Chapter 537: Choice

Years ago, when Iben studied at the Royal Knight Academy, his remarkable talent in cultivation caught Bruno’s eye.

Through over a decade of relentless struggle, he rose to prominence—became commander of the Griffin Knights, and eventually won the heart of Crown Princess Sharen. By fortune’s grace, he married Blanche as a border count.

In a way, Bruno’s approach toward Iben and Ronin was strikingly similar: binding powerful, reliable nobles through marriage to ensure the kingdom’s stability.

Though Iben grieved deeply for Bruno’s death, now, faced with this letter, he found himself torn anew by doubt and decision.

In his eyes, if Ronin truly were the murderer, Garrett should have united him with Gu Shan and others, forming a coalition to besiege Misthaven.

Instead, Garrett urged him to conspire with forces from the enemy city of Moore, even promising to elevate him to Duke of the Borderlands once victory was secured.

Iben harbored ambition—but unlike Garrett, he was not reckless, especially when confronting formidable foes.

If Ronin were indeed a traitor to the crown, then an adversary of such overwhelming strength demanded utmost caution.

“Iben!”

A stunning noblewoman rushed into the chamber—her features bore a faint resemblance to Blanche, though more mature.

Iben quickly stood. “Didn’t you go to Black Jade Bay? Why return so suddenly?”

But when he saw the redness in Sharen’s eyes, he realized she must have learned the truth through the Black Jade family.

“Father… was assassinated?”

Iben nodded grimly, handing her Garrett’s letter. “Garrett claims it was Ronin. He wants me to take Misthaven.”

“Waaah…”

Sharen collapsed into sobs after reading the letter. Iben could only hold her close, offering comfort.

“How could this happen?”

Her voice trembled with grief and disbelief. “Garrett told William that Father was merely gravely wounded, near death—I thought… I thought there was still hope…”

Though the letter explicitly instructed other nobles be kept in the dark, so that Twinpeaks alone would claim credit for capturing Misthaven—and thus secure the Tolansy family’s ascension to ducal rank—

Iben couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The arrangement felt unnatural.

Shouldn’t the proper course be to unite with Gu Shan, William, and others to assault the traitor’s domain?

After weeping for a long while, Sharen wiped her tears and asked, “Iben… what will you do?”

Iben fell silent, deep in thought. At last, he spoke:

“The Emperor’s fate pains me as much as it does you. But we must remain calm. Misthaven is guarded by Ryder. To conspire with foreign enemies I know nothing about—such a plan is too perilous, and would bring great loss upon Twinpeaks.”

“Moreover, my brother’s scheme holds many suspicious points. I cannot trust his words alone.”

Though Garrett’s letter confidently declared Ronin would be slain within Golden Feather Palace, urging Iben to attack without hesitation—

To Iben, the risk remained immense.

Hadn’t Aluba once surrounded Ronin with countless men, only to be slaughtered in turn? Where did Garrett draw such absolute certainty?

What if he launched his assault on Misthaven, only for Ronin to escape unscathed—would that fury then fall upon his own head?

Iben had confidence against ordinary Sunfire Knights—but against Ronin, he held no such assurance.

Beyond this, years earlier in the capital, Iben had clashed with Garrett.

Though later reconciled through Sharen’s mediation and his own concessions, their relationship had never been fully mended.

Iben knew well Garrett’s jealousy, vindictiveness, and arrogance—instinctively wary of him, as one might be of a coiled serpent.

Sharen nodded. She knew her husband was ever cautious.

“Then come with me to the capital,” she said. “I cannot bear the thought of not seeing Father one last time.”

Iben agreed. He, too, wished to see the truth with his own eyes.

Once Sharen had gone to prepare, he summoned Commander Brammer:

“Send someone to Misthaven. Find Ryder. Tell him Moore may be stirring—he must stay vigilant.”

If Ronin were already dead, the message meant nothing.

But if Ronin survived, this warning would mend ties between them—

At least ensuring Ronin’s wrath would not fall upon Twinpeaks.

When Ryder received the message, he understood—no coalition with the Samborn faction would form against Misthaven.

He had analyzed it carefully: among the border lords, few were close to Garrett. Foremost among them was Iben of Twinpeaks.

Now Iben sent this word—it was clearly a declaration of stance.

And according to the messenger, Iben was already en route to Golden Feather City with Sharen.

“McKen, our moment has come.”

Ryder went beyond the city walls, finding McKen, who was guarding Samborn and the other captives.

“You mean…?”

“The safety of Misthaven is assured—for now,” Ryder said. “It’s time we act. Time to expand our master’s dominion.”

McKen’s eyes lit up. After a year of inactivity since the battle of Purple Thunder March, he had longed for combat.

Now, at last, the chance had arrived.

“Samborn confirmed—Moore is lightly guarded. Let me lead this campaign. Give me one knightly regiment, and I’ll seize Moore.”

Ryder nodded. He trusted McKen’s skill.

“Very well. You shall have a full regiment. Take Samborn and a company of captive knights as your vanguard. I’ll accompany you—to counter any interference from the Holy Storm.”

Thus, under their command, Sophia and Anya remained behind to guard Misthaven and oversee the two remaining prisoner regiments.

Ryder and McKen led their forces toward Moore.

To capture this populous, wealthy city—lightly defended yet thriving—would greatly strengthen Ronin’s power.

Meanwhile, after settling affairs in Golden Feather Palace, Ronin ordered Carlos to bring Garrett and Fergus to the estate under guard.

“Ronin, you’re back!”

The moment he entered the room, Blanche rushed into his arms—her face swollen from weeping.

The death of her father, the betrayal of her brother—any soul would be shattered by such sorrow.

Ronin gently stroked her back. “This is a tragic and painful time. But you must be strong. Take care of yourself. Believe—His Majesty, if he still lives, would want your unborn child to grow in peace.”

“I understand, Ronin.”

Blanche took a deep breath. “It’s just… Father treated Garrett so kindly, yet met such a cruel end. My heart aches for him.”

She lifted her gaze. “Did you kill Garrett?”

In her eyes, Ronin saw hesitation, conflict. No doubt she wanted Garrett dead—yet blood kinship tugged at her soul, leaving her torn.

“No,” Ronin replied. “I intend to summon the kingdom’s nobles to Golden Feather Palace for Garrett’s trial. There is great likelihood he will be sentenced to death.”

Even if spared execution, the weight of all factions pressing down would leave him broken beyond redemption.

Lonin looked at his wife. "No matter what, Garrett can't inherit Auduin's throne. Blanche, would you like to become queen?"

Queen?

Blanche froze. Lost in sorrow, she had never considered such a question.

Now that Lonin had spoken it aloud, she realized the Auduin name no longer had a male heir.

"I..."

She buried her face in Lonin's chest. "If you need me to, I'm willing."

She paused. "But if I could choose for myself... I'd only wish to help you with small matters when needed, and live quietly by your side when there is none." (End of chapter)