Chapter 107

Chapter 107 – The Night of Swords and Blades

Fireworks bloomed in the sky. The residents and tourists of Hopeland were still immersed in the festive atmosphere, but in the secluded corners of the city, dark currents began to stir.

Figures hurried down the streets, knocking on closed shops and gates, opening dusty warehouses one after another.

A middle-aged man who had just woken up opened his door sleepily. He wondered who would be knocking at this hour.

A shadowy figure stood at the door, dressed in a short robe, barely discernible in the dark night.

“Is it Emerson?” the visitor asked succinctly.

“Yes,” the middle-aged man replied, puzzled. Who could it be visiting him so late?

The person in the short robe, upon hearing the affirmative response, raised a piece of parchment and said,

“The Tisiphone family once helped you. It is time to fulfill your promise now.”

Under the light of a brass lantern, the parchment bore a clear message in black ink, summoning orders, signed by the head and heir of the Tisiphone family.

At the bottom of the parchment were three crimson seals: ‘Short Sword Piercing Skull,’ ‘Seven-Colored Gem Flowers,’ and ‘Tilted Wine Bottle.’ They symbolized the most powerful guilds in Hopeland—the Tisiphone, Anemone, and Nisos, issuing a joint statement.

Seeing the alarming red seal, the middle-aged man instantly woke up, fully alert. With a shocked expression, he asked,

“Now?”

“Yes. Equip your weapons, put on your armor, lock your door, and draw three crossed long swords on it. Then come immediately to the Tisiphone Guild.”

“If you don’t have weapons or armor, they will provide them, but they might not fit well.”

“Alright, I understand.”

The middle-aged man nodded solemnly. The messenger, having achieved his purpose, left immediately for the next house.

He rushed back to his bedroom, quickly lifted the bedboard, revealing a low wooden chest with a lock underneath.

Unlocking it, he found a greatsword wrapped in oil paper and a set of chainmail. He swiftly changed out of his unsuitable coat and started to dress himself.

“Dad, what’s happening? You sound loud,” a young girl’s voice came from the adjacent room.

The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment, then continued putting on his chainmail and said sternly, “Dad has to go out soon. I’ll lock the door. Remember, no matter what happens outside tonight, do not open the door.”

“Why, Dad?”

A little girl in a light nightgown opened the door. Seeing her father in chainmail, holding a gleaming two-handed sword, she widened her eyes in surprise.

“There’s no time to explain, sweetheart. Don’t worry about Dad. I’ll be back in a few days. There’s food in the cellar; don’t starve yourself. Also, do not open the door, no matter who it is or what sounds you hear. Understand?”

“I understand,” the little girl obediently looked at her father and nodded.

“Good, good, my dear Shanna.”

The middle-aged man, seeing his sensible daughter, held her tightly with his rough, calloused hands and affectionately stroked her head.

Then he took a white chalk and drew three crossed long swords on the door, instructing her to lock it from the inside before rushing into the night without looking back.

This scene played out across Hopeland. Carriages bearing the marks of the top three guilds sped through the streets, startling street vendors and tourists who had to hastily move aside.

Among the top five guilds in Hopeland, apart from the newly ascended Callites family in recent decades, the other families had deep roots, accumulating countless connections over more than a hundred years. It was no surprise that Angus was deceived. Even if Lady Mela wasn’t involved, there would have been Lady Cera, Lady Mela, and others. If not for Angus’ early preparation, the newly ascended Callites might not have stood a chance against the Helios family.

The power of the major guilds in the city was deeply intertwined. Some external personnel were also intertwined among each other. When these three guilds moved, the Helios family received the news instantly.

“Lady, the other three guilds in Hopeland have suddenly started gathering people. Some informants say they’ve already prepared their weapons, ready to fight at any moment.”

Under the dim candlelight, Melu, wearing a nightgown, stepped out of her bedroom. Outside stood several messengers, with the family guards waiting for orders.

Although uncertain of the exact intentions of the other three guilds, it was clear they were targeting the Callites and Helios families, as no one else in Hopeland had the authority to mobilize such forces except for these two major guilds.

Melu, with a serious expression, gave immediate instructions upon hearing the news:

“Send messengers immediately to notify the Callites. Let them know how serious the situation is and ring the bell to gather everyone in the guild. Additionally, for those in the city who have old ties, friendly relations, or frequent cooperation with us, send familiar people to notify them immediately to relocate to our guild headquarters. The reason is that there will be internal unrest in Hopeland tonight, and the Helios family will protect them.”

“Repeat twice to each family. If they don’t listen, move on to the next.”

“Yes, Lady.”

Several high-ranking managers immediately sprang into action.

“Also, send people to open the underground warehouse and distribute weapons and armor. Assign disciplined guards to lead ordinary personnel. Each experienced guard should be a team leader, organizing all members of the guild immediately.”

“As you wish, Lady.”

A few guard captains hurriedly left.

Then Melu looked at the only remaining captain of her personal guards. This sequence 4 existence was her mother’s brother’s son, her cousin.

“Jerald, I need you to organize people to watch the gate tonight. Please.”

“Don’t worry, Melu. I’ll protect you.”

The armored guard, wearing dark gold armor, looked concerned at his sister and promised before quickly leaving, leaving a broad back.

Melu stood under the corridor window, watching as the courtyard’s bells rang urgently. Scattered lights flickered on, and people ran around. Sounds of armor clashing, footsteps, shouts, and moving objects filled the night air, making it particularly noisy.

“Lady, why are you still in such thin nightclothes? That won’t do.”

The housekeeper, climbing the stairs, loudly shouted at Melu standing by the window.

“I remember that Father collected some extraordinary soft armor. I’ll find one for you right away. As the head of the family, if anything happens, the Helios family will truly be finished.”

“It’s alright, Aunt Lige. I trust everyone.”

“Besides, if even I am facing a life-and-death situation, then the Helios family’s days are numbered.”

Melu turned her head, her silhouette under the silver moonlight appearing somewhat desolate.

“No, you must wear it. At a time like this, acting like a child and disobeying is unacceptable. Father can’t control you anymore, but I can. I raised you myself.”

The housekeeper forcibly led Melu back to her bedroom, still talking.

“I spent more time taking care of you than my own children. How could I bear it if anything happened to you?”

Tugged along, though Melu didn’t admit it verbally, tears welled up in her eyes.

Thank you for the tip from Scarlet Snow.

End of Chapter