Chapter 286: Family

Fred’s words catch Obian off guard for a moment, then he laughs. “If I had such a fierce relative, I’d definitely get him to bring the princess’s whole family over.”

Then Obian’s smile fades. “Come to think of it, if my eldest son were still alive, he’d probably be about that age.”

Seeing Obian’s somber expression, Fred offers some comfort. “Brother, we’re all small players in that great upheaval. We have no choice but to go with the flow. That’s why we have to fight harder to climb higher.”

”Conflicts never end, and wars won’t stop just because common folk want peace. Those who’ve passed, we can’t bring him back. All we can do now is take care of those still alive.”

”I heard your second son is already twenty this year. Is his marriage arranged? Are you really planning to marry him to Viscount Theodore’s daughter? In fact, I know a count, his daughter is quite a catch in every way.”

Obian shakes his head with a smile. “Forget it! Theodore’s side already agreed. It’s a childhood betrothal. If I wanted to marry up, I wouldn’t need you to arrange anything. Princess Dilina will surely find a better match for my son.”

Fred strokes his chin thoughtfully. “Too bad my son is only sixteen, and your daughter’s already nineteen. Otherwise, I’d have my son marry your daughter. But your youngest daughter is just fourteen, that age works.”

Obian shoots Fred a disdainful look. “With your sorry state, if it weren’t for Princess Dilina’s beauty to revitalize your bloodline, your little brat might be downright ugly.”

Fred grins proudly. “You don’t know anything. That’s not ugly—that’s manly. But speaking of your eldest daughter, she must be of marrying age now. Don’t let her suffer.”

”I’ll write to Dilina and ask her to look around more. Marriage is a lifetime matter for a woman; her happiness depends on it. If she marries poorly, it’s a grave misfortune.”

They chat for a long time, drinking several bottles before finally heading off to rest.

The next day at noon, as Fred sees Obian off, he warns, “Don’t be reckless. That Henwell is really strong. I’m not trying to scare you. You’re no match for him, let alone his guards, who are all skilled fighters.”

”If anything happens to you, how am I supposed to explain to your wife and kids? And with your son about to marry, you can’t afford to take risks.”

Obian nods. “Don’t worry. I’m not stupid. We just do our best. No need to go all out.”

After Obian and his men set off, Fred tells his chief bodyguard, “Keep an eye on them. Make them take a long detour first. Then head to Melava town at night.”

The chief bodyguard replies, “Sir, I know what to do. Tomorrow, I’ll find a reason to delay their departure as much as possible.”

Fred nods slightly. “Good. If they really catch up to the Vorry knights, have someone watch from a distance. If they try to do anything to the Vorry group, especially if they’re about to launch an attack, you lead your men to break them up. Remember—under no circumstances can you harm the centurion from the Golden Guard Knights.”

Fred truly doesn’t want his friend to get hurt.

After all, only Obian in the Golden Capital sends him confidential information.

Most importantly, Obian has access to Princess Dilina and occasionally helps pass secret letters for him.

That night, Obian leads over eighty knights into Melava town.

After asking the town’s sheriff, he learns that Henwell and the others left early that morning.

At dawn the next day, Obian wants to set out but is stopped by Fred’s chief bodyguard with various excuses.

It isn’t until noon that Obian finally resumes his journey.

Not long after setting off, Obian suddenly uses his excellent warhorses and skilled riding to shake off Fred’s bodyguards.

Obian understands Fred means well, but he has his own reasons.

He received his orders directly from King Baleqi and must fulfill them properly.

Even if he doesn’t find a chance to ambush the Vorry knights, he at least needs to catch up and observe.

Otherwise, he can’t report back successfully.

Not just the king, even the commander of the Golden Guard Knights would start doubting his competence.

When they set out, Obian leads nearly a hundred elite knights. But after a month of tracking, more than ten have fallen behind for various reasons.

Now, the eighty-four knights under his command each ride two horses and carry only three days’ worth of supplies, ready to push hard day and night.

Unlike Henwell and his group, no one dares to mess with the Golden Guard Knights while in Ika Kingdom territory.

The Golden Guard Knights serve as the kingdom’s strategic force, with officer ranks even higher than those of the elite regiments.

Obian, as a centurion, holds a rank more honorable than ordinary regiment commanders.

Moreover, he carries King Baleqi’s royal token and documents issued by both the military and the noble council.

Along the way, whether it’s the army, local lords, or nobles big and small, all must cooperate with Obian and his men.

So supply isn’t a concern. They just need to keep close to Henwell’s group.

The knights of the Golden Guard are handpicked and have undergone over two years of specialized training.

Each knight is highly experienced in tracking large groups.

Before setting out last night, they memorized detailed maps of the entire area.

Getting lost is a rookie mistake.

After a day and a night of pursuit, by noon the next day, they finally spot signs of Henwell’s group.

Obian lowers his telescope and points toward Henwell’s convoy about ten miles away. “Catch up. When we’re within five arrow shots, slow down. No clashes.”

As he puts away the telescope, Obian strokes the mark on it, pausing briefly before urging his horse down the small hillside.

That telescope is made in Peace Haven. Though many forces have started making copies, Peace Haven’s optics remain top quality.

Some master craftsmen can produce better ones, but those are far more expensive.

As for cheaper, higher-quality telescopes than Peace Haven’s, none have appeared on the market yet.

The spot Obian strokes bears Peace Haven’s mark—a single word: Henwell.

Henwell’s group quickly notices the pursuing knights and immediately prepares for battle.

But when the knights close to within a kilometer, they slow their pace and follow behind the convoy.

Henwell stares blankly through his own telescope for a long moment, only turning away after Orak’s reminder to keep moving.