met free Chapter 286 Command Request
Chapter 286 Command Request
Chapter 286 Command Request
The Twin Rivers region seems to be blessed by the rain god; the light drizzle is perhaps considered a sunny day for the residents of this land.
This was Dick's second time in this area, and both times he was plagued by rain.
He was just passing through last time; he set off from the Avery Desert to take up his post in the Montero Hills.
For now, he needs to stay in this area for a while.
But it won't last long, at most a summer.
When Dick got up early in the morning, he wore only a soft locket over a black uniform.
He did come here wearing armor, but he is getting used to getting rid of his dependence on it.
Therefore, except for occasions where he needs to highlight his status as a knight, Dick usually wears formal attire.
However, he always carried his belt and sword with him.
Dick's nickname is "The Fighter," and hand-to-hand combat should be his trump card.
But the sword is a symbol of the warrior, and for some reasons, a sharp tool can indeed provide him with convenience.
Raindrops hit the windowpane, condensed into water droplets, and then slowly slid down, trailing silvery tails.
Dick opened the window, and the fresh smell of rain and the earthy scent of trees wafted in.
The green rainforest tinged the air with a pale blue hue, while the wide river remained pitch black, resembling a muddy swamp.
This is Hongtaobao, but there is not a trace of red on the river.
Only that dejected, damp flag above the city gate remains, recording the poignant and tragic "Blood-Stained Lonely River" of a thousand years ago.
Dick looked downstream and saw a boat coming.
Red Wave Fort is an important river port city on the Thomas Silver River, with a constant stream of ships coming and going.
Even in the early morning, such a scene is not unusual.
However, judging from the size of that ship, it seems to be a warship.
As a fleet commander, Dick was naturally somewhat wary of this.
But Dick was, after all, an outsider to Red Wave Castle, and he was by no means the first person in the castle to discover the ship, so he didn't think too much about it.
Dick closed the window, checked his belongings one last time, and then headed to Peggy's room.
Although he had only been here for a little over a month, Dick had traveled this route countless times.
He stood waiting in front of Peggy's door as if he had become Miss Peggy's personal servant.
Just a few months ago, Dick was indeed a servant.
During this period, Dick's status and position suddenly rose dramatically, but he always missed his time as a servant.
A servant only needs to serve his master and wield his sword for him; he doesn't need to consider who his sword should point at.
But it was precisely because he had this thought that he felt he was not ready to become a knight.
Dick didn't need to confirm; he knew Miss Peggy must be in the room right now.
Peggy was a lively girl, but since arriving at Redtrenburgh, her personality has become much more subdued.
Most of the time, she locked herself in her room.
Even if someone brings her food, she won't open the door.
Unless, of course, Dick is also outside the door.
Dick understood that Peggy was insecure.
In this city, Peggy only knew Dick, and she was very wary of everyone, so she was unwilling to be alone with anyone other than Dick.
Dick understands, but he can't help Peggy. All he can do is stay by her side as much as possible and be there for her whenever she calls.
So every morning after getting up, Dick would immediately go to Peggy's room to wait.
Dick still feels terrible when he thinks back to what happened two months ago.
Count Luther Reidomastia returned to Red Wave Castle ahead of schedule, and Pena soon planned to send Peggy there.
Peggy refused to leave no matter what anyone said, and no amount of persuasion could change her mind.
In the end, Pena had no choice but to order the door to Peggy's room to be removed.
Then, Peggy and her dowry were stuffed into the carriage.
Look at Peggy, crying so heartbrokenly. Anyone with a modicum of compassion would feel sorry for her.
Oh, Dick wasn't saying Lord Pena was heartless. Well, there are always exceptions.
But the one who was most heartbroken for Peggy was undoubtedly the Farah.
She even advised Lord Pena to consider Peggy's own wishes to some extent.
But Pena refused, as he had already made an agreement with Count Luther.
If the agreement is broken now, the relationship between the two cities will instantly become irreconcilable.
Therefore, Peggy's fate of marrying into the Twin Rivers was unchangeable.
Since even Mrs. Farah couldn't change the outcome, Dick was even less capable of doing so.
Besides, he was merely a retainer of the Peyton family, and he shouldn't interfere in his master's family affairs.
Dick could only watch coldly as the mournful cries cast a desolate shadow over the harbor.
However, Dick asked Count Pena for permission to escort Peggy to Red Wave Castle.
The reason is that there must be a capable and reliable person to ensure Miss Peggy's safety along the way.
Moreover, compared to the other vassals of the Peyton family, Dick was somewhat more familiar with Peggy, after all, the two had sailed together for nearly two months.
Presumably considering that there were no immediate plans to assign naval personnel, Pena ultimately agreed to Dick's request.
In the end, Dick got his wish and followed Peggy to Red Wave Castle.
Of course, he also had his own purposes.
If Miss Harriet's diagnosis is correct, Miss Peggy's condition will relapse within six months.
Dick had to stay with Peggy so he could get her to the library as soon as possible.
He could not let Peggy die from her illness; he had sworn an oath in the name of knighthood.
Suddenly, a knock came at the door, bringing Dick back to his senses.
Then, Dick heard another question:
"are u there?"
"I am here, miss," Dick replied.
Peggy would always ask this question before opening the door.
Peggy will not open the door if she does not receive a response from Dick.
She's being too cautious.
Of course, the gloomy castle is also to blame; like a rainy day, it makes people feel unsafe.
With a click, the door lock opened, and Peggy pushed the door open, peeking her head out.
Dick bowed: "Good morning, Miss."
"I'm hungry," Peggy said, biting her lip as she looked at Dick.
"I'll go get you some food right away."
After saying that, Dick turned to leave.
But Peggy tugged at his sleeve, and Dick turned around:
"Is there anything else?"
"Have you got a meal yet?"
Dick shook his head.
"Then find yourself something to eat," Peggy said. "Come to my room to eat."
Dick didn't hesitate for a moment and decisively refused:
"Miss, this isn't the harbor. We must be mindful of what others think, otherwise rumors might spread that damage your reputation. You are the fiancée of this castle; how can you allow me into your boudoir!"
"Please, Dick Buchanan," Peggy looked at Dick with pleading eyes, "it's so boring to eat alone."
"You're welcome to attend Earl Luther's dinner party," Dick replied coldly. "He'll certainly welcome you."
"You know I can't go."
Dick sighed deeply: "You're too willful, Miss. You're so disrespectful to him. I'm afraid your position in this family will be hard to guarantee in the future."
"You're really nagging, Dick Buchanan," Miss Peggy said. "I don't care about the future, I just want the present. You're the only person I know here, and even you won't grant me this small request?"
What could Dick say after hearing that?
Dick exhaled a deep, moist breath and shook his head a few times:
"I will bring two meals."
"Thank you, hehe," Peggy said with a bright smile.
Seeing those swollen, red eyes, one can imagine that Peggy must have cried alone in her room countless times.
Moreover, Dick had never seen Peggy smile since they left the port.
But at that moment, she was smiling happily.
Peggy may have been willful, and sometimes even infuriated Dick, but what she asked for was perhaps never excessive.
That's why Dick found it hard to refuse Peggy's request.
Dick turned around, and as he rounded the corner of the corridor, he heard the door close.
He shook his head helplessly, thinking to himself, "They're really being cautious."
Soon, Dick asked the kitchen for two servings of food.
He returned to Peggy's door and said, "Miss, I've brought it."
The door unlocked, Peggy took the food, and let Dick in.
Peggy placed the tray on the table and sat down, where another chair had already been prepared.
However, Dick stood at the door without moving.
Peggy frowned: "Come sit here."
"No, I'll eat standing here."
"Liar! You promised to have dinner with me!"
"Yes, and I am keeping my promise."
"But you won't even come in, what kind of companionship is that!"
Dick lowered his head: "Look, miss, my boots are already in your room."
"But half of your body is still outside!"
"I have to do this to avoid arousing unnecessary suspicion—"
At this point, a nut and oat bread was thrown at Dick's face.
Dick instinctively dodged it, then bent down to pick up the bread.
Just then, Dick heard sobbing.
He quickly raised his head and looked ahead.
Peggy placed her arms on the table and buried her face in them.
"Miss-"
"Don't talk to me, you liar! Get out! Get out of my room!"
From the increasingly mournful weeping, Dick sensed helplessness.
There might be someone in this castle, besides Dick, who cares about Peggy.
But no one came to comfort Peggy.
Count Luther was clearly a proud man; he would never bow down to anyone, especially his daughter-in-law.
Miss Peggy's fiancé, Kenneth Ritthom, was also not in the territory at the moment.
According to Luther, his son represented Red Tide Castle in the naval battle against the pirates.
Therefore, Kenneth must have been Hubert's subordinate.
Dick also briefly wielded that staff sword, and he could be considered the other party's superior at one point.
However, if he were to say these words aloud, he would surely be seen as a clown.
The ships sent by Red Wave Fortress suffered heavy losses in the battle to defeat the navigator and thus withdrew from the campaign ahead of schedule.
The reason why Count Luther did not attend Lord Hubert's funeral immediately was because he had to deal with the losses and was temporarily unable to leave.
However, Kenneth's ship was the only one that remained undamaged, allowing him to continue participating in the subsequent battles.
Although Count Luther did not comment on his son's decision, Dick could tell that he clearly disagreed with it.
But the other side was far away across the ocean, and even if Luther was dissatisfied, he couldn't change anything.
I don't know how that battle went on afterward.
In short, Kenneth has not yet returned.
When he returned, his wedding with Peggy was scheduled to take place soon.
Looking at Peggy, who could only cry alone, Dick felt a pang of sadness.
Peggy was a poor girl.
She lost her loving father, who was also the person she respected most.
She herself was also suffering from a serious illness.
Now, she is forced to marry someone she doesn't seem to want to marry, becoming a pawn in a family marriage alliance.
Of course, she enjoyed the rights of a noblewoman, and now marrying for the sake of her family is indeed her duty.
But the sight of him alone in his room, sobbing in a castle full of strangers, truly broke Dick's heart.
Perhaps I should obey the young lady's orders and get out immediately—
Dick stared at the bread in his hand, lost in thought...
But at least the food should be returned to Peggy; not having enough to eat is bad for Peggy's health.
Dick's biggest worry now is that Peggy's health will suddenly deteriorate.
He let out a long sigh of frustration, and strode toward Peggy.
"Gah~"
That's the sound of chair legs rubbing against the floor.
Peggy suddenly looked up, and Dick was already sitting opposite her.
Her tear-stained face looked so haggard it was heartbreaking, but the snot running down her nose was also quite funny.
Perhaps Dick couldn't control his expression, because Peggy suddenly wiped her face:
"Don't laugh!"
Knights never laugh out loud.
Unless you can't help it.
Dick eventually regained his poker face and asked:
"This bread is dirty, why don't you eat mine—"
"No!" Peggy snatched the bread from the floor. "I'm not that delicate!"
Dick couldn't help but shake his head as he watched Peggy's comical way of devouring bread.
Where is the demeanor of a well-bred lady now?
However, Peggy seemed to be in better spirits; she was enjoying her meal.
That's good, Dick thought. Everyone needs to relax.
Peggy didn't ask for much; she just wanted someone to have a meal with her.
Dick smiled, tore off a piece of bread, soaked it in the fish porridge until soft, and then put it in his mouth.
After the two finished eating, Peggy said:
"You have to come with me tomorrow too."
Dick wanted to refuse, but Peggy interrupted him as soon as he opened his mouth:
"You deceived me today, you hurt me deeply, this is punishment, and also an order."
Upon hearing these words, Dick recalled a sentence that Peggy had once said to him.
He revised his words and replied:
"So, you're using your status to pressure me?"
Peggy was taken aback by his words, then chuckled softly.
Dick laughed too.
The two laughed louder and louder, but Peggy's body had not fully recovered, and she soon became breathless.
She stopped smiling, bent her index finger, and wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.
Then, she looked at Dick:
"It's a request."
"Miss!"
Just then, someone rushed to the door and shouted loudly.
Fearing misunderstanding, Dick deliberately left the door open.
That seems to be Count Luther's sommelier.
Dick stood up and asked:
"What's wrong?"
"Please proceed to the master's study."
The sommelier said breathlessly,
"Young Master Kenneth is back!"