Chapter 65: Lady Yaoluo... She has betrayed us. |
...
Beep beep—
Jonas received a message from Kuroth on his communication device.
Logically speaking, since Kuroth took over Tars City, everything had been running smoothly under his control.
If he was contacting Jonas through a magic device now, something must have gone wrong.
Jonas spoke into his wristband: "What happened?"
"Spandel City has sent us a message.
The legitimate heir Atticus wants our cooperation in capturing Giant Spirit City."
Jonas: "He probably doesn't know Tars City has changed hands yet, does he?"
They still address me as Kodaga.
Lord Jonas, should we refuse?
With the hundred thousand Destiny Army troops stationed in Giant Spirit City,
helping Atticus capture it would be
no different from moths flying into flame!"
Jonas chuckled: "Refuse? Why?
Reply immediately that we in Tars City will fully support their operation to take Giant Spirit City.
Promise we can help them pin down an entire army corps."
"What?
But... with our current forces..."
Jonas cut off Kuroth: "We say one thing but do another.
Without Atticus keeping the Destiny Army occupied, we'd be in serious trouble.
Now with their help muddying the waters, we might actually take Giant Spirit City.
And if the legitimate heir is making moves, the second son probably won't stay idle for long.
Things are about to get interesting."
Being shrewd, Kuroth immediately grasped Jonas's meaning.
"Lord Jonas, I understand. I'll make sure the pretense is convincing."
"Good.
By the way, how's the slave collection going?"
"My lord, slaves and populations from various noble families are being continuously transported to Thunderkeep."
"Excellent work!"
"Serving you is no hardship."
Only after becoming city lord did he realize how sweet this position was.
Being a dog?
He'd gladly lick Jonas's boots now.
...
After ending the communication, Jonas stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Slaves and commoners, long oppressed under the Empire's rule, quickly developed loyalty and combat potential after receiving different treatment at Thunderkeep.
By discovering talents across all fields, Thunderkeep could develop rapidly.
Now everything depended on how Deslar, leader of the Destiny Army, would act.
If chaos erupted, he might even counterattack and seize the Destiny Army's stronghold.
But right now, the gift he sent Deslar should have arrived.
...
Giant Spirit City.
Destiny Army Camp.
Deslar frowned: "How's our control over Giant Spirit City going?"
Subordinate: "Basically fully secured."
"Commander, why the urgency? With several army corps stationed here and these towering walls, are we really afraid of those damned Imperial troops?"
"You don't understand. Jonas's Thunderkeep is our greatest threat now.
In this delicate situation, a slight move affects the whole scheme. I won't rest until he's eliminated."
Deslar's frown deepened: "By the way, why haven't we heard from [Yaoluo] yet?"
"Not sure. Could something have happened?"
"This..."
As if realizing something, Deslar grew increasingly uneasy.
Just then, a messenger rushed in: "Commander!
The assassin squad has returned!"
Deslar brightened: "Oh? Back already? How did the mission go?"
The messenger hesitated: "They're back, but... only two returned, both severely wounded by sword injuries."
"What?
Where's Yaoluo?"
"Didn't return."
"What?! Take me to them."
...
When Deslar saw the two assassins, they lay on medical beds in the Destiny Army infirmary.
Their conditions were pitiful, bodies covered in visible sword wounds.
The sight made Deslar's heart clench.
He immediately approached: "What happened? Where's Yaoluo?"
Atel, seeing Deslar's tension, weakly tried rising: "Something went wrong, my lord... Lady Yaoluo... she betrayed us.
That damned woman... she joined Jonas!
Ah—"
A sudden pain from his wounds made him cry out.
"What?
Impossible.
Yaoluo would never betray me!"
Hearing this, Deslar sprang up, face contorted with rage.
Yaoluo had killed so many for him.
He'd always maintained perfect control over her—how could she possibly defect?
Suddenly drawing his sword, Deslar pressed it against Atel's throat.
"Are you lying to me?
Maybe YOU'RE the traitor!!!
Atel!
You bastard! Tell me the truth!"
Deslar's intimidating aura would have broken most men into confessing.
But these two had been trained by Jonas for exactly this scenario.
Atel: "Commander, please... don't kill me! It's true!
Otherwise with Lady Yaoluo's skills, how could she fail to kill one Jonas?"
Deslar's expression darkened further: "Heh... One more word and I'll take your head.
In the Destiny Army, sowing discord—especially about Yaoluo!
You two must have a death wish!"
As the blade neared Atel's throat,
the wounded man tremblingly produced two magic cards, offering them to Deslar.
"My lord, it's true! Look... look for yourself!
We tried our best.
This... was beyond our control!"
Deslar snatched the cards with a cold snort.
But when he saw their contents,
his muscular frame trembled, eyes widening to their limits.
He nearly dropped his sword.
The images showed
Katdera with dazed eyes, limp against Jonas's shoulder, arms wrapped around his back.
Breathing softly, cheeks faintly flushed, damp hair clinging to her skin.
...