"Winford... truly a prosperous land, its fine wines are renowned nationwide, and its scenery is said to outshine even the heavens." Tasting the wine in his mouth, Laine could feel the sweet fragrance spreading through his throat and trachea.
"But I still love my land, my people." The Count lifted his glass with his hand, gesturing for Laine to look at his city: "In my eyes, there is no place more beautiful than Mijordenhaven. Look, those houses, that park, were all built after I inherited this position."
"I've carefully adjusted the city's tax rates. I hope that any young man who wishes to do something well can have ample opportunities in my city. I hope my docks can prosper like those in Marinburg." Googlᴇ search nοvelfire.net
"To you, Count." Laine raised his glass: "Let's toast to the prosperity of Mijordenhaven."
"Hahaha~ Cheers!" Albert laughed, the glasses clinking, wine splashing everywhere, and then the Count and the White Wolf Knight drank their wine in one go.
For some people, they may dismiss the medieval nobles' emphasis on defending their territories and subjects, yet many nobles will fight to the death to defend their lands even without any benefits.
But that's how the nobles of this world are; the land is their foundation, their symbol of honor and status. Abandoning their land means losing everything, not just their reputation; they will lose their title and the support of the King. Wealth will eventually be spent, and their fate will be utterly miserable.
Look at those Old Empire nobles who abandoned their lands to escape during the Chaos Invasion, even the peasants can insult and ridicule them freely.
After the fine wine went down, Albert gazed upon his city, laughing: "Sadly, this scene may never be seen again. My city will turn to ashes, my people will die under the Barbarian's blades, and I will spill my last drop of blood. Tell me, White Wolf Knight, will you follow me to fight for this city to the death? Just for that sliver of hope?"
Laine did not answer.
As a White Wolf Knight, he understood deeply that if he agreed, it would mean he had to stay and fight the Barbarians. As a Kingdom Knight and member of the White Wolf Knight Order, Laine had the right to refuse this offer, for he was not this Count Albert's vassal.
The vassal of my vassal is not my vassal. The war here is unrelated to Laine. He has reasons to refuse to participate in the battle and leave by ship.
But... this city only has two Legendary Powerhouses, which are he and Teresa. If he chooses to leave, the female sorcerer has no reason to stay here.
Without Legendary Powerhouses to confront Bireg, the fall of this city is only a matter of time. Laine knew too well the role of a Legendary Powerhouse in war; Mijordenhaven's guard was already at a numerical disadvantage, and after losing the protection of the walls, defeat was their only outcome.
Then, the entire city would turn to ashes; the Barbarians would completely destroy the Nord West Coast's bright pearl before the Imperial Army arrived and then retreat. Even if the Imperial Army could utterly eliminate them, it would be to no avail because the city and its people would never return.
He recalled the prophecy of the Lake Fairy: You and Bireg will have a battle, and at that time, you will understand what true knightly virtue is.
Seeing Laine silent, a flash of disappointment passed through Albert's eyes, but he did not force it: "Never mind, I can arrange for a ship to send you away from Mijordenhaven..."
"Go out, face the enemy head-on."
"I said, gather all the forces and face the enemy head-on at the city gate." Laine's gaze became increasingly resolute, there seemed to be something less, yet something more about him: "Only a champion duel can save this city and turn this defeat around."
In the void, upon hearing Laine's suggestion, a beautiful figure nodded approvingly, her dazzling golden hair shimmering with radiant luster.