Read this novel at subscribestar.adult/fallenhead
ILLUSTRATIONS POSTED FOR ALL CHAPTERS
Chapter 18 Part 1: The Calm Before
Baron Kent, Prince Angus's trusted retainer, was anxious.
Following Prince Angus's orders, he had gone to the adventurers' guild to post a commission. The mission: reinforce Prince Angus's army and drive back the orc horde. To attract adventurers, he had even raised the reward to 100 gold per person.
But a day had passed, and not a single adventurer had accepted.
Small wonder. Although 100 gold was high, compared to one's life, it was a pittance. Facing the orc army head‑on meant death. And with labyrinths now available, even the weakest adventurer could grind a few years in the lower floors and save up 100 gold. Why risk life and limb?
Money no longer moved adventurers. Even as commoners, they were empowered, protected by the guild, and had no need to sell their lives to nobles. Moreover, most adventurers had little fondness for nobles.
So, Kent failed.
Dejected, he suddenly spotted a familiar person. Though she had dyed her hair a light brown, that exquisite face was unmistakable at a glance.
"Lady Anna, please wait!"
Kent hurried forward to block her and her companion.
"Hm? Who are you?"
Anna eyed the black‑uniformed imperial officer with confusion. She was sure she had never seen him.
Kent performed a noble's salute before speaking respectfully: "I am Kent, a royal guard serving His Highness Prince Angus. Lady Anna, His Highness once showed us your magical image, so among the nobility, there are none who do not recognize you."
"Uh… I see."
Anna looked a bit awkward. "What do you need?"
She was being polite, but planned to leave quickly, lest Lu Fei get jealous. Unexpectedly, Kent dropped to his knees and begged: "Lady Anna, please save His Highness Prince Angus! Only you can save him now!"
"Ah… what's going on? Why do you say that?"
Anna was baffled.
"You must know this, Lady Anna: not long ago, His Highness Prince Angus led our forces to subdue the orc army that has committed innumerable crimes and invaded our lands."
"And then?"
"His Highness has been losing his battles. Our army has already suffered over half casualties. Yet because of you, His Highness has decided to fight to the death, to defend his honor."
"I beg you to persuade him to withdraw we must live to fight another day. Preserving our strength is the wisest course, but His Highness won't listen to us."
"He sent me here to post a commission for aid, but a day has passed no one accepted. Please, Lady Anna come to the front lines with me and save His Highness. He is your fiancé!"
Anna: "…"
Say it like that, and I instantly don't want to go.
She didn't answer; instead, she looked at the man behind her.
"Xiao Fei, what do you think?"
Only now did Kent notice the man behind Anna. Seeing that he resembled His Highness Angus by seven parts in ten, his pupils shrank.
Lu Fei stroked his chin and eyed Anna with a smile. "I'm fine with anything. I'll do as you say, Anna."
"If you want to save him, I'll go."
Anna's lips curved. "He's my fiancé don't you get jealous?"
"Why would I?"
Lu Fei smiled wryly and wrapped an arm around her waist. "You already belong to me. If anyone should be jealous, it's him."
This "fiancée" thing wasn't something Anna wanted; it was the result of a clumsy move by the world‑will. Naturally, Lu Fei wouldn't blame her.
"Hehe then let's save him. After all, he's your younger brother," Anna said with a smile.
Kent stared at Lu Fei's arm around Anna and grew dizzy. This man was holding the future crown princess? Prince Angus had been cuckolded! And was this man the prince's older brother? But there had been no news of the king having other offspring.
Kent's mind swam with questions; he frowned. Still, he kept a respectful posture, kneeling and awaiting Anna's decision. Even if the prince had been cuckolded, his safety came first. That was a retainer's duty.
"All right, we'll save him. But the remuneration is a separate matter."
Lu Fei turned his gaze to the kneeling Kent. "Kent, is it?"
"Yes. And you are?"
Kent studied the man before him growing more shocked by the moment. He truly looked like His Highness Angus! Dye his hair blond and he'd look even more alike. And Lady Anna seemed fond of him.
"My name is Lu Fei. As for identity just a passing adventurer."
"You've probably guessed our relationship. Yes, I'm her man. Knowing that, do you still ask our aid?"
"Of course! Please, Lord Lu Fei!"
Kent bowed again, humbly. Perhaps a blow like this would spur Prince Angus's growth. If one wants to live well, does one not wear a green hat or two? A green hat is better than losing one's life.
Suddenly, Kent felt a stab of sorrow for Prince Angus. For the sake of his beloved fiancée, he fought hard against the empire's enemies, seeking glory and the chance to wed her yet she lay in another man's arms. A sad tale.
Lu Fei, appreciating Kent's respectful bearing, gave him an approving look. "Very well. For your loyalty, I accept."
"But I don't approve of your methods. His Highness sent you to the guild to post a call for aid, yet your reward is stingy, isn't it?"
Kent's eyes widened. "A hundred gold is stingy?"
"Think. Is money the point?"
"Adventurers like money, but they also value their lives."
"Orcs have been rampant; the empire keeps losing. Adventurers feel fear too."
"Compared to a hundred gold to sell their lives, they'd rather grind in a labyrinth in relative safety."
"Th‑then… Lord Lu Fei, are labyrinths that profitable?"
Kent was stunned.
"Certainly. I ran one day yesterday and earned fifty gold. Worth it, no?"
Kent had no reply. Looked at that way, a hundred gold was indeed stingy. No wonder no one accepted.
"Please teach me, Lord Lu Fei!"
Kent bowed deeply again.
Lu Fei couldn't help feeling a bit pleased. "It's simple. Have Prince Angus be generous offer titles."
"Even adventurers won't miss an opportunity to become nobles."
"Of course, if the imperial army fears that glory will be stolen by commoner adventurers, then forget I said it."
A competent prince a crown prince gathers talent and brings elite adventurers under his banner. Otherwise, he will never achieve great things. As for now leading green troops to fight ruthless orcs defeat was inevitable.
"I understand. Thank you for your teaching!"
"I will report your suggestion to His Highness as is. But time is short. His Highness is in mortal danger could Lord Lu Fei and Lady Anna depart with me now?"
"We can."
Lu Fei nodded. He had come for adventure anyway. Perfect time to see this "kid brother" who nearly stole his chance and marry Anna then declare his claim to Anna once and for all.
Kent prepared the horses at once. Time was tight, so Lu Fei left the carriage and mounted up. Anna and Anya each took a horse. Lu Fei held Sena in front of him she couldn't ride. Liliyana went with Anna.
ILLUSTRATIONS POSTED FOR ALL CHAPTERS
-----------------------------------------------------------
To read Ahead go to subscribestar
subscribestar.adult/fallenhead
This novel has 140 chapters subscribestar
-----------------------------------------------------------