Her Majestic Battle Cry

Chapter 1351

The Pathfinders Guild was known for its strict selection of apprentices, so Adrian’s true apprentices were few–15 in total, including those who had long since left the guild.

The apprentices who left did not betray the guild. Rather, each had their own path to follow.

Adrian was not rigid. He allowed his apprentices to pursue their own desires, as long as their actions did not harm the common people or the innocent.

Only a few days ago, Adrian had sent messages by carrier pigeon to those former apprentices. Now accomplished in their own rights, they would all return to the capital at his summons, to assist their youngest martial sister.

There were other apprentices in the guild, but they were not Adrian’s personal apprentices. They were, however, called apprentices out of respect. Adrian occasionally gave them guidance, but their martial training was primarily overseen by the guild’s two senior martial elders. On rare occasions, Adrian’s direct apprentices would step in to help.

They were skilled in martial arts, but since they still had to handle daily chores, they couldn’t focus solely on training. As a result, they were far behind those who were personally mentored by Adrian.

They were not part of the elite group Adrian sought. He needed only the finest. That was why he had staged a birthday feast, inviting the leaders of various factions–though, of course, he would owe them a debt of gratitude for honoring him with their presence.

In the martial world, people might boldly swear to fight for loyalty and honor, but they couldn’t just accept favors without thinking about what they owed in return.

Everett asked him, “Adrian, you’ve never involved yourself in court affairs. Why go to such lengths this time? Do you not trust Carissa and the Mystic Army?”

Adrian stood in the weaponry storeroom, planning to select a handy weapon.

“If you were Nicholas,” Adrian said, what would your first move be?” noveldrama

Everett thought for a moment. “Wait for the right opportunity?”

“The opportunity will come,” Adrian replied, choosing a fan before discarding it. “But if I were him, I would first make sure there were no generals left in the capital. With Mystic Army under Cari’s command, it will briefly fall apart if you remove her. Just those few days of chaos would be enough for him to succeed.”

A cold glint flashed in Everett’s eyes. “You think he would kill Carissa?”

Adrian finally chose a sword. Spinning it in a flourish, he turned to Everett. “How do I look? Handsome?”

Everett glanced at him. “Trying to charm all the widows of the capital?”

Adrian nodded. “I must avoid being too flamboyant.”

Adrian finally chose a six–barreled firearm–a special design of his own, equipped with a sharp blade. The blade was made of unyielding obsidian ore, designed for dual use, both as a cutting weapon and a firearm. It was efficient and deadly.

The city gates of the capital remained heavily guarded. Though rumors circulated that Gordon might be Nicholas in disguise, the true Nicholas from Nerovia had yet to be exposed, so it remained uncertain.

Carissa had been summoned to the palace multiple times.

After several days of deliberation, a consensus had been reached, though anxiety still plagued everyone.

The riverworks project was progressing smoothly, and it was an important initiative for the people. But if possible, Salvador hoped to first eliminate the rebels once and for all.

The problem was that the workers were genuinely working on the riverbanks, repairing the infrastructure, and building the foundation dams. How could they be labeled as rebels?

Nicholas‘ subtle approach was designed to provoke the court into sending military troops. This would give them a reason to rebel against the Mystic Army. By doing this, they wouldn’t be seen as rebels, but as poor commoners forced to fight by the government.

This way, they would gain the support of the people.

Salvador urgently pressed his advisors to find a way to force the enemy’s hand. Once they were branded as traitors, he could swiftly launch a crackdown. In other words, it was all about stirring up conflict and gaining the upper

hand first.

The court was divided, with some supporting Salvador’s strategy, while others suggested it would be better to delay. On the one hand, the riverworks project was important. On the other, they could wait for Thomas to return to the capital after defeating Yuvan.

Some officials harbored doubts about Carissa’s leadership. While she had shown competence in leading the Mystic Army in peacetime, her abilities in war–especially in the capital–remained uncertain.

Despite her martial prowess, she lacked experience in large–scale battles. This made some question whether it was too hasty to make her the commander just because she had led a couple of victorious campaigns at the Southern Frontier.