The Medallion

Shirley nodded before taking a seat beside him. "Grandpa, are you thinking about Alston's proposal?" she asked him gently.

"What do you think?" Bryant asked her with another question.

"I'll obey whatever you decide for our clan's future. I don't think my opinion matters." Shirley's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. Her past self would have done whatever she wanted. But now that she was more cognizant of the Ximen Clan's future, she became a more mature woman.

"I would still like to hear your opinion on the matter, my dear. I assure you, it matters to me," Bryant replied lovingly, instructing her to go ahead.

"I used to admire Alston. With his ability, strength, and being heir to the throne, I thought he was perfect. Everyone looked up to him and obeyed his every order. But I was so naive. Ever since he was appointed the acting emperor, the noble prince I once knew has vanished. He wiped out all the clans who refused to bend the knee. His cruel methods still give me goosebumps to this day. Perhaps it's his nature. It doesn't matter. Whether as a husband or as an emperor, he can't be trusted!" Shirley admitted frankly.

"So you don't want to marry him, correct?" Bryant asked her earnestly, his voice carrying no other sentiments.

She hesitated for a moment before nodding and replying, "Whatever you believe is necessary, grandpa. I will support whatever you decide. You might get in trouble if we turn them down. Alston expects the support of our clan. He won't give up so easily!"

"If you don't want to marry him, my dear, then don't. Leave the rest to me. Once Alston arrives, you can find an excuse to turn him down. Don't worry. Everything will be fine," Bryant assured her after thinking over the matter for a while. His words clearly showed how much he adored his granddaughter.

"I see. But what excuse can I give that's convincing enough?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed.

"You were engaged to Prince Basil. Although the engagement was called off after Prince Basil's death, his father never officially nullified it. Technically, the engagement is still valid. If you're willing to marry a dead man, then Alston can't force you into the marriage." Bryant grinned as he stroked his mustache. He reminded Shirley of a cunning old fox.

would benefit from his death. How ironic!" Shirley snorted as

back, Prince Basil's great accomplishments at the Gehenna Border proved him to be a more suitable heir to the throne than

To her, Rocky was still the rascal that robbed her of her first

was carried out, some valuable news arrived from Laney. Over the past half year, she established an information network within the imperial city. Together with Marcia's precise analysis, they were able to make progress on

forces and training elites. Its walls are heavily guarded by numerous spirit manipulators and tens

the Palace City. If he did, he would've been exposed once we found solid evidence against him and would never be able to explain. That's why he sent Flint to his secret base. Even if we could get in and find him down there, it would be quite a challenge getting him out. This buys him time to persuade the Ximen Clan. He's really outdone himself now," Rocky commented, his eyebrows deeply furrowed.

ask my father to send over troops to Wal City to rescue my brother. The sooner, the better!" Sabina exclaimed, the

Clan's centennial celebration is tomorrow. If we destroy his plan of pursuing the Ximen Clan by then, Alston will be furious and will surely threaten your father by hurting Flint. That's why our top priority must be to get him out of that city tomorrow,"

we do? Have you got a plan figured out?"

Flint won't be enough. Our biggest problem is that we don't know who to trust anymore. Even just sending out a simple signal for help will be too risky. We can't afford to leave with wool on our backs and come home with it shorn. If I team up with General Lance, we'll have a better chance. However, this will certainly alert the enemy and affect our plan,"

my father going there is out of the question."

be able to rescue him?" Lance

go. We've got no other choice," Rocky

mean alone? No, it's too dangerous. Besides, Flint is my younger brother. I'll do it."

to go alone. Count me in. Maybe I can help out a little," Lucilla offered. She was

this mission alone. Besides, you have the Ximen Clan to deal with," Rocky reminded Sabina with a subtle nod.