Volume 4 Chapter 202
by Need_More_SleepVolume 4 + Chapter Chapter 202: Xia Lulu’s Arrival
Xia Lulu ordered the captain to recount everything that had happened in Adenai.
The captain complied, reporting the truth as required.
“…According to Her Highness’s initial plan, we launched an attack on Adenai. With the defensive forces there, it was impossible for them to withstand our Dragon Clan troops.”
“Under the princess’s command, Adenai’s defenders were quickly routed.”
“But at that very moment, the Vampire Ancestor Elizabeth appeared. For reasons unknown, she was present in this city of the border region.”
Hearing the name “Elizabeth,” Xia Lulu frowned.
If it was the Vampire Ancestor with her level of power, then the Anti-Vampire Clan Task Force would be no match at all.
This also aligned with her initial assessment…
“What happened next?” Xia Lulu asked.
“Your Majesty, we attempted to confront the Vampire Ancestor but realized the gap in strength between us and her was far too great. This subordinate is incompetent and was no match for her.”
The captain lowered his head.
“Based on the situation, Her Highness made a judgment call and ordered our complete retreat. A desperate fight against the Vampire Ancestor in Adenai was never part of the plan. However, during the retreat, the princess was intercepted by the Vampire Ancestor. My immediate thought was to have everyone charge forward to rescue Her Highness, but she suddenly issued a strict order, everyone was to retreat and not concern themselves with her…”
If that was the command, Xia Lulu wasn’t particularly surprised, it was very much in line with Xia Yi’s character.
While her daughter was highly capable, she wasn’t as ruthless as Xia Lulu herself.
“We retreated to our original camp. The Vampire Ancestor, for reasons unknown, did not pursue it. With the princess captured, we immediately relayed the news back to our homeland while simultaneously concealing the matter from the outside world. We hoped the Anti-Vampire Clan Alliance would act swiftly, giving us an opportunity to rescue Her Highness!”
The captain recounted the entire sequence of events from beginning to end.
Before arriving in the Holy Crimson Empire, Xia Lulu had already gathered some understanding. Naturally, she had mentally prepared herself for the current situation before coming.
However, there was one point she truly hadn’t anticipated.
“Your Majesty, do you think… is Her Highness in danger now?” the captain asked with deep concern. “The Vampire Ancestor suddenly unilaterally announced her intention to marry the princess.”
“…Xia Yi should be safe for the time being. Since the Vampire Ancestor intends to force this marriage, it implies Xia Yi’s life won’t be in danger during this period. Otherwise, the wedding couldn’t proceed.”
While Xia Lulu’s analysis sounded rational on the surface, inwardly she was seething with anger.
She would never recognize this marriage.
“Before the wedding takes place, we must act swiftly, racing against time. That is why I am here.”
“If Your Majesty personally intervenes, the Vampire Clan of the Holy Crimson Empire will be powerless to stop you!!” the captain said excitedly.
After all, the entire Dragon Clan was well aware of the extent of Xia Lulu’s power.
No one would ever question her might.
“Captain, your judgment was correct. For now, I will temporarily lead you under Xia Yi’s identity. Do not reveal the truth, even to our own soldiers. Furthermore, continue to publicly assert that the news of the Vampire Ancestor’s intended marriage to Xia Yi is purely fabricated and untrue,” Xia Lulu commanded.
“Yes, I understand, Your Majesty.”
The captain acknowledged.
“…Captain, you seem to have more to say?”
Xia Lulu noticed the odd expression on the captain’s face.
“No…”
“Speak your mind if something is troubling you.”
“Yes,” the captain voiced his confusion. “Your Majesty, regarding your departure from the Dragon Kingdom… Does anyone else at home know about it?”
“No, I came here in secret,” Xia Lulu replied.
In truth, this course of action wasn’t without significant risk.
Back in the Dragon Clan palace, she had arranged for Elly to impersonate her, making occasional appearances to maintain the illusion that the Silver Dragon Queen was still in residence.
But this carried the risk of exposure.
If the dragons in the Dragon Kingdom were to discover the Silver Dragon Queen had vacated the throne, it would likely trigger a massive internal upheaval.
This was especially true for the Dragon Clan’s General, Heinrich. Xia Lulu was the only one who could keep him in check.
If he learned the Silver Dragon Queen was absent, this Dragon General would become exceedingly dangerous, with no one left to restrain him.
Xia Lulu’s move here involved considerable risk.
For a safer approach, she could have secretly dispatched the Royal Maid Corps.
A Dragon King, who should act based on cold calculation of benefit and authority, was taking a rather irrational course of action.
However… This was for her daughter. She was willing to do it.
“Captain, now report to me all intelligence regarding the Vampire Clan and the Holy Crimson Empire. I need to consider our next move,” Xia Lulu said.
The captain bowed his head in response. “Yes, Your Majesty!”
……
Holy Crimson Empire, Imperial Capital Palace.
“…That is the situation, Ancestor. The Anti-Vampire Clan Alliance has amassed an extraordinarily powerful military force in the border region. They are prepared to launch an attack at any moment, intending to push all the way into our Imperial Capital.”
Herman delivered his report to Elizabeth.
After listening, Elizabeth’s expression showed little fluctuation. Her response was brief—
“I am aware.”
“Ancestor, do we need to take any action?” Herman inquired. “For instance, recalling our armies from the Beastmen Alliance?”
“Recall them. But not to confront the Anti-Vampire Clan Alliance. Deploy them to cut off all their escape routes.”
“Ancestor, the scale of the Anti-Vampire Clan Alliance’s mobilization is unprecedented. Given our current domestic military strength, it may be difficult to handle,” Herman cautioned. “If necessary, allow me to lead the troops…”
“Unnecessary. Your appearance isn’t required so soon. However, we can send some forces to create resistance,” Elizabeth replied dismissively. “Even if the Alliance breaks into the Imperial Capital, nothing will change.”
“…I must admit, I don’t fully understand, Ancestor. If you wished, you could crush that rabble at any time.”
“Herman, let me ask you a question. When do you think a person feels the most despair?”
Herman pondered for a moment. “…When facing an enemy they cannot possibly defeat.”
“Correct, but not entirely. Even if you crush them from the outset, those people will cling to the illusion that if everyone unites, perhaps there’s a chance for a turnaround?” Elizabeth countered. “Chasing a fleeting hope, nurturing false expectations, only to be defeated by an insurmountable reality and finally plunging into the abyss—that is utter and complete despair.”
“You mean…?”
“Winning this war is not my objective. This war is merely the starting point—”
Elizabeth narrowed her eyes.
“I want everyone on this land to understand the meaning of truly insurmountable despair.”
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