The Lord Of Blood Hill

Chapter 608: Broken Promise

After two months of long travel, building bridges and repairing roads along the way, the supply convoy finally arrives at Saltwater Town.The huge convoy and the large elite army make the residents of Saltwater Town overjoyed.

Over these past few months, everyone has been discussing rumors that Saltwater Town is not controlled by the King of Justice, but by Peace Haven.

The people may not have seen much of the world, but they know that Peace Haven's lord of Blood Hill is far stronger than the King of Justice.

Among the tens of thousands of soldiers who have arrived now, there are Peace Haven troops.

Two days later, Clifford and Browning issue the Lumir king's announcement in the center of Saltwater Town.

From this day on, Saltwater Town is transferred to Peace Haven's rule, and the people here must swear loyalty to the lord of Blood Hill from now on.

This counts as the formal announcement of Saltwater Town's ownership. Whether they are local residents or rebel civilians who withdrew here, all of them cheer.

Browning is appointed by Henwell as Saltwater Town's military overseer, while Hemingway becomes the administrator here.

Peace Haven will leave 3,000 troops here. Together with Browning's troops, they will form an independent legion.

Browning will serve as legion commander and command the three garrison warbands that will be established later.

The Constabulary and Ranger Camp that will be established here in the future will all answer to Hemingway.

At the same time, the project leaders who came with the convoy begin setting up their industries on site.

For a time, all idle people near Saltwater Town are gathered together, and people from the various industrial departments begin selecting and training them.

A hospital, a school, and a recruit camp are established at the same time.

Personnel from the Geology Department begin surveying the surrounding terrain. Finally, they provide options for both the military and administrative sides to discuss and select the best one, then begin building a city.

Saltwater Town certainly cannot become the center. The environment and position here are unsuitable, and there is little meaning in building a city on this foundation.

At the same time, personnel from the Agriculture Department begin experimenting with crop cultivation in saline-alkali areas. They also visit the local fishermen, preparing to attempt artificial saltwater fish farming.

In addition, the personnel from the Construction Supervision Office have to plan construction on one hand.

On the other hand, they have to plan to draw a canal here to solve the water-source problem.

While the convoy is still here, every industry needs to quickly finalize its plans.

All of Saltwater Town is mobilized, while Clifford and the others have to leave.

They will head northwest, circle around to the war zone, and officially join the fighting.

When they part, Simon is not stingy either. He gives Clifford several hundred wagons to make it easier for him to resupply temporarily on the road.

At the same time, there is another person trembling in fear.

The King of Justice, Howell, has lost all his former bearing. His face is covered in stubble, his expression is dispirited, and every day he can only numb himself with liquor.

Simon and Berkner, led by Browning, come to the most luxurious house in Saltwater Town.

This place was originally the manor of a knight lord in the town, but when Browning and the others marched south, that knight fled with his entire family.

The manor was left behind, and the King of Justice was settled here.

Most of the guards in the manor are Browning's men. Howell only has a dozen or so personal guards who remain loyal to him.

When Browning and the others enter the manor hall directly, Howell's guards immediately block them.

These men draw their longswords and glare at Browning angrily, as if condemning him as a traitor.

Facing the guards surrounding them, Simon waves his hand, signaling his own guards at the door and the soldiers outside to withdraw.

After the doors close, Howell's guards are already prepared to die in battle.

But at that moment, a voice scolds them and stops their actions.

A woman holding a child comes down from upstairs. She is Howell's beloved concubine, and also Meredith's sleeper agent.

Simon sizes up the beautiful woman in front of him, then bows slightly. "You are Lady Nissa, correct?"

The woman shakes her head. "My name is not Nissa. My name is Adina. That is my real name."

Simon nods gently. "Then, Adina, may we speak somewhere private?"

Adina is somewhat surprised. "Aren't you here for the King of Justice? Why are you looking for me? He is upstairs, still drinking."

Simon confirms again, "We came specifically for you."

After hesitating for a moment, Adina still nods and gestures for them to come to the reception room.

Those guards also try to follow and protect the little prince, but Berkner draws his longsword and uses his sword to project fighting spirit outward, leaving a sword mark in front of their feet.

"Stop."

Then the three follow Adina into the reception room and close the door.

After the three men exchange glances, Simon is still the first to speak. "According to your previous agreement with Director Blood Fox, we should be helping you kill the King of Justice at this time."

Adina gently rocks the child in her arms. "Yes. But the situation has clearly changed now, hasn't it?"

Simon shakes his head. "That agreement was a promise our lord made to you. We have no intention of breaking it. It is just that there are some things we wish to ask of you."

Adina raises her head and looks at the three of them. "You want me to spare Howell?"

Simon is somewhat embarrassed. "Yes."

"All right. I agree."

Simon frowns. "You do not want to ask why?"

Adina brushes aside a strand of hair and shows a smile. "Is there any meaning in asking? Since three legion commanders have come to find me, that proves this matter is important."

"And I am only a weak woman with a child. What ability do I have to oppose you? I would only make things unpleasant for myself."

Simon immediately shakes his head. "Please do not misunderstand. We have no intention of pressuring you. In truth, we know this request is very unreasonable."

"If you are unwilling, we absolutely will not force you. We can go upstairs and kill Howell right now."

"We guarantee on our character that we will hold no resentment toward you because of this. Director Blood Fox has also said that everything will respect your will."

"Whether or not you stay in Peace Haven in the future, we will owe you a favor. Whatever you need, we will do our best."

"Our lord personally instructed me on this. From beginning to end, he has never had even the slightest intention of making you give up your revenge."

"This is our own decision. We hope you will hear our explanation first, and then make your decision."

Adina shakes her head. "What difference does listening make? In the end, I still have to spare Howell."

"I only want one promise from you."

"If I live in Peace Haven in the future, my son must receive enough resources for his upbringing, and our identities must not be leaked."

Guilt appears on Simon's face, but he draws his longsword and stabs it into the floor. "I swear in the name of my former position as commander of the Lord Iron Guards. From now on, I will take good care of your son."

Berkner and Browning also draw their swords and swear that they are willing to look after the mother and son.

Only then does Adina nod. "Good. I hope you will not break your promise again."

All three men feel their faces burn. This truly is a miserable task.

As Adina leaves through the side door, Browning says, "Madam, Director Blood Fox once said that what Howell cares about most is power."

"Because of your contribution, he has fallen into the valley and become the drunkard he is now."

"If the plan succeeds, he will fall once more."

"Killing him is one thing. Breaking him is better. He will suffer the fall from the clouds to the valley floor all over again."

Adina turns back with a beautiful smile. "Hehe... If you put it that way, I feel a little better."