Brand left Baron Gruding's castle without saying a word. Although he walked out of the castle gates like a king: no one dared to block his path, even the knights most loyal to Gruding only dared to press their hands against their longswords and nervously scatter to either side. But the young man felt no joy in his heart, his hand gripping tightly to his sword scabbard - as if the longsword were still there - the scabbard creaked under the excessive strength.

Yes, but he still compromised.

It wasn't fear of the combined forces of Madara and Baron Gruding that made him retreat, but the beseeching look in Qian's eyes moved him. Just like he could never become Macaro, he couldn't ignore Sanfde and other Grey Wolf Mercenaries who were lingering in the courtyard due to his anger.

He understood, those were the only family and reliance the girl had in this world. She had the right to do so.

But though he understood, he still felt oppressed and angry in his heart.

Especially when even Antitina subtly expressed her opposition -

The young man couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

He wanted to resist Erune's rotten rules, but he despondently found that he didn't have the capability - not even the support - he knew Antitina wanted him to integrate into those rules, although the noble daughter didn't explicitly say it, she didn't hide her true thoughts either.

Indeed, that was a better choice for him.

But is it possible?

Brand never imagined he would have a day when he would abandon his own principles. If he retreated, then he would be giving up everything. Therefore, he had no retreat; even if ahead was a mountain of blades and sea of flames, he had to stand against Gruding.

Thus, although he knew Madara's undead had already stood with Count Jandener, he had to make this choice. He had already stated his position, and the rest could only be proven by time.

Brand pressed his lips together, walking silently across the castle's drawbridge. However, with the afternoon breeze, a pungent bloody smell pierced his nose - then he heard a cry behind him, it was Antitina's voice.

Brand instinctively looked up, but at that moment, the young man was stunned. The familiar street seemed to stretch infinitely before his eyes, the long street extending all the way to the horizon, with not a single person but rows of brand new crosses standing on either side -

Rows of crosses hung with bloody corpses.

Most of the corpses were dressed as adventurers and mercenaries, and some were clearly outer city peasants. There were men and women, but now only lifeless bodies remained.

Brand remembered that in the classical era of Vorn, local lords would hang the corpses of bandits on crosses to warn those who continued in the same pursuit.

But now, who was Baron Gruding warning?

Not just warning him, but also warning those restless adventurers and mercenaries in the city. Baron Gruding was using this incident to tell these outsiders who truly owned this land.

A bloody warning.

"Very well —"

Brand took a deep breath, almost turning back immediately. But he bit his lip, ultimately holding back, though a glimpse from the corner of his eye had already seen a figure flash by the street side.

Is it him?

Brand's heart stirred, immediately chasing after.

He chased through the street corner, entering a narrow alley. The familiar grey-blue was already in sight, the young lord hesitated only briefly, but the other had already spoken:

"Brand... my lord, right?" The young man in grey robes looked at him, coldly asking.

Brand recognized it was the String Wizard Apprentice he had encountered briefly in the morning, he had a deep impression of the other, naturally not forgetting easily.

He nodded.

The young man did not speak immediately, both fell into silence. Though the other's thin face was cold, the bottom of his eyes revealed a silent anger.

After a brief silence, the young man finally spoke again: "I remember, Lord, you once asked if I wanted revenge?" The thin young man looked unchanged, replying, "If I tell you now, I want -"

He lifted his head, biting his lip, "Lord, can you point me to a path?"

Brand remained silent.

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