The weapon flew through the air at her without warning. Caught off guard, Jane instinctively dodged out of the way.The weapon fell into the water moments later. Then, a figure appeared."Your Majesty truly has remarkable reflexes."It was Richard—again.He stood beneath the shade of a tree, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across his handsome face.Jane's gaze turned icy. Without a word, her eyes focused on him, she made a swift movement and a sharp blade slid from her sleeve. Since she'd been exposed, she might as well...Richard's expression remained gentle, his voice calm as he spoke with a smile."Recently, someone has been sneaking into my residence, as if trying to investigate something. Your Majesty, are you aware of this?"Jane, of course, knew. Since she suspected Richard, she had naturally ordered an investigation into his residence. But for him to be so certain it was her, and to confront her here in the palace?Richard took a step
Richard seemed unfazed by the pain of a dislocated joint. His face carried a warm and gentle smile as he sighed and said, "Your Majesty may not remember. "Seven years ago, when I came to the Royal City, I was ambushed near Hemlock Lake. My attendants were all killed, and I almost lost my life. At the time, you happened to pass by and ordered your guards to save me. That's the only reason I survived."Seven years ago, at Hemlock Lake.Jane recalled the event—it had indeed happened!It was during her and Wendy's eleventh birthday. Her master had given her a few days off, so she traveled to the Royal City to visit Wendy. They had gone to the secluded Hemlock Lake to release lanterns.She had worn a mask her master had gifted her, disguised as a young boy, pretending to be Wendy's little guard.On their way back, they had encountered a young man being chased down.Jane had wanted to take Wendy and leave quickly, but Wendy had insisted on helping.So the young man they rescued bac
When Steven saw the king lost in thought, he immediately gestured for the other chamberlains to step back."Ahh!" Suddenly, the tennis ball was struck unusually high by Rachel's opponent, and everyone gasped. The ball seemed impossible to catch, but Rachel leapt and struck it perfectly."Lady Rachel has sharp eyes!" The palace attendants praised.Just as Rachel was about to respond to the next ball, she saw the king standing on the long corridor not far away, looking extraordinarily handsome.She immediately reined in her lively demeanor, her face turned pale, and she stopped. Then, she forced out a gentle and dignified smile and curtsied."Greetings, Your Majesty."The tennis ball fell to the ground, and the attendants quickly bowed as well."Greetings, Your Majesty!"Steven, having heard Teressa's words, felt some sympathy for Rachel. She was originally such a lively and active person, but now she had been forced to become quiet and reserved.George looked at Rachel intens
"What? Commander Foster, what happened on the northern borders?"Wallace, like Jane, had been in the Royal City for months and knew very little about the northern border situation. Hearing that something had happened there, he became tense and anxious.Jane's eyes filled with cold rage as her fists clenched, trembling slightly."Charlie Carter and the Drakonas Squadron he led were ambushed by Romenian forces at Frost Ridge. Three hundred and twenty-four men—the entire squadron was wiped out."Wallace felt as though he had been doused with cold ice, his blood freezing. His eyes widened, and then, overwhelmed by sudden grief and fury, his body shook.Bang!He turned, slamming his fist into the wall. He faced the wall, lowering his head, his shoulders trembling, then lifted his hand to wipe his eyes before looking up at the ceiling, biting his own palm, letting out a muffled cry."Mmm—"Jane remained seated, her face shadowed by the oil lamp's dim light. Her eyes were cold, an eer
In the royal study, after the court session, George kept a few key ministers behind for a discussion.The battle at Frost Ridge had been initiated by the Romenian army, and Nidora had had no choice but to fight back. Now, Romenia was resorting to the same tactic again, requesting peace talks. Most of Nidora's officials believed that such behavior was untrustworthy.However, not everyone agreed."Your Majesty, the Romenian army's reversal earlier was due to Commander Morris being severely wounded. They thought they could recover the cities they lost. "Now, I've heard that Commander Morris has recovered. Romenia is unlikely to stir up any more trouble. Perhaps we should stop here, rest, and focus on recuperation."George's expression was cold as he listened to the discussion, saying nothing.It wasn't until Steven entered and whispered into his ear that he responded."Your Majesty, Queen Wendy requests an audience."Seeing that the time was nearly up, George dismissed the minist
George suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a predatory gleam."You really are shameless!"Though it sounded like a rebuke, there was no anger in his gaze. Jane could tell that her words had struck a chord with him; he was eager, ready to spring into action.She respectfully lowered her head."The northern army is invincible. With just a command, they will surely conquer a large vassal state for you!""Well said!" George replied, clearly pleased. He immediately gave an order, "Summon the commanders for a meeting!"Only military officers were summoned, which meant that the issue of peace was no longer under discussion—plans had already been set, and it was only a matter of execution.At this point, Jane had achieved her goal and could leave.But she still had something to say."Your Majesty, this war is of great importance. I wish to go to Radiant Sanctuary to pray for Nidora's soldiers until the war ends."George looked at her for a moment, his chin slightly lowered."I
Jane's expression turned sullen.When she had returned to the Royal City this time, she had brought only a few weapons including a dagger, a collapsible spear, and a nine-section whip. All of them were stored in a single box.She wasn't short on weapons. The ones she carried with her included a set of silver needles and a concealed weapon. So Lily forgetting to bring the box wasn't too big of an issue.But the palace was full of people who snooped around. If someone with ulterior motives discovered the box, things could get troublesome."Where did you leave the box?" Jane asked in a low voice.Lily thought for a moment and replied with certainty, "I forgot to take it with me. It should still be where it was originally placed."Hearing this, Jane's tense eyes relaxed.She picked up her cup and said calmly, "Then there's no issue."The box had been hidden in a concealed spot, one she was confident no one would find.-Radiant Sanctuary was bustling with worshippers, its candles
Marissa didn't have time to freshen up. She sat up abruptly and asked, "What happened?""The army is trapped, and only half of them have returned! Commander Kennedy didn't make it back..."Marissa felt a sharp pang in her heart but forced herself to maintain the composure of a commander's wife. She quickly put on her coat, preparing to go outside and assess the situation.Just as she was about to step out, Jocelyn entered.Jocelyn dismissed the maid before she dared to remove her mask. She then threw herself into Marissa's arms in a panic."Mistress, Master stayed behind to cover our retreat. He personally led the troops at the rear but he didn't make it out and got trapped by the enemy! The Romenians are despicable; they set up a trap long ago. Mistress, what should we do?"Jocelyn, never a bold person, had always been protected by Jane in the past. Faced with such a crisis now, it was natural for her to panic.Marissa gently patted Jocelyn's back."Stop crying. First, tell me
Several generals sent men to summon Stanley, only to be told that his tent was already empty.The men exchanged looks of shock and admiration. "It really was Stanley's troop, wasn't it?"Meanwhile, Jocelyn, who had been in the tent earlier, had already left the camp. She was rushing toward Frost Ridge at top speed.When the scout said, 'we've won,' she immediately sensed something was wrong.And when she heard that Stanley had led the attack, she realized instantly—her senior had returned. If she stayed any longer, she would surely be exposed. She had to leave immediately.Back at the camp, the troop leaders felt both thrilled and frustrated. Gathered together, they were at a loss for what to do next."Stanley executed a brilliant feint, but he was too secretive—he even kept us in the dark.""Exactly! He made such a big show of breaking camp, only to take just a dozen men and strike at the Romenia camp... And now he's nowhere to be found. When daylight comes, do we continue marc
"Commander! It's Stanley! It really is Stanley, he's back!"Peter was stunned.Stanley? How is that possible?Wasn't he leading over a hundred thousand soldiers eastward? How did he come back with a counterattack?Before the Romenian commander could react, screams filled the entrance of the camp.There were only a dozen iron riders on the other side, yet they were trampling through like wild horses, crushing everything in their path."What are you standing there for?" Peter shouted. "Form a formation, block them!"Seeing reinforcements arriving the Nidoran prisoners of war also joined the fight, following Jane and the others, engaging in battle.Jane, with her red spear, stained it with the blood of countless lives.Peter and several of his deputy commanders were now completely sober from their earlier drunken bravado. What they had said earlier about breaking into Hurricane Watch now seemed like a dream.Stanley was terrifying.The carnage was insane. He was practically a m
Marissa lifted her head and said firmly, "If they want to leave, let them. I will stay here."Rica knelt down."Madam, wherever you go, I will go with you!""Mom." Jocelyn suddenly entered and motioned for Rica to step outside.She approached Marissa, knelt on one knee, and saluted like a soldier."Mom, the situation is dire. It's not safe to stay here for long. Please, follow the army and leave the camp."Marissa continued reading her book, her voice gentle but resolute."Once everyone's gone, who will take care of my husband's body?"Jocelyn's pupils shrank, a look of pain crossing her face. "Mistress..."Marissa was a woman of great strength, and once she made a decision, no one could sway her.Jocelyn had no choice but to leave a small group of light cavalry to protect them. She then led the army to break camp.Before leaving, she paused on horseback, reluctantly giving orders to her subordinates."Make sure she is well protected! Or else, I will have your heads!""Yes
The Romenian envoy was arrogant and spoke bluntly."Stanley, if you don't withdraw your troops, you'll only be receiving Kennedy's corpse. Even if you win this war, you'll lose your father—what's the point of life then? Allow me to say something harsh. The land you conquer is not meant for you alone."Jocelyn put on her mask, exuding a presence reminiscent of Jane's past demeanor. She stood tall, her eyes radiating a murderous intensity."The king has decreed that Nidora must fight to the end," she declared. "Envoy, please leave. I cannot withdraw troops just to save my father!"The soldiers admired her resolve but also couldn't bear the thought of sacrificing Kennedy and the captured soldiers. Yet, in front of the Romenian envoy, they all stood firm behind Jocelyn."Fight to the death! No retreat!""That's right! No retreat!"Seeing their determination, the envoy laughed mockingly. He gave Jocelyn a thumbs-up, dripping with sarcasm."Stanley, you truly are a filial child!"Af
Marissa didn't have time to freshen up. She sat up abruptly and asked, "What happened?""The army is trapped, and only half of them have returned! Commander Kennedy didn't make it back..."Marissa felt a sharp pang in her heart but forced herself to maintain the composure of a commander's wife. She quickly put on her coat, preparing to go outside and assess the situation.Just as she was about to step out, Jocelyn entered.Jocelyn dismissed the maid before she dared to remove her mask. She then threw herself into Marissa's arms in a panic."Mistress, Master stayed behind to cover our retreat. He personally led the troops at the rear but he didn't make it out and got trapped by the enemy! The Romenians are despicable; they set up a trap long ago. Mistress, what should we do?"Jocelyn, never a bold person, had always been protected by Jane in the past. Faced with such a crisis now, it was natural for her to panic.Marissa gently patted Jocelyn's back."Stop crying. First, tell me
Jane's expression turned sullen.When she had returned to the Royal City this time, she had brought only a few weapons including a dagger, a collapsible spear, and a nine-section whip. All of them were stored in a single box.She wasn't short on weapons. The ones she carried with her included a set of silver needles and a concealed weapon. So Lily forgetting to bring the box wasn't too big of an issue.But the palace was full of people who snooped around. If someone with ulterior motives discovered the box, things could get troublesome."Where did you leave the box?" Jane asked in a low voice.Lily thought for a moment and replied with certainty, "I forgot to take it with me. It should still be where it was originally placed."Hearing this, Jane's tense eyes relaxed.She picked up her cup and said calmly, "Then there's no issue."The box had been hidden in a concealed spot, one she was confident no one would find.-Radiant Sanctuary was bustling with worshippers, its candles
George suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a predatory gleam."You really are shameless!"Though it sounded like a rebuke, there was no anger in his gaze. Jane could tell that her words had struck a chord with him; he was eager, ready to spring into action.She respectfully lowered her head."The northern army is invincible. With just a command, they will surely conquer a large vassal state for you!""Well said!" George replied, clearly pleased. He immediately gave an order, "Summon the commanders for a meeting!"Only military officers were summoned, which meant that the issue of peace was no longer under discussion—plans had already been set, and it was only a matter of execution.At this point, Jane had achieved her goal and could leave.But she still had something to say."Your Majesty, this war is of great importance. I wish to go to Radiant Sanctuary to pray for Nidora's soldiers until the war ends."George looked at her for a moment, his chin slightly lowered."I
In the royal study, after the court session, George kept a few key ministers behind for a discussion.The battle at Frost Ridge had been initiated by the Romenian army, and Nidora had had no choice but to fight back. Now, Romenia was resorting to the same tactic again, requesting peace talks. Most of Nidora's officials believed that such behavior was untrustworthy.However, not everyone agreed."Your Majesty, the Romenian army's reversal earlier was due to Commander Morris being severely wounded. They thought they could recover the cities they lost. "Now, I've heard that Commander Morris has recovered. Romenia is unlikely to stir up any more trouble. Perhaps we should stop here, rest, and focus on recuperation."George's expression was cold as he listened to the discussion, saying nothing.It wasn't until Steven entered and whispered into his ear that he responded."Your Majesty, Queen Wendy requests an audience."Seeing that the time was nearly up, George dismissed the minist
"What? Commander Foster, what happened on the northern borders?"Wallace, like Jane, had been in the Royal City for months and knew very little about the northern border situation. Hearing that something had happened there, he became tense and anxious.Jane's eyes filled with cold rage as her fists clenched, trembling slightly."Charlie Carter and the Drakonas Squadron he led were ambushed by Romenian forces at Frost Ridge. Three hundred and twenty-four men—the entire squadron was wiped out."Wallace felt as though he had been doused with cold ice, his blood freezing. His eyes widened, and then, overwhelmed by sudden grief and fury, his body shook.Bang!He turned, slamming his fist into the wall. He faced the wall, lowering his head, his shoulders trembling, then lifted his hand to wipe his eyes before looking up at the ceiling, biting his own palm, letting out a muffled cry."Mmm—"Jane remained seated, her face shadowed by the oil lamp's dim light. Her eyes were cold, an eer