Lord: I can see loyalty.

Chapter 245 The Gray Wolf Family's Decision

Gray Wolf Clan Territory.

Violet, at the very front, halted his horse and raised his hand to signal the group to stop.

The plains stretched as far as the eye could see, with withered meadows extending to the horizon. A few lonely old trees stood by the roadside, with a few crows perched on their branches.

This is the heart of the Grey Wolf family's territory; half a day further ahead lies Grey Wolf Castle.

They had been traveling across this plain for two whole days without encountering any obstacles, ambushes, barricades, or even patrolling scouts.

"My lord, something's wrong." Jimmy rode closer, his brow furrowed. "Even if the Grey Wolf family isn't resisting, there shouldn't be a single person in sight. It's too quiet, as quiet as—"

"It seems like they've already made their decision," Vio continued, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Let's go, to Grey Wolf Castle."

.

The gates of Grey Wolf Castle were wide open.

There was no drawbridge, no moat, and not even guards with spears. Only a few old servants stood at the entrance, hunched over, as if waiting for someone.

Upon seeing the army from the southern border, they did not panic; they simply stepped aside to make way for them.

"Your Excellency, the head of the family is already waiting for you in the council chamber," an old servant stepped forward, his voice hoarse.

Vio dismounted and handed the reins to his guards behind him.

Alec and Jimmy followed behind him, their hands on their sword hilts, their eyes wary.

But they soon discovered that their vigilance was unnecessary. Grey Wolf Castle was quiet, with few soldiers in sight, and even the maids had hidden inside. Only the occasional glimpse of a person peeking through the curtains proved that the castle was still inhabited.

The council chamber was small and simply furnished.

The banner of the Gray Wolf Clan hung on the wall, depicting a lifelike gray wolf howling at the sky. A dark blue tablecloth covered the long table, upon which sat several silver candlesticks and a tea set.

Count Old Grey Wolf stood by the table, leaning on a cane, his hair white, but his back still straight.

"Earl of the Southern Border, I have long admired you." His voice was calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

Vio bowed slightly. "Count Grey Wolf, it's an honor to meet you. Thank you for your willingness to see me."

"What good would it do to not see them?" Old gave a wry smile. "Your people are already at my doorstep. I can't just pretend I don't know."

The two looked at each other for a moment without saying a word.

Ald was the first to look away, walk to the table and sit down, gesturing for Vio to sit as well. "Sit down, it's tiring to talk standing up."

Vio sat down opposite him.

Alec and Jimmy stood behind him, their hands on their sword hilts, their eyes wary.

Standing beside Ald were Leon and Ellie, as well as several old knights from the Grey Wolf family, all exuding a formidable aura.

"My lord, what do you desire?" Ald asked bluntly. "My territory? My army? Or my loyalty?"

"I want your friendship," Vio said calmly. "The Grey Wolf family has been operating in the North for a century, with deep roots and a thriving presence. If you are willing to stand on my side, other smaller families that are still observing will follow suit."

Old was silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "What if I refuse?"

"Then I will be very disappointed." Vio made no threat, but simply stated a fact. "But even if you refuse, I will not take action against the Grey Wolf family. Your son helped my army, and I will naturally repay that favor."

"I will bypass your territory and defeat the Golden Saddle Horse Clan and the Golden Mane Griffin Clan behind you, until there are no more enemies."

Old looked at him, a hint of shock flashing in his cloudy old eyes.

He had met many people—ambitious, cunning, hypocritical, and treacherous—but few were as open and honest as Vio.

"You're quite honest," Ald sighed. "Leon, take the other guests to rest. I need to speak with the Count alone."

Leon nodded and led Ellie out of the council chamber.

Alec and Jimmy exchanged a glance, Vio nodded slightly, and then they followed him out.

The door closed, leaving only Vio and Alder in the council chamber.

"My lord, do you think we can win this battle?" Old asked.

Vio looked at him. "Yes."

Why?

"Because I will not lose, and I cannot lose." Vio's voice was calm. "If I lose, the Southern Territory, the Western Territory, and all those who follow me will be doomed."

"Besides, my enemy is not a real king, but a usurper. This is a just war to remove the usurper, and I will not lose."

Ald remained silent for a long time, looking at Vio, seemingly understanding something, and finally slowly nodded.

"I understand." He stood up, extended his hand, and said, "The Grey Wolf Clan is willing to form an alliance with the Southern and Western Borders."

Vio stood up and shook his hand. "Then I wish us a pleasant collaboration."

In the hallway, Leon and Ellie were waiting.

Just then, Vance walked over from the other end of the corridor, a smile on his face, and waved to Leon from afar.

"Leon! Long time no see!"

Leon paused for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Van—Van? What are you doing here?"

"The Earl of Nature sent me." Vance walked up to him, looked Leon up and down, then glanced at Ellie, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You two, your relationship has improved?"

Ellie blushed slightly and turned her head away. Leon, also a little embarrassed, coughed. "It's alright."

"Alright?" Vance laughed. "Back at the Knights' Ball, you two were practically at each other's throats, but now? Inseparable?"

Leon opened his mouth, but Ellie spoke first, her voice cold: "Ahem—Vance, you talk too much."

Vance wisely shut his mouth, but he couldn't hide the smile in his eyes.

"By the way, how is Sir Leeson? Doesn't he live in the capital? That place isn't very safe these days," Leon asked.

"Don't worry, he's doing fine." Vance nodded. "He's one of the few smart people in the capital now. He doesn't take sides and doesn't offend either side. After the war, we should get together and have a good drink."

Leon laughed, "Then I'll go too."

Footsteps echoed in the corridor, and the doors to the council chamber opened.

Vio and Alder walked out side by side, both with smiles on their faces.

"Leon," Alder said, "take the Count to rest. We'll discuss the specifics of our cooperation tomorrow morning."

"Yes." Leon nodded.

Outside the Grey Wolf territory, the Southern Army is setting up camp.

Tents were densely packed across the plain, and smoke rose from their chimneys, gathering into a thin mist in the twilight.

The banner of the Knights of the Azure Peaks fluttered in the center of the camp, and the soldiers sat around the campfire, talking in hushed tones.

This is already in the heart of the North, the territory of the Golden Saddle Horse family.

Although it did not penetrate deep into the territory, this place was still one of the important cities of the Golden Saddle Horse family, and it has now been taken over by the Southern Territory.

Knight Captain Russell stood at the edge of the camp, gazing at the gray horizon to the north.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Several knight captains stood beside him, their armor covered in dust, their faces weary, but their eyes still sharp.

"Captain, will the Golden Saddle Horse family come?" a young knight asked.

Russell did not answer, but just stared ahead.

But then he saw it.

On the horizon, a plume of smoke rose, growing closer and thicker—it was an army, the army of the Golden Saddle Horse family.

Golden cavalry surged in like a tide, their battle flags fluttering in the wind, their hooves thundering, and the earth trembling.

The leader was a middle-aged man, wearing white-gold armor, with a cold and stern face. He was Renault, the eldest son of the Golden Saddle Ma family.

The other man reined in his horse, his gaze sweeping over the southern camp, a cold glint in his eyes.