Very quickly, Ailinxue picked her first easy target—the youngest daughter of the Will Family’s Count, Neve Will.
Ailinxue pointed to Neve’s profile in the documents, a fierce gleam flashing in her eyes. “Master, let’s choose her. This kind of kind-hearted Noble lady is the easiest to manipulate!”
Yinan nodded slightly, a trace of approval flickering in his eyes. It seemed the flames of hatred had fully ignited within this woman…
In Ailinxue’s eyes, Neve was not an innocent person. Born into the Will Family, enjoying the status of a Count’s Noble daughter—her blissful life was built upon bloodshed!
Even if she had never done anything evil! But who could say she was truly innocent?
Among the Count Will’s children, Neve was known for her gentle nature, and many Nobles had placed their bets on her. A master like this was relatively easy to control and could bring those scoundrels even more benefits.
Having made up their minds, Yinan and Ailinxue “discussed” things all night, then set out for Tulip Territory.
This time, Yinan mobilized nearly all the Violet Watch warriors, leaving only ten to guard Aurora in the castle.
There was no way Ailinxue would let her stay in the castle. When those two women were together, they would always be plotting their escape…
So, as long as these two were separated, neither would think of leaving.
On the road, Ailinxue felt both excited and nervous.
Excited, because the first step of her revenge was about to begin…
Nervous, because at any moment, everything could be lost when together with this man!
This time, it wasn’t just a fight between two Count territories. The enraged Will had drawn neighboring lands into the war. Besides Tulip Territory’s Main Army, the other children would lead troops from other Nobles in a coordinated attack.
Many Nobles in the Northern Province had their eyes on this war about to erupt, and at the Will Family’s funeral…
Will stood alone before the coffin… He was the only one left at the scene.
He slowly reached out, gently touching the coffin. “Your death… will have value!”
Will’s voice was low and icy, filled with endless chill and resolve.
No one would have guessed that this entire war was orchestrated by him! The one who truly forced his son to suicide—was none other than this father!
In this world where the weak are prey to the strong, only by constantly expanding one’s power can one truly find a footing!
If he could swallow up Baruch’s territory, Will would have a chance to raise the Will Family to the rank of Marquis…
He might even secure a seat in the very core of power within the Empire!
Nearly a hundred Violet Watch warriors arrived in Tulip Territory, drawing much attention…
They were clad in uniform violet light armor, marching in perfect step, their aura sharp and intimidating. Passersby all turned to look, whispering among themselves.
Yinan slowly made his way to the banquet Neve had organized, dressed in a splendid black robe adorned with a brilliant ruby at the collar. Every move exuded the elegance and authority of a Noble.
At his side, Ailinxue wore a mask, disguised as his lady companion… This woman’s beauty was simply too striking. Yinan didn’t want others staring at his woman with wild fantasies.
Warm yellow magical lights spilled down, mingling with the laughter and chatter in the hall.
“Everyone…” Neve stood gently on the stage, her voice not loud but enough for all to listen attentively. “No matter how this war turns out, I hope all of you stay safe…”
“At the same time, you are forbidden to harm innocent citizens or surrendered soldiers! Otherwise, please leave my ranks!”
Neve’s words were resolute, echoing through the banquet hall.
The crowd nodded in agreement, many Nobles showing expressions of admiration…
A faint, cold smile appeared at the corner of Yinan’s mouth…
Neve’s words were nothing but naïve fantasies. In war, there was no such thing as innocence! There was only the struggle between life and death—there was no absolute mercy!
“Sir…” A Noble approached Yinan. “Your lady companion may be wearing a mask, but I find myself unable to resist her charm. May I invite her for a dance?”
Yinan raised an eyebrow, a hint of displeasure in his gaze.
Before he could speak, Ailinxue cut in first. “Sorry, my lord, but I only dance with my master.”
Her voice was cold, brooking no argument.
Master!? So she’s a slave?
A flash of surprise and disdain flickered in the Noble’s eyes…
He gave Ailinxue a once-over, his tone turning scornful. “Heh, just a slave—don’t put on airs. To be invited by a Viscount at this banquet is your good fortune!”
“Smack!” Yinan slapped him across the face.
The sound was crisp and sharp, standing out starkly in the suddenly quiet banquet hall. Everyone’s attention instantly focused on them.
The Viscount staggered, nearly falling over. He clutched his cheek in disbelief, his eyes flashing with shock, then filling with fury.
“You… you bastard! How dare you hit me!?” The Viscount was shaking with rage, roaring at the top of his lungs.
Yinan directly put his arm around Ailinxue’s waist. “Save your nonsense. No one touches my woman but me! Unless you want a war with me!”
Yinan’s provocative words instantly chilled the entire atmosphere of the hall.
“So you’re Yinan Hill!? Don’t go too far! You think I don’t dare?” The Viscount shouted angrily, his hand unconsciously gripping the sword at his waist.
Seeing this, the surrounding Nobles all retreated, afraid of being dragged into the conflict.
Neve’s expression turned extremely sour. “Both of you, calm down! Fighting at my banquet—is this proper behavior?”
As she spoke, Neve hurried to stand between Yinan and the Viscount…
“Miss Neve…” the Viscount tried to argue, “this bastard, he…”
“Enough!” Neve raised her voice, her face full of sternness and urgency. “You were the one to provoke him first. Though Baron Yinan’s action was wrong, you can hardly escape blame!”
Neve had already learned from her subordinates about the army Yinan brought. That group of soldiers was absolutely elite! They could play a vital role in the upcoming war…
So, whose side to take? There was no question!
“Hmph!” The Viscount’s eyes blazed with anger. Because of a slave, this Yinan had shamed him in front of the Nobles, and Neve was still biased towards him—utterly infuriating!
“In that case, I can only withdraw from Miss Neve’s ranks!”
His words caused an uproar… At this crucial juncture before war, quitting the group was an extremely unwise move.
“You want to leave?” Yinan drew his sword and struck off his head. “You’ve overheard our battle plans and you think you can just walk away!?”
Normally, such wanton killing of a Noble would never occur in the Empire, but unfortunately, this was the Isor Empire! Yinan had the guts!
The entire banquet hall instantly fell deathly silent… Everyone stared wide-eyed at Yinan, unable to believe what had just happened!
Of course, this banquet had never discussed any so-called battle plans… But Yinan’s words provided just enough justification.
Still… this bastard actually killed a Noble right in front of everyone!?