Chapter 2621: Chapter 874: Guardians of the Past, Transylvania Needs You! (Part 1)

For instance, Old Norman, the Bodyguard Leader of Milian.

"Are you sure you want to go?"

In the office building of the administrative tower at Crimson Castle, Milian looked very seriously at Norman in front of her and said:

"The situation hasn’t deteriorated to the point that even the Governor’s guard needs to take to the battlefield. This round of conscription is mainly to coordinate with the upcoming ’Three-Day Miracle’ operation initiated by outsiders, a proactive reinforcement specifically set by Sir Murphy for his defense segment in anticipation of counterattacks.

Frankly speaking, even the militias might not need to step onto the battlefield.

This seems more like an armed parade to stabilize morale than actual action."

"You haven’t been on the battlefield, thus your understanding of war is overly idealized, my Governor."

Wearing an iron mask, which concealed the burns from a ten-year war, Norman said hoarsely:

"If Sir Murphy decided on such a large-scale mobilization, it indicates potential deterioration in the Maginot Line’s situation. He perhaps explained it gently to let you focus on internal affairs. Please believe me, the militias will come in handy!

That’s precisely why I volunteered to leave the safety of the rear.

The ongoing battle there will determine the course and outcome of the war; it requires every warrior to pick up weapons and every guardian to sacrifice themselves heroically.

I’ve been through too much warfare; the past ones left me drained, helpless, and in despair. Throughout the ten-year war, I felt no joy—only suffering.

It was the punishment from my god...

But this war is different; over the past months by your side, I’ve seen so much change—change that makes me believe you and Governor Murphy have the power to bring a resurgence in people’s hearts for this plagued land.

I shall step forth as a true warrior, not a prisoner of war, to where I should go. It’s only through our fierce struggle on the front lines that individuals like you can stay at the rear and work towards a better tomorrow for this land.

If even you go to the battlefield, then the hard-won achievements in Transylvania will vanish like smoke.

The utmost despair is not in having no hope, but in watching hope cruelly snuffed out."

Norman sighed, carefully removed the cleaned badge of the Commander of the Governor’s guard, and placed it on Milian’s desk. He solemnly spoke:

"In the past, I’ve witnessed similar situations countless times, powerless to stop them. But now, at least I have a chance to fight for it. Please don’t reject my request to join the battle, my Governor.

I voluntarily and eagerly want to be part of this defensive war, which is what my god wishes to see."

"But..."

Milian had already sensed Norman’s resolve.

Yet she was still unwilling to let him go, partially because Norman indeed was old, and she felt uneasy, and partially because she felt a determination in Norman’s words that scared her.

She had a premonition that if she couldn’t prevent it, she might meet this old warrior, who had protected her for half a year, in a different way.

The Governor softly asked:

"But if you leave, what about my safety?

You know, even though the Wolf People haven’t sent assassins yet, there are still the spies of Twilight within Transylvania. If the battles on the front lines turn in our favor, it’s hard to say if those heretical sect members would risk everything."

"You needn’t worry about that at all."

Norman immediately replied:

"The Avalon Church will send a Great Druid to replace me as your Guard Captain. Fronline has specialized in security work on Green Island during the old church days, and she’s more professional and suitable than I am. With her sensitivity to Corrupt Energy, Twilight’s servants will find it tough to harm you."

"Alas, you’ve considered everything, arranged it so meticulously that I find it hard to refuse."

Milian stood up, walked around her desk to face Norman, and said:

"It’s said that no one can change a determined warrior’s choice, and I’ve witnessed this truth firsthand. Alright, I’ll approve your request to join the battle, but please take care of yourself on the battlefield, Mr. Norman.

I once talked with Mr. Crow; he mentioned that warriors like you, who have spent a long life in war, often have psychological issues. Self-destructive urges and mania hide within your hearts, making it hard for you to accept spending the rest of your life in peace.

But please believe me, the progress Transylvania has made today also carries your contribution.

You fully deserve to enjoy all of this."

After speaking, Milian removed the vampire-style single-handed sword she wore, along with its black and red scabbard, raised it with both hands, and presented it to Norman, saying:

"This ’Crimson Lady’ is a treasure from Salockdale. Governor Murphy said that as Transylvania’s Governor I needed such a weapon to symbolize my status. Yet, this powerful Psychic Weapon remains an ornamental sword with me; only an exceptional warrior like you can unleash its power. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

For protection, for resistance, for guarding!

Please accept it!

It’s as though I’m joining you on the battlefield to defend my people."

"I will not fail to meet your expectations!"

Norman said solemnly, then accepted the magnificent and powerful weapon.

He bid farewell to Milian and then went to the Governor’s guard office to say goodbye to his colleagues. These soldiers held a simple yet heartfelt farewell for him there. As Old Norman donned the Witch Hunter’s armor, mounted his steed, and left the administrative building, he glanced back.

At the glass window, he could see Governor Milian waving goodbye to him.

A hint of a smile flashed across Norman’s face hidden beneath the mask. If his child hadn’t died in the Green Island disaster, she would be about Milian’s age now, and she might shine like the Crimson Regent, becoming an independent and outstanding woman.

He must step onto the battlefield now, holding onto that deep-set obsession.

Mr. Crow was right; old soldiers always have their share of psychological issues. Norman feared that if he stayed in such a tranquil environment any longer, he would lose the courage to fight and thus accept the fact of growing old.

He protected Milian for half a year, witnessing the growth of another child who lost her parents. Now, it’s time to go to that fateful place, to fulfill a promise missed for ten years.

His child is waiting for him in another world, for this reunion has been delayed for too long.