After two days of sailing, villages and farmland appeared on the desolate green fields, and the walls of Redwater City gradually came into view before the vanguard.

As the largest city on the Redwater River, it possessed a population and resources comparable to the old royal capital. If it weren't for the mineral wealth of Silverlight City, perhaps the Wimbledon ancestors would have established the capital in Redwater instead of the current Dawn City.

Brian raised his telescope and observed for a while, "What should we do when we arrive at the dock? Should we intimidate them with naval guns first?"

"That might provoke the animosity of the other lord. Our primary target is the church; everything else can be put aside," Iron Axe shook his head, "According to your diplomatic procedures, submit a letter first."

The fleet's docking on the suburban wharf immediately caused a commotion. As soldiers lined up and assembled outside the wharf, the city gate quickly closed, and even the drawbridge of the moat was raised.

After Brian sent someone to deliver the letter, he soon received a reply.

"They said that the lord welcomes His Majesty's army, but he needs to send an envoy into the city to explain the situation first. After understanding the cause of the matter, he will open the city gate and let us in," the soldier reported.

"What's the situation? Isn't it already explained very clearly in the letter?" Brian said displeased, "We're only targeting the church. Does he want to let those clergymen escape?"

"Is this also your rule?" Iron Axe turned his head and looked at the members of the accompanying staff.

"Uh... for nobles, it should be like this," Trafford, Pero's guard captain, replied, "After all, Roland His Majesty isn't here in person, and Redwater City isn't under his jurisdiction. It's normal for the other party to be suspicious. Just send an envoy of appropriate status to explain in detail."

"Appropriate status?"

"A large family that the lord trusts," Trafford explained, "For example, the Honeysuckle of the Western Territory."

Iron Axe, Brian, and Vanna exchanged glances. Before becoming commanders of the First Army, one was a Sandman, and the latter two were commoners. They were not only ignorant of noble etiquette but also didn't have a status equal to the city lord for negotiation.

"I'd say it's more convenient to just blast open the city gate with cannons," Brian became annoyed, "As long as they take two shots, they'll know what the right thing to do is."

"Let me do it," Edith said, "The Kant family is a noble family in the Northern Territory. My father can also be considered a duke, and serving as an envoy wouldn't be a problem."

"What if this is a scam?" Vanna hesitated, "For example, the lord of Redwater City has long colluded with the church. After you go in, they'll arrest you and force us to retreat."

"That wouldn't benefit him, and you wouldn't do it, would you?" Edith smiled, "Any noble with a normal brain wouldn't think of harming the envoy. That would only attract the resentment of other nobles and wouldn't affect the overall situation. If he really colluded with the church, he should have closed the city and fought directly. In fact, their city walls haven't even been prepared with bonfires and hot oil."

"Let me accompany her," Sir Silt said, "At least I was once a knight, and I can take care of her if there's danger."

"Although I appreciate your concern, the Pearl of the North doesn't need anyone to take care of her," Edith said confidently.

"Still, take a squad of soldiers," Iron Axe finally decided, "Once we hear gunfire, we'll launch a full-scale attack."

...

Half an hour later, the city gate slowly opened, and the drawbridge was lowered.

A group of people stared in disbelief as Edith xiaojie, escorted by a First Army squad and a row of silver-armored knights, walked out with a chubby middle-aged man. Although the man was dressed luxuriously, his demeanor and behavior seemed to be quite flattering to her, looking more like a servant at first glance.

"This is Earl Delta, the lord of Redwater City," Edith introduced as they approached the crowd, "I also asked him to send out a patrol to surround the church, so that the priests and followers wouldn't have a chance to escape." Then she turned her head, "These are the First Army commanders of His Majesty, Lord Iron Axe, as well as Mr. Brian and Vanna."

"Iron Axe... what?" The Earl was probably hearing such an introduction for the first time and couldn't help but be stunned.

"Never mind," she smiled, "This is His Majesty's usual way of calling them."

"I see," Delta cleared his throat, "I've long heard of the Fourth Prince... no, the King's unconventional style, and it's indeed extraordinary. Um... Redwater City welcomes your arrival. May I ask, does His Majesty really only want to clear out the rebellious elements of the church?"

This is the lord of Redwater City? Brian thought in surprise. The image differed too much from his expectation.

"That's right," Iron Axe nodded earnestly, "I think His Majesty's letter has already written it very clearly. The church is trying to annex the Four Kingdoms, and rebellion has become a fact. You should have heard about the tragedies that happened in Everwinter and Wolfheart. Once we eliminate the church's resistance, we'll leave."

"Actually... there's no need to be so hasty," Delta rubbed his hands, "I'll hold a grand banquet at the castle tonight, and I hope everyone can attend."

Although he was inviting everyone, his eyes were constantly gazing at the Pearl of the North.

Brian was about to refuse, but Edith agreed immediately, "Thank you for your kind invitation. It's our honor, but we have to wait until we've completed the task assigned by His Majesty."

"Of course," the Earl squinted his eyes with a smile.

...

Under the guidance of the knights, the First Army began to enter the city in an orderly manner. Taking advantage of the Earl's inattention, Brian walked to Edith's side and questioned in a low voice, "Why did you accept his invitation? He clearly looks ill-intentioned!"

"This is a common social interaction between nobles. Refusing would be too impolite," she said nonchalantly, "Although I don't know why His Majesty wants to completely exclude nobles from the army, you now represent Roland His Majesty, so it's impossible to completely reject these things. And if we establish good relations now, it will be much easier to take back Redwater City in the future. As for his ill intentions..." She curled her lips, "What other expressions can male nobles show?"

"Uh..." Brian was speechless for a moment, and after a long while, he sighed, "Do you usually live like this?"

"Apart from being a bit boring, it's not bad," Edith's tone carried a hint of sarcasm, "What, have you never envied the lives of nobles?"

"I—" He opened his mouth but couldn't answer.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in front, and it seemed that someone was shouting something, and at the same time, there was the sound of gravel hitting the ground.

"What happened?" the Earl asked loudly.

And Iron Axe had already raised his right hand, clenching it into a fist, "Attention, everyone, be on alert!"

The team immediately stopped advancing, and the soldiers uniformly took off the buqiang from their backs, quickly transforming from a column into several rows.

Just then, Sylvie in the center of the team reminded loudly, "Be careful! There's a magical reaction ahead!"