Chapter 102: White Horse in Western Wind
After the last opera performance, there was a very positive response, and the theater suddenly became packed with people. Many discerning regulars also came to experience it.
Unfortunately, Lolan Hill did not attend the subsequent performances, and the effect of the show was average, leaving these highly anticipating guests disappointed. For a time, this actually damaged the reputation of the theater.
The theater boss was in a panic, searching for the reason, and finally learned from Lanlier that the hooded young lady was Lady Phyllis’s new student. It was because of her presence that the opera’s viewing experience had greatly improved, creating a qualitative change.
Unfortunately, this mysterious young lady never appeared again.
The theater boss promised Lanlier that if she could get the young lady to perform again, she would be paid eight Exceed Coins per show, which was approximately 80,000 money.
“I’m not so easily bought. She is my good friend,” Lanlier replied, waving her finger, then continued, “So, more money.”
“Alright!”
The boss then increased the offer to twelve Exceed Coins per show. It should be noted that even famous songstresses were only paid 100 Coins for a concert, making this a very high price, especially since this was for a behind-the-scenes performance.
“It’s a deal~”
Thus, Lanlier suggested that Lolan Hill perform at the theater a few more times to get more accustomed to it, so she wouldn’t be nervous when she officially took the stage.
Lady Phyllis also agreed. Although Lolan Hill’s shy demeanor was cute, she hoped she could showcase herself on a larger stage.
As for Lolan Hill herself, since she had put the Helius商会 (Helius Merchant Guild) back on track recently, handling many matters with mature strategies, her workload had decreased significantly.
Therefore, she readily agreed. On one hand, singing was indeed fun, and on the other hand, she was curious about Emanas Academy and wanted to visit it later.
It was said that the headmaster was a great witch, the witch of the Sealed Book, the Night Mistress.
On another front, under Mere’s leadership, Helius商会 began to follow Lolan Hill’s internal reforms, optimizing structures and processes, increasing some welfare benefits for the lower levels, and establishing rewards to encourage the development of new products.
However, the recent business of Anemii and Nisos was not doing well. The former saw a significant drop in demand for jewelry and gems due to the turmoil among the nobility, while the latter suffered a reputation hit due to the poison wine incident.
Tisiphone家, on the other hand, made a fortune from the war, producing weapons day and night.
Sold to the increasingly tense Xuehua Seven Kingdoms.
Under this ebb and flow, Anemii and Nisos had no choice but to align themselves with the Tisiphone family. Originally equal among three, they were now gradually beginning to follow the lead of the Tisiphones.
Given the current chaotic situation, this condition is estimated to last for a very long time.
The Nisos fleet, which was supposedly sent to purchase rare ingredients for brewing, has returned. More subdued than usual, the cargo holds are unusually heavy. When unloading at the docks, a few keen-eyed people noticed that the wooden crates did not contain fruits or grains, but thickly wrapped unknown items in oil paper.
—
A few days later, the news of the rebel army of Westwind breaking through the Lightning Knights’ corps spread like a huge stone thrown into water, creating waves of shock.
For a while, discussions about this rebel army spread throughout the Xuehua Seven Kingdoms. Riding on this wave of momentum, rebellions broke out across Westwind, with originally stable areas also experiencing hidden turmoil and frequent conflicts, exacerbating the already difficult situation in Westwind.
The fire was spreading like wildfire. In the mountains and fields, communications within the kingdom were almost completely cut off. The once arrogant nobles could only shrink into their castles, anxiously holding on and waiting for an uncertain tomorrow.
Even the Lightning Knights, who wielded dazzling lightning, have failed. What else can Westwind rely on?
There is still something: the former White Horse of Westwind.
The founding monarch of the Westwind Kingdom, Roland, was a prince of the White Horse tribe.
This group of nomads from the grasslands were extremely skilled in horse breeding. When Roland started his uprising, he led these brave warriors riding white horses to fight north and south, establishing a vast territory.
If Cangcui had not risen so quickly, the Xuehua Seven Kingdoms might have been unified long ago, rather than now, where Westwind merely exists as an alliance leader.
After Westwind established its kingdom, most of these warriors became nobles of the kingdom, but some remained in the grasslands. Roland allowed them to use the White Horse pennant, symbolizing honor and bravery.
In earlier years, the Thunder tribe guarding the chaotic vortex had no cavalry. Later, Aeol married the daughter of the previous chieftain and became the new leader, known as the ‘Sword of Thunder.’ It was Roland who helped him cultivate the original sequence 3·Thunder Warhorse, after which the Lightning Knights’ Corps was established and the alliance between Wind and Thunder was set.
Now that the Thunder has落幕, only the White Horse of Westwind remains.
In dire straits, the Westwind royal family had no choice but to seek help from the collateral branches of their ancestors, the White Horse tribe on the grasslands.
—
“Father, I disagree!” A young man dressed in a fur coat stood up, his expression agitated.
“On what grounds should they live in magnificent palaces, enjoying all the glory, while we struggle?”
Excessive desires, yet now faced with a life-threatening crisis, we are expected to protect them at the cost of our lives!
“Sit down, Darren,” said a middle-aged man sitting at the head, his voice deep and unquestionable.
The young man sat down reluctantly, listening as the chieftain continued.
“The West Wind and we share the same origin. Back then, they were able to conquer this land, which was also their clan’s accomplishment; there is no reason for jealousy.”
“Back then, King Roland of the West Wind granted the White Horse Clan immunity from taxes, and to strengthen ties, each generation would have us recommend a suitable young lady to marry into the palace. Both sides have always been family.”
“On every festival or ceremony, the royal family of the West Wind sends corresponding rewards and gifts.”
“Even the enrollment slots for Emanas Academy, the royal family of the West Wind also gives us special consideration, giving us more spots.”
“If not for this, Darren, you wouldn’t even be qualified to enroll due to your abilities.”
“These facts cannot be denied by anyone.”
The leaders of the White Horse Clan, who had been somewhat agitated, now sat silently, as these were undeniable truths.
The White Horse Chieftain slowly scanned the crowd before continuing.
“I know that some of you might still feel it’s unfair.”
“But this isn’t about fairness now.”
“You can’t possibly think that after the West Wind falls, we can continue to live peacefully herding horses.”
“Whether it’s those rebels or the neighboring countries, in their eyes, we and the royal family of the West Wind are one.”
“When the West Wind enjoys glory, we benefit too. When the West Wind commits crimes, we are also implicated.”
“The entanglements between us cannot be separated. Therefore,” he paused slightly, then continued,
“Even if we know it’s bitter poison, we must drink it with sorrow.”
“Regardless of victory or defeat, we must repay this century-old favor with blood and swords, to uphold the name of the White Horse Clan!”
“This is our destiny.”
Only then did his tone soften, and the crowd below lowered their heads, no longer resisting.
“Now, let’s gather the warriors.”
“Yes!”
The leaders rose in unison and left the tent.
Banners fluttered, white horses galloped, and tens of thousands of warriors began their final journey.
Seeking recommendations~
Thank you to Jiushishouyue and Yuexia Anxing for your support.
(End of Chapter)
