45: Chapter 45 Borrowing a Golden Branch to Control the Fierce Fire, Not Fighting for an Inch of Land to Turn the Tide

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was like a nail, driven firmly into the silent night.

Evelyn didn't hesitate. She bowed slightly, her violet eyes reflecting a resolute light in the candlelight, then quickly turned and left. The crisp, hurried sound of her high-heeled leather boots striking the stone floor was like the prelude to a war drum.

Levi didn't sit down. He remained standing by the window, his gaze piercing the night, as if he could see the steel torrent rolling towards Blackstone Territory thirty miles away.

A thousand Lava Guard... He pressed his tongue against his back molars, and a metallic taste rose from the depths of his memory.

It was the illusion caused by excessive stomach spasms from pulling all-nighters for projects in his previous life.

Pressure, the most extreme pressure, always brought about some strange reactions in the body.

He didn't fear death, having already died once.

But he feared failure.

He feared that everything he had built with his own hands—this 'commercial empire' that had just begun to take shape, this territory that had allowed him to taste the feeling of being a 'boss' instead of an 'employee' for the first time—would turn to scorched earth overnight.

This was more unbearable than death.

Footsteps approached from afar, steady and powerful, lacking Evelyn's lightness, but carrying an undeniable decisiveness.

Brunhilde pushed the door open. She hadn't even had time to change out of the leather armor she wore during patrols, still carrying the chill of the late night and a faint scent of machine oil.

"Lord, Evelyn has already informed me." Her voice was as calm as ever, but in her grey-blue eyes, an uncontrollable flame burned, the excitement and resolve a warrior feels when facing a strong enemy.

"I've already drafted a preliminary battle plan."

Without waiting for Levi to ask, she pulled a scroll of parchment from her In my arms (bosom) and spread it on the desk. It showed a topographical map of the Blackstone Territory's surroundings, outlined in charcoal, with several defensive strongpoints marked by red arrows.

"The Lava Guard primarily consists of heavy infantry, so their movement will be restricted by terrain. We can set up ambushes in the boulder forest on the north slope and the canyon on the east side. Elder Odin's latest improved third batch of muskets, fitted with Rune Energy Conduits, have an effective range increased by fifty meters, and their armor-piercing capability has been enhanced by thirty percent. If we have one day, I am confident that we can make them pay a heavy price with crossfire at the canyon entrance."

Brunhilde's index finger pressed heavily on the narrow pass on the map known as 'Line of Sky', her fingertip slightly white from the pressure.

"Additionally, I recommend immediately transferring Elder Odin and all the dwarf artisans to the secret workshop beneath the castle. It's sturdy enough and has an independent ventilation system and stored supplies. As long as we can hold them on the front lines for three days, they can produce enough secret weapons to turn the tide of the battle."

Her plan was clear, pragmatic, and full of the efficiency and ruthlessness of an iron-blooded soldier.

This was the most direct and optimal solution that Blackstone Territory's current military strength could achieve.

Levi's gaze shifted from the map to Brunhilde's face, which was slightly flushed with excitement.

He shook his head.

"No."

Two words, light as a feather, yet they instantly froze the murderous aura that had just ignited in the room.

"Why?" Brunhilde's brow furrowed tightly; she couldn't understand this rejection.

This was gambling with the very existence of the entire Blackstone Territory.

"Lord, this isn't an exercise. Those are a thousand of the dwarves' most elite warriors; they aren't here to negotiate, they're here to destroy us!"

"Of course I know." Levi turned around and poured himself a glass of water. The cold liquid sliding down his throat calmed his brain, which had been overheating from rapid thought, a little.

"Brunhilde, tell me, why are we fighting this war?"

"For survival!" Brunhilde replied without hesitation.

"No." Levi put down the water glass, the bottom clinking softly against the tabletop.

"Why is the Deeprock Kingdom attacking us? Because they believe we stole their core technology and poached their national treasure. Odin is a 'traitor,' and we are 'thieves.' This is their reason for raising their battle-axes, their 'justice' for waging war."

He walked up to Brunhilde, his gaze sharp as a knife: "So, if we use muskets equipped with runes to ambush their army in the canyon, what does that mean?"

Brunhilde's breath hitched; she instantly understood Levi's meaning.

"It means... we've confirmed the accusation." Her voice was a little dry.

"Exactly." Levi's tone was icy. "We used weapons improved by the 'traitor' Odin to slaughter the kingdom's guards who came to 'clean up their own house.' By then, even if we win, we will have completely lost on the continental public opinion and political fronts. The Deeprock Kingdom will gain ample reason to launch an endless, all-out war against us. We will be labeled 'technology thieves' and 'shameless scoundrels.' The Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce will cut off our trade, other human nobles will view us as outcasts, and even the Radiant Empire won't offend the entire dwarf race for a disreputable border territory."

He paused, giving Brunhilde time to digest his words.

"A military victory exchanged for a political dead end. I, Levi Byron, don't do such losing business."

Brunhilde fell silent.

She was accustomed to solving problems with swords and blood, but for the first time, she clearly felt that beyond swords, there was another, more perilous and deadly battlefield.

Victory or defeat there was even more crucial than the outcome of a battle.

"Then what should we do? Just wait for them to flatten the castle?" Her tone was filled with reluctance and confusion.

"Of course not." Levi's lips finally curved into a slight smile, but there was no warmth in that smile, only precise calculation.

"We can fight, but we cannot fire the first shot. The posture must be impeccable."

He looked at the map again: "Your defense plan, execute half of it. Immediately organize all the militia and idle laborers in the territory to dig deep trenches and build ramparts along the territory's border. Use all the stones and wood you can find, and put on a show that we're going to defend to the death. Remember, only pure defensive fortifications; no offensive traps or ballistas are allowed."

"This..." Brunhilde was even more confused. Wasn't this just for show?

Against the Lava Guard, such crude fortifications would be useless.

"Furthermore," Levi continued, without explaining, "withdraw all the guards back into the castle. No one is allowed to go out except for necessary sentries. Also, tell Elder Odin and his team to continue their work as if nothing has happened. The tavern will operate as usual, with unlimited rum supply. We want everyone to see that Blackstone Territory loves peace, but absolutely does not fear."

Just then, a hurried hoofbeat approached from afar, breaking the silence of the late night.

A guard rushed up the stairs and reported loudly from outside the door: "Lord! The Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce's emergency convoy has arrived! Escorting them are... the Imperial Capital's Royal Guard!"

Levi and Brunhilde exchanged glances, both seeing surprise in the other's eyes.

At this hour, the Royal Guard?

The two quickly walked out of the study and onto the balcony of the castle's main building.

Torchlight illuminated the open space in front of the castle. Over a dozen carriages painted with the Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce's emblem were parked in the center, and before and after the convoy were two rows of knights wearing silver full plate armor and helmets adorned with golden griffon plumes.

Their warhorses were exceptionally magnificent; even after a long journey, they still held their heads high, white steam puffing from their nostrils.

They were the Radiant Empire's most elite Royal Guards, and their appearance itself represented the will of the imperial power.

A knight dismounted, and behind him, a middle-aged man in luxurious court attire with an arrogant expression, surrounded by a retinue of servants, walked to the front of the convoy.

He unrolled a parchment and, with a sharp and resonant voice, publicly read aloud.

"By the decree of His Majesty Charles III, King of Radiance! The Blackstone Territory, a domain of the Byron Family, has shown keen ambition and effective development, improving the lives of its people and serving as an exemplary model. To commend these achievements, We hereby dispatch Our eldest daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Ella Radiance, to arrive at Blackstone Territory in one day for a week-long inspection of the territory's development and the people's welfare, in preparation for subsequent commendations. All officials and commoners along the route must treat her with utmost respect and diligence, without fail! Thus decreed!"

The voice, amplified by magic, clearly echoed throughout the castle and beyond.

Everyone was stunned.

Even the militia who had just been organized to dig fortifications stopped their tools, looking over in disbelief.

The Imperial Princess? Inspecting Blackstone Territory?

Levi stood on the balcony, the night wind ruffling his hair.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the herald, watching the arrogant expression on his face that seemed to say, 'You bumpkins, receive the decree,' and watching the golden-edged decree shimmering in the torchlight.

Countless experiences of being 'suddenly ambushed' by clients and superiors in his previous life made him instantly detect something unusual.

This inspection came too coincidentally, so coincidentally that it seemed... tailor-made for him.

But the expression on his face instantly switched from calm calculation to a perfectly timed surprise and honor.

He quickly walked down the stairs, personally greeting the herald, bowing deeply, and respectfully receiving the decree with both hands, his voice filled with emotion: "Levi Byron, Lord of Blackstone Territory, humbly obeys His Majesty's decree! We welcome Her Royal Highness Princess! This is the supreme honor of Blackstone Territory!"

His performance was flawless, softening the herald's arrogant expression somewhat, who nodded in satisfaction.

After properly settling the herald and his retinue, Levi immediately returned to the study.

Brunhilde followed closely, closing the door. The confusion on her face had turned into deep concern: "Lord, what is going on? If Her Royal Highness comes at this time, and there's a conflict with the dwarves..."

"Conflict? No, there won't be any conflict." Levi casually placed the King's decree on the table, no longer showing any signs of being 'overwhelmed with honor.' Instead, his face displayed a cold composure of one who had everything under control.

His brain was working at an incredibly high speed, rapidly integrating this sudden variable into his plan.

He looked at Evelyn, his succubus assistant, who was already waiting there.

"Evelyn."

"At your service."

"Abandon all public relations preparations against the dwarves, scrap them all." Levi's speech was incredibly fast, his thoughts frighteningly clear. "Immediately, draft an official letter in my name. The wording must be extremely humble and friendly, like a 'friendly reminder' written to a distant friend."

Evelyn quickly took out paper and pen, ready to record.

"The official letter must be delivered by our best messenger, riding our fastest horse, overnight, into the hands of the Lava Guard commander." Levi dictated the core content of the letter while pacing, "Tell him that Blackstone Territory is very honored to soon welcome the inspection of Her Royal Highness Ella, the eldest princess of the Radiant Empire, which is an honor for the entire Northern Realm. Currently, the territory has activated the highest level of security protocols to ensure the absolute safety of Her Royal Highness."

"Then, in the most subtle tone, 'suggest' to them. To avoid any possible, unnecessary 'misunderstandings' — for example, their unintentional military movements being misjudged by the Imperial Guard as 'an open provocation against the Imperial Royal Family' — I personally suggest that the Lava Guard temporarily... I mean temporarily, halt their advance and encamp twenty miles outside the Imperial border."

Levi stopped walking.

"Finally, don't forget to attach an accurate copy of the King's decree, using the Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce's best paper, to make it look as weighty as the original. Remember, be sure to add an additional commercial confirmation stamp from the Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce next to my Byron Family crest wax seal."

He added: "Oh, and before the messenger departs, have him change into our best formal attire and have his horse thoroughly cleaned. He's not going to deliver intelligence; he's going to... announce good news."

A formidable punitive expedition was about to be transformed into an 'honor guard' forced to stand sentry for the Imperial Princess outside the border.

Evelyn's pen flew across the paper. She looked up, her captivating violet eyes now filled with deep shock and fervent admiration for her master's method of 'killing with borrowed power'.

Levi's gaze once again turned to the window, to the dark horizon.

He knew how frustrated and angry the dwarf commander would be upon receiving this letter.

But he also knew that he dared not gamble.

Killing with a borrowed knife? No, this was more ingenious than killing with a borrowed knife.

This was borrowing a 'golden signboard' that no one dared to offend, making the drawn axe obediently halt in mid-air.

Now, everything was ready, awaiting the arrival of the never-before-seen Princess to his stage, where a good show was about to unfold.

He just didn't know if this noble princess was merely a pawn passing by, or... another hidden player in this game of cards?

Levi's fingertips lightly tapped the desktop, producing rhythmic soft sounds that echoed far in the silent night.