Chapter 354 - 352: The Plan
The door closed gently, leaving only Duane and Natalia in the room.
Perhaps because they were alone, Natalia held him even tighter, as if wishing she could melt into his body. Her sobs grew more heartbroken, and her body trembled.
Duane stroked her long hair with his right hand and comforted her in a low voice, "Don’t cry. I’m fine."
Natalia lifted her head to look at him through tear-filled eyes, her voice choked with sobs. "How can you be fine? Your arm..."
She clutched the empty section of Duane’s sleeve. "It’s all because of me that you..."
Rather than let her wallow in grief, Duane suddenly leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips.
Natalia’s sobs died in her throat. She froze for a moment, then gradually calmed, before closing her eyes and returning his kiss with passion.
Her kiss was passionate and firm, filled with the unique understanding and desire that only lovers share. It held none of the timidness she had shown that day at Sea Cliff Castle.
Not one to be outdone, Duane immediately took the lead, his hand even beginning to wander naughtily over her feverish body.
Natalia stiffened for a second, her cheeks flushing red. She didn’t resist; instead, she chose to lose herself completely in the moment.
Neither of them knew how much time had passed, nor when they had ended up on the sofa, with Natalia curled up in Duane’s broad embrace.
The air was thick with the scent of their passion. Natalia’s cheeks were crimson as she deeply inhaled Duane’s scent.
"This time... I want to go back to Black Forest Island with you to take care of you," she said.
Duane’s hand rested on her waist, then moved to her long, slender legs. At that moment, he felt like one hand just wasn’t enough.
"Is that appropriate?" he asked gently. "We haven’t even had our engagement party yet."
"Father will agree," Natalia said. "You saw how he left on his own just now."
’My father-in-law certainly has good timing.’
"Alright, since you put it that way, of course I agree. I’ll go speak with your father later and see what he thinks."
As he spoke, Duane’s hand moved to Natalia’s shapely rear, giving it a little squeeze.
She sat bolt upright, a mix of indignation and embarrassment on her face. After shooting him a glare, she snuggled back into his arms, letting him have his way.
"I heard about what happened to you from my brother. At the time, I felt like my world was collapsing. All I wanted was to be by your side immediately..."
As she recounted the experience, her voice began to choke with emotion again.
Duane stopped his teasing and changed the subject. "I heard about your exploits from Martin. I never would have thought you were so decisive in battle. You actually killed their Celestial Tier Warrior and a Mage all on your own."
"That was only with the help of Magic Scrolls and my Magic Staff."
Natalia waved it off. "Compared to you, that achievement is nothing to speak of."
"Overdrawing your Spirit and Magic Power is no small matter," Duane asked. "How are you recovering?"
Duane was deeply moved. She hadn’t even recovered from her own exhaustion, yet she had endured the jolting of a carriage and the rocking of a ship just to get to Red Earth City.
"Much better. It’s nothing."
Natalia said, "Now it’s you who needs to get better. From now on, I’ll be your left hand!"
Duane smiled, stroking her long, silver hair. "Actually, you don’t need to worry about me. My Celestial Python Bloodline has a ’Molting Rebirth’ effect. I can regrow my arm whenever I want."
Natalia shot upright, her eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and joyous surprise. "Really?"
"Of course. The Count already knows," Duane said with a smile.
She couldn’t help but repeat happily, "That’s wonderful! That’s wonderful!"
Then she chided him, "Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You made me cry for so long."
Duane chuckled. "If I’d told you sooner, would I have gotten that passionate, uninhibited, all-consuming kiss just now?"
Natalia flushed and buried her face, muttering, "Of course there would be! Anytime you want."
"How about now?"
"You... You’re incorrigible!"
...
After the negotiations concluded and an official announcement was made, the armies of the Silent Shore began to withdraw from the Fire Source Territory.
They also took with them Elwin, Viscount Ugo’s only son and the sole male heir of the Calvin Clan.
He would live in the Silent Shore for three years as a hostage to ensure Viscount Ugo paid the fine in full within that time.
Four hundred fifty thousand Gold Coins. The Calvin Clan certainly couldn’t come up with that much cash.
But they had businesses and resources, which could be liquidated to cover the cost.
For example, the dozen or so standard warships moored at Fire Source Port were each worth four to five thousand Gold Coins. Selling them all would raise sixty to seventy thousand Gold Coins.
Then there were the three forty-meter-long warships, each valued as high as twenty thousand—another hefty sum.
Add to that their weapons, equipment, and resources from their Secret Realm, among other things.
In short, with some effort, they could certainly scrape the fine together.
However, just as Count Kais had said, the Calvin Clan wouldn’t be recovering from this defeat for a very long time.
「After returning to the Silent Shore」
Count Kais summoned several of his trusted subordinates who had long been stuck at the Peak of the Earth Tier.
Among them were Heinrich, Bertrand, and Trent—the three who had protected Natalia—as well as the castle’s Level 5 Mage, Fulin.
Duane took the Count’s advice and began charging a fee for his Blessing. However, he made exceptions for some, especially Heinrich, whom he continued to help for free as he was still recovering from his serious injuries.
To him, it was just a matter of expending a little Spirit and Magic Power.
The results were excellent. Everyone except for Trent advanced a tier.
As for why Trent failed to advance, everyone’s analysis led to the conclusion that his foundation wasn’t solid enough; he hadn’t yet reached the absolute limit of the Peak of the Earth Tier.
He would just have to temper himself further and then ask for Duane’s help again.
Trent was quite dejected about this. After all, everyone around him had been promoted, while he was the only one left behind.
But there was nothing to be done. He would just have to train like hell and pay for Duane’s help when he felt he was ready.
「Meanwhile, inside Cyan Snake Fortress」
Minister of Supervision Hela and Saint Hall Grand Commander Mitchell had returned to the palace to report on their mission. They also brought a personal letter from Viscount Ugo.
In the grand hall at that moment, besides them, were Clement, Orisien, and Sigmund.
After King Eric finished reading Viscount Ugo’s letter, he asked with concern, "How is Lord Severus?"
Mitchell replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Severus expended too much of his Power of Life to heal Kurudo and is now recuperating in the main cathedral."
Eric nodded. "Sigmund, pay him a thorough visit on my behalf."
He hadn’t expected Duane to be strong enough to injure an Ascension-level Warrior to the point of needing recuperation.
"Your Majesty, Duane has lost an arm. He is at his weakest."
Orisien stepped forward, fanning the flames. "Now is the perfect time to capture him."
His voice was considerably higher-pitched than usual, a physical change that had likely occurred after Duane had castrated him.
King Eric was naturally aware of Orisien’s hatred for Duane, but he had no intention of doing anything to him.
Besides, having someone within the Kingdom who could keep Severus in check was a good thing.
"Duane has lost an arm; he’s no longer a great threat to us. Moreover, with Emily and Lloyd’s upcoming wedding, it would be unwise to start a major conflict."
King Eric rejected Orisien’s proposal and turned to Clement. "Your Grace, you may begin establishing a branch of the Church Court in the Fire Source Territory."
"As you make this comeback, remember not to be too aggressive. Focus on recruiting followers and strengthening the Knight Order’s infrastructure and combat power. Then, use the Fire Source Territory as a center from which to radiate our influence, compelling people to come and worship of their own accord. Follow this strategy."
Clement bowed. "I will bear your instructions in mind."
"Additionally, I will be arranging a diplomatic mission to the Fidun Kingdom and the Asando Kingdom soon. I hope that you, Lord Mitchell, can arrange for members of the Holy Radiance Court to accompany them."
The Holy Radiance Court has deeper roots in those two kingdoms. Although there are opposing factions, the ruling echelons in both nations at least trust the Holy Radiance Court.
What King Eric wanted to do now was to forge an alliance—an alliance against the Akutas Kingdom.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
The group discussed further arrangements, and then Mitchell and the others left Cyan Snake Fortress.
King Eric cautioned his son, "When I first met Orisien, I thought he was a rare talent. But the more I’ve come to know him, the lower my opinion of him has sunk."
Sigmund looked a bit awkward. "He was just hurt too deeply by Duane. All he wants is revenge."
"He won’t get his revenge by acting on pure emotion."
Eric said, "When you have a moment, try to talk some sense into him. Tell him not to do anything reckless."
"I will," Sigmund said.
The King sighed. He really didn’t want Orisien taking Severus to Black Forest Island to cause more trouble, only for something else to go disastrously wrong.
"It has been over two years since you returned from the Sunset Continent. You are nearly thirty now; it is time you married Danika and produced the next generation for our family."
Danika was Duke Kelvin’s granddaughter, which made her Sigmund’s cousin.
Their marriage had been arranged long ago, only to be postponed due to Sigmund’s insistence on traveling to the Sunset Continent for advanced studies.
Eric said, "After a little while, I will arrange for you to visit Duke Kelvin and formally propose the matter."
A flicker of hesitation crossed Sigmund’s face; he seemed somewhat reluctant.
However, out of respect for his father, he still nodded. "Speaking of which, it has been a while since I’ve seen Danika. I suppose I should go see her."