Perhaps it was because Inan was exhausted from arguing, or perhaps ever since he met Tiffany, he found himself becoming more and more prone to rage.
In any case, Inan finally let Eileen Snow off the hook.
He carried Baruch’s severed head before the assembled nobles.
“Baron Inan…this?” No one dared to believe it—this bastard had really taken Baruch’s head?
Were they all going to be part of the same circle now? The crowd’s gazes grew more and more fervent.
Inan walked straight up to Niev, “Miss Niev, I have completed the task.”
A smug smile played at the corners of his lips as he extended Baruch’s head forward, fresh blood still dripping, forming a small puddle on the ground.
Niev looked at the head, a flash of excitement in her eyes, though she quickly regained her composure and drew up an elegant smile. “Baron Inan, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you!”
She was about to become the heir to the count’s title…
Niev drew her sword. The cold glint of the blade flickered under the sunlight.
She had decided to bind Inan even more closely to her chariot.
A trace of annoyance flashed in Inan’s eyes. This little pup actually dared to force him to swear allegiance before everyone…
But at the moment, he could only kneel on one knee and allow Niev to lay her sword on his shoulder—unless he wanted to ruin his reputation.
This was the nobility’s rite of fealty! Once performed, he would be branded as a member of Niev’s faction, and from now on, Inan would have to serve her—unless he wished to stain the dignity of this solemn ritual!
Niev gripped her longsword, the tip lightly resting on Inan’s shoulder. Her gaze swept over every noble present, her voice crisp, clear, and carrying an undeniable authority: “Today, Baron Inan, with extraordinary courage and wisdom, has rid us of the formidable foe, Baruch. I, Niev Will, hereby announce: from this day forth, Baron Inan is sworn to my service. From now on, we shall share honor and disgrace as one.”
Inan gritted his teeth, raised his head, and looked at Niev. “I, Inan Hill, hereby swear allegiance to Miss Niev. For your glory and the interests of your house, I will face any peril without hesitation.”
Niev smiled with satisfaction, sheathed her sword, and reached out to help Inan up. “Baron Inan, rise. With your aid, I believe we can surely achieve great things in the North.”
At this moment, she had to shed the persona of the kind noble lady—at the very least, she could no longer let others think she was still that gentle girl!
The first female count of the North was about to be born… perhaps even a marchioness!
The crowd watched Inan with eyes full of envy. Why wasn’t it them kneeling on the ground?
Inan stood, outwardly appearing dutiful and obedient, but inside, his heart was a roiling storm.
From this moment on, his fate was temporarily bound to Niev’s, but this was merely a step on his path to the pinnacle of power… it was by no means the end!
Niev looked around at the jealous gazes of the nobles, pride swelling within her. She raised her voice and announced, “Everyone, Baruch is dead. Prepare to return to our territory immediately!”
When the crowd dispersed, only two people remained in the tent.
“You little wretch…” Inan dropped the façade of respect. “I never gave you permission to do that!”
A flash of excitement danced in Niev’s eyes. It had been a long time since Inan had called her that…
But circumstances had changed, and she could not afford to lose herself again. “Baron Inan, the game between us is over. I hope you can see clearly and restore our proper relationship!”
Hearing this, Inan couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. He slowly approached Niev, “A proper relationship? Little wretch, do you really think we could ever have a ‘proper’ relationship!?”
“Baron Inan, you… what are you doing…” Niev’s voice quivered with nervousness. “Don’t… don’t be rude!”
Seeing her like this, Inan let out a mocking smile… He slowly took out a cloth strip and tied it over Niev’s eyes.
Instantly, darkness enveloped her vision. She gasped in surprise, instinctively reaching to pull the cloth off, but Inan grabbed her hands before she could.
“Baron Inan, you’ve gone too far! What are you planning to do?” Niev’s voice trembled with tension, yet a hint of excitement flickered within her words.
“Good girl… Don’t move…” Inan stroked the head of this rebellious little pup. “You’ll know soon enough…”
Inan went outside and ordered the soldiers of Violet Watch to stand guard at the entrance, then returned to the tent.
The female soldiers of Violet Watch only saw their lord carrying a toolbox into the tent. They all knew what was in that box!
Some of them had experienced it before—let’s just say, it wasn’t something you could talk about openly… but it always left an unforgettable memory!
A few of them only needed to meet each other’s eyes before quickly looking away…
In short, anyone who had gone through it couldn’t look Inan in the eye afterwards! And then, blushing, they secretly looked forward to the lord taking them into those dangerous domains once again…
A few days later, everyone returned to the Tulip Territory.
Will sat in his study, caressing his thumb ring. He had already secured the right connections and was about to get the results…
He had long guarded the Empire’s northern frontier, an achievement in itself!
At the very least, during his tenure, the Empire’s northern borders had remained stable—but he didn’t have many years left, and his enemies above might use this very point to strike back!
But he had already done all he could—the rest would depend on the power struggles among the capital’s nobles…
Day after day, cartloads of Tulip gems and loot plundered from the Richgold Territory were sent to the capital…
And for Inan, who had performed great deeds in this war, Will would not be stingy with his rewards.
Inan stood silently to one side, watching the count.
Will stopped fiddling with the thumb ring and looked up, his gaze settling on Inan, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.
“You chose to swear loyalty to Niev? Not the wisest choice…” Will hadn’t expected the heir’s position to ultimately fall to his own daughter. She was perfect in every way—except, regrettably, she was a girl…
Inan stood by, not daring to speak. He didn’t know why Will would say such a thing—was he worried about Niev’s ability? Or was he worried about Inan himself!?
Cautiously, Inan chose his words. “My lord count, Miss Niev possesses all the noble qualities of her house. Surely that is thanks to your wise guidance. To serve both you and Miss Niev is an honor for us all.”
Will narrowed his eyes slightly, as if pondering the deeper meaning behind Inan’s words…
After a brief silence, he spoke slowly. “Baron Inan—no, I should call you Viscount Inan now… Your performance this time was worthy, and in any case, the goal has been achieved.”
A spark of hope lit up Inan’s eyes—was Will preparing to elevate his rank!?
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