After nightfall, Ryan and Sulia naturally rested in the guest room of the Lady of the Lake's Tower.
The guest room was fully furnished and had been perfumed. After a comfortable bath, Ryan changed into his pajamas and sat on the bed. He noticed that it seemed to be raining outside. The count himself sat at the window, securely closing it, leaving only a floor lamp in the room.
Sulia and Morgiana had yet to come in, likely discussing something, giving Ryan time to think.
The rain outside pattered on the glass, creating a soothing rhythm that helped Ryan focus.
Since becoming a count, Ryan had been constantly busy, either leading troops in battle or handling internal affairs. Over the years, he had fought in numerous campaigns, establishing a great reputation and forging many alliances. At least, his relations with several major factions of the Old World were positive.
The knight kingdom's throne was always a rotating position. Although the capital was usually set in Couronne, it didn't mean the throne was controlled by just one or two families. On the contrary, the throne often rotated among various noble families, allowing even common knights a chance to become king, which gave Ryan an opportunity to vie for the throne.
If it were like the Empire, where the throne could only be selected from the electors, and the electors' positions were hereditary, Ryan might have had to spend decades or even centuries to accumulate enough power. Each elector family had a history of over two thousand years. Even in cases of a ruling family dying out, local noble families would immediately fill the gap. For Ryan to become emperor of the Empire through his efforts alone...
Well, maybe he would have a chance if chaos reached the gates of Altdorf. Ryan could imitate the savior Ludwig, delivering a rousing, passionate speech in Nuln to rally all the people of the Empire...
But that would be too foolish. Ryan, as a mature noble, knew that miracles, if they happened repeatedly, were no longer miracles. When Ludwig succeeded, there were many reasons, including the omen of the twin-tailed comet in the sky, Ludwig himself being a devout Justice Church pastor from a rural noble family, and the internal chaos and corruption in the Empire at the time. The emperor had died in battle, and the remaining nobles were too busy fighting among themselves to unite against the northern threat.
When Ludwig, a man with no strong background, appeared, it was good news for most electors. It meant they could safely hand over their armies to Ludwig without worrying about bias.
From this perspective, Ryan was already at a disadvantage. Adopted by the White Wolf Knight, Norman, Ryan bore the mark of the White Wolf Church. Giving a speech in Nuln would likely get him pelted with eggs and tomatoes. The southern Empire didn't like Ulric, and the northern Empire clearly favored Boris Todbringer. If it came down to it, the position would go to the Grand Master of the White Wolf Knights, Axel, or the High Priest of the White Wolf Church, Emil Wagel, not Ryan.
Current Emperor Karl Franz was not incompetent. In fact, in terms of internal and diplomatic affairs, Emperor Karl Franz was arguably superior to Ryan. Karl Franz had been groomed for the throne, excelling in leadership, governance, and diplomacy.
(Leadership +8)
Now, Ryan had the qualifications to vie for the knight throne, especially after Egil's invasion. Richard had taken responsibility for Jules's death and had stepped back from many duties. The northern part of the kingdom was under the regency of Duke Leon, while the southern part had gradually come under Ryan's leadership. He might not have the highest title or the strongest power, but he had the most influence.
Thus, the knights of the kingdom recognized that the next king would be chosen between these two men.
After all, only these two were interested in the throne. Bohemond and François had no interest in becoming king, Hagen lacked the character and administrative skills, and Duke Hubald's territory of Carcassonne was too far from the capital.
So, what were Ryan's strengths and weaknesses compared to Duke Leon?
Ryan pondered carefully and identified his strengths:
First, he had the full support of the Lady of the Lake, Lilith, and the Lake God sorceress, Morgiana.
Second, he had Belegar and his Angrande clan as steadfast allies. The dwarves provided heavy artillery and military support, addressing the Bretonnian army's lack of frontline infantry and long-range firepower. Over the years, his peasant infantry had also become significantly more combat-effective.
Third, Ryan's personal martial prowess was exemplary. As the Grey Knight Primarch and a Sanctuary-level Grail Knight, he could take on entire armies alone, a feat beyond Leon, who was still only a peak legendary Grail Knight.
And his weaknesses?
Primarily, Ryan lacked a ducal title. For Leon, attacking Mousillon was a strategic option; for Ryan, it was a necessity.
Secondly, Leon was the designated successor of the current knight king, Richard. In terms of political influence, Ryan was inferior. Leon had the backing of the conservative nobles of the entire kingdom.
Lastly, Leon's resources were more substantial. No matter how wealthy Ryan's County of Glamorgan was, it was still just a county. Leon controlled an entire duchy, with the additional support of Richard's Duchy of Le-Angoulan. Financially, they were much more capable. The combined resources of two duchies allowed them to hire troops from the Empire, something Ryan couldn't afford. Moreover, more troops weren't always better.
Therefore, the cursed land of Mousillon was a must-win for Ryan. It was the last piece of territory available in the kingdom.
As Ryan continued his thoughts, there was a knock on the door.
Ryan got up to open it, curious.
The door was bound to knock eventually. The question was, who would be at the door?
He opened the wooden door, holding the handle.
Morgiana stood at the door.
The Lake God sorceress had clearly just bathed. Her golden shoulder-length hair was still damp, and she wore a crystal-pink silk nightgown with slits. The soft, serene gown, combined with her graceful curves, exuded a delicate and alluring charm. Her legs, wrapped in flesh-colored crystal stockings, peeked out from the high slits. Seeing Ryan's gaze, Morgiana blushed slightly and whispered, "What? Does it surprise you? I know you like this style. I had it custom-made."
Ryan smiled and pulled Morgiana inside. "Very beautiful. I like it a lot."
"Then why...?" Morgiana felt her body soften as Ryan held her hand. She playfully tapped his forehead with her finger. "So strange?"
"I'm just curious how you convinced Sulia," Ryan said, leading Morgiana to the bed on the High Elf carpet. "I don't think Sulia would be so generous. This is only my first day back."
Sulia was generous in some ways but also quite possessive. She didn't accept sharing Ryan with any other woman except the Lady of the Lake.
"That's because I made a promise," Morgiana said with a mysterious look, snuggling into Ryan's embrace. She placed her finger on Ryan's lips. "It's a secret. You just need to know that."
"Alright." Ryan didn't press further. He held Morgiana's slender waist, lifting her onto his lap. "Then… shall we begin?"
"Hmm." Morgiana had intended to talk more, but as Ryan embraced her, she felt weak and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Damn! My body has completely… It's all Ryan's fault. He was away for three weeks, too long.
Morgiana thought, letting out a soft sigh as she offered her kiss.
...
Three hours later.
In the quiet bedroom, Ryan lay comfortably in the soft bed, holding a thoroughly exhausted Morgiana. He gently stroked her back and her legs wrapped in flesh-colored crystal stockings, chatting softly with her.
"Ryan, do you blame me?" Morgiana asked, her face flushed, filled with springtime warmth. She lay contentedly on Ryan's chest. "About Richard borrowing a large army from the Empire?"
"Why would I blame you?" Ryan shook his head, kissing Morgiana lightly on the lips. "If it's fair competition, there must be standards. I've borrowed troops before. If I can do it, why can't Richard? Everyone in the kingdom is watching. If I break the rules, even if I capture Mousillon, the royal election might not choose me as king."
Ryan knew that if he had Morgiana intervene to prevent Richard from borrowing troops, it might work, but it would also ruin the reputation he had carefully built.
If he did that, would all the knights in the kingdom be fools?
"I also thought that you couldn't lose your sense of justice," Morgiana sighed, feeling as if she was still floating on clouds, extremely comfortable. "The Lady's oracle is clear. I will support you but won't show favoritism. I just worry you might not have a guaranteed victory."
"No war has a guaranteed victory." Ryan smiled wryly. "From the beginning, I've never had a guaranteed win. I can only increase my chances as much as possible."
Ryan despised those who, after a war, would hastily gather evidence and use hindsight to claim their cleverness.
Look, the victor had these advantages, so I knew they would win.
Look, the loser had these disadvantages, so I knew they would lose.
Ryan, who had been on the battlefield since his teens, knew things weren't that simple. War was unpredictable. A tiny factor could determine victory, and when it came to the final battle, nobody could guarantee they were right.
A six
-in-ten chance was a good start. Ryan could only do his best to consider all factors, formulate the best plans, and implement them while leading from the front.
"I'm glad you don't blame me," Morgiana said softly. "What sustains this kingdom for a thousand years is the chivalric spirit. Justice is crucial. If fairness can't be maintained in the royal competition, the kingdom would have fallen long ago."
"I understand." Ryan tightened his embrace around Morgiana. "I anticipated Richard might seek help from the Empire. I set the precedent, and those thirty-meter-high walls of Mousillon aren't easy to breach with just trebuchets."
Justice was a strange concept. Sometimes it was worthless, but at critical moments, it could decide everything.
In Brittany, justice was paramount in the royal succession. Both Ryan and Leon were careful to uphold this principle, which Ryan fully understood.
Morgiana nodded, and the room fell silent again. They indulged in more passion a few more times. Satisfied and weary, Morgiana found a comfortable spot in Ryan's arms and fell into a deep sleep.
Ryan was also ready to rest, feeling the softness in his arms. He thought that without his exceptional stamina, he might not handle Morgiana. She had regained her sanctuary-level strength, and this was just the first day.
Imagining the next two days, Ryan foresaw days of both pain and pleasure.
While lost in thought, there was another knock at the door.
Ryan jolted. So late? At this hour?
He turned a few thoughts in his head, gradually understanding.
After a few seconds of hesitation, he gently disentangled Morgiana's arms and legs from his body and went to open the door.
The door opened, revealing his wife, Sulia, standing at the entrance. Her moist, white skin and perfect S-shaped body exuded a noble elegance.
"Sulia?" Ryan felt guilty. "I thought you were asleep."
"I'm here to take over," Sulia said playfully. "My husband, don't tell me you're tired! That would make me very angry! Remember, I'm your wife. You should save enough for your wife, right?"
"…" Ryan's face turned green.
However, a man couldn't admit defeat at such a time, especially in front of his wife. The count followed Sulia to her room, demonstrating his vigor with actions. "Of course, darling."
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