When the Saintess Arrives, No King Exist-Chapter 657 - 617: Kill Completely... Fine (4k Chapter)

The dreary sky hung low, with fine rain drifting down into the courtyard of the knight's manor, the muddy ground trampled to even slicker.

A group of villagers gathered here, whispering softly in threes and fours, their expressions showing deep unease and terror.

Knight Adrian stood on the second floor balcony, coldly watching the crowd in the courtyard. He clenched the black envelope in his hand, a hint of annoyance flashing across his furrowed brow.

"Threat letter?" He turned angrily to Henderson, who stood beside him, questioning him loudly, "Who permitted you to do such a thing? You altered my plans arbitrarily, which is superfluous!"

Henderson wiped the cold sweat from his forehead as he softly defended himself, "Perhaps it's to make the mountain people more afraid, so they understand that the only way out is to depend on you."

"Foolish! What I wanted was a surprise attack!" Adrian snorted coldly, slamming the envelope heavily onto the railing, "Since it's already done, let's proceed with it, but remember, this is the last time."

"Understood, understood." Henderson repeatedly nodded, the sweat on his forehead mixed with rainwater dripping down his cheeks.

After all, everyone in the village can pull out a few relatives. If it turned out later that his son led people over, it wouldn't end well.

Henderson thought it over again and decided to leave a path for survival.

After lecturing Henderson, Adrian descended the stairs, donning a cloak with a hood as he entered the courtyard.

His appearance immediately attracted the villagers' attention, the noisy discussions gradually quieting down, all eyes fixed on him.

"Villagers." Adrian's voice was low and powerful, raising his hand to signal the crowd to quiet down, "You've all seen the letter just now. I can tell you the rebels are indeed approaching here. They are strong, and we are hard-pressed to resist."

Upon hearing this, the villagers became even more terrified, with a few women even quietly sobbing.

"However, you do not need to be afraid." Adrian's gaze swept over each face, continuing, "I have already arranged for reinforcements to the walls and assembled Armed Farmers for defense. As long as everyone remains in the main manor, you will be safe!"

Whispers arose in the crowd, some nodding in agreement, while others were full of doubt, but most simply stood bewildered, seemingly unsure of what choice to make.

At this moment, a voice suddenly sounded, "We can't just keep guarding like this, can we?"

Knight Adrian immediately responded righteously, "If reinforcements don't arrive, I'm afraid I will have no choice but to negotiate with them. They've only been enraged by the Saint Father's Association, their intentions are good.

As long as we keep our lives and winter provisions, everything else is secondary. I'll give them whatever they want, even if I must join them, I will do so without hesitation!"

The Armed Farmers began to clap enthusiastically, constantly cheering, and some Public Register Farmers followed in clapping.

Yet amidst the applause, a dissenting voice was piercing, "There are still people outside the courtyard, Brother Ansel is sick and in the church, what about him?"

"Yes, and the church is hiding our yarn and wool?"

"If the rebels seize the wool and payments, wouldn't we have spun for nothing?"

"At a time like this, worried about spinning yarn? Enough already." A gaunt Armed Farmer glared, "Everyone should take care of themselves first!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was wavering, Henderson immediately stepped forward, raising his hoarse voice in volume, "Everyone! The knight has already arranged our defense plan. As long as you stay here, you are absolutely safe."

He pointed at a few worried villagers, speaking sternly, "Matters at the church have nothing to do with us! If you rush out to die now, don't blame me for not warning you."

The previously noisy crowd instantly quieted down, the sound of rain clearly audible in the courtyard.

The villagers exchanged glances, their eyes filled with hesitation and struggle. Some lowered their heads, staring at the muddy ground; some clutched the corners of their clothes, seeming to want to say something, but ultimately staying silent.

"But..." Finally, an elder farmer spoke, his voice hoarse and low, "Brother Ansel has done so much for us, now he's sick, isolated in the church, are we really going to ignore him?"

These words seemed to touch everyone's soft spot.

The villagers, who had been hanging their heads, all raised their eyes, their gazes filled with complex emotions.

"Easy for you to say!" The gaunt Armed Farmer sneered disdainfully, pointing at the old farmer, "The rebels want the monk's life! We rush to save him, and we're throwing away our own lives in the process!"

These words made the villagers hang their heads again, the faint hope that had just been kindled seemingly extinguished by the cold rain.

"And what about that wool, the yarn!" Another middle-aged farmer couldn't help but say, "That's our survival money for the winter. If it's all taken, how will we live?"

Henderson coldly spoke, "How much is that wool worth? Without life, what's the point of money? Everyone should think clearly, the knight has guaranteed our lives will be protected, that should be enough!"

"But... but Brother Ansel..." the young farmer muttered but dared not continue, his voice soon drowned in the villagers' silence.

The rain pattered against the cloak and eaves, creating a sound that made the air seem heavier, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Gradually, the villagers' emotions settled into calmness or perhaps an inevitable acceptance.