Two days later.

Glimmering City Palace.

"Leaving today? Can't you stay here a little longer?" Hofurd looked at Andrea, who had come to say goodbye, with mixed feelings. "Otto and the others wouldn't want to part ways just after meeting you, would they?"

"I've been away from Neverwinter for a long time. There are still people waiting for me there," Andrea said frankly. "Besides, now is the time of transition between the old and new royal powers. They, as family heirs, shouldn't spend their time on banquets and entertainment anymore. Since we're friends, one meeting is enough."

She is indeed different from before, the Earl thought.

She has grown.

"Regarding the upcoming negotiations with Graycastle... do you have any suggestions?" Hofurd pondered for a moment. "I want to hear your thoughts. This is very important for the family's decision-making."

"I don't know much about government affairs—in Neverwinter City, those responsible for handling these matters are not nobles, but *ziyou* people who have passed exams. If you want to inquire about the details, it would be more appropriate to find Hill. Fox, he has always had more or less contact with the Western Region." Andrea paused. "If I must say something, it is not to make the same mistake as Ampere."

Hofurd smiled wryly, "It would be beyond stupid to dare to continue opposing Graycastle after witnessing the power that Roland. Wimbledon possesses."

"It's not just power..." Andrea shook her head. "The upcoming Battle of Divine Will concerns the fate of all mankind. Internal strife at this time will only accelerate our demise—neither Graycastle nor Dawn can survive the catastrophe alone. Since this is the case, you must know better than me how the family can obtain the greatest benefit."

"Continuing to exist is the greatest benefit," Hofurd quickly understood what his daughter meant.

"And the hope of continuing lies with His Majesty Roland," she spread her hands. "Therefore, controlling the order of Dawn, firmly standing on the side of Graycastle, and working together to overcome the Battle of Divine Will is the only suggestion I can give."

Earl Quinn slowly nodded, "...I understand."

As Andrea turned to leave, he couldn't help but call out to her again.

"I..."

"You don't need to see me off. There are still many things to be busy with later. You don't need to worry about my safety either. God's Punishment Witches will return to Neverwinter with me," she said, turning her face slightly.

"No, what I wanted to say was... I'm sorry, daughter." As soon as he said this, Hofurd felt much older, but his heart was also a lot lighter. In fact, there was much more he wanted to pour out, such as the fact that sending her away back then was indeed for the family, but it couldn't be said that there was no intention to protect her in it; also, he regretted not discussing this matter with his wife first, and if everything could be done again, he wouldn't necessarily do it in such a crude way; and when he heard from Otto that she was still alive and doing well, the joy that surged in his heart...

But Earl Quinn was more aware that the damage had already been done, and even if those words were spoken, they would only be excuses or attempts to make up for it in the other party's ears. This is the price of choice. Andrea has grown to this point today, and he can't appear too bad either.

After saying this, the old Earl closed his eyes.

"Well... then I'm leaving."

The sound of his daughter's footsteps gradually faded away, and finally disappeared from his ears. Although he didn't hear the father he was expecting, the other party's tone was no longer as cold as it had been a few days ago. At least this time, she didn't call him Lord Earl again.

This is good, he thought. This is just a temporary separation, and there will eventually be a time for reunion.

Time can make people forget, and it can also heal wounds.

The choice ten years ago cost him a lot.

And Hofurd. Quinn intends to use the same amount of time to correct this mistake.

*******************

After leaving White Wave Bay, the ship entered the sea.

Ampere put down the map in his hand and looked out of the porthole.

This route is one of the main commercial routes to Wolfheart's Glimmering Harbor, and merchant ships can be seen coming and going from time to time. Occasionally, small fishing boats would approach to sell some fresh fish and fruits.

If he were still the king, the three-masted sea ships flying the royal flag should be sailing around him, and if he wanted to eat fresh food, the maids would naturally deliver it.

It's all the fault of those damned traitors!

It has been almost a week since he was driven off the throne, and during this time he has been thinking about how to turn the tables. Even if he can't deal with the King of Graycastle, he can't at least let the three major families comfortably lie in his city and enjoy the fruits of the rebellion.

After much deliberation, Ampere finally chose his first foothold - Fortress Thousand Blades in the Wolfheart Kingdom. It is close to the Dawn border, and it is rumored that its lord has blood ties with the Dawn nobles, so he should not be too harsh on the Moore family. Most importantly, the nobles of the two places communicate frequently, and if someone wants to use his identity to do something, they can easily contact him.

Don't look at those lords who were eager to make a move before, but in the final analysis, it was all for profit. Now that he is no longer the ruler of Glimmering City, there is naturally no basis for conflict.

Not only that, his bloodline can instead become a tool for them to seize new benefits.

In order to take revenge, Ampere decided to temporarily wrong himself. When the time is right, those who despise him will surely taste the bitter fruit!

Thinking of this, he felt much more invigorated, and at the same time, his stomach sent a wave of hunger.

I'll have some fruit first. Once he leaves the Dawn coastal area, this route will become much quieter, and he had just heard the sound of a fishing boat coming alongside.

Ampere shook the thin rope in front of the table—it was connected to a bell outside the room, and as soon as it rang, the maid would respond and enter.

However, there was no response from outside this time.

His brows immediately furrowed.

Could it be that he has fallen so low that even a maid dares to be lazy and perfunctory? In an instant, murderous intent arose in his heart.

Well, if it is really her negligence, it would not be bad to take her as a warning example. Apart from the Moore family members and knights who were loyal to the death, the others in the accompanying team are indeed becoming more and more disrespectful.

He wants to let those people know that even on a ship, as long as he is there, it should be no different from the palace.

Ampere got up and walked out of the room, only to find that there was no one in the corridor. Not only the maid, but also the sailors, guards, and slaves... all disappeared without a trace. The cabin was eerily quiet, leaving only the rustling sound of the sea water hitting the hull.

The hairs on his back suddenly stood on end—

Something is wrong here!

Could it be that he was abandoned? No... absolutely impossible. Even if the mercenaries and servants wanted to abandon him, the close-guard knights trained by the family would definitely stand up to stop them. There wouldn't be no sound at all during the dispute between the two sides!

Ampere was preparing to climb to the deck from the ladder of the stern main bedroom to take a look. There should be sailors there no matter what. But just as he turned around, he saw a blood-stained short sword pressed against his neck.

The sword holder was an extremely ugly woman, but her eyes were as bright as a star.

She is not from the ship, Ampere immediately realized. He couldn't possibly have no impression of someone so distinctive.

She is an attacker from outside!

"Who sent you? Do you know what you are doing, you lowly person! I am the Lord of Dawn, from the Moore family—"

The sound came to an abrupt halt.

He found that air could no longer be exhaled through his mouth, and the gushing blood had blocked his throat. The tearing pain stretched from his neck to his chest, and the chill that swept through his body took away all his strength.

As he fell, he only heard a casual whisper from above his head.

"Oh, it's just a mortal after all."