CHAPTER 355: CHAPTER 186: BATTLE FOR IMPERIAL AUTHORITY (10,000 WORDS)

"It’s not easy to find a good listener, can’t I vent a little?"

The female guard showed a hint of embarrassment, apologized, then stepped back a few paces and continued to stand guard from behind.

Lynn smiled indifferently, "It seems that Miss Kari indeed has an extraordinary relationship with Princess Yuna."

Kari shifted her body on the leather chair and leaned against the backrest, "It’s not bad."

"During the banquet, she even asked me, if I were her, which faction I would choose..."

Lynn raised an eyebrow, looking at Kari.

After moving slightly, Kari folded her arms in front of her.

With her arms embracing, the snow-white in front of her seemed about to spill out.

Kari comfortably curled up in the chair and continued speaking, "But both she and I know, even if she has a favorite man, this marriage is not something she can decide."

"You could say, from the moment she was born, her fate has always been imprisoned by the Carolingian Royal Family..."

At this point.

Kari’s speech suddenly paused.

As if deeply empathetic, her expression slightly darkened.

Lynn picked up the glazed glass beside him and reached it toward Kari. Kari raised an eyebrow, picked up her glass, and lightly clinked it against Lynn’s.

The crisp sound of glass touching echoed between them.

Lynn withdrew his arm and finished his drink in one swift motion, Kari did the same.

As the wine went down, Kari’s mood seemed to improve.

She pondered for a moment before continuing, "That banquet, said to be Yuna’s coming-of-age ceremony, was actually about choosing her a husband..."

"Of course, it was also about taking sides in the imperial power struggle!"

Lynn still did not speak.

"What surprised me, though, was that two of the Three Great Dukes of the Karedi Empire chose to side with Mitchell Carolin."

"The most powerful of the Three Great Dukes, the Duke of Red Dragon, chose Caesar Carolin!"

"Plus, both sides have their Great Merchants and other forces..."

"The power struggle between Mitchell and Caesar is only a matter of time!"

Kari’s recount bore little difference from the intelligence he had heard.

A thought flashed through Lynn’s mind, and he inquired of Kari, "Miss Kari, did you see Marquis Duca at the banquet?"

Kari’s eyes moved slightly as she recalled, "Are you referring to Marquis Mark Duca, Master Lynn?"

Kari pondered for a few seconds, "I did see him, he is indeed very young."

"If I remember correctly, he should be the youngest marquis since the Karedi Empire’s independence from the Elfini Empire, right?"

Lynn nodded, "Perhaps."

Kari continued, "However, even if Marquis Duca is the youngest marquis of the Karedi Empire, with the existence of the Two Great Dukes, it’s unlikely he can get ahead."

"After all, Mitchell values military strength, not age, isn’t that right?"

Having said that.

Kari once again lifted the glass Kuisi had filled and downed it in one go.

As the wine slowly went down her throat, her face was filled with satisfaction.

A few seconds later.

Kari suddenly remembered something and said, "I almost forgot, Master Lynn."

"I heard the bandits in your area have been rampant, attacking over a dozen villages and a small town?"

"Marquis Duca has already sent troops to these borderlands to suppress the bandits."

"They’ve already set off, and if all goes well, they could arrive within seven or eight days!"

Upon hearing this, Lynn’s heart sank instantly.

Marquis Duca sent troops?

To suppress bandits near Morgan Town?

The Iron Blood Brotherhood Bandit Corps have already been completely wiped out by him!

What could Marquis Duca’s cavalry do upon arriving at Morgan Town?

A vague sense of crisis enveloped Lynn.

The army must be expanded.

More soldiers must be recruited.

More heavily armored soldiers must be acquired!

At this moment.

Kari slowly stood up, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, Master Lynn, I will return to the trade association’s hall to rest now, then?"

Lynn stood up, "Miss Kari, you’re too polite."

After bidding Lynn farewell, with the female guard supporting her, Kari headed towards the stairs.

Watching Kari’s silhouette disappear around the corner, Lynn gave up on asking her about the size of Marquis Duca’s army.

Turning his gaze back, seated again in the armchair, Lynn began to think quickly.

Marquis Duca’s cavalry army is on its way to Morgan Town!

Whether the purpose is to suppress bandits or something else, it imposes tremendous pressure on him.

His good brother Mark Duca had seen his face before.

If Mark Duca knew he was still alive, he certainly wouldn’t hesitate to redirect the army to invade the territory and kill him again!

Thus.

How should he respond to the imminent arrival of Marquis Duca’s army?

Lynn fell into contemplation.

...

Led by a few guards.

Kari and the female guard walked along the red brick road towards the market district’s trade association hall.

Kari’s steps were somewhat unsteady, but thanks to the female guard’s support, things were still smooth.

Upon arriving at the trade association hall, and entering the room George had arranged for them on the second floor, Kari’s drunkenness instantly vanished.

The female guard beside her understandingly released her arm.

Gazing at the burning anthracite in the fireplace, Kari seemed to have made some kind of decision.