Although untrained farmers were quite weak, they still had the courage to throw stones down at enemies from atop the city walls.
Moreover, they could also take over night watch duties from soldiers, allowing the soldiers to rest in shifts.
Viscount Garcia could calculate that if the siege continued, his army would eventually become exhausted. If they suffered heavy casualties and were then chased out of the city by the enemy, annihilation was a very real possibility!
“Immediately retreat to Eagle Fortress. As long as we still control the Death Canyon, we can continuously receive reinforcements from the Highlands!”
He immediately made the decision, casting a cold glance at Sir Smith, whose eyes were filled with discontent.
The other man was cavalry, naturally unconcerned about the fate of his infantry, but Garcia had to be responsible for the knights and soldiers who followed him. Without sufficient power, how could he ever fight for rights within his family?
“This is my order, the command of your commander-in-chief!”
Garcia coldly declared, already harboring murderous intent.
If the other man continued to refuse to obey, he would use the authority of the supreme commander to hang him!
Even though he had left to establish his own branch, he was still a legitimate member of the powerful Wellington family!
“Fine! You’re the commander…”
Smith reluctantly gave in, noticing the tension in the air, especially the knights under Garcia’s command who had already placed their hands on their sword hilts.
He wisely chose to back down, muttering curses as he left.
Wu wu!
A low horn sounded, and the army began its retreat.
Garcia walked at the rear, hearing the cheers from atop the city walls. His expression turned distant: “Baron William… will he become my greatest enemy?”
…
With Viscount Garcia’s withdrawal, the gloom that the Red Lions had brought upon the Fengying Plains seemed to gradually dissipate.
At the same time, tales of Baron William’s unmatched bravery in reclaiming Howling City and defeating Garcia spread rapidly across the Fengying Plains.
Innumerable bards sang of the valor of Lord Carlos in taverns and at crossroads. His former reputation as the unbeaten swordsman in tournaments, the “Commoner Sword Saint,” became a popular topic of conversation.
After some time, with the call from Baron William’s envoys and Lady Emmerich, the surviving blue-blooded nobles across the Fengying Plains gathered in Howling City.
“Has the era of the tiger finally passed?”
Viscount Balle led a force of a thousand men slowly passing through the gates of Howling City.
Seeing the once-blue tiger banners being taken down and replaced with the new crest of sword and shield, a look of nostalgia appeared on his face.
The fresh marks of sword cuts and gunpowder explosions on the city walls made him narrow his eyes, and he couldn’t help but stop and stare for a long time at the massive wooden cannons mounted atop the walls.
There were rumors that Baron William had received divine favor, granting him the ability to create holy fire hidden within the wood, powerful enough to shake the world when unleashed!
This was the church’s explanation, but Viscount Balle scoffed at it, believing instead that the baron had developed some powerful weapon and simply attributed it to divine intervention.
However, regardless of the explanation, the weapon’s immense power was evident to all scouts, as seen in the anxious expressions of the lesser nobles.
With armies numbering fewer than a few hundred men, perhaps just a few salvos of holy fire would be enough to break their entire force!
“This must be the product of a pact with the devil!”
Viscount Balle thought bitterly to himself, unable to suppress a surge of jealousy.
“I suppose by now, many of the blue-bloods have secretly pledged their loyalty to him?”
Thinking about what Wu Ming’s envoy had said, Viscount Balle couldn’t help but feel increasingly annoyed.
“I will marry the eldest daughter of Earl Blue Mountain and judge the Viscount of Eagle Fortress within Howling Castle. All the blue-bloods of Fengying Plains must gather under my banner and drive the Wellington family from these lands!”
At a time when the blue-blooded nobility had lost their leader and were anxious and uncertain, a strong leader emerging as a savior was simply the natural course of events!
Although the blue-blooded nobles had suffered heavy losses, their thousand years of accumulated resources, along with their various branch families and knightly lords, once united, would form a formidable force.
Not to mention that Baron William now not only controlled the former Earl’s Howling Castle, but also commanded an army exceeding five thousand men!
With such power, even if Earl Blue Mountain himself were still alive, it would be difficult to counter him.
Although Viscount Balle had also brought a thousand men, seeing this situation still caused a deep chill to rise within him.
“Viscount Balle! Welcome!”
Upon entering Howling City, Tana approached with a beaming smile: “We’ve already prepared enough tents and rations for a thousand men. Allow me to show you to your camp. Please leave your horses outside the city; Lord Baron has arranged a banquet in Howling Castle and looks forward to your arrival!”
Viscount Balle gave a noncommittal nod, his face carrying a scrutinizing expression as he surveyed the surroundings.
The streets had already been cleared, but he could still see shadows moving within nearby homes, and even some shops were half-open.
Such a level of public order was quite impressive.
Viscount Balle silently nodded, and when he saw the military camp, he was even more surprised.
The entire Howling City had specifically reserved an area for them, with clearly demarcated zones and banners of various nobles hanging, allowing immediate occupancy.
Several camps were already occupied by soldiers, who looked healthy and well-dressed, without the stench of animal dung—outside the city, Wu Ming had set up a dedicated stable yard for horses, with numerous grooms assigned to care for them.
Barrels of oat bread and rum, and even baskets of fresh vegetables and fruits, were being carried into the camp by citizens, creating a bustling scene everywhere.
“Heavens… how did Baron William manage this? He seems to have gained the full support of the entire city!”
A low voice came from behind Viscount Balle.
It was a young noble with a handsome face and blue hair: “Even Earl Blue Mountain would have found it difficult to achieve this!”
Blue Mountain was merely the daytime ruler of Howling City, never extending his reach into the shadows. But Wu Ming was different! After subduing Emmerich, he had gained the support of the merchants in the underworld, as well as the backing of the church. In terms of mobilizing resources and manpower, he was nearly twice as effective as the former earl.
Only by mastering both the shadows, the light, and faith could he confidently claim control over the entire Howling Castle!
This represented a significance that was truly extraordinary.
“Uncle Balle, what should we do?”
Looking at Tana’s graceful figure as she efficiently arranged the camp, the young noble’s lips moved slightly: “Shall we allow a commoner to climb above our heads? After all, he isn’t of blue blood!”
“Charles, you’re right about one thing!”
Viscount Balle nodded: “To us blue-bloods, the Wellington family from the highlands are outsiders, and this William is no different! However, there’s one terrifying thing about him—he can wield the Dragonheart!”
This magical weapon was quite famous, and it was also proof of William’s lineage as a conqueror.
“However… witches and mages have ways to counter such restrictions!”
Charles said defiantly.
After all, he was about the same age as William, but was merely a small baron at present. Seeing the other’s great achievements and impending greater glory, jealousy and hatred were inevitable.
“That’s true, so I’ve already sent people to spread rumors questioning William’s bloodline!”
Viscount Balle’s eyes darkened as he lowered his voice: “But he’s going to marry Eda. If he becomes the son-in-law of Earl Blue Mountain, it would be very unfavorable to us!”
“I need you to find a few people: Baron Elf, Sir Tom, and Adams…”
These were also the sons-in-law of the Earl and could potentially cause trouble for William.
“Fengying Plains will always belong to the true blue-bloods. Can a minor branch really seize the dominant position?”
Viscount Balle gazed toward the direction of Howling Castle, his eyes dark with thoughts…
…
At night, a grand banquet was held in Howling Castle.
No matter how much they might secretly wish for each other’s demise, the blue-blooded nobles still maintained their refined appearances, donning their finest evening attire and politely greeting each other.
The noble ladies wore gorgeous gowns, fluttering like butterflies in a flower garden, captivating several minor nobles with their charms.
Wu Ming even chatted amicably with Viscount Balle, walking arm in arm and exchanging insights on hunting and raising hunting dogs.
As the nominal hostess of Howling Castle, Lady Emmerich also made an appearance.
She wore a black dress with minimal makeup, her expression solemn and dignified.
As a widow, such a demeanor was entirely appropriate.
Emmerich tapped her wine glass with a silver spoon, drawing everyone’s attention.
“In the recent war, we suffered misfortune. My husband perished in battle, as did my son, and even my own castle was seized…”
Her voice was low and filled with gravity, skillfully stirring emotions, her words heavy with sorrow that could bring tears.
She was a woman who knew how to act well, at any time!
“Fortunately, there was still William! He bravely defeated our enemies and won honor and victory for us!”
Emmerich raised her glass: “Let us toast to him!”
“William! William!”
Barons Terry and Wilfer, along with several minor nobles who had secretly pledged allegiance to Wu Ming, quickly clapped and cheered loudly.
Seeing this, Viscount Balle’s smile became somewhat strained, but he still gracefully raised his glass to congratulate Wu Ming.
“I have another announcement to make!”
As the atmosphere reached its peak, Lady Emmerich’s face flushed with excitement as she loudly declared: “I will honor my husband’s last wish by marrying my daughter Eda to Baron William and appointing him as the guardian of Howling Castle!”
As soon as these words were spoken, Viscount Balle’s face turned extremely grim.
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