Work Prophet

The Lady heard that the few cavalrymen came looking for Ivan, thinking they were guards from the former intelligence chief's household.

However, when Ivan saw those people, his face appeared somewhat perplexed, yet he still walked over, following them to one side.

Afterward, those cavalrymen surrounded the former intelligence chief, using their bodies to block him from distant views.

Seeing this, Ivan couldn't help but become vigilant, just as he was about to call out loudly for help, a petite knight across him took off her helmet, prompting Ivan to emit a light exclamation.

"It is you, Lady Lilania!"

"Lord Ivan, it seems the last time we met was sixty years ago, and you can still recognize me."

"You are the first beauty of Golden Valley, what man would forget your appearance?"

"That was a long time ago, I am almost a hundred years old now."

"But time seems to have left no trace on you." Ivan paused and added, "I deeply regret your father's plight. At that time, I was not in the Royal Capital."

"I know, you were imprisoned in Rock Snow City by the Scribe, but now I hear you are an advisor to Sir Ireya."

"Fate is always incredibly unpredictable and puzzling."

"Who doesn't say so." Lilania took a deep breath, "I came to seek you now, hoping you could introduce me to Sir Ireya."

Ivan did not immediately agree but instead asked, "What do you wish to obtain from Sir Ireya?"

"My husband." Lilania said directly, "My father lost the battle at Long Neck River, and my husband Pibo was in the army at that time too. I heard his name wasn't on the list of captives, but he vanished after that battle.

"I have been tracing his whereabouts all along until half a month ago, I received news that he fell into Badur's hands."

"Badur, the Dwarf Badur?" Ivan frowned, "Isn't he also a vassal of your family?"

"Yes, but he defected to the Wing Tribe and their allies before the battle at Long Neck River." Lilania said, "His troops suffered hardly any losses, now he's the strongest force in Golden Valley."

"And he kidnapped your husband." The former intelligence chief said, "Falling into Lord Pibo's hands is no good. I heard Badur has a penchant for torturing captives, and he seemed to have pursued you back then."

"Indeed, that's my concern," Lilania said worriedly, "I need to quickly rescue Pibo from that scoundrel, but I currently have less than a hundred people by my side.

"Hearing that Sir Ireya led troops to Golden Valley, I rushed over immediately but was a step late, catching up with you only here."

"Badur's territory is in the northeast of Golden Valley, a considerable distance from here, and requires passing through several towns in-between," said the former intelligence chief.

"Moreover, the lords on the western frontier are also eager to return to their lands to assess damages and rebuild, lacking enthusiasm for continued warfare."

"Therefore, I earnestly request, in view of our past relations, you tell me how I can persuade Sir Ireya to dispatch troops," Lilania said sincerely, "If my husband can be rescued, this favor I won't forget."

Ivan did not commit, "Let me first take you to see Sir Ireya, and you can express your request to her, see if she is willing to intervene."

......

Miss Rabbit noted the former intelligence chief conversing with someone not far away, and brought over a Female Knight, unexpectedly, especially upon learning of the visitor's identity.

"Are you Lady Lark Lilania? I have heard your stories since childhood, particularly the one about the Tears of the Ocean Goddess that caused a bloody storm."

Lilania curtseyed to the young lady, "I have heard many of your stories too, though only in the past two years, but unquestionably those stories are more remarkable than the Tears of the Ocean Goddess.

"I trust, even a thousand years later, your legends will still circulate this continent."

Ireya felt the former first beauty of Golden Valley was quite eloquent, making her ears perk up.

Thankfully, the Lady did not forget the main business, asked, "Why did you track me down?"

Lilania then explained her purpose.

As expected, Miss Rabbit displayed a perplexed expression on her face.

"Ganlin Castle is in the northeast of Golden Valley, it's quite a distance, if we lead an army over, we must first capture the towns along the way, otherwise, we can't transport provisions," said Ireya.

"That's what I also told Lady Lilania," said Ivan, "and the lords on the western frontier, having fought for two months, are not keen for more warfare."

"Indeed." Ireya nodded, "We came to Golden Valley because Sir Wild once helped us defend against the Wing Tribe and their allies' invasion. We made a sacred vow to watch over each other.

"Hence, we need to help the Singleton Family reclaim Fertile Horn, but to rescue Lord Pibo..."

"I can pay you a hefty amount," Lilania said, "Two hundred thousand, no, three hundred thousand gold lions, besides, you'll gain the Campbell Family's friendship."

The Lark's offer was indeed generous, in normal circumstances, this sum should be adequate to ransom a captive.

However, Badur evidently had other intentions in keeping Pibo.

Theodore has no son, only a daughter, by Empire's tradition, his title and lands would pass to Pibo, his son-in-law, after his death.

Thus, if Badur controlled Pibo, he could control all of Golden Valley.

Ireya asked, "I heard the Campbell Family already has someone who defected to Allister, why don't you seek his aid?"

"The Northern Territory is too far from here," Lilania said, "and it was my uncle who sought refuge with Allister, he may not be willing to help."

Lilania spoke tactfully, yet Miss Rabbit discerned the underlying meaning.

Lilania's uncle probably harbors aspirations for his brother's title and lands, which is why he went to great lengths to attach himself to Allister.

The Lady figured out the ins and outs, Lilania even disclosed an approximation of Badur's troops, not many, just over two thousand, less than three thousand.

Fighting was feasible, but our reach fell short.

Miss Rabbit felt regretful too, as money so close yet untouchable, though she had made a significant sum at Fertile Horn, but nobody finds money superfluous.

Seeing Ivan silent for quite some time, she asked again, "Do you have any suggestions?"

The former intelligence chief shook his head, "No, you have been away from Rock Snow City for a while, it's about time to return, the residents there haven't even seen their new lord."

"Alright." Miss Rabbit regretted, "Lady Lilania, I truly can't spare hand to aid you either, my troops have accumulated substantial leaves, needing makeup soon after returning."

Hearing this, Lilania became anxious, "My husband and I, like you, are staunch opponents of the Wing Tribe, enduring attacks from the Dwarves and Imperial traitors, yet never yielded.

"I think this sufficiently proves our stance, if you help rescue Pibo, we can continue leading the resistance in Golden Valley against the Wing Tribe and their minions.

"A Golden Valley continued under Campbell Family rule aids your western territory's stability and prosperity."

Lilania paused and added, "Our families can also become allies, and we are willing to abandon our old beliefs and follow the Double Rest Sect with you."