Lady Karol holds you in high regard and is willing to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship between the principality and Thunderous Swamp."

Prince Elrado was not in Frostleaf City. Frostleaf City, unaware of the enemy's change, was very likely to fall to an Orc surprise attack.

Then the main Elf force would become an army isolated from their homeland.

Even if the Orcs and humans did not attack them, when winter came, a heavy snowfall could finish off the main Elf force, lacking winter supplies.

And the only one who could save the Elves was... Lady Karol.

A racketeering plan quickly took shape in Yan Xing's mind.

Yan Xing took a cloak off a coatrack and threw it to Li Jiya, saying, "Come, take me to Lady Karol."

Li Jiya didn't know what Yan Xing meant, but seeing his cheerful expression, she assumed he wasn't going to confront Lady Karol.

With a puzzled expression, Li Jiya followed Yan Xing out. They mounted their steeds and headed straight for Rose Court.

The damage Rose Court suffered in the riots wasn't significant. Especially after the Werewolves took up positions, the rebels hadn't launched any noteworthy attacks.

At that moment, the servants at Rose Court were cleaning up the remnants of the battle, while Lady Karol sipped tea in a gazebo in the garden, waiting for news from Storm City.

Storm City is locked down, reportedly in chaos. It must be Count Fio, the new commander of the Wildwind Highlands Legion, seizing control of Storm City. Anjik Fort is still under Orc assault, and it's likely that Marquis Anderson, busy with its defense, doesn't know what's happening in Storm City. Prince Elrado must have taken command of the Elven Great Army; after a brief regrouping, they will march on the Orcs' Highland City. The Orcs in Highland City, unaware of their Elven allies' betrayal, will surely be overtaken in one fell swoop. By that time, even if the Orcs conquer Anjik Fort, they will still face the formidable Storm City. Caught between two fronts, the Orc Great Army will have no way out. When winter arrives, a heavy snowfall could finish off the Orc Great Army if they lack winter supplies. Forming an alliance with the Snow Elves, aiding the principality in controlling the Wildwind Highlands, and dealing a heavy blow to the Orcs' military might. With such significant achievements, what reward will the Duke grant me? I've taken another step towards revenge.

Lady Karol picked up her teacup and took a gentle sip. Her eyes admired the chrysanthemums blooming in the garden. Her face wore a smile, but her eyes were filled with hatred.

Upon seeing Li Jiya walking towards her with Yan Xing, Karol immediately set down her teacup and regained her usual noble demeanor.

"Knight Yan Xing, I must thank you for the support you've given Rose Court." Lady Karol extended her hand. After Yan Xing kissed its back, she continued with a smile, "I wonder if the bedding sets I ordered from you have arrived... If not for this uprising, you would have delivered them by now. Sit down, let's talk."

Yan Xing and Li Jiya sat down.

Karol poured tea for them and noticed the unease in Li Jiya's expression.

Yan Xing said, "I wouldn't dare delay the items you requested. Two hundred thousand bedding sets are in my warehouse, ready for delivery upon payment. We even provide home delivery. But I'm just not certain whether these bedding sets... should be sent south or north?"

Lady Karol was taken aback, then took another glance at Li Jiya's expression.

She laughed and said, "It seems you know. At this point, there's no need for me to hide it any longer. Indeed, these two hundred thousand bedding sets are for the Snow Elves. I have already signed an alliance with the Snow Elves on behalf of the Silvermane Principality. By now, the Elven Great Army should be on its way to attack Highland City. Count Fio has also sealed Storm City and seized military control of the Wildwind Highlands. The war is over. I am the final victor. You should reconsider your relationship with the Silvermane Principality and Count Theodore."

Yan Xing was glad he had asked Li Jiya first. Lady Karol's words, a mix of half-truths and outright lies, could have easily misled him.

So, Prince Elrado was leading the Elven Great Army to attack the Orcs' Highland City? But Li Jiya had said the Elven Great Army would first retreat and regroup, only advancing on Highland City tonight at the earliest. If the Elven Great Army really were to move west, far from Thunderous Swamp and approaching Highland City, saving them would be difficult.

Knowing they couldn't be saved, there was no point in taking on this task. Yan Xing intended to discuss something else.

Yan Xing lifted his teacup, slowly finished its contents, and then leisurely set it down. "The war has indeed ended," he said. "However, the intelligence I've received states that Marquis Anderson killed Count Fio on charges of colluding with the Orcs."

"What? This... this is impossible!" Lady Karol stood up in shock. "The Orcs are besieging Anjik Fort! Anderson couldn't possibly return to Storm City at this time. You're lying to me!"

Yan Xing held the teapot and poured himself more tea, saying, "I got this information from Count Theodore. His men sent to Storm City saw Marquis Anderson. I don't know if your people in Storm City saw Count Fio."

Lady Karol collapsed back into her chair.

Storm City was sealed off; no information could get out. But since Count Theodore could send someone in, it meant Storm City was under Anderson's control. How could he be in Storm City? If he's in Storm City, how could Anjik Fort possibly hold off the Orc onslaught? Unless… unless… Anderson... colluding with the Orcs...

Yan Xing immediately said, "Don't make baseless accusations. However, if the main Elven forces are truly on their way to Highland City, I'm afraid they can't be recalled. With a heavily fortified city ahead and their retreat cut off, they couldn't be saved even if one wanted to. It's just a pity about those two hundred thousand bedding sets I have. I'm afraid I'll be stuck with them."

Lady Karol had initially assumed the Orcs were simply retreating, but Yan Xing presented a more dire possibility.

If... if the Orcs attacked Frostleaf City... then her entire strategy in the Wildwind Highlands would be utterly lost. What fate would await her upon returning to the capital?

Lady Karol thought about the detail in Yan Xing's words and asked, "You said... you said the Elven Great Army can still be saved?"

Yan Xing continued to drink his tea leisurely. Despite her anxiety, Lady Karol waited patiently.

After finishing his tea, Yan Xing finally said, "If the Elven Great Army has already marched towards Highland City, they cannot be saved. If the Elven Great Army is still near the front lines, moving east could bring them under the protection of Thunderous Swamp."

With the situation being urgent, Lady Karol told Yan Xing the truth.

"I lied just now. The Elven Great Army shouldn't have advanced westward yet. If the Orcs have truly captured Frostleaf City, can Thunderous Swamp really offer sanctuary to this stranded Elven army?"

"Of course, why not?" Yan Xing had been waiting for Karol to say this. He continued, "Thunderous Swamp maintains a friendly attitude towards all races and is willing to befriend anyone. If the Elves are willing to enter the swamp as our guests, I will personally ensure their safety and hospitality. However... as you know, the swamp's resources are scarce. Sustaining so many Elves will be a considerable expense. We also need to create suitable living areas for them, which involves clearing out Poison Flies and magical beasts from the swamp. Furthermore, we'll have to appease the disturbed Werewolf and Swamp Dweller communities. Alas..."

Yan Xing sighed heavily, appearing troubled, as if willing but lacking the means.

"As long as Thunderous Swamp is willing to accept this Elven army and guarantee their safety within its borders, the Silvermane Principality will cover all expenses."

Seeing Yan Xing's demeanor, Karol understood. The only issue was money.

For the Silvermane Principality, having such a large Elven army in the Wildwind Highlands meant a chance to turn the tables. They would constantly threaten the Orcs and Marquis Anderson. She could then maneuver from that position. As for the cost of sustaining this Elven army... Hadn't the Silvermane Principality promised the Snow Elves an annual winter subsidy? The Snow Elves certainly wouldn't want to see this Elven army annihilated in the Wildwind Highlands. They also want to retake Frostleaf City. So, she would persuade the Snow Elves to use this winter subsidy to support this large Elven army.

Hearing Lady Karol's direct offer to cover the costs, Yan Xing smiled. "In that case, there's no problem. The Elves can stay in the swamp for as long as they wish."

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