"Only with his death can our family and descendants have a future."
Theodore asked, "You want to invite Yan Xing here to my place?"
Anderson replied, "No matter what thod you use... as long as he cos, he is certain to die!"
Anderson was ready to replicate the tactic Yan Xing had used against him in Storm City, utilizing the elite Tower Mages to execute a decapitation strike against the head of the Thunder Coalition. The personnel had already been gathered, and the tactic had been rehearsed flawlessly.
The only difficulty was the lack of an opportunity to strike within the Eternal Domain. Yan Xing had to be lured to a location outside the Eternal Domain, preferably Nuta City or Storm City.
He was familiar with both cities, which would make it easy to arrange for his n to infiltrate and stay hidden.
So Anderson took the risk of seeking out Theodore. He knew how much Theodore valued his family's legacy. Just as Theodore could betray himself for the sake of his family, he could also betray Yan Xing for them.
Anderson eagerly awaited Theodore's response. Theodore was still weighing the pros and cons of his decision.
Finally, he said to Anderson, "Very well, I agree. For the future of the Theodore family, Yan Xing must die. I will arrange for Yan Xing to co to Nuta City, and only Yan Xing will be coming to Nuta City. The rest is up to you; I won't participate, nor will I."
With the affirmative answer, Anderson couldn't help but stand up excitedly. He had been defeated by Yan Xing ti and again, but now he could finally avenge all his humiliations and turn defeat into victory.
History would rember this mont.
Anderson would beco the hero who saved the world.
Yan Xing... The massacre of the nobles in Dawnspirit City was your biggest mistake!
"Just leave it to once Yan Xing arrives at Nuta City."
Anderson bowed to Count Theodore, then donned his cloak and hood, and left, guided by the servants waiting outside.
Count Theodore looked out at the heavy rain beyond the window.
...
Count Theodore was dead.
When the servants found him, he was no longer breathing. There were no external injuries, no signs of poisoning; he had died peacefully in his sleep, at the age of 78.
When the news spread throughout Nuta City, all its citizens prayed for their late lord.
Count Theodore was one of the few nobles known for his justice and integrity.
He had personally established Nuta City on what was once barren land and, step by step, developed it into a pivotal city in the Wildwind Highlands.
The residents of Nuta City lived more prosperously than those elsewhere, all thanks to Count Theodore's efforts.
The old lord's passing plunged the entire city into sorrow.
When Hibel and Atreli heard the news, they rushed back to Nuta City from the Eternal Domain imdiately. In their grief, they began preparing for the Count's funeral together.
Yan Xing also urgently altered his work schedule, preparing to go to Nuta City to attend Count Theodore's funeral.
Yan Xing had special feelings for Theodore.
He was his ntor—not just in magic, but in all respects.
And when he needed support the most, it was Theodore who stood firmly by his side.
It could be said that the Eternal Domain's growth owed much to Nuta City, which, under Count Theodore's rule, served as a southern bulwark for its territory.
As both his disciple and a friend despite their age difference, Yan Xing felt he had to see Theodore off on his final journey.
Yan Xing's private plane took off from the Eternal Domain airport, heading for Nuta City.
At that mont, Hibel sat in the late Count's study, lost in mories.
Butler Atreli knocked and entered.
"Miss, everything for the master's funeral is ready. It's just that... many of the city's nobles are no longer here, so I'm afraid the funeral will be sowhat subdued. The master had always liked lively occasions."
Hibel wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "A subdued funeral is better; there's no need to put on a show for outsiders. It's just a sha that Anderson and my sister can't co."
Atreli approached Hibel, placing the ring he had been clutching in front of her. "This Theodore family Clan Leader's ring was entrusted to by the master," he explained. "He told that if he passed away, the ring should be given to you, for you to inherit his title and domains."
Hibel took the ring and looked at Atreli, puzzled. "When did Father give you this ring?"
"Almost two years ago. The master quietly gave this ring when he chose to support Master Yan Xing. At the ti, I thought he did so fearing Anderson might harm him. However, after the master had a few etings with Anderson and remained unhard, the ring simply stayed with . Now that the master has passed away, as per his instructions, you are the new Count Theodore."
"Father never asked for the ring back?"
"No... I tried to return it to the master several tis, but he always refused."
"Why did Father keep the ring with you all this ti?"
"It must have been because he saw my loyalty."
"I'm not asking you... I'm asking myself," Hibel said, holding the ring, deep in thought.
Her father had entrusted Atreli with this ring, representing the Theodore family's honor, because he had sensed he might be in danger.
At that ti, when choosing between Anderson and Yan Xing, he had opted for Yan Xing. That decision could have provoked a furious Anderson to attempt an assassination.
But in the end, Anderson didn't act.
Yet, if he had beco safe, why didn't Father take the ring back?
Was he afraid Anderson would contest the inheritance?
Trapped in Highland City, Anderson couldn't even get to Nuta City. How could he contest?
Father hadn't reclaid the ring. Did that an he believed the danger still hadn't passed?
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