By evening, Count Theodore had essentially regained control of Nuta City.

He dispatched men to extinguish the fires throughout the city and provide aid to civilians who were injured or had lost their homes.

Meanwhile, he sent troops to surround the Temple, demanding that the High Priest hand over the members of the Farsight Mercenary Corps.

At the same time, a squadron of griffons departed Nuta City, flying towards Storm City.

For the past two days, communication between the two cities had been severed.

Count Theodore was desperate to know if any significant events had occurred in Storm City.

He also invited Yan Xing, who had made crucial contributions to quelling the rebellion, to the Lord's Mansion for dinner.

In the vast dining room, only the old Count and Yan Xing sat at the table.

Even the number of servants in attendance was limited to four.

The siege of the Lord's Mansion had resulted in heavy casualties among servants and guards. In the subsequent conflicts, the Count's personal followers had charged to the forefront.

While this undoubtedly hastened the rebels' defeat, it also inflicted substantial losses upon the Lord's Mansion...

It wasn't just the Lord's Mansion; the entirety of Nuta City had suffered grievously in the two days of riots.

The City Defense Force, already undermanned, was now effectively halved, with less than half its soldiers fit for combat. This small remaining contingent had to maintain order in the city, guard prisoners, and also keep a vigilant watch on the Temple.

If any bad news arrived from Storm City, how could Nuta City, in its current state, defend itself against external enemies?

Count Theodore and Yan Xing silently cut into the steaks on their plates. The metallic clink of knives against porcelain, though a pleasant sound, did little to alleviate the exceedingly heavy atmosphere in the dining room.

Butler Atreli, carrying a plastic bucket, poured red wine into their glasses.

Count Theodore raised his glass, took a sip, and broke the silence. "I hope Hibel avoids any trouble. If I were to die, she would have to inherit my title and lead the Theodore Family."

The butler quickly interjected, "Young Miss Hibel will be safe under Marquis Anderson's protection, and nothing will happen to you, my Lord. If the affairs of Nuta City are weighing on you, perhaps you could allow Lord Yan Xing to shoulder more of your responsibilities. After this rebellion, it is clear that Lord Yan Xing and you, my Lord, are of one mind."

Count Theodore waved his hand dismissively. "I am aware of my own condition. If not for Hibel and the family, I likely wouldn't have lasted this long. But at my age, death holds few regrets. My sole concern is Hibel. She is young, prone to impulsive actions, and possesses such formidable strength. I worry that without my guidance, she might be exploited by others."

The butler, following the old Count's cue, said, "Then we should endeavor to find a young man of suitable age, intellect, and strength to be Young Miss Hibel's husband as soon as possible. With the two of them sharing your burdens, my Lord, you could then enjoy life to its fullest."

"Ah..." Count Theodore heaved a deep sigh. "Such an outstanding young man is not easily found. You are aware of Hibel's temperament."

Yan Xing, chewing his meat, listened to the exchange between the old Count and the butler.

You two old foxes are putting on a show for my benefit, aren't you? Seeing that I'm such a prime catch, you want me to marry into your family? What a joke! With Hibel's temperament and martial prowess, being loyal comrades who would go through thick and thin is certainly possible. But as her husband? Would I even be able to hold my head high in my own home? You've hatched a clever plan, but I'm definitely not falling for it.

Yan Xing changed the subject. "Teacher… now that you have the Temple surrounded, what shall we do if Grand Priest Lancelot refuses to hand over the men from the Farsight Mercenary Corps?"

Seeing Yan Xing broach the subject of the Temple, Count Theodore found it difficult to steer the conversation back. He pondered for a moment before replying, "The military strength within the Temple is considerable. We must preserve our own forces and avoid direct conflict with them as much as possible. The resolution of this matter hinges on news from Storm City. If the Orcs manage to capture Storm City, the Temple will undoubtedly protect the Farsight mercenaries."

If Storm City remained in the hands of the Marquis or the Principality, Grand Priest Lancelot would know how to resolve this dispute. Without the capture of the Elf Envoys, the Farsight Mercenary Corps was now useless to the Temple. The current reason for sheltering Donald and his mercenaries was, in fact, a statement to the various factions leaning towards the Temple: serve the Temple, and the Temple will protect you.

Of course, the Temple would not offer unconditional protection. If the Silvermane Principality still wielded significant influence in the Wildwind Highlands, the Temple would proactively seek reconciliation with Count Theodore, continuing to establish its presence there. In that scenario, Grand Priest Lancelot would willingly offer the heads of the Farsight mercenaries.

Thus, Count Theodore had invited Yan Xing to dinner this evening precisely to await news from Storm City together, so they could formulate countermeasures at the earliest opportunity based on any developments there.

Yan Xing mentally analyzed Nuta City's current predicament and then said to Count Theodore, "I wish to enter the Temple and speak with Grand Priest Lancelot."

Count Theodore hadn't anticipated such a request. "What do you intend to discuss with him?"

"To compel him to hand over the members of the Farsight Mercenary Corps," Yan Xing stated. "Regardless of whether the Temple protects the Farsight mercenaries or ultimately kills them, the result is the same: the Temple emerges as the victor of this rebellion. They can act with impunity in Nuta City, and we are powerless against them. The rebels are hiding within the Temple, and the Temple can choose to protect or kill them at will. Although you appear to have quelled the rebellion, your prestige has suffered a significant blow. The Temple will resort to similar tactics in the future. We might not be so fortunate next time."

Count Theodore understood Yan Xing's implication: only by forcing the Temple to surrender the individuals now could they diminish its arrogance.

"However, the Temple's pretext for sheltering the Farsight mercenaries is divine protection for its followers. The Empire stands behind the Temple, and it has its own army. If we were to attack the Temple, it would inevitably provoke direct intervention from both the Empire and the Temple. Neither you nor I can bear the consequences of such an action."

Yan Xing smiled. "Teacher, you cannot bear those consequences. But I can… Withdraw your troops surrounding the Temple and replace them with my men. I will go now and discuss reparations with Grand Priest Lancelot."

Yan Xing's proposal plunged Count Theodore into a period of deep thought. After carefully weighing the various advantages and disadvantages, he finally conceded, "Very well… you may try. But I trust you understand the limits. With the situation in Storm City still unclear, Nuta City cannot endure further significant unrest."

"I know what to do." Yan Xing picked up his napkin, wiped his mouth, then rose and bowed to the old Count. "I shall go to meet the High Priest now and endeavor to resolve this matter before dawn."

With that, Yan Xing departed swiftly, leaving Count Theodore and the old butler exchanging bewildered glances.

"My Lord, didn't we agree to discuss the matter of Lord Yan Xing's marriage to Young Miss Hibel?"

Only then did Count Theodore snap back to reality. "Confound it! That sly fox must have sensed something and concocted an excuse to flee."

"What should we do then?"

The old Count drained the red wine from his cup. "Let it be. We can discuss it another time if the opportunity arises. For now, resolving the Temple situation is paramount. I hope this young man can deliver another surprise."

At that moment, a guard rushed in from outside.

"Reporting, my Lord! News has arrived from Storm City. Marquis Anderson arrested Count Fio on charges of colluding with the Orcs immediately upon Count Fio's arrival in Storm City. Count Fio was executed at noon today. His body and the list of his crimes have already been dispatched to the capital."

Upon hearing this, Count Theodore was initially shocked, then elated. He quickly asked, "Is Hibel with the Marquis?"

The guard replied, "Miss Hibel is still at Anjik Fort, engaged in battle against the Orcs."

The smile vanished from the old Count's face. He asked urgently, "What is the current situation at Anjik Fort?"

"Reporting, my Lord… Marquis Anderson only stated that Anjik Fort is still repelling the Orcish assaults."

"You mean… you saw the Marquis? He is still in Storm City?"

"Reporting, my Lord… Yes, the Marquis is currently in Storm City, reorganizing the army and investigating traitors who colluded with the Orcs. When I arrived in Storm City, Marquis Anderson met with me personally. He asked me to convey to you, my Lord, that you should not worry about Miss Hibel; she is safe."

The old Count was utterly stunned.

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