However, Marcus refused the reward, and requested the Emperor to allow him to continue his hunting path, as he had once made a grand vow that unless all the monsters of the Empire were eradicated, he would never stop his journey.

Emperor Carl greatly admired Marcus’s steadfast determination and ordered his subordinates to retrieve the amber bow from the Empire’s treasury—a bow imbued with magic and powerful blessings by an Amber Mage, capable of magically guiding arrows at any angle straight into the heart of ferocious magical beasts.

Subsequently, the Emperor also bestowed upon Marcus the titles of "Hunter Marshal" and "Captain of the Imperial Royal Guard," granting him the privilege of recruiting soldiers on his own.

"Marcus Wolfhart is a Midland native and a Holy Sanctuary powerhouse. Carl Franz is certainly very pleased to have such an outstanding talent under his command. As you know, Surya, the Empire has few talents with Holy Sanctuary strength," Laine said upon seeing that Surya had finished reading the documents: "This is why the Empire has never supported the Montfort Duchy."

"When we encounter problems, we can’t rely on others, it’s best to rely on our own strength." Laine shook his head: "The Empire also has its difficulties, facing too many enemies."

"Hmm, Laine, you should go see Amelia," Surya smiled a bit sourly, sensing Laine’s restlessness: "A woman likes to have someone with her the most at times like this."

"I understand." Laine sighed lightly, and the Count stood up.

Walking through the long corridor, Laine arrived at the door of Amelia’s room. He hesitated for a moment before reaching out to knock: "Amelia?"

The door opened, and the young maid, as refreshing as a mountain spring, showed her not-too-happy face from the gap: "Laine? What are you doing here?"

"I’m here to see you."

"I don’t need you to see me, I’m not as fragile as you think!" Her words didn’t sound pleasant, but she still stepped aside to let Laine in: "Would you like something to drink?"

The moment the words left her mouth, the door closed heavily.

Amelia’s room was luxuriously furnished. Today, the young maid wore a simple pink see-through dress with lantern sleeves, white stockings wrapping her slender legs. She motioned for Laine to sit down in the room, decorated in a typical Brittani style with an emphasis on axial symmetry, majestic atmosphere, noble elegance, and attention to detail with intricate carvings and lines meticulously crafted. Seeing Laine come in, Amelia said a little sorrowfully: "Just five days left, Elspeth told me they will arrive in five days."

"Five days?" Laine ignored the slightly resentful look in Amelia’s eyes, sitting on the chair, looking at the young maid who had followed him for so many years with a half-smile: "If I remember correctly, you’re also twenty-five this year, right?"

"A woman’s age is a secret! Laine!" Amelia pouted, pouring him a glass of apple wine, then snuggled into his arms, leaning against his chest: "I was seventeen when I followed you, and you were twenty-four. This year you’re thirty-two, so of course, I’m twenty-five now."

Gently stroking Amelia’s back, Laine sighed: "Is there anything you need my help with?"

"No, I’m Amelia, also Emmanuelle." The young maid sighed softly: "I’m not as delicate as you think. Don’t forget, I’m the last direct bloodline of the Prince-Elector Bernardino family. My means are not few as you imagine, and I have my supporters."

"That’s good." Laine was somewhat unsure of what he should say, as he rarely faced such situations. After thinking for a moment, the Count finally said: "Do you have any wishes you want to fulfill?"

"Wishes?" Amelia’s expression fluctuated between bright and gloomy. The young maid indeed found it hard to part from Laine. Her eyes turned as she whispered: "Would you be willing to help me achieve them?"

"Uh, within my capability, of course." Laine quickly quashed any unrealistic ideas Amelia might have.

Lately, Amelia’s body had undergone some changes. She became easily nauseous, developed a craving for sour plums, lost her appetite, and experienced mood swings—a series of symptoms that Laine understood fully, filling him with heartfelt joy.

Amelia, of course, knew what was happening, feeling both shy and vexed, and also quite anxious.

"Then... could you carry me out, please?" Amelia calculated the days in her mind and then lifted her head to whisper in Laine’s ear: "I want to experience once more the hot spring bath of the Justice Church Temple, just the two of us, for three days and two nights."

"Alright." Laine picked Amelia up: "Just the two of us."

...I am the dividing line of the hot spring experience...

Five days later, the army from Nuer arrived.

Led by Grand Marshal Nuer Erstein, the Nuer Iron Armor Army formed an orderly lineup outside the town. The Empire’s elite, clad in black armor, reflected a dark sheen under the sun. Their military discipline was impeccable, each soldier equipped with a specially crafted long-hand cannon from the Nuer Armory. Every soldier of the Nuer Iron Armor Army hailed from noble families, being sent to the Nuer Gunpowder Academy for training, and studied at Nuer’s many ancient prestigious schools. This army had always been Nuer’s hidden elite, never deployed until the final moment.