Release that Witch

To most people, it was a rare night of respite and relaxation.

Even though the Demon’s floating island was steadily moving towards Hermes, the King of Dawn could not see this scene. Being a distance from the front line gave everyone a brief sense of tranquility, especially when they were to head to the battlefield the next day. As the soldiers had to separate to carry out their various missions, the serenity became even more precious.

When Andrea walked into the family courtyard, Horford was already there waiting for her.

“Welcome home, daughter.”

“Yeah…” Andrea nodded slightly. This was her first return home after a year of separation, not as an intruder but through the main path with servants lined along the path to welcome her. In all honesty, she had hoped to spend more time by Tilly’s side, but after receiving an invitation letter by her father emotions stirred within her. In the end, she chose to accept it.

He obviously could have told me directly after the meeting.

Maybe… he was afraid of being rejected.

But if it truly came to a face to face request, she would be at a loss as to what to say as well.

The difference between her current and previous visit meeting was that she had a task on hand the previous time, but this time, it was a strange reunion.

“You… wanted to talk to me about something?” Andrea while walking on the path.

“Lots of things. For example, what you’ve experienced at the front lines, your companions, and about Mister Roland Wimbledon…”

“He is just an idiot, there’s nothing to talk about—” Andrea casually spoke, then realized her words were inappropriate, “Uhm, what I mean to say was…”

“I can see that he is a tolerant lord.” Horford laughed. “Relax, I know that you might need some time getting used to this. I was afraid that it would be extremely unbearable for you if it was just the two of us, so I made some special arrangements.”

“Arrangements?”

“You’ll know once you step in.” He stopped by the entrance of the main hall.

Andrea pushed open the doors. Before she was able to take a good look in the house, a figure pounced onto her—

“I’ve missed you, Lady Quinn!”

I see…

She opened her arms with a laugh as she hugged the other party.

The person who had pounced onto her was none other than Belinda Luoxi.

Other than her, there were two others seated by the table—Otto Luoxi and Oro Tokat. The two appeared rather emotional, with Otto looking as though he was at a loss.

The scene made Andrea feel as though she was back to more than a decade ago, the days before she awakened as a Witch.

Belinda’s endless chatter and Orro’s enthusiasm quickly dissolved the original stiffness, and her father who was rarely sat with the younger generation, was actually seated together with them.

Just to say a few words to me, he truly gave it a lot of thought… Andrea suddenly realized the little bit of resentment at the bottom of her heart had almost disappeared.

“Oh right, when the war is over, let’s all go to Neverwinter. That way, we can meet more regularly.” Belinda winked at her.

Andrea raised her brow in surprise. “You mean…”

“Of course it’s the three of us!”

“Yes, yes!” Oro nodded vigorously.

“Wait a minute… Aren’t Otto and Oro the successors to their families? Will the two old dukes from your families agree to you leaving home for an extended period of time?” Andrea looked suspiciously at Otto. Could he be the one pulling the strings in secret? That’s rather irresponsible.

“No… It’s not what you think.” Otto immediately waved his hands and stammered, “Although I wish for that, but that, is just one factor… In short…”

“Let me explain.” Belinda patted her brother’s shoulder as she took pity on him, then turned to Andrea. “You’re rarely in Dawn, so you wouldn’t be updated with the local current affairs. There is a rumor spreading amongst the nobles in the city, especially in the City of Glow, that if a family is completely ignorant about natural science, they are bound to decline.”

“Natural science? You mean…”

“That’s right.” Belinda smiled and nodded, “It all started from the Natural Science Theoretical Foundation published by Neverwinter, which has now been divided into many different and specialized subjects. Some call it a new field of education, some believe that alchemy and astrology are just a part of it. But regardless of that, it is a trend that has hit the nobles hard. As long as we are talking about any natural science books that come from Neverwinter, they will all be purchased at high prices.”

“Father was influenced by it as well, so when we suggested our idea, he did not overreact. After all, being taught by professionals is far better than self-learning. Furthermore, many families are ahead on this and father doesn’t want the Luoxi family to fall behind. So this isn’t considered being irresponsible! Father even said that he can hold the position for another few years.”

“They are just excited about the planes and steel ships.” Oro shrugged. “But of course, I approve this notion with both hands up, since they’re letting me travel.”

“That’s what… I wanted to say.” Otto heaved a sigh of relief. “Furthermore, we plan to organize a study group.”

“What’s that?” Andrea asked curiously.

“The content in natural science is too heavy, just the three of us isn’t enough to grasp everything.” Belinda extended her hands out. “So we were thinking of choosing a few merchants and citizens with good aptitudes and give them an opportunity to access natural science. If they perform well, we will incorporate them into our families, killing multiple birds with one stone. What do you think?”

Andrea was at a loss for words.

She suddenly realized that change was occurring to everyone, be it her father or others.

The people in the Kingdom of Dawn used to see Graycastle as a sinister kingdom that protected the Witches who were known to be a taboo and abolished power and authority of the nobles. The upper class would never view Graycastle as a goal to imitate, and to even assimilate commoners into the family was violating tradition. But now, the once completely stark boundaries had blurred.

She could not help but turn to look at her father, Horford Quinn.

There was no doubt that he was involved in guiding the entire kingdom.

He was truly making up for his past mistakes and working extremely hard.

Although the past could never be rewritten, changes in the future could, at the very least, prevent the repeat of mistakes.

Is this what you’re trying to convey, Father?

…

Over the following days, Graycastle and the Kingdom of Dawn carried out a joint operation.

The nobles set up over a hundred receiving points at the northwest portion of a major road, with tents and rations for the panic-stricken refugees. Under the protection of the God’s Punishment Witches, the First Army’s doctors began treating the sick and injured. Gentle and moving songs were frequently heard at areas that were most populated. Even the most irritable and restless would find themselves calming down from listening to the voice.

Under the guidance of the new Pope Isabella, patrols were established to pacify those driven away from their homes. After going through all kinds of crises, the people of the church possessed some influence. To them, the only one aside from Graycastle capable of fighting against the demons was the Church.

The crisis of panic was ultimately resolved and controlled before it reached an irreversible state of destruction under the hard work put in from all sides. Although the refugees were unable to return to their own homes for a period of time, the places unaffected were stabilized.

At this moment, the First Army was also ready to rehearse for the air drop.