Chapter 45: I Want to Ask You Three Questions

‘I’m grateful, but given our improved relationship, I’ll overlook it this time. Go offline now,’ Draxel mused internally, reaching out silently to the system.

More than an hour later, they returned to their makeshift campsite, just as Count Haringoth was dispersing his troops, instructing them to rest.

Draxel signaled for Safiya and the young dragon to retire first while he slowly approached Count Haringoth and initiated a conversation, “Count Haringoth, you were correct. That lady is exceptionally strong. What do you plan to do next?”

“Our Marshal, along with all the lords we can muster, will converge to siege Dark Castle. This time, King Harlaus X himself will be among us.”

“What are the odds of our success?”

“One hundred percent. We’ll have a formidable force of over 2,000 men. Even with the Valkyrie on their side, they won’t have a chance.”

Relieved by this information, Draxel felt a weight lift from his shoulders. It appeared the strategy to use Dark Castle and Xico Village as the first line of defense for Uxkhal was feasible.

Count Haringoth added, “However, after we conquer them, who will take control of Dark Castle and Xico Village will be determined by a vote within the kingdom.”

Draxel wasn’t concerned with gaining these territories, he had no interest in them. Nevertheless, he knew the importance of maintaining appearances.

“I will wholeheartedly support you when the time comes. After all, the honor of leading the vanguard is yours. I believe this will be taken into account during the voting process.”

“Let’s hope so. Everyone will be after this territory, but I truly appreciate your words, Draxel.”

“Ah!” “Ah!” “Ugh!”

As they were conversing, a series of agonizing screams pierced the air from outside the tent. A blood-soaked guard hurried in with alarming news, “Report, esteemed Count Haringoth, the Valkyrie… the Valkyrie is making her way here alone!”

“What?! Gather for a retreat, quickly gather for a retreat!” Even the formidable Count Haringoth, upon hearing this moniker, was stricken with fear.

“Hurry, assemble for a retreat! Or we’ll all be decimated here!”

At this moment, Count Haringoth could no longer concern himself with his noble pride or title, exhibiting a frantic desperation akin to a headless fly. He seemed to completely disregard Draxel, unconcerned about losing face before his allies from the kingdom. He donned his armor, mounted his horse, and fled.

Observing Draxel standing stunned on the spot, the system grew anxious.

[You TMD need to run, don’t you realize the massive gap in strength between you and her?]

‘I was kinda hoping you’d help me cheat my way out,’ Draxel thought.

[Dream on, start running!]

‘Fine, fine,’ Draxel mentally responded to the system, quickly setting off to find Safiya and the young dragon.

“Safiya, grab Lein and run. The Valkyrie is on our trail. Xiao Nan, take command of the troops and ensure their safety.”

Xiao Nan, still in the dark about the Valkyrie’s reputation, was left bewildered, struggling to grasp the full extent of the situation.

With a sharp slap, Draxel forcefully struck Xiao Nan across the face.

“What are you daydreaming for? Move quickly! If anything happens to Safiya, you’ll answer to me.”

This jolted Xiao Nan to action, recognizing the grave urgency of their predicament. He immediately set about organizing the remaining tavern-hired cavalry, orchestrating a protective retreat for Safiya and the young dragon.

In the midst of the turmoil, Safiya remained relatively composed. She efficiently gathered her belongings, prepared to run, and jumped on horseback, but then she noticed Draxel standing still, seemingly paralyzed.

“Count, let’s escape together. Do you think you can hold her off alone?”

“We both know she’ll catch us if we run together. I can’t let you die here. You and Lein have to make it back to Uxkhal alive.”

“But…” Safiya began, trying to argue further, but Draxel swiftly slapped her warhorse on the rear. The horse, startled by the pain, immediately took off at a gallop.

“Count! Count… Draxel…” Safiya’s cries faded into the distance, growing quieter and quieter…

Looking around, Draxel saw that most of Count Haringoth’s forces had already withdrawn. Count Haringoth himself had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only those too slow to flee, who met their end at the hands of the Valkyrie.

“TMD, they said he was loyal and brave, a worthy ally, and yet he bolts faster than a rabbit at the first sign of trouble.”

Draxel found himself cursing, though he was equally fraught with tension. The woman was overwhelmingly powerful, unnaturally so.

He gradually held his breath, the only sound he could hear was the fierce pounding of his heart. Wiping his forehead, his sweat fell like rain.

Before his senses fully returned, a shadowy figure had already appeared behind him, pressing a sharp dagger against his neck. In such a situation, taking his life would be as easy as plucking something from a bag.

“Don’t move,” a voice, cold and merciless, whispered in Draxel’s ear.

“Okay…”

“I am a reasonable person. I will ask you three questions. Answer them truthfully, and I might spare your life.”

“My Lady, I will answer truthfully, but could you perhaps move the dagger away a bit.”

The Valkyrie Tianyan generously lowered her hand with the dagger, then continued, “Ease up, Count. Even if I let you run another kilometer, catching and killing you would only take moments.”

[System Alert: She’s speaking the truth, it’s in your best interest.]

‘Shut it, you useless system that’s never of any help. Do I really need your commentary right now?’

With the dagger gradually moving away from his neck, Draxel felt significantly more at ease. He wiped the sweat from his forehead again and then said, “Well then, My Lady, what would you like to ask?”

“It’s Valkyrie, not Lady. Don’t get it wrong. First question. Was Noyan Tulu captured by you? Hand him over to me.”

“Yes, I captured him, no problem, he can be handed over to you.”

“Second question. Is your main army about to arrive? I wish to conduct negotiations with your king before the battle commences.”

“That’s correct, they are indeed on their way, with an estimated strength of over 2,000. I will inform the king about the negotiations, but I cannot guarantee his agreement.”

“I’ll hold on to the third question for now. As I mentioned, I’m reasonable. Now, it’s your turn to ask me three questions.”

Draxel found himself utterly perplexed by this turn of events.

“Esteemed Valkyrie Tianyan, may I opt-out from asking any questions?”

“That is not allowed. That counts as your first question, two more remain. Make them meaningful, or I might kill you just the same~”

When Valkyrie Tianyan spoke, there was a slight undertone of flirtation and scorn in her voice.

“How did you locate us? We believed our campsite was well-hidden, and I’m certain there are no traitors among us.”