Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Approaching Winter

The black-haired leader seated at the front remained silent as he watched the various arguments taking place in the hall.

“Fools! Do you want to wait for them to assimilate us after this opportunity to take down the Huntbow faction? If we wait too long, our brothers will slowly withdraw, returning to farming and hunting, and we won’t stand a chance on our own.” The bald man, his face full of indignation, spoke out.

“I didn’t mean that. I was saying that acting now would be too hasty; most civilians wouldn’t support it,” another person responded.

Both sides had their own arguments. On one side, they believed they should act immediately to seize a core position and gain more benefits later. On the other side, they thought it too risky and not yet the right time.

As the debate grew louder, the leader finally spoke up, slamming his palm on the table so hard that it trembled, causing a loud buzzing sound. The room instantly fell silent.

Everyone retook their seats, looking at the leader, waiting quietly for him to speak.

“Do any of you know about the nation of Clancia?” he asked slowly.

“Some, yes.”

Then, people started sharing their knowledge about Clancia, its strong order and execution, but also its scarcity of extraordinary beings and relative poverty.

“What do you think, will Clancia or Frost Rose become stronger in the future?”

“Of course, Frost Rose,” the burly man replied hesitantly, then trailed off.

“Their army has already equipped golems, and they have a vast fleet of airships. They are also actively expanding their navy,” he continued.

“Though the old West Wind was corrupt, it accumulated wealth and extraordinary beings over centuries. Even the Lightning Knights, all ranked above Sequence 5, were once the leaders of the Seven Snow Nations. Isn’t that strange?”

“How could such a large legacy be destroyed overnight? Even the Imperial Capital was seized by the rebels. Even without a Sequence 9, there must be at least a Sequence 8.”

“How did they defeat the West Wind? Have you considered the hidden truths behind it?”

The room fell silent.

“Clancia isn’t as weak as it seems. Although Frost Rose promises much, Clancia is closer to us.”

“Given the current standoff between Clancia and Frost Rose, they won’t allow their rear to be subverted by Frost Rose.”

“Therefore, until the situation becomes clear, I forbid you from getting involved in this conflict. If you still recognize me as your leader.”

The black-haired leader slowly made his decision, his brows furrowed sternly as he looked over the crowd.

After a moment of silence, the mercenary captains began to voice their agreement.

“I respect the leader’s decision.”

“Me too.”

“Since Brother Mulong has spoken, I’ll abide by it,” the bald man said regretfully, nodding in agreement.

After the meeting, everyone dispersed in carriages. The approaching winter seemed slightly quieter.

Once everyone left the hall, only Mulong remained by the window, gazing at the verdant hills and lakes, the world gradually turning colder with scattered snowflakes.

The old wooden door creaked open, and a black-haired young lady walked in. She wore a practical outfit, dressed in black trousers and a shirt.

“Jenna?” Mulong turned around, wearing his steel armor, looking at his second daughter.

“Yes, Father.”

She nodded slightly, standing beside her father and looking out the window. Their exchanges were always brief.

“How is Emanas?” Mulong placed his hand on Jenna’s shoulder, showing rare concern.

“It’s great. My classmates and teachers have been very kind,” Jenna recalled, a smile forming on her lips.

“That’s good.”

After a moment of silence, Mulong continued.

“I’ve been away often, and I haven’t been involved much in your life. Sometimes I regret not being able to spend more time with you.”

“As time passed, you’ve grown. Making friends at school means you’ll have places to stay when you travel.”

“Father, you always talk about work,” Jenna turned to look at this weathered man, somewhat exasperated.

“Haha, can’t help it,” he laughed, his expression softening, no longer as stern as in the hall.

Mulong’s rough hand caressed the girl’s head. “The world is changing.”

“Clancia, Frost Rose, Verdant Empire. We’re often on the move, so we feel the undercurrents more keenly. Another great war might break out in a few years, like the ‘Battle of Broken Bows.’ Victory might bring peace for centuries, but defeat means being conquered by the Verdant.”

“In a collapsing situation, how easy is it to remain safe?”

“When you’re at school, try to get to know the noble students from the Verdant Empire. Just in case, it might give you another option.”

“Father…” Jenna looked at this man in disbelief. Her usually strict and strong father was giving her such advice, which surprised her.

“Don’t worry. I am who I am, and you are who you are. I still hope you can live easily and happily as a girl.”

—

Late autumn approached, and the long holiday at Emanas was coming to an end. Students from various places were beginning to return to school.

On a small estate in the Gaodan Plain, grapevines covered the trellises along the riverbanks. A gray stone windmill stood atop a hill.

Under the shade of a tree by the river, two girls sat side by side. Due to the warm climate in the southern region of the empire, they were still wearing dresses and sun hats.

Two fishing rods lay diagonally beside them, their ends weighted down by stones to prevent them from slipping. The girls leaned against a gray slate rock, chatting.

“Lily, time flies. The holiday is almost over, and I feel like I haven’t had enough fun yet,” Alena said, biting into a green pear.

“Oh, why remind me? I wanted to enjoy a few more days,” Lily covered her ears, unwilling to listen.

“Back at school, we’ll have to prepare for promotion exams. There are many subjects and courses to learn.”

“I don’t want to hear it, Alena~”

“But there is some good news. The Winter Festival is starting. There will be performances from upperclassmen and various clubs. It’ll be quite spectacular.”

“Will there be handsome seniors with dazzling abilities?”

“Yes.”

“Will there be a domineering, handsome prince who only dotes on me?”

“Yes.”

“Great! Let’s go back soon.” Lily finally found something to look forward to.

Thank you to the three thousand gods, ancient moon shadows, Tangmen Infantry, Dream Saint Sovereign, Is it okay, 98 Big Card, Nanke Dream, Reader 20201115155740724, Observer, 124te9, Sword Dance Xiao Xiao, Night of Cangluo, Starting Point, A wisp of smoke under the moonlight, Lion Fourteen, How long have I waited to see you, Devouring Eclipse, and seventeen readers for their support.

Thank everyone, winter is here. Please take care of your health and stay warm.