Chapter 1486 - 950: Defection, Neutrality, Opposition

Chapter 1486: Chapter 950: Defection, Neutrality, Opposition

Outside the defense line.

Captain Carroll crossed his arms, his face dark as he watched the scene before him.

Especially as he saw the Night Watcher Warriors issue tasks with unquestionable authority, naturally and smoothly to several guard captains.

His brow subtly, almost imperceptibly, furrowed, a deep discontent visible between his eyes.

He genuinely disliked such a scene.

Those guards belonged to the Kingdom, belonged to the Lord of this land.

In his view, the Night Watchers had no qualification to presumptuously command.

This gave the impression of openly interfering in another country’s military affairs.

The guards accepted orders without issue, working with exceptional smoothness, executing flawlessly.

It was as if they didn’t even know who their true superior was.

The heavy armor made a slight friction sound with his movement, and he finally spoke, his tone nakedly, unrestrainedly dissatisfied, with a hint of deliberate provocation:

"Hmph, Lord Alfred, look at this. The Night Watchers have extended their reach far too much.

"They now truly act like the rightful owners of this land, calling your guards and people, commanding them like their own slaves.

"The Kingdom has its laws, and territorial affairs should be decided by you and your vassals, not some ignorant outsiders giving orders."

Lowering his voice, yet clear enough for Alfred beside him to hear, his gaze sharp as a hawk, scrutinizing the confidently commanding Night Watcher officer below.

Count Alfred’s smile remained gentle on his face, but deep in his eyes was a cold, bone-chilling frost, as if capable of freezing the air.

He could easily perceive the blatant, malicious provocation in Carroll’s words, as well as the deeply ingrained, stubbornly conservative mindset of the nobility.

Moreover, he understood that his recent closeness with the Night Watchers had clearly incited discontent among some conservative forces in the Royal Capital.

Or rather, over time, more nobles had begun to publicly or secretly shift allegiance, even openly siding with the Night Watchers.

This caused dissatisfaction among the Kingdom’s conservative factions.

Now he also saw the signs, an implicit provocation, a subtle reminder, and a stern warning.

But at this moment, he felt only sincere gratitude toward the Night Watchers, and his conviction about their potential future grew increasingly firm.

Toward those belated, pretentious Royal Family knights, he felt an inexplicable, almost overflowing disdain.

Perhaps such a situation was once normal in noble circles, but now, accustomed to the Night Watchers’ efficiency and pragmatism, he held them in some contempt.

Yet he did not directly refute, simply calmly gazed at the bustling scene below, ignoring Carroll’s complaints, speaking in a plain yet resonant tone:

"Extraordinary times, extraordinary measures. The Night Watchers’ efficiency saved countless lives, including mine and my soldiers’ lives.

"They are experienced, knowing what to do, and how to do it most quickly and effectively."

Without looking at Carroll, his words clearly and unmistakably conveyed his stance — he fully endorsed the Night Watchers’ approach.

Carroll hit a soft wall, his face darkened, shrouded as if in frost.

Moreover, the words openly indicated that this noble before him had become yet another supporter of the Night Watchers.

This made him increasingly anxious and restless.

Just as he intended to speak again in argument.

Alfred decisively gave him no opportunity, swiftly turning to his ever-respectful young assistant, Edmund, and said:

"Edmund, I’ll leave all matters here to you. Ensure full cooperation with the Night Watchers’ work, making sure the core fortifications are completed before nightfall.

"Coordinate the treatment of the wounded and subsequent patrols. If there’s an emergency, contact me immediately."

"Yes, Count, sir! Rest assured!"

Edmund straightened his back with a firm sound, loudly and powerfully taking the order, his eyes reflecting undeniable determination.

His admiration for the Night Watchers was equally palpable.

After giving instructions, Alfred turned back to Captain Carroll, his face instantly wearing the standard, near-perfect noble-style, impeccable social smile:

"Captain Carroll, you’ve come a long way, and must be quite tired. Let the young handle things here.

"Please accompany me back to the castle to rest a bit. Allow me to fulfill the host’s duty. We should also sit down and give the Royal Capital a detailed report on the situation here."

...

Count Alfred and Captain Carroll rode side by side, along the broad and winding slope leading toward Eagle Castle, standing amidst the mountains.

The golden sunset bathed the towering stone wall of the castle in warm amber, accentuating its majestic presence.

This fortification, solid as a rock, was built on the steep mountainside, its main structure perched on a large natural rock platform halfway up, like a proud eagle surveying the land from atop a cliff.

The long sloped path leading to the castle’s main gate was meticulously designed in a zigzag pattern, fully exposed to the relentless range of arrow slits and catapults on the walls and towers, embodying true "ease of defense and difficulty in attack."