Chapter 1773 - 494: Yet Some Castles Still Stand Above the Ruins (Part 3)

The faces of the Centurion and the Steward grew increasingly grim.

The Deputy Officer furrowed his brow and temporarily handed over command to the drummer. He stepped forward to his superior's side, joining the negotiations.

Just when conflict was about to erupt, the door to the main house suddenly opened, and a figure appeared in the shadows elongated by the setting sun.

"What are you doing?"

Upon hearing the voice from behind, the servants at the manor's entrance displayed visible fear. Especially the Steward, who hastily turned around, bowing his head in trepidation.

"Madam."

It was the Baroness, dressed in a gray-white gown, her shoulders draped with a thin shawl, and an unusually calm gaze.

She was followed by several children, looking timid, holding each other's hands tightly.

Like the children of commoners, some were frightened, some were strong, and some were too young to understand what was happening and curiously glanced around.

"Do not resist meaninglessly; too many have died for this foolish war already, no more should sacrifice for it."

She spoke softly, her voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone's ears, dissipating the tense atmosphere.

Though her husband was loyal to Earl Derek, her children were not foolish enough to decide whom to be loyal to.

If the Duchy truly could not accommodate them, she could take them back to her family, though the future might be tough, things would improve once they grow up.

The only pity was for the servants.

Only the cattle and sheep are bonded to the land beneath their feet; the Nobles' power, though derived from the land, is never bound by it.

Nonetheless, the simple Laman felt a shred of respect for this beautiful lady.

Though he knew she might be speaking out due to circumstances, she could very well remain silent, boarding the carriage sent for her.

On the Aus Continent, Nobles always provided each other some leeway in war, so even when defeat was certain, most would never surrender before the castle collapses, but would use commoners' blood to expend commoners' Energy…

The Baroness said a few more words to the children and instructed the accompanying maids before leading them to the carriage stationed at the door.

The servants watched the carriage leave in a daze, then turned their hateful gaze towards the Duke's soldiers.

In their eyes, it was these people who ruined their lives, destroyed everything they had, thrust them into the Abyss.

Indeed, their thoughts weren't wrong.

They could no longer boast about the prestige of Baron Lukeville or order the peasants around the manor at will.

The mission's objective was achieved, everyone was relieved, grateful for avoiding unnecessary casualties.

Yet the Centurion was evidently unsatisfied, continuing negotiations with the Steward. He lowered his voice, speaking in a restrained manner.

"...We are merely staying temporarily for a few nights; lending us the servants' quarters will suffice. We'll only be here up to a week, and will leave thereafter."

The old Steward stared at him expressionlessly, coldly responding, "According to the Duchy's laws, this manor still belongs to the Lukeville family. You have no right to enter."

"Soon it won't be!" The Deputy Officer of the Centurion couldn't help but retort, but was only met with a colder gaze from the Steward.

This nearly-buried old guy held a slight sneer, seemingly provoking intentionally, attempting to uphold centuries-old loyalty.

Rather than vanish quietly, he hoped these people would shoot, spilling his blood on Edward's crown.

Laman watched with wide eyes; it seemed their proud Centurion, like a rooster, met his match this time.

"Very well."

He glared harshly at the Steward, tossing out a cryptic remark before ceasing to waste words, leading the indignant Deputy Officers aside and away.

Returning to the front of the troop, he gestured, leading the weary lads away from the manor gate, toward the nearby village.

Hailing from the fields, he knew Campbell's villages like the back of his hand.

Every village has public granaries, and beside them, simple dormitories for peasants unable to return home during harvests.

Now, being winter, the peasants all reside in their homes, with at most two guards occupying the granary dormitories.

Living there wouldn't be an issue; no one could stop them.

Walking the muddy road leading to the village, many young men felt disappointed, regretting not having a glimpse inside the Baron's manor.

Laman approached the glasses-wearing comrade, knowing this "Glasses" had many ideas, perhaps knowing something.

"What just happened?" Laman asked in a low voice.

The soldier adjusted the glasses on his nose, also lowering his voice, analyzing and speaking with bright eyes.

"That was a Baron entangled in the civil war, and… likely our adversary."

"I see." Laman nodded belatedly, a realization dawning on his face.

The "Glasses" continued.

"Her husband was probably captured at Glanton Castle, now held in the Duke's Dungeon. As for his family, they would be under house arrest somewhere near Campbell Castle, pending decisions post-trial."

Laman pondered for a moment, his gaze landing on the village ahead.

"Meaning the people there…"

"Were our adversaries before." The glasses-wearing soldier glanced at the nearby village, speaking casually, "Perhaps we've already met them."