Henry's brow furrowed. He knew what this letter meant: the emperor was attempting to intervene in the conflict, and to resolve it by taking sides.
At the same time, Count John also opened his letter. Its contents were nearly identical to the one in Henry's hands.
His army was already prepared to assault the castle, and a ceasefire now would mean losing Ximira Castle for good.
A hint of resignation crossed his face. He didn't seem surprised by the emperor's intervention.
The moment he had "yielded" to the Second Prince's financial offensive, he knew this war was bound to attract the emperor's attention.
'I just never thought the timing would be so uncanny!'
'If only those three Mercenary Legions were still defending Ximira Castle. If only my vanguard had waited outside the walls. If only my army had set out just one day earlier!'
'Damn that Baron of Ximira! I ordered him long ago to recruit soldiers, organize them, and train them!'
'Sigh…'
