The soldiers loyal to Wilch regained their morale upon seeing their lord return.
Most of the rebel soldiers chose to surrender, and those who put up a desperate struggle were all killed. Seeing the situation stabilize, Wilch also sighed in relief.
Afterward, he returned to the castle and ordered the scholars to treat his injuries.
In the end, the rebellion in Night Raven City lasted less than a day, but even so, the city was still flowing with blood like a river.
As night fell, Night Raven City returned to calmness.
In a room of the castle, Wilch sat on a chair, his upper body wrapped in bandages. His pale face gradually recovered.
Around him, several scholars were preparing medicines.
Viscount Hall stood not far away, his expression complicated. His eyes showed a mix of sadness and some hidden joy, as if the emotions in his heart were somewhat difficult to suppress.
"Speak, what were the losses this time?" Wilch said hoarsely.
"During the daytime rebellion, more than three hundred soldiers in the city were killed or injured," Hall lowered his head, saying in a low voice. "After the castle was breached by Mohyn's men, there wasn't much loss of property, but several elder brothers were unfortunately killed by the rebel army."
Hearing Hall's words, Wilch's face remained expressionless.
It seemed that his eldest son Mohyn was even more ruthless than he had imagined. In this rebellion, Mohyn had left no room for Wilch himself.
After the castle was taken by the rebels, Mohyn ordered the killing of Wilch's sons. Such actions were undoubtedly aimed at ensuring he could inherit Night Raven City without any hindrance after everything was over.
Wilch's face darkened, and he sat there without saying a word.
Originally, with numerous heirs, he had lost seven out of eight sons in a single day, leaving only Hall alive.
Although Wilch had always been indifferent to family ties, the sudden loss of so many sons made it somewhat difficult for him to accept.
But regardless, the deed was done.
"Exhale!"
Wilch took a deep breath, and a faint gleam flickered in his eyes.
This rebellion, stirred up by his eldest son, was mainly supported by Duke Phil from the Western Border. Otherwise, Mohyn wouldn't have had the ability to do such a thing.
For many years, unifying the thirteen cities of the Western Border had always been Duke Phil's wish.
However, it seemed that his desire had become more intense now. Thinking of Duke Phil from the Western Border and the forces behind him, Wilch's face became even more unpleasant, and restlessness crept into his heart.
Night Raven City was his territory, and Wilch would never allow anyone to interfere.
"By the way, Hall."
After a while, suppressing the emotions in his heart, Wilch said solemnly, "In the forest, do you remember clearly if Sauron stopped the Lion Knight Rother?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Hall nodded, looking resolute. "I can confirm that on my way back to Night Raven City seeking reinforcements, I encountered the Lion Knight Rother. He wanted to kill you, but Sauron stopped him."
"As a result, when I saw Sauron again, he was unharmed, but the Lion Knight Rother had already disappeared!"
As he spoke, a complex expression appeared on Hall's face.
Although all the signs indicated that Sauron had already dealt with the Lion Knight Rother, both Hall and Wilch found it somewhat unbelievable. Sauron, who was not even eighteen, killing a high-level Knight was hard to believe.
"Father, could it be Sauron who killed Rother?"
Hall hesitated for a moment and said, "But how is that possible? Rother is a high-level Knight. Even if Sauron's innate talent is terrifying, it's impossible for him to have reached this realm already, right?"
"It's not impossible."
Wilch pondered for a moment and shook his head. "In this world, there are always some Heaven Blessed Geniuses who can accomplish things beyond the imagination of ordinary people."
"In the history of the Lost Continent, there have been high-level Knights under the age of twenty."
"However, these people are true geniuses. As long as they don't die prematurely, their future achievements are at least Great Knights!"
"Even Legendary!"
Wilch's face was complicated. Thinking of the realm beyond high-level Knight, he couldn't help but sigh. The highest achievement in his life was only high-level Knight. As for becoming a Great Knight, it seemed unlikely, let alone the higher Legendary realm.
"If Sauron is truly a high-level Knight, then the Swain family is probably going to rise!"
Wilch's eyes flickered slightly as he muttered, "Duke Phil from the Western Border has already made a move. Although this matter is resolved for now, there will be another time sooner or later!"
"I'm already old. What about the future of Night Raven City?"
Thinking about his own physical condition, Wilch sighed internally. Looking at Hall in front of him, his expression became even more unpleasant.
Originally, he had eight sons, but now only one remained.
Regardless of Wilch's previous plans, the current Night Raven City could only be passed on to Hall. However, even though Hall had a handsome face, his strength was insufficient. He wasn't even in the Knight realm now, and his future achievements would probably be very limited.
Thinking about the future of Night Raven City and his own old age, Wilch couldn't help but feel a headache.
"Father, considering the current situation, Night Raven City probably needs to form an alliance with some allies to resist Duke Phil from the Western Border."
Suddenly, Hall spoke up.
"I understand."
Wilch nodded, stroked his chin, pondered, and then said, "Do you mean that we should form an alliance with Night Raven City during this opportunity?"
"Yes!"
Hall's eyes flickered as he whispered, "Whether Sauron is a high-level Knight or not, he has proven his strength by taking back Night Raven City from White Valley City."
"Moreover, I heard that when Sauron was at Holy Splendor Academy, he was favored by Second Princess Hestoria."
"Even Steelheart Knight Conrad was sent by the Second Princess to accompany him, showing Second Princess Hestoria's attention to Sauron and Night Raven City."
"If we can form an alliance with Night Raven City, not only can we jointly resist Duke Phil from the Western Border, but perhaps we can also join under Second Princess Hestoria!"
Listening to Hall's analysis, Wilch wore a thoughtful expression.
"But..."
A hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes. Although joining under Second Princess meant Night Raven City would have a powerful ally, it also meant that Night Raven City would be involved in the struggle for the throne.
In this game of power, Night Raven City was just a small chess piece. If possible, Wilch didn't want to easily take sides.
Even now, Second Princess Hestoria was a candidate for the throne hot enough to scald one's hands.
"Don't hesitate any longer, Father."
Seeing Wilch's expression, Hall quickly advised, "If we don't decide soon, we might not be able to withstand Duke Phil's next move against Night Raven City."
"...Alright."
Wilch's expression changed, and he said in a low voice, "Go, call your elder sisters, and make sure they all dress up nicely."