The moonlight flowed like water, spilling over the tranquil garden, with a faint fragrance of flowers lingering in the air…
Enan stood silently beside the fountain in the garden, dressed in a black robe, his figure outlined by the silver glow.
“Luoling…the night is so beautiful.”
He gazed at the starry sky and sighed.
“It makes me recall memories of childhood…”
Luolin saw that her Lord had finally spoken to her, and her drooping ears perked up again…
It stirred a strong curiosity in her; she wanted to understand this man.
But she didn’t reply, as if still sulking over Enan’s previous indifference!
Enan didn’t mind.
“Since I was young, I always admired the moonlight in this garden with my father…”
“Did you know? When I was a child, my father always forced his unfinished business onto me, hoping that I would carry the family’s burden and restore the glory of the Hill Family!”
“He was always strict with me from the start! But…he never cared about my feelings. I resented him, thinking, why should I bear the things he couldn’t accomplish?”
“It wasn’t until recently that I began to understand his hardships…the turmoil among the people made me realize it was a conspiracy from the Storm Territory, and the woman I loved most only wanted to step on me to rise to power! I was unwilling!”
Of course, all of this was just something Enan made up on the spot; the original’s father had died long ago, and there was no way to verify any of it…
Luoling’s heart stirred at Enan’s words, and the anger she’d held faded a little.
She sneaked a glance at Enan, catching the complex emotions on his face:
Helplessness, unwillingness, and a trace of loneliness.
His outstanding appearance mixed with that melancholic aura really made him seem like a scoundrel.
But a pure Fox-kin girl was easily deceived!
Luoling’s gaze stuck to Enan, unable to look away. In the moonlight, his outline was edged with silver, making his handsome face even more noble…
Her heart ached.
The little bit of resentment she’d buried in her heart vanished completely, replaced by overwhelming sympathy.
“You might be angry with me lately…thinking I’ve been cold to you.”
Enan directly took Luoling’s hand.
“But…I’ve been suffering inside too, anxious about whether I can restore the family’s glory, and unable to face the sinister heart of the woman I loved most!”
Luoling stiffened as Enan suddenly grabbed her hand.
Her cheeks burned instantly, as if set on fire.
She lowered her head, not daring to meet Enan’s eyes, her heart pounding so wildly it seemed about to burst from her chest.
“Lord…”
Luoling’s voice was as soft as a mosquito.
“Luoling…will always stay by your side!”
Enan naturally pulled her into his embrace.
“I believe you…only you have never left me! I’ve always seen that with my own eyes.”
In Enan’s arms, Luoling’s mind went completely blank, leaving only the thunderous beat of her heart in her ears.
The Demon smiled in satisfaction.
He pressed his advantage.
“I promise you, from now on, I’ll never leave you either!”
At Enan’s promise, a surge of warmth washed through Luoling’s heart, and all her previous grievances and anxieties melted away in that moment.
She slowly raised her head, tears shimmering in her eyes as she gazed at Enan.
Her lips trembled, but she couldn’t speak for a long time.
“Is it true…Lord?”
After a while, Luoling finally asked in a trembling voice, her tone full of hope and uncertainty, afraid it was just a fleeting dream.
A noble confessing to his own maid—no one would believe such a joke…
But it was this stark contrast that made Luoling fall for him completely.
And the Demon was satisfied, too; he had succeeded in establishing his persona, while also turning Luoling’s loyalty into a promise that he would never leave her!
That very promise made her want to confirm it for herself…
Enan directly lifted Luoling’s chin.
Two minutes later…
“This is my most sincere expression…”
The scoundrel pulled Luoling into his arms.
Luoling clung tightly to Enan’s embrace…
[Luoling Obedience 66% Dependency]
Seeing the rising Obedience, Enan was very pleased…
If you’re ever caught in such a predicament, you must bravely say: No!
***
In the Storm Territory, Loren, after much thought, still couldn’t resist the Demon’s temptation…
He decided to discuss a surprise attack on the Silver Lake Territory overnight with his territory’s Commander!
“Are you confident…you can take the Silver Lake Territory?”
Loren paused.
Of course…we mustn’t suffer heavy losses!
The Commander’s face was grim. After a moment of thought, he spoke.
“Baron, while I can’t guarantee absolute success, the Silver Lake Territory has been weak for a long time. If we have inside and outside support, it shouldn’t be a big problem!”
Loren frowned, dissatisfied with the Commander’s less-than-certain reply.
“Inside and outside support…are you expecting that idiot to cooperate with us too?”
“Baron, while Enan is certainly foolish, everyone in the neighboring territories knows of his sincerity toward the young lady…”
The Commander’s eyes darted.
“If you promise to clear his name afterward and offer the young lady to him, perhaps the Silver Lake Territory can be taken effortlessly!”
Yes…
This was absolutely the way to take the Silver Lake Territory at the smallest cost!
As for that promise?
Enan would mysteriously die in the coming war…
Hmm…probably killed by his own Commander?
Anyway, reasons are easy to come by!
Once dead, naturally, there’s no need to fulfill any promises…
“Go back to the camp and make preparations.”
Loren made his decision.
The army would be ready in two days, and they’d launch a night raid on the Silver Lake Territory!
***
The next morning, Enan woke from his sweet dream, patted the little fox’s ears, then got up and dressed.
There was no reply from the Storm Territory, which was expected!
It also meant they were preparing to attack in these next two days.
After all, the enemy wouldn’t be foolish enough to tell you they’re coming.
So Enan went straight to the Silver Lake Territory’s military camp to conduct a surprise inspection—he had to see if the Commander had truly taken the city’s defense seriously!
The Soldiers were in the midst of their daily drills. When they saw the Lord arrive suddenly, they all stopped what they were doing and saluted in unison.
“Continue your drills, no need to be so formal.”
Enan waved his hand, scanning the camp before heading straight for the Commander’s tent.
The Soldiers were puzzled. It was the first time this idiot Lord had come to the camp, and he didn’t seem as stupid as the rumors said…
On the contrary, he had a calm air of authority.
Inside the tent, Yuan was studying the defense layout on a map.
Seeing Enan enter suddenly, he quickly stood up and saluted.
“Lord, why have you come?”
“Get ready!”
Enan wasted no words.
“The Storm Territory will attack within these two days!”
At these words, Yuan’s expression sharpened instantly, becoming serious at once.
“Lord, is this information reliable?”
“Hmm? Are you doubting me!?”
Enan’s gaze turned cold, exuding a dignity an idiot like him shouldn’t possess.