On the Eve of the Coming Battle

In the following days, the Karsten Villa remained bustling with activity.

People come and go every day.

Dragon Carriage travel back and forth every day.

Gradually, even fully armed soldiers began to gather in groups at the villa, making the atmosphere at the Karsten Villa tense.

Under such circumstances, the people in the Royal Capital also began to become restless.

"I heard that a large number of Dragon Carriage entered Duke Karsten's villa today. Is that true?"

"Not only that, it is said that mercenaries and soldiers have also begun to gather at Duke Karsten's villa."

"Moreover, the Carsten Duchy seems to have been intensifying their acquisition of weapons and armor recently, and they even seem to be acquiring magic stone products, and have even transported Magic Stone Cannon in."

"With this kind of preparation, could it be that they're really preparing for war?"

"The Royal Selection has only just begun, and Crusch is already getting restless?"

Rumors like these spread like wildfire through the streets and alleys of the Royal Capital, becoming increasingly outrageous.

Under such circumstances, the other candidates for the Royal Selection have no choice but to pay attention.

However, apart from Emilia, the other three Royal Selection candidates took completely different actions in response to Crusch's actions.

"How interesting. If a duke who prioritizes the prosperity of the kingdom has the audacity to start a fight in the Royal Capital, I would actually be pleased. After all, I am the only one who can win. As long as that outcome is certain, nothing else matters. I hope it won't bore me."

Having said that, Priscilla chose to stand by and let things develop as they were.

"War? The nobles really have nothing better to do all day. If they like to fight, let them fight. Or you can go and play with them. I don't care."

Felt dismissed these words with disdain, leaving Reinhard somewhat helpless.

Aside from Priscilla and Felt, the remaining candidate for the Royal Selection did react to this.

"Buying large quantities of iron products? Why not ask Crusch to give our Goshin Trading Company some consideration as well?"

Anastasia, a businesswoman by profession, uttered these words with shining eyes. She spends her days wandering around the Royal Capital with her mercenary group, seemingly doing business and trying to make a fortune. But with this girl's business acumen, she is probably gathering intelligence through various channels.

In other words, the final result was that every candidate for the Royal Selection temporarily chose to remain inactive and stand by.

Although their reasons differed, none of these people genuinely believed that Crusch would cause trouble at this time; instead, they thought that Crusch was about to make some big move.

In view of this, even though the three candidates for the Royal Selection were of such character, various kinds of investigations were still sent out in the end.

As a result, the atmosphere in the Royal Capital grew increasingly tense, causing the residents to become increasingly uneasy.

If this continues, perhaps the other nobles and even the members of the Sages will no longer stand idly by?

It wasn't until three days later that the good news finally reached Carl's villa.

"Has fog appeared?!"

In the study on the top floor of the villa, Crusch stood up from her seat upon receiving the news.

In front of him, Wilhelm was kneeling on one knee, bowing his head with unprecedented courtesy, reporting to his master.

"According to intelligence, the fog appeared in the middle of last night and was only confirmed this morning. As a result, the caravan has changed its itinerary, and no one dares to go in that direction anymore."

"Hehe?" Felix said with some excitement, "This saves us the trouble of blocking the roads."

"We can't be careless. If someone suddenly breaks in when the battle starts, it will only cause us a lot of trouble." Crusch didn't dare to be negligent at all and said directly to Felix, "The task of notifying the Knight Order is entrusted to you, Felix. Have them take charge of blocking the roads."

"I understand, meow~" Felix raised her hand, but also said in a cautionary tone, "Crusch, please don't lead the team away alone while everyone else is leaving, otherwise even the strongest Phyllis will cry, meow~~~"

"How could that be?" Crusch smiled and said, "You are the lifeline of our expedition team. I don't think you will be of no use. I will use all the power I have now, so, Felix, lend me your power too."

"Of course." Felix's smile was lovely, but her eyes calmed down as she said casually, "My life has long been destined to be dedicated to Crusch, so there's nothing more to say."

After saying that, Felix looked at Wilhelm and spoke meaningfully.

"Master Wilhelm like that too?"

Wilhelm did not answer, but kept his head down, his burly body radiating a sharp aura that was difficult for others to detect.

Looking at Wilhelm like this, Felix shut her mouth.

Only Crusch stepped forward, placed her hand on Wilhelm's shoulder, and said this with utmost solemnity.

"Get ready, Wilhelm Terias."

"No."

"Wilhelm -van Astreya".

The world-renowned surname made Wilhelm hold his head high.

In his eyes, a dark emotion reignited.

———— "Asteria".

The surname of the family known as the Sword Saint family.

Yes, this is Wilhelm's real surname.

Trias is an old surname.

Wilhelm, on the other hand, obtained the Sword Saint's family name after defeating the previous "Sword Saint".

Because, after that, Wilhelm married the successor of the previous "Sword Saint" and became an adopted son-in-law of the Astrea Family.

Unfortunately, Wilhelm's wife, the previous "Sword Saint," had already passed away.

When the kingdom sent out a punitive expedition to hunt down the White Whale.

"It has been fourteen years since your wife led the expedition to hunt down the White Whale and failed, with no survivors. You have been searching for the White Whale for fourteen years in order to seek revenge."

Crusch gripped Wilhelm's shoulders tightly and spoke.

"Today is the day your wish will come true, Wilhelm van Astreya."

Upon hearing this, Wilhelm remained silent, only lowering his head heavily and unleashing a violent aura throughout his body in response.

It got dark very quickly.

Inside the city gates of the Royal Capital, a large number of Dragon Carriage began to rush out, kicking up a cloud of smoke, and headed in one direction in a grand procession.

On one of the Dragon Carriage, Rem held the reins, constantly urging the Earth Dragon onward.

In the carriage behind, Emilia was holding a crystal and praying.

As for Fang Li, he went up to the roof of the car.

As Fang Li gazed at the horizon gradually being replaced by night, a glint of icy blue light flashed in Fang Li eyes.

What does the blood of someone rumored to have ' Gluttony ' taste like?

"I'm really looking forward to it..."