usenovelgroup 126. Please don't let us down.
126. Please don't let us down.
The lean scout's fingers tightened suddenly around the silver badge, while the sturdy scout turned his head away, his eyes already reddening.
The scarred man stood frozen in place, as if he had been frozen in place.
"His last words," Sinlai's gaze lingered on the silver badge, "were, 'A lion should die in the field, not in a cage.'"
The Marquis of Tansting obviously didn't say that... but does it matter? Obviously not.
But when Sinley, holding the silver badge, spoke, his words carried an unquestionable weight of authority for these confidants who had once fought alongside the Marquis of Tanstin.
The camp was deathly silent, save for the rustling of the morning breeze through the treetops, as if even the ancient forest was mourning the passing of the Marquis of Tanstin.
The scarred man's dagger suddenly fell to the ground, and the towering man's knees buckled, causing him to kneel heavily on the ground.
His hands gripped the soil tightly, his knuckles digging deep into the humus, and his shoulders trembled violently.
After a long while, a suppressed whimper escaped from deep within his throat, like the mournful cry of a wounded beast.
"Marquis..." The lean scout clutched the silver badge tightly, looked up at the sky, and tears silently streamed down his thin face.
The sturdy scout slammed his fist into the ancient tree beside him, leaving bloodstains on the rough bark from his calloused fist.
Xinlai watched all this in silence, neither urging her nor offering any words of comfort.
He knew that for these warriors who had dedicated their lives and loyalty to the Marquis of Tanstin, any words would seem pale and powerless at this moment.
He simply stood there quietly, activating healing magic to stop the bleeding from his neck, letting the light and shadow of the morning sun flow over him.
After an unknown amount of time, the scarred man slowly raised his head, his bloodshot eyes regaining focus.
He pushed himself up to his feet, gave Xinlai a deep look, and then solemnly knelt on one knee, his right fist pressed against his heart: "Your subordinate, Roderick, captain of the third squad of the Lion Iron Cavalry Scout Battalion, pays respects to His Highness the Third Prince."
Upon hearing this, both the lean and sturdy scouts knelt on one knee, their right hands pressed to their hearts: "Your Highness, your subordinate Graham greets you."
"Your subordinate, Fern, greets Your Highness."
Xinlai reached out and helped the three men up one by one, looking solemnly into their eyes: "Three brave warriors, I, Xinlai, hereby swear that I will not fail the Marquis's trust."
Roderick raised his head. The tough man's eyes were still red, but a resolute light had been rekindled in his gaze: "Please give your orders, Third Prince. My two brothers and I are at your service."
Xinlai nodded, and then sat down with the three of them in the camp.
He took out a more detailed map of the royal city from his pocket, spread it out in front of the three of them, and began to plan the next step.
"The 50,000 heavily armored cavalry on the border must remain calm and must not rush into the royal city at this time to avenge Marquis Tanstin."
Sinlai's tone was firm and unwavering: "Once they step into the royal city, it will be tantamount to confirming the Marquis Tanstin's accusation of plotting a rebellion."
At that time, Simeon could legitimately mobilize the royal city's defense forces and garrisons from all directions to wipe out the Lion Cavalry in one fell swoop, while also gaining a reputation for meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion.
Roderick clenched his teeth several times, but finally nodded.
As a seasoned scout captain, he knew better than anyone how dangerous the situation was.
Although the 50,000 heavily armored cavalry were formidable in combat, they were still field troops. If they rashly attacked the royal city, they would not only be at a disadvantage in street fighting, but would also suffer heavy casualties.
"So," Sinley's gaze lingered on Roderick and Graham,
"I need you two to return to the border immediately and inform the officers of the 50,000 heavily armored cavalry of the true situation in the capital. Tell them that I, Xinlai, will not let the death of Marquis Tanstin go unpunished, but until the time is right, everyone must remain calm and absolutely not act rashly."
"Please trust me, suppress your anger for now. The waters of the royal city are not something they can easily wade into."
Roderick asked in a deep voice, "How does Your Highness need us to convince them?"
Sinley handed the silver badge of the Lion Horsemen back to the lean scout Graham:
"This is my token; seeing this badge is like seeing the Marquis Tanstin himself. If the morale of the troops on the border is unstable, Simeon will be eager to punish them."
When you return, tell them that His Majesty the King's letter of reassurance will arrive at the border within half a month at the latest. At that time, military pay will be increased, and living conditions at the border will improve accordingly.
Graham carefully accepted the silver badge, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Is Your Highness certain you can persuade the King?"
"I'm 70% confident," Xinlai said frankly, "but the prerequisite is that you can bring back the real information in time and keep the soldiers on the border calm, so they don't do anything that the royal city might consider a 'rebellion'."
"As long as the border remains peaceful, I am confident I can persuade my father to give the Mighty Lion Cavalry the appeasement and respect they deserve."
Xinlai then informed the two scouts of the specific arrangements and possible changes one by one, from how to deal with the outposts along the way to which generals among the border troops could be trusted and which needed to be kept in the dark for the time being.
Roderick and Graham listened attentively, nodding occasionally, making sure they remembered this crucial information.
After everything was explained, Xinlai turned to the sturdy scout Fern: "As for you, come back to the capital with me."
Fern paused for a moment, looking at Roderick with some confusion.
Sinley explained, "I need a bodyguard of the Marquis of Tansteen to accompany me to meet my father, King Bermelt, in the Marquis's name."
I want him to see firsthand the anger and grief of Marquis Tanstin's men at this moment. Only then will he seriously consider whether to quell the fury of the 50,000 heavily armored cavalry.
Roderick pondered for a moment, then nodded: "Fern is a reliable person, and his strength is formidable enough. It's most appropriate to let him return to the city with His Highness." He paused, looking intently at Fern.
"Brother, you represent the face of the Mighty Lion Cavalry on this journey, and you also bear the Marquis's legacy. Be careful in everything you do."
Fern nodded emphatically, slung the two-handed battle axe behind his back, and stood solemnly behind Sinlai: "Your Highness, I swear to protect your safety with my life."
The dawn finally broke through the canopy, casting dappled light and shadow across the camp that had just experienced a brief period of grief and decisive action.
Looking at the three scouts loyal to Marquis Tanstin, Xinlai felt a strange emotion welling up inside her.
These warriors who gallop across the battlefield possess the most fervent loyalty and the purest emotions. Once they have chosen a direction, they will go forward without hesitation.
"Time is running out." Xinlai stood up. "Simien's investigation could expand beyond the city at any time. We must complete the operation before we are discovered."
"Roderick, Graham, you two depart immediately. Fern and I will make some quick preparations and then travel to the capital tonight."
The two scouts quickly packed their belongings and carefully placed the silver badge close to their bodies.
Before departing, Roderick suddenly turned around and bowed solemnly to Sinlai: "Your Highness, the person we brothers respect most in our lives is the Marquis of Tanstin. He must have his reasons for entrusting you with the token and 50,000 heavily armored cavalry. Therefore—"
He looked deeply at Xinlai and said, word by word, "Please, Your Highness, do not disappoint us."