civilwarnovels Chapter 298 Reasons for the Battle
Chapter 298 Reasons for the Battle
Chapter 298 Reasons for the Battle
The harbor of Hongtaobao was full of ships.
Countless luxurious carriages are also placed inside the castle gates.
This means that the castle is welcoming many guests.
In fact, the rooms in the castle were already full, and some guests of lesser status had to stay in hotels outside the castle.
However, Dick had already occupied a room, so he didn't need to worry about where to stay.
After getting up, Dick, as usual, first went to fetch two meals and then took them to Peggy's room.
"Miss, it's me," Dick said after knocking on the door.
Peggy quickly opened the door and let Dick in.
Then, the two began to enjoy breakfast.
This was an agreement between the two of them.
Dick needs to dine with Peggy, and she can no longer act as she pleases at Red Tide Castle.
Of course, the condition that the door could not be closed during meals was an additional condition proposed by Dick, which Peggy agreed to.
Peggy seems to be very afraid of being alone; she can't even stand eating alone.
But Dick also thought she was quite foolish. There were plenty of people in Red Wave Castle who could have dinner with her, so why did she specifically seek out Dick?
Especially her fiancé, Kenneth.
He even offered to dine with Peggy, but she refused every time.
Dick could tell that Peggy really disliked Kenneth.
But not because of Kenneth's disability; on the contrary, Peggy seemed to sympathize with Kenneth in this regard.
Perhaps it was simply that Kenneth, as a man, didn't attract Peggy.
Peggy's father was a loyal dog, and she loved him dearly.
Peggy probably always unconsciously compares her father to other men.
If that's true, even Dick thinks Kenneth can't compare.
But no matter how unwilling Peggy may be, the situation will change tomorrow.
Tomorrow is her wedding day with Kenneth.
The guests who came to Red Wave Castle were there to attend Peggy's wedding.
Noble marriages are never for the purpose of personal happiness, and even though Dick was only the youngest son of a marginal baron, he was well aware of this.
Dick finished his breakfast quickly.
Looking up, he realized that Peggy hadn't even eaten half of it.
Dick asked, "Miss, don't you have an appetite?"
Peggy didn't answer, but just glanced at Dick, then looked down at the trout porridge on her plate.
Dick asked again, "Are you in a bad mood?"
Peggy stiffened, then frowned and met Dick's gaze:
"Dick Buchanan, can I not marry him?"
"Miss, you know that neither you nor I can change this outcome," Dick stated the facts.
"But—I don't want to marry him."
"Few people have the opportunity to choose their own marriage. I've heard that your mother was forced to marry Lord Hubert."
"I really envy my mother," Peggy sighed deeply.
Another silence fell as Peggy continued to eat slowly.
Since an agreement had been made, the knight should keep his promise and stay in the room until Peggy finished her meal.
Suddenly, Peggy asked, "Dick Buchanan, can you promise me something?"
"Please speak, Miss."
"Can you help me escape from here?"
“I can’t do that, Miss,” Dick said without hesitation. “My job is to help you marry into the Rittos family, not to help you escape.”
"Can't you be a little more flexible? Just help me out, you're my cavalry, I order you to help me!"
"I am not your knight, but a vassal of the House of Peyton. I must prioritize the interests of the port more than you."
"Wood!" Peggy screamed. "Stone!"
Then, she stuffed food into her mouth, as if venting her emotions.
Dick simply watched all of this quietly, and after she finished eating, he cleared the table and went to return the tableware.
Peggy would then lock the door, and Dick would wait at the door.
Sometimes, Peggy would try to talk to Dick through the door to pass the time.
But today, Peggy was unusually quiet.
In the afternoon, a sommelier came to the door, and Dick knocked on the door for him:
"Miss, someone is looking for you."
Peggy opened the door a crack: "What is it?"
"Lord Kenneth invites Miss to go boating on the river."
"I'm not in the mood," Peggy replied.
The waiter looked troubled: "Miss, the master said we must have you, otherwise—he will punish me."
Dick also said, "Miss, the wedding is tomorrow. If possible, it would be best not to refuse."
Peggy lowered her eyes and pondered for a while:
"I see"
Dick nodded, but Peggy said:
"But you have to come too."
This is an old request.
Dick was almost always by Kenneth and Peggy's side on their dates.
However, Kenneth would bring a few people with him to assist him, so he never complained about Dick's presence.
Dick felt sorry for Kenneth. If Peggy also liked Kenneth, wouldn't they be unable to even go on a date alone?
He agreed.
Subsequently, accompanied by Dick, Peggy finally agreed to go to the place Kenneth had arranged.
They soon arrived at the banks of the Silver River, where Kenneth lay in a chair, attended by five servants.
A small boat is stranded in the soft, damp mud.
Kenneth beamed with joy upon seeing Peggy's arrival:
"Welcome, Miss Peggy."
Peggy nodded slightly, but without a smile.
Kenneth seemed to be used to it and didn't show much emotion at the moment.
He then eagerly invited Peggy aboard and had his servants escort her up as well.
The boat has a unique slot that seems to have been made specifically for Kenneth to prevent him from falling off.
Kenneth said, "Miss, I don't want too many people bothering us today. Just one rower will row for us."
"Then let Dick Buchanan come," Peggy said. "He's better at it and more reliable."
Kenneth did not refuse, so Dick naturally had no choice but to comply.
Soon, the three boarded the boat.
Dick took the oarsman's seat, and the people on the shore pushed the small boat into the water.
He began to row, drifting on the murky river.
The weather remained gloomy, but it didn't rain, which was definitely a good day for the Twin Rivers region.
There was a fishing rod on the boat, clearly Kenneth wanted to show Peggy his fishing skills.
Once in the middle of the river, Dick slowed down.
Kenneth began showering Peggy with sweet nothings, but Peggy responded with indifference.
This was purely out of politeness; Dick didn't hear any emotion in it.
But Peggy's expression seemed too cold today, and Kenneth's smile gradually faded.
He picked up a fishing rod and began to demonstrate his fishing skills.
Silence gradually fell over the boat until the fishing rod was taut.
"They've taken the bait!" Kenneth shouted with a grin.
But the fish seemed too heavy, so Kenneth propped himself up and faced outwards from the boat.
Furthermore, his body was leaning out of the boat, as if he would fall into the river at any moment.
Dick couldn't help but admire the design of the card slot; it protected Kenneth very well.
At that moment, Peggy suddenly stood up and went behind Kenneth.
"Damn it! It's a big fish! I have to catch it!"
Kenneth shouted loudly, seemingly wanting Peggy to hear him.
Peggy suddenly raised her hand and slowly reached towards Kenneth's back.
Dick understood that even with the protection of the slot, if someone gave him a light push from behind, even with little force, Kenneth would still fall into the water.
He quickly reached out and grabbed Peggy's wrist just as she was about to touch Kenneth's back.
The two looked at each other, and Dick gently shook his head.
Peggy bit her lip, then sat back down.
Just then, Kenneth also caught a fish.
"Look! Peggy! It's a big fish! It must weigh over ten pounds!"
Peggy forced a smile: "That's amazing."
Afterwards, Peggy's expression tightened, as did Dick's.
Seemingly sensing the tense atmosphere, Kenneth suggested turning back.
The three logged on, ready to part ways.
Kenneth concluded, "Miss, I believe you will be the most beautiful woman in the world tomorrow."
A smile appeared on Peggy's face.
But as soon as Kenneth turned around, she immediately put on a sour face again.
She started to return to her room, and Dick followed.
He couldn't help but say, "Miss, I know you also oppose this marriage, but you must not abandon your conscience because of it. Miss,"
You are Lord Hubert's daughter, if he knew—"
"Stop talking!" Peggy interrupted Dick.
Dick stopped talking and silently followed Peggy back to the room.
Just as Peggy was about to enter the room, she suddenly said to Dick:
"I was wrong--"
Dick asked in confusion, "What?"
"I was wrong. I shouldn't have had those thoughts. I have indeed brought shame upon my family and my father—"
These words surprised Dick.
A smile crept onto his face: "You're a good girl for admitting your mistakes and correcting them. Fortunately, no tragedy has occurred. Miss, there's no need to blame yourself too much."
"Um,"
Peggy nodded gently and closed the door.
Dick remained outside.
After dinner, Dick went to the shooting range to practice.
Of course, Peggy followed along as usual.
He continued to wield the sword to keep his body active.
My body gradually warmed up, and sweat slowly seeped out.
After an unknown amount of time, Dick suddenly sensed someone approaching and quickly looked to the side.
The newcomer was a man dressed in armor, and Dick immediately became alert.
Dick didn't recognize the person until they got closer.
He was Luther's eldest son, Kenneth's brother, Peron Ritthom.
I've heard that this person is one of the twelve Guardian Knights of Platinum Castle.
Dick greeted him first: "Sir Perón."
"Good evening, Sir Buchanan," Perón said with a smile. "I just saw your swordplay was very fluid. Is the armored sword your forte?"
Dick was skilled with his bare hands, and while he was knowledgeable about weapons, he was not an expert in any of them.
But he did use the sword the most, and was considered skilled at it, so he nodded to Peron:
"The duties of the Guardians must be extremely busy."
"It's nothing more than standing guard. Except for special periods, there's no difference between us and ordinary soldiers," Peron said with a smile.
"So, you're back for your brother's wedding?"
“Not my brother,” Peron shook his head. “I have relinquished all power in the Rittos family, and I am back this time to represent the royal family and offer my blessings to the wedding at Red Wave Castle.”
Although Perón said so, Dick did not believe that the court would care about the marriage of an earl's heir.
But since he had already made such a statement, Dick had no need to refute it and simply nodded.
"Speaking of which," Peron chuckled, "I heard that Chasm only sent you to ensure Peggy Payton's safety. And given your past as a loyal servant, your abilities must be quite impressive, right?"
Dick shook his head: "I'm just an ordinary knight, nothing special."
"No need to be modest, Sir. I've seen your training, and your strength is definitely not lacking," Belon said, narrowing his eyes. "However, for a warrior's body to avoid rusting, training alone is not enough; only combat can prevent it."
Dick immediately asked warily, "What do you mean?"
"Want to have a go?" Belon said. "I'm very interested in your skills, and it's a good way to pass the time during this long night."
"How could I dare to fight with the Guardian Knight?"
"You're welcome."
As he spoke, Perón had already drawn his sword.
Seeing the other side's clear attitude, Dick, who was also a warrior, understood that he had no choice but to fight.
Although he didn't want to spar with him.
Dick got into position.
Belon rushed forward immediately.
Dick instantly understood that Peron was serious.
Therefore, Dick also focused on the battle and dared not be careless.
Suddenly, Belon unleashed his martial arts technique, slashing down from above.
Dick immediately responded with martial arts, thus neutralizing the attack.
He could also tell that it was an academic martial arts technique.
Dick wasn't sure if Belon was hiding his strength or if he was just a warrior with solid fundamentals.
As the battle continued, the two relentlessly employed martial arts techniques in combat.
The weapons clashed, producing a constant, piercing shriek.
The light emanating from the extraordinary energy also illuminated the dimly lit shooting range at night. However, Dick gradually found himself unable to keep up.
As expected, the warriors who could become Guardian Knights were definitely not to be underestimated.
Belon suddenly used a move called "Lizard Tail" to knock Dick's sword out of his hand; this was also an academic martial arts technique.
Then, Peron swiftly pressed the tip of his sword against Dick's Adam's apple.
Dick showed no panic, but still said:
"I have lost, Knight Belon. You are very strong. I admit defeat."
Belon then happily sheathed his sword: "You are very strong. I haven't met a warrior of your caliber in a long time. If you further refine your swordsmanship and learn more special martial arts techniques, you may reach the level of a Guardian Knight."
Dick simply bowed and offered no explanation.
Perón left.
This battle also ensured that Dick met his training requirements.
He walked to the side, picked up the sword, and sheathed it.
Then he went to Peggy's side and said, "Miss, I'll take you home."
After safely escorting Peggy back to her room, Dick said:
Good night, miss.
Peggy, however, questioned, "Why did you deliberately lose to him?"
"I didn't do it on purpose, I was genuinely no match for them."
"You're lying! You could have defeated him without even using a sword!"
Sure enough, what Peggy was secretly watching him practice in the harbor was the one time Dick used the Dragon's Secret Technique in battle after Peggy killed the Navigator. Peggy must have been referring to that time.
Dick replied, "I'm not lying to you. My swordsmanship is indeed inferior to Sir Perón's, and that was a fight, not a death match. I had no need to use that skill."
Peggy stopped talking and just stared at Dick.
Dick was somewhat puzzled, and after a long while, he couldn't help but ask:
"Miss?"
"Dick Buchanan, can I not marry him?"
"Can't."
Peggy looked at Dick pitifully, and suddenly took a step toward him.
But it quickly retreated.
Peggy sighed and closed the door.
Dick returned to his room.
He took a shower.
He can't miss tomorrow's wedding.
It seems that because of the earthquake, the port was unable to send anyone to Peggy's wedding.
Therefore, as the sole representative of the port, Dick had to be properly dressed.
The next day.
Fully armed, Dick arrived at Peggy's room door as usual to wait.
However, many people were coming and going from Peggy's room today, most of them maids or noble ladies of similar age to her.
Dick guessed that they were dressing up the bride.
After a while, Peggy, wearing a bright pink ball gown wedding dress, came out of the room.
Dick stared wide-eyed.
When he came to his senses, he couldn't help but praise:
"You are beautiful, miss."
A smile appeared on Peggy's face, then quickly faded, and she lowered her head.
Dick said, "This is your wedding, it only happens once in a lifetime, miss, cheer up."
Peggy nodded, but didn't lift her face, so Dick couldn't see her expression.
At this moment, the girls surrounded her and pushed Peggy forward.
Dick initially intended to follow, but after thinking about it, he decided against it.
After Peggy disappeared around the corner of the corridor, Dick headed to the wedding venue.
Just before he turned around, he noticed a commotion coming from around the corner.
Dick frowned and hurried over.
That's when we saw that Peggy had fainted!
Peggy was pale, breathing weakly, and her body temperature was cold.
Dick immediately realized that Peggy had relapsed!
Damn it!
Why is it a month early?!
And it just so happens to be today!
The girls around them were at a loss; some began to cry and some began to pray.
What's the use of prayer! The gods have long been blind!
Dick immediately picked up Peggy and rushed down towards the castle.
Damn it, damn it, damn it!
He had to get Peggy to O'Brien Bay immediately and ask Miss Harriet for help.
Dick would never let Peggy die like that; he swore on his life and honor!
He had already sworn an oath!
Along the way, countless people cast strange glances at him.
Dick didn't have time to explain, and in his anxiety, he didn't know how to explain.
Peggy's priority!
Just as he arrived at the castle gate, he found someone blocking his way.
That's Belon.
Perón had already drawn his sword: "I've heard that someone is planning to kidnap my brother's bride, Lord Buchanan. I think this must be a misunderstanding?"
It was indeed a misunderstanding, but:
"You said you weren't here as his brother."
Belon frowned slightly: "The Guardian Knights will uphold all justice in the Great Kingdom."
"Peggy is sick, I must take her to see a doctor!"
"Do you think I'm stupid! Of all times, I had to get sick at this time."
"I also think it's a coincidence, but that's the truth," Dick said anxiously, raising his voice.
"Put her down," Belon ordered. "I will plead with Earl Luther to spare you. As for Miss Peggy's illness, Red Wave Castle will find a way to treat her."
"No, you can't save her. I can't entrust Peggy's life to you."
"Do you think you can?!" Belon demanded angrily.
"At least I know the ropes."
"You're a good soldier, I hope you'll know what's good for you," Belon said, getting into a fighting stance. "I don't want to kill you."
Dick took a deep breath, but his gaze became even more determined.
He stepped forward with his right foot.
Before his feet even touched the ground, Belon had already flashed in front of him.
The sword struck Dick's face, and he seemed to see a silver tide surging towards him.
Dick immediately realized that this was a martial art, and not an academic one.
But Dick didn't flinch. He met the sword head-on with his face and opened his mouth to bite the blade—
Fire Dragon Scales!
White Dragon Fang!
"Click~"
The steel sword developed a crack and then broke apart.
Dick felt Beron's gaze.
He carried Peggy and walked straight out of the city gate.
Perón asked, "Who are you?"
"The Oath Keeper".
Dick found a horse, shielded Peggy in front of him, and galloped off in the direction of leaving the city.
I knew it.
Suddenly, a weak voice reached my ears.
Dick looked down and saw that Peggy had slightly opened her eyes.
His eyes widened, and he hurriedly said:
"Miss? You're awake! How are you feeling? Is anything bothering you? Don't worry, I will definitely save you—"
But Peggy shook her head and continued what she had just said:
"I knew it, you're better than him—"
It turns out Peggy had been awake for a while, but whether she's strong or not is completely irrelevant:
"Miss, please don't speak, save your energy."
But Peggy never listened to Dick: "Didn't you say last night that there was no need to use your power?"
Dick answered with a focused expression:
"I am willing to fight for you."
"Huh?!"
For some reason, Peggy's eyes opened even wider.
But assuming she had regained more strength, why was she leaning weakly against Dick's chest?
Dick kicked the horse in the belly, and only when he had charged out of town did he breathe a sigh of relief.
He looked down at Peggy, but his eyes widened in surprise.
Peggy had been grieving for a long time, but at this moment, she was smiling.
Peggy, dressed in a wedding gown, closed her eyes and leaned against Dick's chest.
Her frail appearance was delicate and pitiful, yet undeniably beautiful.