Chapter 79: Roland’s Answer to their Provocation
Fredrinn made a hand signal while looking at the two eagles. During his free time, he trained these magical beasts to understand basic commands through hand signals. This was a method used by the animal trainers in his home world to communicate with their pets. He love animals so he studied this unique training style back then. He never thought that he would use it again in this world.
Magical beasts were more intelligent than normal animals so they managed to quickly understand some basic hand signals.
As soon as he sent the signal, the two Soaring Red-eyed Eagles flew in opposite directions and zoomed across the sky.
"My lord, we should have brought a Core Formation realm martial practitioner with us. I know that you are strong, but we never know what kind of opponents we will face." Kristine whispered with a hint of worry. She felt that it was too risky to leave Fredrinn defenseless. He was the heir of the Firecrown Household. If something happened to him…
She quickly removed the negative thoughts in her mind.
Fredrinn shook his head. "We can't do that. We don't have enough manpower so we must place each Core Formation realm martial practitioner strategically. Besides, we're still not sure if the Blackcrow Household would send a separate force to attack the estate."
In truth, Fredrinn wasn't the least bit worried. The walls that surrounded the estate were heavily fortified with defensive array formations. Ordinary troops couldn't infiltrate past their defenses.
This was also the reason why he dared to boast to Raphael that Reynard's army would never be able to step foot inside the estate.
***
Meanwhile, Roland had already arrived at the energy stone mine with his troops.
"Sir Roland, you can leave the vanguard to me." The one who spoke was City Defense Chief Arthur Clayton. He was dressed in gray battle armor from the neck down.
Roland felt more assured with him in the group. "Alright. I'm glad that we have someone as reliable as you, Sir Arthur."
Arthur grinned at his words.
At this moment, another figure appeared in between them. It was the city lord, Ludwig Springfield. "They are here." He muttered as he stared into the distance.
He was the most powerful martial practitioner in the group so he was the first one to notice the arrival of the Blackcrow Household's army.
Everyone narrowed their eyes when they heard his words. They followed his gaze and they soon noticed a cloud of dust forming in the air.
City Defense Chief Arthur who was leading the vanguard immediately stepped forward and jumped on top of his mount. "Vanguard troops, prepare!" He shouted with a grave look.
Roland also commanded the archers to nock their arrows.
"Cough! Cough! Cough!" Ludwig held his chest as he coughed heavily. His face turned pale all of a sudden.
"Father, are you alright?" Lucas came to his side and stared at him with worry.
Ludwig waved his hand. "I'm fine."
"Father, there's no need for you to participate in this battle. With Sir Arthur here, nothing will go wrong." Lucas whispered.
Ludwig shook his head while wiping off the blood that leaked out from his mouth. "No. I have to be there. Even Sir Arthur would have a hard time fighting that person." He muttered.
"Are you talking about that bastard Reynard? I don't think he is strong enough to defeat Sir Arthur." Lucas raised his eyebrow in confusion.
Ludwig took a deep breath and shook his head. "Reynard is not the strongest man in the Blackcrow Household."
Lucas frowned as he thought about someone. "Don't tell me that person is still alive… No way!"
"He only disappeared from the eyes of the public, but he is still alive," Ludwig confirmed his guess.
Hearing this, Lucas revealed a nervous look.
Thirty minutes later, they could finally see the flags of the incoming army.
"Hold on… Isn't that the flag of the Morten Household?" Someone pointed out when he saw the flags of the Morten Household among the opposing army.
Suddenly, the army of the Blackcrow Household and the Morten Household stopped before they entered their firing range.
A cavalry rider stepped forward and shouted in a booming voice. "I am Vincent Blackcrow, the commander of the Blackcrow Household's army! Release our people and we will forget this transgression!"
When they heard this name, everyone turned silent. This man was one of the Nascent Soul martial practitioners of the Blackcrow Household.
Roland stepped forward and responded. "Warriors of the Blackcrow Household, your leaders have committed a treasonous act against the Star Wind Kingdom! They sold batches of slaves to our enemy kingdom! If you don't want to be punished by the royal family, surrender and we will spare your lives!"
There was no reaction as he had expected. From the looks of it, they were already aware of the treasonous crime committed by Reynard and the elders of the Blackcrow Household which makes them guilty as well!
"Enough with your nonsense, Roland Firecrown! If you don't want your family to be destroyed, release the people you captured!" Vincent shouted with a hint of mockery.
His lack of respect almost made the warriors of the Firecrown Household jump out of their formation.
Roland shook his head. If it weren't for Fredrinn's plans, he wouldn't really dare to fight them, but it was different this time. They had the support of the experts from the city lord's mansion and the officials of the city.
Roland borrowed a bow from one of the archers. He fit an arrow into the bowstring and pulled it to the limit while aiming for Vincent. A moment later, he loosened his grip and released the arrow.
Thwang!
The winds twisted violently as the arrow whizzed through the air.
Vincent narrowed his eyes when he sensed the danger coming. He lifted his shield to deflect the arrow all while sending a stream of his Qi to his arms.
The arrow accurately struck his shield and the force behind the arrow made his mount make a sound of protest as it slid backward.