Chapter 418
418
Third Person’s POV
Victor immediately sensed something amiss. He stood up and ordered, “Let’s go back, now!
Abbot nudged Stewart, who quickly said, “Commander Victor, don’t leave yet. We can continue negotiations. You want Frostbite Town, right? Let’s discuss it further.
Tad, noticing their unusual behavior, grew suspicious. The negotiations were his to conduct, and he had already declared an end to them. Yet they were trying to hold Victor back. Why?
Having taken command after the Southern Border’s reclamation, Tad knew his subordinates didn’t truly respect him.
If he couldn’t even control the negotiations, his authority would be undermined.
He shouted, “Both of you, get back here!”
He then instructed the translator, “Tell Victor that if they lack sincerity, the negotiations are over. If they wish to continue, it must be on my terms.”
After the translator relayed the message, Victor glanced back at Tad, his impatience evident. Though he didn’t appear confident, Tad couldn’t let his guard down. Victor ordered, “Back to the city!”
Stewart and Abbot chased after him, trying to restrain Victor.
Stewart bowed and said, “Commander Victor, Alpha Tad doesn’t know Eugenius personally and isn’t willing to trade Frostbite Town for him. But we value Eugenius–he fought alongside us. Please wait while we persuade Alpha Tad.”
“If you could persuade him, you would have done so already,” Victor retorted coldly.
“And didn’t Alpha Lance say that without Frostbite Town for the exchange, there’s nothing to discuss?”
“No, it’s not like that. Alpha Lance is on his way to Frostbite Town and should arrive in a few days. He holds Eugenius in high regard. Once he arrives, things might change,” Stewart insisted.
“Alpha Lance is en route?” Victor fixed Stewart with a probing gaze.
Stewart nodded earnestly, “Yes, he should be here soon.”
Abbot returned to apologize to Tad. “Commander, please stay calm. Although we’ve decided to end negotiations, it’s better to prolong them to avoid criticism for being rash.”
Tad, sensing something was off, pulled Abbot aside and demanded, “Tell me the truth. Where is Alpha Lance really?”
Abbot couldn’t disclose the rescue mission, known only to him, Stewart, and Lance. T hadn’t informed Tad.
vent leaks, they
“Truthfully, after following Lance for three years, I think he might have infiltrated the Dragon Ash to rescue Eugenius. He likely didn’t tell us to keep it secret,” Abbot said.
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Furious, Tad asked, “If you suspected this, why didn’t you inform me?”
Abbot thought, “Your emotions are too transparent. If you knew, Victor might guess our plans ?
Since Victor now doubts Tad’s resolve, Stewart must stall him.
Regardless, every minute counts. The rescue is best timed for tonight’s negotiation.
Abbot said, “It’s just a guess. How could we dare share it without certainty?”
Tad, seething, glared at Abbot for a long while.
He suspected Lance was indeed on a rescue mission.
If successful, no exchange would be needed, saving resources and boosting Lance’s military prestige.
Thus, Tad softened his tone.
“Whether your guess is true or not, we can’t take risks. Let’s prolong the talks. Use Frostbite Town as a bargaining chip.”
Relieved, Abbot followed Tad out.
The stall wouldn’t last long. Victor was too suspicious. Ever since Tad mentioned Alpha Lance, he’d felt a prick of unease.
He forced himself to sit and talk a bit more, but Tad’s indifferent attitude was a dead giveaway–he was stalling.
He stood and declared, “No more talks. We’ll head back.”
Tad’s transparent emotions confirmed Victor’s doubts. Victor couldn’t sit idly any longer.
If Lance was indeed rescuing, the 10 p.m. shift/change would be the likely time. Leaving now might still be in time.
He shrugged off his coat and strode out, with his subordinates following closely.
Tad told Abbot, “We’ve done our part. The rest depends on Alpha Lance. If he succeeds, he’ll earn great merit; if not, it’s not our fault.”
Stewart and Abbot felt utterly frustrated. Their insincere stalling couldn’t hold Victor.
Now, they could only hope Lance would save Eugenius before Victor returned to the city.
Back with Lance, after rescuing Stokes, they found the outside in chaos. Several of Eugene’s group were injured.
With Klein present, they hadn’t suffered significant losses, but enemy numbers we retreat immediately.
As Lance charged out, over a dozen werewolf warriors surrounded him.
“ owing. They had to
Lance nimbly broke through the encirclement, handed the rescued person to Tommy, and swiftly
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withdrew into the night.
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