Chapter 368 Not Coming, No Excuse, No Pretense

"Ray Hernig has returned?!"

"Yes, Your Highness," a courtier confirmed.

"Damn it! That woman, who abandoned her estate to follow the dragonslayer, has decided to come back now?!"

Maximilian clutched his hair in frustration. The western territories had been the only region where he saw a potential opportunity. And now, of all times, she had returned.

"I'll still try to probe for weaknesses, but with her back, I won't get much out of it. Damn it all!"

When forced to choose, minor lords would always align with the closer source of power. A nearby authority meant proximity to both fists and gold. With Ray's presence, the western nobles would rally around her, leaving Maximilian at a disadvantage.

"What should I do now? Fight while leaving his alliances intact? Surrounded on all sides, east, west, north, and south?"