Count Theodore had fallen ill suddenly, and Yan Xing knew why.
The old Earl's greatest pleasure was holding banquets and boasting to his guests about his past illustrious military achievements.
The enemies he fought were, naturally, the Orcs.
Marquis Anderson was the old Earl's son-in-law. To support him in securing the Wildwind Highlands, it could be said that the old Earl had gambled his entire family's fortune.
Now, discovering that Marquis Anderson had long been colluding with the Orcs, the blow to Count Theodore was more severe than suffering a great defeat in battle.
Yet, upon further consideration, this outcome was the most beneficial to Marquis Anderson.
He could disrupt the alliance between the Snow Elves and the Silvermane Principality, force the Orcs to abandon their assault on Storm City, and seize the opportunity to consolidate his control over the Wildwind Highlands Legion.
Whether or not the Orcs could take the Elves' Frostleaf City, they would not have the strength to attack Storm City afterward.
With winter approaching, the Wildwind Highlands, after months of warfare, would enjoy several months of tranquility.
For the strategic location of the Wildwind Highlands, the Silvermane Principality could not afford to fall out with Marquis Anderson.
Only two players remained in the Wildwind Highlands, and the Orcs taking Frostleaf City would be like them carrying a heavy burden.
This would make it even easier for Marquis Anderson to play a balancing act in the Wildwind Highlands.
"Brilliant, truly brilliant!" Having realized the significance behind this series of moves, Yan Xing couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. "Marquis Anderson truly killed three birds with one stone this time. He turned defeat into victory and has firmly grasped the initiative in the Wildwind Highlands. It seems we can rest easy in Nuta City now."
Knowing that Yan Xing had figured out the machinations, Count Theodore gave a bitter smile. "Who knows what path Anderson will lead us down... He has already crossed the line that a human noble should not. I cannot see what the future holds for the Theodore family; our honor may soon be stripped away from us."
Yan Xing patted the old Earl's hand, saying consolingly, "One only has a future as long as one is alive. Marquis Anderson, having Shortgun act on his behalf, surely still has some limits. Your illness, Mentor, comes from overexertion these recent days; it's nothing serious. I'll have my people send over some medicinal potions and food. You'll recover quickly if you take them regularly. The most important thing now is to bring Miss Hibel back as soon as possible."
Count Theodore, unaware of when Yan Xing had become a doctor, still grasped the essence of his last words. "I've been foolish! Atreli, send someone to fetch Hibel immediately. Even if we have to seize her, bring her back."
Marquis Anderson had not informed Count Theodore about his ties with the Orcs because he knew his father-in-law extremely well.
Count Theodore also understood Anderson thoroughly.
And he understood his own daughter as well.
To prevent any mishaps, it was best to bring Hibel back as soon as possible and keep her close.
As for Storm City, they would let the storm pass first.
Yan Xing bid farewell to the old Earl and left the Lord's Mansion.
Count Theodore's health was not as optimistic as Yan Xing had described. The elderly man, well into his seventies, had been working tirelessly and had even personally participated in battle.
This had added a great burden to his already weakened organs.
What the old Earl needed most now was meticulous care.
Yan Xing planned to buy some medications from the real world targeted towards the old Earl's age-related ailments. The future situation meant that Nuta City could not afford to be without the old Earl at the helm.
Returning to his embassy, Yan Xing saw Li Jiya working intently.
Sunlight poured through the window, casting its glow upon her face. The charm of her profile was captivating.
Yan Xing took his seat.
"Li Jiya..."
Li Jiya lifted her head to look at Yan Xing and said, "You're back... Did the Lord of the City send for you? Was there some urgent matter?"
"Nothing serious, just discussions on how to quickly restore order in the city." Yan Xing didn't tell Li Jiya about the old Earl's illness. After thinking for a moment, he turned to ask, "Is Prince Elrado currently able to reach Frostleaf City?"
Li Jiya had initially wanted to probe for information about the Lord's Mansion.
However, upon hearing Yan Xing's question, her complexion instantly turned pale.
Li Jiya stammered, "I... I don't know what you're talking about? Who is Prince Elrado?"
The turn of events made Yan Xing decide to confront Li Jiya.
"Li Jiya, I have greatly enjoyed our time together, even though you had ulterior motives for approaching me. I didn't want to expose you so soon, but the question I'm asking is very important. Is Prince Elrado able to reach Frostleaf City right now?"
Li Jiya tensed, ready to unleash Magic for combat at any moment.
She didn't know when Yan Xing had seen through her identity. But since he asked about Prince Elrado, it indicated that he knew about the Elf Envoys meeting with Lady Karol.
How much did he know about the content of their meeting?
"Please send me back to Rose Court..."
To Li Jiya's request, Yan Xing replied, "I could go ask Lady Karol, but she will surely ask me about some things I'm not currently able to disclose. I need to be sure of where Prince Elrado is right now before deciding what to say to Lady Karol. Whether you tell me or not is your decision, but if you don't answer, you can't leave this place."
Li Jiya looked at Yan Xing and, after pondering for a moment, said, "Prince Elrado is certainly not in Frostleaf City right now. He should be in the conflict zone between the Elves and the Wildwind Highlands Legion, ensuring the Elven main forces retreat and reorganize. Knight Yan Xing, you must be aware that the principality has already formed an alliance with the Snow Elves. The principality will regain control of the Wildwind Highlands Legion."
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