City of Desire: Chapter 1057 Plans In Dark I (Patreon)

Proofread by Thomas F

Viscountess Valebrook

“Finally, the city. My arse is fucking killing me after hours of riding this slow,” Breek, my right-hand man, grumbled.

A general, but calling him General would make others laugh, seeing as I only have seven thousand men. A third of the total at my peak, but it’s the only number I could afford.

In a few months, I might have to let many go, as I wouldn’t have any money to pay their salaries.

I pushed those depressing thoughts away and looked ahead. The city is only a few minutes away, where I could finally rest after that tiring battle and a long march.

“Once we reach the city, mingle among the others, find out the mood,” I ordered.

He is a rough sort of soldier.

He didn’t come from established families, who usually occupied the role, but I trust my cousin more than I trust people from so-called established families.

“I will, but I can already tell you, few are keen on joining the battle once again.”

“Although most will follow orders,” I didn’t say anything in response. I need to know more before I decide. It’s a big decision that could change everything.

Finally, we reached the city gates.

They were closed and stayed that way for a few seconds before they started opening.

“Power play,” said Breek, and I nodded.

Arenthel was telling us she was the boss, and we should be gracious guests.

Arenthel is powerful; Viremont had said he could defeat her, but he wasn't completely sure.

The only one who could do anything against her is Selveron, but she also has a Great Mage, and hers was no generalist, but a Fire Mage; they are the most destructive ones.

He was the one who had asked Arenthel to let us rest in her city for the night.

The massive gate opened, and a man was standing there.

“Welcome, everyone.” Viscount Larcastle greeted us before we rode inside. The army was not coming inside; it would set up camp near the city.

Only the nobles, mercenary leaders, and high officers would rest in the city.

“Viscountess Valebrook,” he greeted, with Viremont and Loxley dead. I am the highest-ranking noble here and also the most powerful person.

I could even defeat Zorazel Lant.

“Viscount Larcastle, I am grateful for the hospitality,” I replied, and he smiled.

“We have prepared a mansion for you and your people. There is a staff waiting there to take care of your needs,” he stated, and I nodded gratefully.

I need a bath. I used the skill to freshen up, but nothing could soothe my mind like a bath.

“In two hours, the Marchioness Arenthel will host you and others for dinner; she is excited to meet you,” he added.

Attending a dinner is the last thing I want to do, but Arenthel is the host, and it would be disrespectful. Besides, I want to talk to the woman, too.

The woman, who smartly maneuvered through this volatile storm, came out unscathed, while Viremont, with all his army, powerhouses, and artifacts, ended up losing his life.

The storm is not over, but seeing how she is maintaining relations with both sides, I have a feeling that she will survive and might come out better than most.

Soon, I reached the mansion. It's large, made of a blackish stone, with pearl-white fountains and a small garden surrounding it.

It is beautiful.

Even though I was tired, I admired it for a moment before stepping inside.

The first thing I did was shower. I wanted to take a bath, but I knew if I did, I might fall asleep, and that’s not something I wanted to happen today.

I came out and changed into a beautiful dress. It's a good thing I kept some in my travel bag.

A noble always needs to be prepared.

“My lady, the Viscount is waiting for your call.” I nodded, and a few seconds later, the call connected.

“Dove,” he said, his voice filled with all the love in the world.

Hearing him, a smile appeared on my face. For a moment, I forgot everything—the fatigue, the worries, and everything else weighing upon me.

“I am fine, love. Just a little tired,” I replied, hearing the worry in his voice.

“I am glad you have reached Almin safely. Though I wish you were here with me. I miss you dearly,” he said.

My husband and children were in Inam. It was the safest place for them.

“I miss you too,” I replied.

It had been months since I had seen them. Before joining Viremont, I had been fighting on the front. I had wanted to meet them in Inam, but it was too dangerous.

Thankfully, I did not- not after what happened to Balmos.

A silence followed, and I knew the question bubbling in his mind—the question he would not ask over the call.

I was glad he didn't.

Because I didn't want to answer it.

I would return, but not without a territory. I needed it. I needed something I could place before everyone and prove he hadn't made a mistake by marrying me.

His marriage to me—a commoner—had been an enormous scandal.

He had never wanted me to risk my life for the sake of territory. He would be satisfied as long as I returned safely.

But I am not.

Valebrook was an old house, and I want my children to inherit its legacy, not only the name but also the territory.

“How are the children? Have they slept?” I asked. I missed them every day.

“They haven't. They are worried about you.” I smiled faintly.

“They would feel relieved if you talked to them,” he added softly.

“No.”

I missed them so much that I knew I would cry the moment I heard their voices.

And I couldn't afford that.

I had important calls and meetings ahead of me. I needed to remain completely in control of my emotions. I had to make a decision that would change the trajectory of my future.

“Tell them I will talk to them tomorrow,” I said.

“Goodnight, love. Give them my love.”

I wanted to talk to him longer, but I couldn't. There were things that needed to be done tonight.

“Goodnight, dove. And remember, nothing is more important to us than you. No title or any piece of land.”

With those words, he ended the call.

“You have a call with Marquess Grimvale in five minutes,” the mage informed me. I nodded and closed my eyes, nearly falling asleep.

Forty minutes passed, and I finished the call with Grimvale before calling two more people.

I had just finished with them when I saw the gate opening and a carriage rolling in.

A minute later, a handsome man in his fifties stepped into the room.

“Viscountess,” he greeted.

“General Gaiden.” The man sat down and looked at my mage and my two guards. I looked at them, and they turned and walked out before we both activated Privacy.

“Have you thought about my offer?” he asked.

The offer he made earlier, and the offer Grimvale and his men repeated.

“To tell you the truth, I am not feeling optimistic about it.” His face twitched, but he kept his emotions in check. 

The man is angry, simmering with rage, not at me, but at Silver. The man wants revenge and is willing to go to any lengths to get it.

“Silver had killed your liege and Loxley; they were not weak. I agree Grimvale is powerful and a powerhouse himself, but after what Silver had shown, I am hesitant,” I said.

“Especially with Great Mage Selvereon not joining.”

When he told us that he would be leaving tomorrow, I was surprised. I had thought he would join Grimvale; all indications pointed toward that, before he suddenly announced that decision.

His eyes flickered when I said that. Even he was surprised by it.

“You do not have to be worried; it’s no longer just Marquess Grimvale, but also Count Summerfield and Lord Zanav.”

“With all of them combined, we can take on Silver.” He stated, while I sighed.

I wasn't as sure as I had been before the battle in the morning at Panar, especially now after news of Norke.

A Great Shaman with the offensive power that rivals a Great Mage is a very tricky enemy.

 She isn’t the only Great Shaman he has.

“I had talked to Silver, and he said he will pull all his forces to oppose it if we do that, and he will kill without hesitation. Not only on the battlefield but also afterward.” He had used largely polite language, but the meaning was clear.

Gaiden laughed and shook his head.

“He won’t. The bastard is far too greedy for that. But even if he scraped together every man who ever swore him loyalty, it wouldn’t matter. He cannot defeat us united,” he replied with absolute confidence.

Perhaps he expected the certainty in his voice to reassure me.

I knew false confidence when I heard it.

Yes, there is a good chance Grimvale will win. Well, it seemed so for Viremont as well, but the result is in front of us.

“Suppose I join, what will I get?” I asked finally.

“I am sure Marquise Grimvale had answered that question,” he replied. I shook my head immediately.

“It’s too big a risk for a simple barony,” I said. Viremont had offered the same. He first offered a barony in wasteland before promising a barony in Nakar.

“What do you want?” he asked after a moment of silence.

“A city.” A surprise flashed in his eyes.

He didn’t expect that. Silver’s dominion has five cities. Grimvale will attack four first, leaving Greltheaven for last until he has a way to deal with the Alchfire orbs.

He said he has a way, but I don't believe him. If he had, he would have attacked Greltheaven by now.

Only an army of ten thousand people holds it. He wouldn't get a better chance than this, but he didn't have a way or complete confidence in it.

“That could happen…depending on your contributions,” he stated finally.

Liar.

I could not get a city. Grimvale will not give me that.

He will also not help me with the massive post expenses. I will have to manage that on my own.

“What is your answer, my lady?” he asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. I didn’t reply immediately and turned toward him. He was trying to hide it, but I could see his desperation for my answer.

“Time, I need time to think about it.”

“We do not have time, my lady. I need the answer now,” he pressed.

“I nearly died today, General Gaiden. So, forgive me, I will not decide something this important in haste,”  I replied sharply. The man opened his mouth, but closed it a moment later.

“I hope I will have your answer by morning, my lady.” He said as he got up.

“It’s a great opportunity; I hope you will not lose it.” With those words, he walked out. Of course I know; it’s a great opportunity, but also a massive risk.

I survived today, but I might not tomorrow. So, I have to be very careful.