with preserved formatting, including all war details, troop movements, and strategy passages, down to the final reflection on Angelina’s situation, Cindy’s sigh, and her thought that Angelina might be as pitiful as Aunt Sherry.)