Chapter 518 516: War and Peace

That day, Blazing Town remained calm, with mercenaries still at odds with the border guards.

But the next day, everything changed.

The news of the Holy Court's army encamping at the border spread quickly into Blazing Town, and all mercenaries stopped provoking the border guards and decisively left.

In the entire town, apart from local residents, only the border guards with heavy expressions remained.

Even when townsfolk were active, their expressions were full of panic.

Hilia stood on the rooftop of a building, looking at the road leading deeper into the Blue Dragon Empire.

At this time, except for the free mercenaries, the townspeople had packed up their families and were leaving in droves.

When war breaks out, this will be the first battlefield, and no one wants to die without reason.

Even the town's lord had no intention of staying to resist.

A small town between two empires can't even stir a ripple, better to flee first and return when things calm down.

So the lord ran the fastest, probably already crossing Fanar City into the heart of the Blue Dragon Empire.

Hilia watched, and after a while, murmured: "The inn's deposit hasn't been refunded to me, and the owner ran away, everyone ran away."

This town's topography is slightly elevated, and Hilia looks towards the border where a distant camp is faintly visible under construction.

And the Holy Court's strong demands also reached the town, making everyone aware.

Hilia went to the mercenary tavern, which was much quieter, with only a few reluctant townsfolk remaining.

They were whispering to each other.

"Is the Holy Court really going to fight? Aren't they afraid of Captain Erina?"

"They said their Holy Daughter went missing in Fanar City and demanded we hand over the Holy Daughter or they'll level Blue Dragon, and hey, isn't their Holy Daughter perfectly fine? My friend in Huijin City sent me news, their Holy Daughter Anna was hosting prayers today."

"Just an excuse, too sudden, how dare the Holy Court."

"Alas, hope it doesn't escalate, it's been peaceful for so long, why suddenly war?"

"Probably won't escalate, if the Holy Court dares to fight, the Northern Alliance won't sit idly by."

"Alas..."

Hilia silently drank her juice.

The tavern attendant walked over and brought Hilia a cup of juice.

"Drinks are free today, it's the last day we're open, miss, we're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?" the attendant asked.

Hilia raised her head, saying: "Thank you, I'm leaving tomorrow too."

The attendant looked at the opposite seat, where the juice was already empty.

Hilia came here every day recently, and she noticed that this girl likes to order two cups, and the one opposite always gets finished quickly.

She wanted to see if someone else drank it or if Hilia drank it and moved it over, but each time she got distracted by work, and when she realized, the juice was already empty.

Today was no exception, even though today wasn't busy...

The attendant was puzzled but didn't voice it.

Everyone has their secrets, it's unlikely they'd tell a stranger.

Considering she frequents the place, a kind reminder is the least she could do.

After sitting for a moment in the tavern, Hilia got up and left.

Just waiting here isn't a solution.

After a day of thought, Hilia decided to quietly leave and head for the Law Enforcement Knight Order's camp to inquire about Melina.

Hilia had no intention to obstruct the Law Enforcement Knight Order's operation since it was impossible to succeed. She just wanted to understand the situation and then leave.

The young girl was still holding onto hope, what if they're here to eradicate the Tower of Descent?

The border patrol became more stringent.

However, only in areas with uncomplicated terrain.

Near Blazing Town, there are many mountains, the terrain is complicated in some places, and since they weren't near the Law Enforcement Knight Order's stationed points, patrols were reduced.

Hilia rode the Flying Broom, found an overlooked spot with Rose's help, flew low through it, and detoured to the Law Enforcement Knight Order's camp edge.

She didn't go directly in but dialed Melina's Star Spirit Network star number from afar.

Upon hearing Hilia was coming, Melina personally came to bring her into the camp.

"Ms Melina, has the battle started?" Hilia asked.

Melina slightly smiled: "Not yet, but Blue Dragon Empire envoys have arrived, and we've exchanged enough opinions, Lion Heart Kingdom has already organized the vanguard forces, and it's quick."

She noticed Hilia's complex expression, seemingly hard to accept, so she patted her shoulder: "This is the Holy Master's decree, I'm just the executor. The Holy Master wishes to reclaim lost territory before retiring."

Hilia was silent.

According to history, the four great empires split off 100 years ago, forming the five empire structure, and alongside weaker Elf Race and Beastman Empire, formed seven major empires. There are many small duchies, but they can be ignored as they, while independent, needed to 'pay taxes' or make tribute.

Hilia didn't oppose reclaiming territory, it's just that such prolonged peace made her fear war.

Melina said: "Since you're back, you should return, Hilia, before you reach the sixth rank, training is what you should focus on."

Hilia nodded: "Understood. But if it starts..."

Melina gently smiled: "Don't worry, even if it starts, it won't be a full-scale war. Although we're integrated by the Holy Master, our overall strength isn't sufficient to ignore other empires and engage Blue Dragon Empire in full war; other empires won't stand by idly."

She paused and said: "But, the Blue Dragon Empire is stronger than the other three empires. They're also worried that once Blue Dragon Empire completely masters Dragon Language Magic, they'll launch invasions, so they want to use our strength to suppress Blue Dragon Empire."

Melina coldly smiled: "For instance, Lion Heart Kingdom, though agreeing to join us, if the fight starts, they will surely provide minimum effort, leaving the burden on us. The other three are similar, won't act rashly initially, but if we're dragged into a war dilemma, they won't support us against Blue Dragon Empire; rather, they'll likely devour Ista's territory.

"So, even if the Law Enforcement Knight Order arrives, it doesn't necessarily mean fighting will start; it's all about the negotiations, which I'm not familiar with, so wait for the Holy Master to decide."

"Goodness, it's so complicated," Hilia felt dumbfounded.

Melina chuckled, seizing the moment to touch Hilia's head: "Indeed, I also find all this exchange of interests too complicated, not my style. If possible, I'd love to go eradicate the Tower of Descent instead; fighting heretics is straightforward, no need to think about so many things."

Will there be a fight?

Hilia blinked, choosing to stop pondering.

Oh well, listening to Lord Rose won't go wrong.

Go back and wait for news.