Springtime for Nid (3)

"Open your heart to Loxue more; you've always been the most important person to her."

"Hmm... I know what you're saying, but I don't want to waste time on romantic issues before the revolution succeeds."

Nid sighed and put the glass back on the table.

"Not drinking anymore?"

"No, I can't hold my liquor as well as you, so I don't dare drink too much."

"Moderation is good."

Nid did not bring up his romantic relationship again.

Brad, sensing the situation, didn't say anything more.

"Tomorrow we have to deal with our sponsors... to be honest, I've been having a bit of a headache about it."

"Because you don't want to deal with them?"

"Because I'm uncomfortable wearing formal attire," Nid joked, a rare occurrence for him.

"To be honest, I don't like it either."

Brad looked down at his clothes, which were bulging from his back muscles, and frowned. Compared to him, Nid was much better off.

"Haha, your outfit is pretty funny too."

"It's just that we're both used to seeing military uniforms."

"If possible, I'd like to wear my usual clothes. I always feel awkward in formal attire. My old military overcoat is so comfortable, and it would be even better if I brought my weapons."

"Wearing a military uniform and carrying a sword to meet the delegates? You'll scare them away."

"Isn't it a bit too much?"

Nid walked to the large metal box in the corner, hefted it affectionately, unlocked it, and revealed the four swords inside. Although these items were only used in important battles, they were Nid's standard weaponry, and he would take them with him on every long journey, which meant they always took up half of the space on the road.

"You're not really going to bring all this stuff to the banquet, are you...?"

"Maybe some customers will like this? I can even perform a sword routine to liven things up."

"Don't be silly... Hmm? This thing is here too?"

"I've been chained down here for so long, to be honest, I don't want to look at it anymore. After all, every time I try to use it, I end up in a terrible state, you know that."

"So this secret weapon can only remain a decoration... what a pity."

"Alright, forget about it. These four plus my Greatsword make five swords, which is enough—of course, I'm not going to be stupid enough to carry them to a banquet and scare people."

"I hope you still remember ballroom dancing and basic dining etiquette... Honestly, I'm starting to worry about you Loxue."

Time flies by in the midst of our busy lives.

Together with Loxue and Brad, Ned visited members of the clan, paid respects at the graves of his parents who had died more than a decade ago, gave an inspiring speech, and inspected the progress of the banquet preparations. By the time he finished everything, Nid realized that the banquet was just around the corner.

Nid looked at himself in the full-length mirror in the locker room.

He usually wears a dark red military trench coat with a black lining, very sturdy leather pants and long boots, with his greatsword secured to his back by a leather belt, and his hair is casually loose, exuding a heroic aura.

And now--

"Hmm... I still can't get used to it."

His usually disheveled gray hair was now meticulously combed; the maids had used a large amount of hair wax to finally make all his hair lie obediently against his scalp. He wore a simple yet elegant black tailcoat with a snow-white lining and a black bow tie. He wore matching fitted trousers that accentuated Nid long legs. His usual dull gray hard-soled boots were replaced by shiny black leather shoes, which pinched his feet and made him very uncomfortable.

"Does this really look good...?"

He turned left and right, examining his reflection in the mirror from different angles, and everything he looked at seemed awkward—of course, this was only Nid's own opinion; the maids standing beside him practically had their eyes popping out. To anyone else, Nid looked like a handsome young man, with a tall, upright figure, a perfectly proportioned physique, and a striking face. Moreover, his long experience on the battlefield had given him a weathered air that ordinary young men lacked, adding to his charm.

"That's good, Nid. You should be able to be categorized as 'handsome' now."

Brad, standing to the side, gave a rather conservative assessment. He was wearing a suit similar in style to Nid's, which, of course, was also bulging with muscles, making him quite imposing.

"I really don't understand what's so handsome about me; it's all because of you and Sister Xue teasing me..."

Nid sighed and tossed his hair, a simple gesture that naturally exuded nobility and nonchalance. The maids beside him almost screamed, finding it incredibly difficult to hold back their comments like, "If you're not handsome, then there are no handsome men in the world."

Suddenly the door opened.

"Don't underestimate yourself, you look good, Nid."

"Sister Xue..."

Loxue wore light makeup and a fitted long dress, her long hair, styled in an elegant updo, was snow-white. Her skin was slightly visible beneath her sheer gloves, and her beautiful feet wore a pair of transparent high heels. Having changed out of her dashing military uniform for an evening gown, her feminine grace was on full display, leaving Nid somewhat dumbfounded.

"How are you two doing?"

"That's good." Brad said calmly.

"Ah, uh... it's beautiful..." Nid licked his dry lips several times before finally managing to say it, his face turning red. Loxue smiled helplessly.

"Well, as long as it looks good, come on, Nid— "

"Huh?"

Loxue gently took Nid's arm, her movements very elegant; the two of them looked like a prince and Princess from a fairy tale.

"Sister Xue, this is..."

"Need I say more? We can't just go our separate ways when we enter, can we? A banquet requires male and female companions, and of course, you're the perfect male companion for me."

"Uh, oh, thank you!"

"Pfft, why are you saying thank you now? Show some respect as the master of the house!"

Then, followed by Brad, the two walked arm in arm into the hall.

The clinking of glasses and toasts filled the air.

The lights were on full display.

The banquet had begun, and the Bredwich Family members were busy in the hall. Long tables were laden with exquisite dishes and fine wines, and people dressed in elegant attire came and went, creating a lively scene.

Of course, this was just a formality; everyone knew that the banquet was essentially a meeting between high-ranking Revolutionary Army officials and representatives of sponsors. The banquet itself was secondary; the main purpose was to hold detailed negotiations after the feast.

The sponsor representatives were scattered throughout the hall, drinking and chatting, but they all deliberately left a spot in the middle for three people dressed in dark blue.

They were representatives of all the chambers of commerce, and one of the true protagonists of the banquet— the Gray Starling Group.

The woman at the head of the group wore a tight-fitting dark blue suit, retro-style gold-rimmed glasses, and her hair was tied up tightly, all of which gave her a stern and rigid impression. However, her high, firm breasts and long legs encased in stockings still exuded charm.

She is Ankri Yentalitzova, who is said to hold a very high position even within the entire Gray Starling Group, working for a Big Figure, although no one knows who her boss is.

The other two women covered their faces with hoods and strange masks, and wore unremarkable dark blue long-sleeved shirts and trousers, but their figures revealed them to be women.

(Seriously... Did the President send me all the way to the West Saint Continent just to handle this little matter?)

Ankri sighed inwardly. She didn't talk much to the others—not that she didn't want to, after all, it was impolite to remain silent at a banquet, but she had her own reasons.

Those are the two bodyguards standing next to them.

(Why were these two people I just met assigned as my bodyguards? The company's regular security guards are enough...)

If these two were both shrewd and capable, that would be fine, but after spending a few days with them, Ankri discovered that these two, whether it was the mechanized girl or the pinball girl, were both 100% weirdos. If she left them behind and tried to have normal social interactions... who knows what they would do.

Suddenly, the crowd began to stir, and the noise grew louder. Ankri immediately looked in the direction of the commotion.

"Mr. Nid Bradwich, Miss Loxue Bradwich, Mr. Knox Brad has arrived!"

(Here it comes!)

The gate opened, and a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman walked in front, followed by a muscular middle-aged man. Their appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention. They were the real protagonists, the first, second, and third leaders of the Blood Blade Knights, and also the trading partners of the Gray Starling Group.

Although Ankri, who had long served Yu He, the man who unified the economy of Spirit Star, wasn't particularly impressed by the Revolutionary Army, she couldn't help but admire them inwardly: the Bradwich siblings were indeed rare young talents. To be able to command hundreds of thousands of the Revolutionary Army at such a young age was no exaggeration to call them prodigies. Although they were still far from being on par with the President unified the currency of Spirit Star before the age of twenty.

"You two, stay here and do nothing."

Ankri whispered a few words of advice to the eccentric duo—hopefully they understood—before putting on a perfectly appropriate friendly smile and going to greet them.

The bright lights made Nid squint slightly. The men and women dressed in finery, flashing him obsequious smiles, made him uncomfortable. Everyone seemed to be wearing a mask, harboring various motives, and he couldn't see their true intentions.

Disgust—that was Nid's most immediate feeling. For years, he had been surrounded by straightforward soldiers in the military camp, where there was no scheming or backstabbing, so he was particularly uncomfortable in this kind of social setting.

Despite his discomfort, he maintained a polished facade, always sporting a handsome smile and greeting each guest. In this space filled with masked individuals, all Nid could do was don a mask himself and play his role well.

(Heaven knows what you want to do with the fruits of our revolution... Countless soldiers sacrificed their lives on the front lines, while you hide in safe places calculating how much money you can get for the spoils they gained through their sacrifices...)

Not wearing military uniforms, not carrying a greatsword, the only people who could make Nid feel safe here were Loxue and Brad.

However, Loxue was talking with the merchant guild representative who came to greet them, and Brad was pouring drinks for other guests; neither of them was by her side.

Nid had no choice but to continue playing the role.

"--You have never let us down, so you have a good reputation that we can trust."

"Haha, you're exaggerating. I was just doing my duty."

In the hall, Loxue and Ankri, both high-quality beauties, were undoubtedly the most beautiful sight. The scene of the two beauties chatting amicably at the table was simply picturesque.

"Miss Ankri is such a serious person; she even wears a business suit to a dinner party like this."

"Please excuse my rudeness; it's just a habit I have as a secretary, you could call it an occupational hazard," Ankri said, making a rare joke.

"You'll look stunning in a formal dress. You're already a beauty, this will only make you even more gorgeous," Loxue said with a smile.

"Speaking of beauties, Miss Loxue is the one..."

The conversation between the two was quite relaxed, after all, this was at a banquet, and the real discussions on funding and military equipment would take place offstage, so for now they were only exchanging pleasantries and laughter.

Ankri, however, became more interested in Loxue.

"No matter how many times I see it, I can't help but sigh, Miss Loxue, you are so young."

Haha, aren't you the same?

"I mean—I have to admire him. To be able to shoulder such a heavy responsibility at such a young age and to strategize for the entire Revolutionary Army is truly remarkable. He is indeed a prodigy."

"A generation of geniuses...?"

Loxue's gaze dimmed for a moment.

"Miss Loxue?"

"... It's nothing. Actually, I'm not that great. I just apply my intellect and knowledge to war. Personally... I'm quite a coward."

"That's truly remarkable. To carry the burden of pressure and grow stronger with each challenge—that's why you've been able to support your younger brother, Mr. Nid, all this way."

"--No, you're wrong. It's not 'I helped Nid get to where I am today,' but rather 'It's because of Nid that I was able to get to where I am today.'"

"Huh...?"

The topic seems to be getting a bit heavy, Ankri thought.

"I feel it wouldn't hurt to tell you, Miss Ankri..."

Loxue gave a slightly melancholy smile, picked up the wine the waiter brought, and looked at her reflection in the wine.

"I am definitely not the war genius that others imagine. Every time I formulate a battle plan, I am filled with fear. Every time I see countless people die because of me, I am terrified. Countless times I have hidden in my room, trembling with fear, yet I have to pretend to be in control in front of my soldiers. I dare not show my cowardice to anyone, not even my own brother..."

"Miss Loxue..."

"But, Nid, thank goodness for Nid... Seeing him triumph on the battlefield time and time again, seeing him bring back victories time and time again, seeing him return alive each time, I feel truly happy from the bottom of my heart, I feel that all my efforts have not been in vain, I feel that I still have a reason to exist..."

"..."

Ankri suddenly remembered something Yu He had said before.

He spoke those words in a somber tone, quite unlike his usual self, as he looked at someone's body.

"Loneliness... Everyone is lonely, Ankri. People spend their lives in alienation and indifference. Even if they occasionally find true friendship or love, they can never truly understand others... Perhaps that's why I only believe in money. Money is my only friend, the only thing that won't abandon me..."

Perhaps the same applies to this brother and sister.

They are each other's pillars and each other's only treasure.

It is because of each other that they have been able to get to where they are today.

"But I will keep going until the day of victory."

At this moment, Loxue suddenly smiled again.

It was an incredibly gentle and genuine smile.

"I will face everything head-on. As long as Nid is here, I have nothing to fear. As long as Nid is here, I will never fail."

"Miss Loxue... well, it's good that you think that way."

Ankri couldn't help but feel a little warmer towards Loxue.

The two exchanged a smile, clinked their glasses, and drank the wine in one gulp.

"Hey, Miss Loxue, let's talk about something lighter..."

"Yes, I'm sorry, I've been rambling on and on, causing you... um?"

Loxue's expression suddenly froze. She seemed to have a headache and slumped against the table.

"... Loxue?"

Her dizzy brain couldn't hear Ankri's concerned calls; Loxue only felt a sweet taste in her throat and a surge of heat.

He reached down and touched his mouth; it was blood, a strange purplish-black color.

"Gulp, how come..."

Consciousness rapidly dimmed.

All of my strength has been drained.

Loxue's legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground, powerless.

Just seconds before, the wine glass, which had been filled with poison, was smashed to pieces on the ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Has anyone figured out the meaning behind the title "Nid's Spring"?