Chapter 487: Alarmed

The fierce battle alarmed everyone in Red Pine Fort. All the knights stationed nearby rushed to the Griffin Platform, surrounding the area in three dense layers, making it completely impassable.

Under Garrett's shout, the knights in the innermost three layers drew their swords, their bodies gleaming with combat aura. Most were mid to high-level knights, and among them were even silver and gold ranks.

With such a combined attack, even Redar would find it hard to handle if he didn't resist.

However, just as Garrett was about to lead these men into action, a deep, thunderous voice echoed throughout Red Pine Fort.

"Everyone, stop!"

The voice lingered, shaking all the knights who were about to act, extinguishing the combat aura on their swords.

At that moment, a towering figure leaped into the air and landed heavily between Redar and Garrett, his imposing stature causing anyone who saw him to feel a sense of awe.

How could a person grow so tall?

The newcomer scanned the surroundings, his fierce gaze sweeping over Redar before settling on Garrett, Yug, and the others.

"Prince Garrett, can you tell me what's happening here?"

Garrett's anger hadn't dissipated. He stood leaning on his sword. "Gu Shan, tell me, how should someone who violates military orders, refuses punishment, and even attacks me be dealt with?"

Gu Shan Sorol, former commander of Red Pine Fort, now its deputy commander.

He held high prestige within the border army, his strength having long reached the Silver Moon level. Due to his bravery and outstanding achievements, the king bestowed upon him the title of "Barbarian King Knight."

Gu Shan didn't directly respond to Garrett's words but turned to look at Redar. "Who are you?"

Seeing that the situation seemed to be easing, Redar didn't consider leaving immediately.

For him, resolving this dispute here would be best, avoiding trouble for Ronin later.

"Guardian Knight of the Kingdom, follower of Marquis Ronin, Defense Commander of Westerwind Hills, Redar Mayne!"

"Oh..."

Gu Shan nodded in understanding. Though he hadn't heard of Redar's name, Ronin's fame had recently been widespread, making it impossible not to know.

He glanced back at Garrett. "Prince, what military order did he violate?"

"You don't need to know!"

Garrett refused to answer. "Gu Shan, I order you now to capture this rebel and await punishment!"

Gu Shan observed Garrett, Yug, Laoshan, and Cubi—two Silver Moon and two Meteor levels attacking Redar. Yet these four were injured, while Redar stood here seemingly unscathed.

This clearly indicated that Redar was extremely powerful. He secretly wondered, could this be another Sun Knight?

"Prince, since Redar is Marquis Ronin's knight, if he truly violated military orders, we should consult his master before punishment."

Gu Shan said, "Even as overall commander, you should do so."

If it were an insignificant knight or soldier, beating or capturing them would suffice. But for such an important figure, he didn't understand what Garrett was doing.

Facing such advice, Garrett didn't agree. "If I insist on capturing him today and making him face judgment?"

Gu Shan solemnly replied, "Do you want our soldiers and knights to die in civil war before the war even begins?"

The atmosphere instantly tightened, as if even the dust in the air had solidified.

A hint of malice flashed in Garrett's eyes. Gu Shan wasn't someone who obeyed him in everything.

Without the constraints of this deputy commander, even without the king's order to start the war, he would choose the right moment to attack proactively.

Now, facing so many knights, Gu Shan dared to disrespect him, causing great irritation.

"Deputy Commander Gu Shan, don't forget your position!"

Garrett deliberately lowered his voice, making it deeper and more dangerous. "As deputy commander, you should unconditionally obey my orders!"

"Apologies, Prince. I respect your status, but I am more loyal to the kingdom's peace and justice. Before this matter is clarified, any rash action could spark civil war."

Gu Shan's voice was firm. He deeply understood the king's purpose in placing him here and the responsibilities bestowed upon him.

"Please allow me to detain Redar temporarily and quickly contact Marquis Ronin to discuss this together."

The surrounding knights exchanged glances. Many were Garrett's subordinates, but many had also followed Gu Shan.

The conflict among superiors made them hesitant to act recklessly.

"Redar, do you have any objections?"

Redar frowned deeply. Though the situation had turned, Ronin was still involved, which he disliked.

In this scenario, he could forcefully leave, but doing so would make it seem like he had truly violated military orders.

"Let Baron Deni go to Westerwind Hills again, if the Marquis is still there."

Gu Shan nodded slightly, then looked at Garrett. "What do you think, Prince?"

Garrett knew continuing the attack was impossible. Thus, he could only sneer coldly. "Then proceed as you say. I want to see how Ronin shields his subordinate!"

With these words, Garrett led Yug and the other two away quickly.

Gu Shan gave Deni a glance. "Please make another trip."

Deni shrugged. "It can only be this way."

He mounted a Griffin and flew toward Westerwind Hills.

Deni hadn't expected that summoning Redar in the morning would lead to such events.

He understood the prince's temperament. Having lost such face today, his dissatisfaction with Marquis Ronin would likely grow stronger.

Who knew what the outcome would be?

Hopefully, it wouldn't end as Gu Shan said—chaos erupting before attacking the Trisia Kingdom.

Gu Shan strode steadily to Redar. With half-certainty, half-inquiry, he asked, "Sun Knight?"

Redar didn't directly answer but smiled. "Thank you for mediating. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how this farce would end."

Seeing the unwillingness to answer, Gu Shan didn't press further.

"Come, let's sit together. Wait for Ronin to arrive, then see how to handle this."

He smiled. "If you want to end it quickly, I suggest you apologize later. Then I'll say some favorable words, and it'll pass."

Gu Shan looked at Redar, smiling. "Sometimes, strength alone doesn't solve troubles."

Redar nodded slightly. "Thank you for reminding me. I'll consider it."

Meanwhile, Ronin was at Westerwind Hills Fort, inspecting the clay dug up by Odoro and his men.

Several baskets of clay, all of excellent quality, would surely allow Jim to produce fine pottery.

"Alright, this is enough."

Ronin clapped his hands. "Odoro, later survey how much such clay exists in Westerwind Hills. I'll need it later."

"Yes, Master!"

Odoro bowed. "The kitchen has prepared dinner. Master should dine now."

Ronin nodded, looking at the nearly dark sky, somewhat puzzled. "What matter does Garrett have? Why hasn't Redar returned after so long?"

He wasn't too worried about Redar's safety, being a Sun Knight who could at least escape if unable to fight.

Just then, a Griffin descended.

Denny?

Roening frowned slightly, wondering what had happened.

"Lord Marquis, Vice Commander Gusun would like you to come over."

Denny dismounted from the gryphon without any pretense: "Something has happened on Ridar's side."

Huh?

Roening's heart skipped a beat—could it be Garrett stirring up trouble again?

"What happened?"

Denny could only recount the events that had taken place at Red Pine Castle.

As Roening listened, his expression grew increasingly unpleasant.

When he first met Garrett, he merely thought him arrogant and overconfident, which was understandable since Garrett had been adored and praised since childhood as the kingdom's youngest genius.

But after several incidents, Garrett had grown more impulsive, increasingly lacking the demeanor befitting a crown prince.

This time, he had unexpectedly targeted Ridar directly.

If it had been McKen here this year instead of Ridar, McKen would have inevitably suffered this unjust calamity.

Roening's thoughts shifted, and a roar echoed from the nearby mountain.

Then, Karlos's colossal figure appeared above the Westwind Hill camp.

Seeing this, Denny was instantly shaken.

A dragon, the dragon that had intimidated all at the wedding—this was his first time witnessing it firsthand.

He was, after all, a Meteor Knight, yet facing such overwhelming pressure, he felt an indescribable sense of helplessness.

"Sir... Sir, please don't act recklessly!"

Denny couldn't hold back his plea: "Everything can be discussed!"

Roening chuckled coldly and leaped onto the dragon's body: "Lead the way, Baron Denny."

"Yes, yes!"

With trepidation, he climbed onto his gryphon, and his trembling gryphon flapped its wings to lead the way ahead.

Denny lamented inwardly: "Oh heavens, what should I do now?" (End of Chapter)