He had departed from Ironpeak, and now he was back.
Sylas felt a wave of self-mockery wash over him.
Especially when the carriage halted at the entrance of the Chancellor's estate, and he laid eyes on those familiar gates, his courage to save the world and his pity for the suffering masses sharply dwindled.
"Young Master, shall I announce our arrival?" Luna asked cheerfully after securing the carriage.
One must remember, during her time at the Stonewold Chancellor's estate, she had been exceptionally content.
No one troubled her here, and whenever Sylas was bullied by Mirabel, he would often hold her close to vent his frustrations.
Luna even occasionally got to witness the pitiable state her Young Master was reduced to.
So, her impression of the Chancellor's estate was particularly favorable.
Sylas gazed at the familiar gates. The guards stationed there were still the very ones he had meticulously selected and trained.
He hesitated before speaking. "Returning like this… isn't it like going back on my word? Like returning to graze on old pastures?"
"How is it going back on your word? It's called weighing your options!Just like product need to find the right buyer."
"So, I'm the product being compared, then?"
Realizing her misspeak, Luna quickly added, "The Young Master knows what I mean. It's just about making comparisons, right, Fomalhaut?"
Fomalhaut twitched her furry dog ears and said blankly, "What kind of product is the Young Master?"
"..."
"Enough, both of you, stop chattering. Go and announce us," Sylas muttered, feeling rather embarrassed.
Luna approached the main gate and spoke with the attendants.
The maids were initially indifferent, but upon hearing that Lord Sylas had returned, their faces immediately lit up with joy.
They didn't even bother going inside to announce him; instead, they swarmed around the carriage.
The moment they saw Sylas, they exclaimed happily, "My Lord! You're back! Thank the heavens, you've returned!
It's so wonderful that you're back. Please, don't leave again."
Sylas had no choice but to grit his teeth and greet them.
He had intended to wait for them to inform Gwendolyn, but the maids were so excited they forgot protocol and directly ushered the carriage into the Chancellor's estate.
Did Lord Sylas need an announcement to enter the Chancellor's estate?
He was family.
Amid the noisy commotion of their entry, Sylas could only proceed to Gwendolyn's study.
Before he even reached the door, he heard Gwendolyn's surprised exclamation from within: "He's back? Where is he? Why wasn't I informed sooner?
Quick, quick, where's my coat?
Never mind, it's fine. I'll brave the cold."
As she spoke, Gwendolyn pushed the door open, nearly colliding with Sylas.
The moment he saw Gwendolyn, blood rushed to Sylas's head. He was so embarrassed he felt utterly at a loss.
Right then, he wished he could find a crack in the ground to hide in.
He forced a strained smile. "Your Ladyship…"
Gwendolyn's eyes sparkled with delight, but sensing Sylas's discomfort, she tactfully made a joke: "Hanvale wasn't easy to settle into, was it?"
Sylas shook his head sincerely. "It pales in comparison to the central plains."
"Ah, knowing to come back is enough. Come, follow me inside. I'm not even wearing a coat; if you give me a cold, you'll have to tend to me again."
This time, Gwendolyn mustered her courage and stretched out her hand..
A warmth spread through Sylas's heart.
She wasn't mocking him, nor was she throwing him out.
Chancellor Gwendolyn, thank you.
He reached out, took her hand, and followed her into the study.
Several officials from the Chancellor's estate were inside; it seemed they had been working.
When they saw Sylas enter, they all bowed respectfully, their faces also reflecting joy.
After all, they had shared hardships; such camaraderie was precious.
Even though Sylas had gone to Hanvale, it was because Her Majesty had been disrespectful and offended him.
Now that Her Majesty was confined, his return was quite welcome.
"You see, everyone welcomes you so much. Don't leave again," Gwendolyn joked, though her words carried a deeper meaning:
Please, don't leave, okay?
Sylas looked seriously at everyone, then said firmly, "I will not leave Stonewold again, Your Ladyship. I beg you, give me a chance.
I want… I want to make Stonewold powerful, and then lead troops south!"
Hearing this, Gwendolyn couldn't help but be shocked.
She had always thought Sylas had a gentle nature, but she never expected to hear such ambitious words from him.
She said with considerable approval, "Good! Then let us pull together in times of trouble!"
Everyone chorused: "Let us pull together in times of trouble!"
Upon this return, Sylas provided Gwendolyn with a wealth of intelligence.
He had personally traveled the route through the Pass .
If they were to march south, this was the most expedient path for an army.
However, the sturdiness of Pass was truly daunting.
Capturing this pass would undoubtedly cost countless lives.
But on his journey back, Sylas had already begun formulating a plan.
He knew it was madness, but it had a high chance of success.
He hadn't even hinted at his idea to Gwendolyn.
By evening, Sylas was once again staying in his old room.
After being away for nearly a month, the room was exactly as he had left it, clean and tidy.
It seemed Gwendolyn had genuinely hoped for his return.
Gwendolyn saw him to his room and said somewhat shyly, "The environment in this room is quite nice, so I often come here to sit."
"Your Ladyship…" Sylas called softly.
"Mm, you should rest. I'll leave now."
"Stay…"
"Stay?"
Sylas looked up, meeting Gwendolyn's gaze bravely. He had finally taken a step forward.
This was his home; there was no need to flee anymore.
"Stay. If you stay, I will stay too."
Hearing this, Gwendolyn began to tremble. She opened her mouth to speak but didn't know what to say.
Happiness had come too suddenly. No matter how insecure she felt, she knew she couldn't let go again now.
She gently closed the door.
They kissed, undressed, and caressed each other with love.
There was no violence, no coercion, and certainly no pain.
She felt as if she had become ten years younger, indulging in her desires with him.
…
Sylas became busy.
He was reinstated as Chancellor of the Left of Stonewold.
Over the next six months, he sent his spirit girls out to various places to persuade and gather nearly three to four thousand usable spirit-folk.
These spirit-folk were dispersed throughout Hanvale and the western regions, perfect for gathering intelligence.
He went to martial outposts, cooperating with the people to purchase large numbers of horses.
He also established a monastery in Ironpeak named the White Cloud Monastery. Through vigorous promotion, its reputation spread to Wealdham within just a few months.
Many people from Wealdham came to the White Cloud Monastery to offer incense.
Furthermore, he prepared ten thousand soldiers, training them meticulously in preparation for the southern campaign.
Regarding Sylas's actions, some within the Stonewold court expressed dissatisfaction.
Especially concerning the establishment of the White Cloud Monastery.
Many, citing the example of Rowena the Recluse in Wealdham, feared Stonewold would also be ruined by The Arcane Order and thus opposed it.
But the Abbess of the White Cloud Monastery was Sylas's trusted Fomalhaut, so it didn't cause much damage.
On the contrary, the nuns of the White Cloud Monastery—the spirit girls—often traveled far and wide, especially into Wealdham territory. A single trip could earn a lot of money, which also generated income for Sylas.
Then, on a scorching summer day, earth-shattering news arrived from Wealdham.
The moment Sylas saw the information, he guessed that the sister who had parted ways with him six months ago, Seraphina, had likely made her move.
Rumors said that on an auspicious day, the Empress of Wealdham, Rowena the Recluse, had achieved ascension and ascended to the heavens.
Before departing, she abdicated the throne to the Court Archmage, Seraphina.
Wealdham had changed.