Axel

Chapter 412: Would You Like to Ride Miss Pumpkin?

Added 2025-04-29 15:02:01 +0000 UTC

The old Earl Bretagne smiled faintly and said, "This matter can be discussed later!"

The future Emperor gave the final word, leaving neither Prince Redmir Axel nor Charlot Mecklenburg room to object. Although Charlot hadn't considered changing his surname, since his father-in-law had spoken, he willingly echoed, "Everything about me is at His Majesty's disposal."

Prince Redmir coughed twice. Though he was indeed injured, he exaggerated his condition. He had long heard of Charlot and knew of his "glorious achievements." If Charlot were to take on the surname Axel, the Axel family might fully support him becoming Emperor since Annie carried Axel blood.

However, the old Earl clearly did not want any sibling rivalry within the family and decisively halted Prince Redmir's "calculated maneuver."

The old Earl turned to Antonio and said, "Prince Redmir's plight moves me greatly. We cannot stand idly by. You and Charlot must go and retrieve the head of Mossred!"

Prince Redmir was momentarily stunned but quickly masked his expression, remaining silent.

Charlot was equally surprised. Why, when Midaphis Axel attacked Prince Redmir's domain, did the Earl demand the head of Rembrandt Mossred instead? However, his growing military knowledge soon clarified things. Upon contemplating Mossred's territory, he realized the reasoning.

The Duke of Mossred's lands bordered the Black Phoenix Dynasty. By targeting him, Antonio would lay the groundwork for dividing Black Phoenix among the four allied factions.

Conversely, Midaphis Axel's lands were deep in the heart of the Fars Empire, making expansion impossible. Attacking his kin, Prince Redmir, was likely a strategic move. Dealing with Midaphis could wait until after Black Phoenix was divided.

Charlot and Antonio both knelt on one knee, saying, "We shall not fail His Majesty's trust!"

Prince Redmir coughed twice and added, "I am gravely injured and unfit for battle, but I can send my two daughters to guide Lord Antonio and Lord Charlot."

Prince Redmir, married four times, had eight daughters. Most of the older ones were already married, leaving the youngest two without suitors.

The Prince had no intention of using his daughters to tempt Charlot. To him, Charlot’s value lay solely in his marriage to Annie. Beyond that, he was worthless. His real target was Antonio. If his daughter could marry Antonio, she would undoubtedly become the future queen.

The Earl Bretagne, understanding Prince Redmir’s intentions, smiled faintly and did not refuse. "You should depart today."

Charlot showed little interest in the Prince's daughters. However, he did notice Prince Redmir’s keen interest in Antonio. Internally, he mused, "The Earl Bretagne may not want his son to marry someone with Axel blood."

Silently, he followed Antonio out of the palace when Annie's soft voice caught his attention. "I want to go too!"

Annie had kept quiet earlier to avoid her father’s direct disapproval, but she knew Charlot would be more lenient. She trusted her brother, but how could she trust Charlot?

Despite Charlot's flawless behavior, Annie would never allow any "little vixens" to approach him.

Charlot hesitated briefly before responding softly, "Will Grandma Saint Karen come along too?"

Annie replied, "She has many responsibilities to handle after my brother leaves, so she definitely can’t come."

Charlot immediately said, "Then I’ll bring everyone along to ensure your safety."

Antonio headed to the knightly order to gather his men, while Charlot sent out signals. Normally protected by two Saint-rank guards, Charlot felt this would be insufficient for a mission involving Annie. He summoned five additional Saint-rank protectors and prepared to mobilize a contingent of the West Wind Knight Order.

Within ten minutes, Antonio returned with twenty knights. The main force for quelling the rebellion, however, would not be stationed at the palace; Antonio still needed to visit the barracks.

As they regrouped, two figures joined their ranks—elegant and valiant knights at first glance.

Charlot only needed a single glance to identify them as female knights. The difference in posture and build between men and women was subtle but unmistakable. Such insights came from his rigorous training under Juno Arthur, who once commented that women have larger openings in their stances.

Given Annie's presence, Charlot dared not look further. Instead, he withdrew his gaze and muttered inwardly, "These daughters of Prince Redmir hardly seem like pure maidens."

Unable to resist, Charlot whispered to Annie, "Would you like to ride Miss Pumpkin?"

Annie, momentarily surprised, quickly asked, "How could you tell?"

Charlot broke out in a cold sweat. He couldn’t admit it was due to Charlot Mecklenburg’s vast experience. Hurriedly, he murmured, "It’s just a precaution. If Antonio slips up, things could get messy."

Annie, after a moment of thought, replied softly, "Even if nothing happens, my brother might not be able to explain it clearly."

She immediately summoned a royal guard and instructed him to fetch Miss Pumpkin from the Earl's estate.

Miss Pumpkin’s carriage was drawn not by horses but by unicorn deer. These magical creatures only allowed pure maidens to approach, making them symbols of a young lady's innocence.

Charlot regretted his meddling, thinking, "Why did I bother? Even if Antonio got caught up in something, it’d be better than Annie suspecting me."

"Good thing I’m clever..."

Antonio, possessing Saint-rank skills and various abilities, overheard their whispers clearly. Grateful, he thought, "Thanks to Charlot's sharp instincts, I avoided being outmaneuvered by Prince Redmir."

Both the Earl and the newly appointed Earl Bretagne knew Charlot’s past well and understood where his "experience" lay.

The two daughters of Prince Redmir remained mostly silent along the journey. Whether out of mystery or strategy, they refrained from speaking. However, upon seeing Miss Pumpkin’s carriage, both instinctively distanced themselves from it.

Antonio, Charlot, and Annie exchanged knowing smiles.

The group soon rallied their full force. Upon leaving Strasbourg, their numbers swelled to a mighty army of thousands, exuding the aura of seasoned warriors and brimming with battle-hardened ferocity.