Chapter 858: Act 36 – Two Letters I
For the residents of Bruglas, the harvest season between the month of sword and the frost month felt both long and short. The terrifying shadow left by the undead invasion last year seemed to resurface with the march of the Bloodstaff army. Following the repeated defeats of the Vanmere Legion, the situation worsened to the point where some merchants and nobles began fleeing with their families to the Cru region. However, at this anxious juncture, a remarkable turnaround occurred. First came the news of the coalition of the Vieiro people, Lantonrand, and the Toniger army successfully holding back the Bloodstaff forces at Slovan. Soon after, rumors of Bloodstaff’s demise were confirmed, and the undead retreated from the Silman region. Within a week, the skeletons on the frontlines between Dragas and Vanmere had melted away as the winter snow transformed. Those coming from the south even confirmed they were hastily returning to the Bud region. Time flew faster than ever during those days, with fresh news arriving daily, as if in the blink of an eye, the war had moved far away.
The name Bloodstaff, which had struck terror into everyone just half a month ago, had now become mere dust in history, losing its significance for both Erluin and Madara. Another half month later, after Count Rendener’s army was defeated east of Cru Fortress and south of the Sapphire Mountains near the Dwarven Ring, losing their chance to flee to Madara, everyone understood that the time of the Earl’s surrender was merely a matter of time.
Some were destined to achieve fame in this war. Almost everyone was discussing the mysterious army, and nearly every tavern had poets singing tales of the soldiers. A rumor—though it couldn’t quite be called a rumor—spread everywhere, with witnesses swearing that the late king Eke had returned leads the White Lion army to save the kingdom in its time of crisis; most who heard such stories believed them to be true.
For the Lionheart Sacred Sword shone brightly in battle, everyone had witnessed glorious victories.
After defeating Bloodstaff, Brendel had Freya take over the command of the Toniger troops while Earl Jack had long lost interest in competing for glory after that battle. The cavalry of Lantonrand understood what kind of person their leader was. Though Eke and his followers fought fiercely and gained much admiration in the coalition, anyone who hadn’t been brainwashed by the chivalric faith would understand who the truly reliable person was in this coalition. Thus, at Brendel’s behest, Freya gained unparalleled authority within the grand army.
This was made possible, in part, due to the remarkable performance of the Toniger army in that battle.
However, this Valkyrie from the Bud countryside did not disappoint her believers. After purging the Madara forces in the Silman region, she immediately turned north, accurately predicting Count Rendener’s army movements, and cleanly dashed all hope of this Earl in two battles. In the final battle, Freya utilized the Lantonrand cavalry to solidify her reputation. She executed feigned assaults on Count Rendener’s flanks, but in the final confrontation, she unexpectedly attacked and shattered Rendener’s central position, exemplifying a textbook case that perfectly replicated the glorious victory of the Erluin people against the Wind Spirit army during the long war.
This encounter exceeded even Brendel’s expectations. He knew Freya would succeed because of her serious and meticulous nature. He believed that with advantages on the battlefield, Freya should be the most outstanding commander of this era, as her thorough judgment and meticulous execution would enable her to maximize her advantages and avoid mistakes that the enemy could exploit.
This future Valkyrie had immense talent in cavalry command, but he did not expect such talent to manifest so quickly.
Historically, Freya made her name in the war between north and south through her exceptional cavalry command abilities. The Valkyrie’s riding skills were not to be taken lightly; at this moment, two different histories seemed to converge. He envisioned Freya joyously riding back from the battlefield, raising the Rendener army’s flag like a treasure before him, shouting his name: “Brendel! Look at me, I did it!”
At that moment, he understood that the historical Valkyrie had returned.
He couldn’t help but smile with delight.
The month of frost in Bruglas had completely cooled down, but many pedestrians filled the streets. After the threat of war was lifted, every day for half a month felt like a celebration, with colorful ribbons and drapes hung everywhere, and wooden platforms piled high with fine wines and food. The knights returning from the frontlines were treated like heroes, riding through the streets and pausing to accept cheers from the crowds or admiration from the young ladies.
As Brendel watched this scene, he smiled at Freya from horseback. “They seem to be talking about you, Lady Valkyrie of Erluin.”
“Brendel—” Freya blushed, knowing that the most crucial battle of this war was commanded by Brendel. However, the public knew little of the details behind the victory over Bloodstaff. After that, the coalition was entirely under her command, and in the end, her reputation far surpassed Brendel’s, which made her feel somewhat guilty—she felt a bit sorry for Brendel. But this was what Brendel was pleased to see; he had always believed that the claws of a beast should remain hidden to be the sharpest. Despite Toniger being forced to reveal many long-hidden strengths in this war, he was still cautious to cover up the Broken Sword Cavalry and some core secrets about Valhalla. If he could avoid being exposed publicly, that would be ideal.
“They don’t understand, but you do, Brendel,” Freya said shyly, gripping the reins and lowering her head. Hearing the cheers around her, she wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide: “Among the same class of cadets at the Royal Officer Academy, I was the worst, really, Carlo and the others are much stronger than I am. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time; anyone among Brensen, Carlo, or any of them would have done better than I have under the same circumstances.”
Seeing Freya’s expression of concern for being a “fraudulent fame-gainer,” Brendel couldn’t help but laugh a little. He shook his head; this girl from Bud was slightly over-exaggerating. Indeed, she wasn’t considered the most talented commander in the future history of Vaunte, lacking that spark compared to talents like Locka, Xiao Peiluo, Brendel, and Instalung. Yet she also had her own virtues; this future Valkyrie possessed a spirit that could inspire those around her. Her perseverance and seriousness could touch everyone beside her; in fact, in today’s Erluin, no one was more suited for this honor than she was. People like Carlo and Xiao Peiluo could become brilliant commanders, but Freya was destined to be the pride of this ancient kingdom.
“Fortune is also an important part of life,” he said, shaking his head. “Freya, you need to have confidence. Not everyone can be a commander of an army, but if she can lead soldiers to victory, then she must possess something exceptional. Surviving the life-and-death trials from Bud alongside me proves a lot; every Bud person is a hero. What Brensen and I can achieve, you can as well; don’t disgrace Bud.”
It seemed that this phrase about not bringing disgrace to Bud convinced her. The girl nodded, “I understand, but they’re putting me on a pedestal too high; the Valkyrie of the kingdom, that’s just absurd.”
Brendel chuckled secretly, unable to resist a glance at Antinna beside him. The aide was watching him with a smirk, as this title was one Brendel had secretly arranged for her to spread. If this shy commander knew about it, she would probably complain about her lord to no end. However, she remained silent; she had had limited contact with Freya since arranging for the battle at Seale, but her impression of the other was good. This lady knight was as straightforward as Romaine yet far less capricious and difficult to serve than the Business Lady. Serious people always left a good impression, and this girl from Bud was undoubtedly one of the best in that regard, sometimes even being overly rigid.
“If you think being raised too high will lead to arrogance, all you need is to have steadfast faith. You know you’re not fighting for those delusional names, right?” Brendel answered, pretending to be serious.
“It’s not that,” Freya shyly replied, “It just feels too shameful. If Senior Nemeses and Brensen found out, they would probably laugh out loud.”
“Is that so? The Valkyrie of Erluin; I think it suits you well. Didn’t Nemeses refer to you that way? How about we have Her Highness the Princess give you a proper title?”
“Brendel!” Freya shot him a glare, having picked up on his teasing this time.
But Brendel, oblivious, spread his hands and said, “Really, I’m not lying; if you don’t believe me, ask Antinna.”
The noble lady couldn’t help but roll her eyes at her lord, reproaching him for dragging her into it, and quickly replied, “At least my lord, I do agree with one thing you said: not everyone can be a commander of an army, but if she can lead soldiers to victory, then she definitely has something exceptional. Throughout history, Erluin has had many legions and commanders, but only a handful have truly led Erluin to victory.”
Compliments coming from different people naturally had different effects. Antinna’s words made Freya blush and say nothing more. However, she couldn’t help but sulk internally, thinking, “Antinna only echoes your words; you say whatever she says.”
Unfortunately, the aide couldn’t know what was on her mind; otherwise, she would probably be blushing for different reasons.
Seeing Freya fall silent, Brendel smiled and turned his attention to a nearby street where a cavalcade of knights was being cheered on by the crowd. Most were soldiers from the Vanmere Legion or part of Lantonrand, as the Vieiro and Toniger armies should still be stationed within Rendener’s territory. With the successive defeats of Duke Anlek and Count Rendener, it seemed as if a series of problems that had plagued the southern kingdom were suddenly resolved. With the support of Duke Vieiro, Princess Grifian gained absolute control over the southern part of the kingdom for the first time. In the eyes of the people, this Toniger Earl, who had gained fame in the war, was merely a knight loyal to her. The Highland Knights also expressed their submission. Duke Golan-Elsen was severely weakened in the war and, lacking the will and power, could not stop the rise of this regent princess’s power and prestige.
It was as if, since the Ansen era, the center of power in the kingdom had once again returned to the royal family; at least to the south of Ampere Seale, everything was developing in that direction.
The royal faction was jubilant, yet he did not linger among the coalition to enjoy this uplifting victory. In fact, after defeating Bloodstaff, he arranged for Carglis to remain behind to handle the aftermath of the war and sent the Broken Sword Cavalry back from Shubli to the Cold Fir Territory. However, he did not return along the same route; instead, he left the Silman region with Antinna and Freya and quietly arrived in Bruglas.
The simple reason was a letter.
He frowned at the thought and noticed Antinna was looking at him with curiosity. The letter had been delivered to him by her, and she was aware of its contents. However, the sender had caught Brendel completely off guard—his mother, or more precisely, the closest blood relative to the half-soul of Brendel. The arrival of this letter was almost entirely unexpected and disrupted all his plans. Since coming to this world, he had never interacted with his relatives here. On one hand, he hadn’t been strong enough during his time in Toniger and feared retaliation and entanglement for his family. On the other hand, he understood that the deeper reason was his lack of mental preparation on how to face his relatives in this world.
His memories regarding these relatives in this world were both profound and vague, as if they were the closest people but also seemed somewhat unfamiliar. He understood this was the result of the blending of two completely different souls within him.
Nevertheless, at this moment, even without receiving the letter from his mother, he had reason to return home. He recognized that these feelings and experiences couldn’t be left unresolved forever. Some things, if not faced directly, would always remain as blemishes on his soul. In fact, such a mindset had begun to impede his pursuit of power. For both emotional and rational reasons, he had to return to the land that once nurtured him, to confront everything belonging to Brendel. This letter was like a turning point, guiding him back to Bruglas.
Yet he read another meaning behind this letter. His mother, from a noble family in Carderego, had written that someone from their hometown had asked her to find him and encourage him to return home for a visit. Her hometown was in Carderego, the far east of Karasu, the birthplace of Highland Knights and Wizards. The person from her hometown could only be Highland Knights. This letter likely bore the shadow of Highland Knights. What did they want? Why didn’t they approach him directly through the coalition?
He had dealt with Highland Knights more than once during his time in the coalition; he had even tested them before leaving. It seemed the other party was unaware of this letter, which made the situation intriguing. He had concerns; although his memories depicted his mother as a perceptive woman, she might still fall victim to deception, especially since the level he was operating on now was completely different from that of his father and mother. What he worried about most was whether Madara was instigating things behind the scenes.
For these reasons, he hadn’t informed anyone and instead quietly brought Freya and Antinna with him to Bruglas. Both Antinna and Freya could be said to hail from Bruglas; a significant number of those who escaped from Bud were still residing near Bruglas. He had to return here and naturally wanted to bring them along. Freya had also expressed a desire to visit her hometown more than once.
The three of them silently made their way through the street, drawing no attention. Brendel recalled that his home was in a manor outside the city; he wasn’t from a poor background. His father was a miller, and his mother was from a minor noble family, even somewhat better off than Antinna in terms of family background. However, he didn’t intend to head straight to his home as the whole situation felt peculiar. He needed to ascertain the conditions first; before that, they needed a safe place to stay. Bruglas had many inns, but they were not safe. If this were truly an enemy’s conspiracy, such busy places would be too easy for spies to infiltrate.
At present, the three of them were somewhat well-known within the kingdom. It would be difficult not to be recognized, especially for Freya.
Fortunately, Bruglas was also Antinna’s hometown, and Brendel remembered she owned a few dilapidated properties there, which should suffice for their stay. They quickly passed through the bustling main street and turned onto Gravedigger Street, which was Bruglas’s old town, where the streets immediately became quiet. The sight of this street reminded Brendel of the first time he had come here, dealing with Lohn, as he had also traversed this street back then to find the noble lady that Lohn spoke of.
Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but glance back at Antinna.
The noble lady following behind was looking at him, her eyes sparkling. Their initial encounter seemed just yesterday, as if fate had decreed so, and many exciting stories had ensued. She recalled that it felt as if her life had shifted direction from that moment. To this day, her fate was irrevocably tied to this young man, who had seemed rather clever and flighty at that time, inseparable.
And all of this felt unreal, as if it were a dream.
