Chapter 774
In Chapter 774 of “Fake Girl,” tension rises between Athena and Xander as they discuss troubling news from Ramberg. Athena’s impatience is palpable as she urges Xander to speak up, revealing her playful yet challenging demeanor. Xander struggles to articulate his thoughts, particularly when it comes to Ray, a figure from Athena’s past. His emotions shift from irritation to determination, as he reveals that Ray has found a lookalike to replace Athena, igniting a storm of frustration within him.
As their conversation unfolds, Xander’s frustrations about reclaiming Ramberg surface. Athena, now carrying Xander’s twins, playfully encourages him to pursue his ambitions, hinting at her support for his dreams. However, Xander’s worries about the current state of affairs, including the recent dismal harvest and the new King’s tax exemption, weigh heavily on him. He realizes that without adequate resources, any attempt to reclaim Ramberg would be futile, leaving him to hope for a better future.
Athena proposes seeking help from the Thirteen Tribes, known for their wealth in livestock but historically vulnerable due to Northcold’s raids. Xander is initially surprised by her suggestion, recognizing the tribes’ disunity and the challenges of uniting them. Despite their fragmented state, Athena highlights the tribes’ shared vulnerability, particularly their annual gathering at the Wolf River altar, which presents a potential opportunity for alliance.
However, Xander remains cautious, aware of the military presence from Northcold that threatens any dissent among the tribes. He expresses concern about the precarious nature of their situation and the risks involved in taking action. The chapter concludes with the weight of leadership pressing on Xander, as he contemplates the delicate balance between ambition and caution in navigating the complexities of their world.
**Chapter 774 p>
“Just spit it out already! Why are you stuttering like that?” Athena shot him a piercing glare, her impatience palpable.
Xander, feeling the weight of her gaze, cleared his throat, trying to muster the courage to voice his thoughts. “Do you want to hear some news from Ramberg?” he finally managed to ask, his voice trembling slightly.
Athena noticed the way his expression shifted whenever Ray was mentioned. It was as if a shadow had crossed his face, a mix of wariness and concern.
A teasing smile crept across her lips as she observed him. After all, she and Ray were nothing but a distant memory now, and she was carrying Xander’s children—twins, no less.
What could he possibly want with that intense look? she pondered, amusement dancing in her mind.
“Sure, I want to hear it,” she said provocatively, her tone playful yet challenging.
Xander’s countenance darkened immediately, a storm brewing behind his eyes.
Yet, he knew better than to let his frustration spill over into anger towards her. “Ray has found a replacement, someone who looks just like you. That kid just won’t give up,” he muttered, his voice laced with irritation.
His words hung in the air, charged with unspoken emotions.
He scoffed, a heavy sound that echoed his frustration. “One way or another, I’ll bring his empire crashing down p>
“Well, if you’re so capable, why don’t you just do it now?” Athena goaded him, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Xander’s brow furrowed as he studied her expression, his breath catching in his throat. “You really want me to go after it?” he asked, a mix of surprise and hope flickering in his eyes.
“Ramberg already belongs to the Grand Luminary Empire. Haven’t you always dreamed of reclaiming it? Why would I stand in your way?” Athena replied, her fingers absentmindedly playing with the tassel that hung from her waist, a sign of her casual confidence.
Seeing her seemingly unfazed demeanor eased some of Xander’s tension.
But then, a deep sigh escaped him, the weight of his worries pressing down on his shoulders. “He’s just taking advantage of Ramberg’s strategic position. If it weren’t for that, I would have taken it long ago. He wouldn’t be so brazen otherwise p>
“But it’s not that simple,” Xander continued, his voice heavy with resignation as he acknowledged the challenges ahead.
Athena understood the depths of his concerns. This year’s harvest had been dismal, and the new King had granted a three-year tax exemption upon his ascension to the throne.
The royal treasury was nearly depleted, leaving Xander with limited options should he wish to mount an attack. All he could do was pray for a bountiful harvest next year.
After a moment of contemplation, Athena decided to share an idea that had been brewing in her mind. “If we lack resources, why not seek help from others p>
Xander raised an eyebrow, surprise etched across his features. “Are you suggesting we ask the Thirteen Tribes for assistance p>
The Thirteen Tribes were known for their wealth in warhorses, cattle, and sheep.
However, Northcold had a history of raiding their lands, leaving them in a state of suffering and vulnerability. Unfortunately, the tribes lacked a strong army to defend themselves effectively.
Xander had considered negotiating with them as well. If they could be persuaded to align with the Grand Luminary Empire, he could then rally troops to confront Northcold.
Yet, the Thirteen Tribes were fragmented, each faction holding differing political views. If he wished to strike at them, he would first need to address their internal divisions.
“The Thirteen Tribes are too splintered, and skirmishes between them are not uncommon. Uniting them would be a monumental task,” Xander admitted, his ambition for the resources of the Thirteen Tribes battling against the reality of their disunity.
They were notoriously hostile towards outsiders, making any intervention a precarious endeavor. One false move could lead to their animosity being directed at him.
Athena let out a soft chuckle, her delicate fingers tracing the Thirteen Tribes Map, her gaze landing on the Wolf River basin.
“This is the heart of the Thirteen Tribes, the place where they gather every year,” she explained, her voice filled with intrigue.
“Even though they are divided, they share a common vulnerability,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with insight. “For generations, they have worshiped the Wolf God, and every year, they hold a caucus at the Wolf River altar, led by the oldest patriarch. This year’s meeting is next month—an opportunity we cannot overlook p>
Xander’s brow knitted together in concern. “But Northcold has stationed three battalions along the Wolf River. They claim it’s for protection, but really, they’re there to keep an eye on the tribes. Any sign of dissent could lead to military conflict p>
The patriarchs of the Thirteen Tribes were caught in a bind, feeling a simmering anger yet too afraid to voice it. “If we act recklessly, I fear we might find ourselves burned,” he cautioned, the weight of leadership pressing heavily on him.
In the midst of their tense exchange, a flicker of hope ignited within Xander as Athena laid out her plan. Her unwavering confidence and keen insight into the Thirteen Tribes sparked a renewed sense of purpose within him. Despite the looming threats and the precariousness of their situation, her presence reminded him that they were not alone in this struggle. The idea of uniting the tribes around a shared vulnerability, while fraught with danger, presented a glimmer of possibility. Xander felt the burdens of leadership shift slightly, as Athena’s determination intertwined with his own, forging a bond that transcended their individual fears and ambitions. Together, they could navigate the treacherous waters ahead, bolstered by their shared commitment to reclaiming what was rightfully theirs.
As the weight of their conversation settled, Xander realized that the path forward would not be easy, yet he felt a surge of resolve. Athena’s playful yet challenging demeanor had peeled back the layers of his frustration, allowing him to confront the reality of his circumstances with a clearer mind. The stakes were high, and the shadows of their past loomed large, but with Athena by his side, he felt emboldened to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their alliance, forged in the fires of adversity, was a testament to their growth and resilience. In that moment, he understood that their journey was not just about reclaiming power, but also about building a future—a legacy for the children they would raise together, and a chance to rewrite the narrative of their lives amidst the chaos of their world.
In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect a deep dive into the intricate politics surrounding the Thirteen Tribes and the looming threat posed by Northcold. As Xander grapples with the precarious balance of power, the stakes will rise higher than ever. Athena’s suggestion to leverage the upcoming caucus at the Wolf River altar presents a tantalizing opportunity for both characters, but the path to uniting the tribes will be fraught with peril. Will Xander muster the courage to confront the patriarchs, or will the fear of Northcold’s military presence keep him from seizing this chance?
Moreover, the tension between Xander and Athena will continue to simmer as they navigate their complex relationship amidst the backdrop of political maneuvering. Athena’s playful confidence may mask deeper insecurities, particularly as she contemplates her role in Xander’s ambitions. As the chapter unfolds, readers will witness the emergence of new alliances and the potential for betrayal, all while Xander’s dreams of reclaiming Ramberg hang in the balance. Will he find the strength to rally the tribes, or will doubt and fear lead to missed opportunities? The answers await in the next thrilling installment!
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.