"What choice?" The Duke of Flowers' eyes lit up, asking eagerly.

"Kael is very loyal to you, and Duke Luo De greatly appreciates such loyalty."

Durant smiled and said, "Duke Luo De has pardoned you, allowing you to exchange all your property for Kael's freedom."

The Duke of Flowers suddenly froze,

"This..."

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but no sound came out, as if it was stuck in his throat.

Durant ignored him and continued speaking.

"As long as you're willing to give up all your property and take the family to the extreme cold of the Desert to mine, then Kael will gain freedom."

"Kael will continue to follow you, serving the Flower Clan until the end of his life."

As Durant's words fell, the cell suddenly plunged into silence.

Kael, with a complex mood, couldn't help but look up at the Duke of Flowers.

After a long silence, Durant took the initiative to ask, "So, Duke of Flowers, are you willing?" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

The Duke of Flowers' expression was somewhat complex, "This... this..."

He stammered, his voice becoming intermittent.

"Of course, I hope Kael can gain freedom."

The Duke of Flowers looked at Kael, "Kael is my most loyal subordinate and the person I trust most."

"But... but that property determines the future of the Flower Clan."

The Duke of Flowers' gaze flickered, sighing slightly, "I can't gamble with the family's fate."

The Duke of Flowers forced a stiff smile,

"Kael, you should understand."

Kael hesitated for a moment, then nodded heavily.

Even though he had anticipated the answer, Kael still felt some disappointment in his heart.

Kael dedicated his life to the Flower Clan, fighting for them ever since he became an Apprentice Knight at fourteen.

Ultimately, regardless of the reason for being abandoned, Kael felt unhappy.

"Wait a minute."

Durant spoke again, asking, "If that's the case, Kael will need to go to the Desert to mine."

"All knights who do not voluntarily submit face this fate."

Durant asked the Duke of Flowers, "Perhaps you can give up half your property to let Kael become a farmer?"

"This..."

The Duke of Flowers looked at Kael once more, "I'm sorry, Kael, I can't help you."

"You should be able to understand, Kael."

The Duke of Flowers paused, his voice becoming softer,

"Rest assured, Kael, once our family rises again, we will certainly compensate you well."

The prison fell silent again.

This silence was even more oppressive than before.

Kael took two steps back and bowed to the Duke of Flowers,

"I understand, Lord Duke."

Kael lowered his head, his expression unseen, but his voice carried a clear sense of loss.

Durant stood outside the iron bars, quietly watching the scene.

"So, are you sure you won't use your property to save Kael?"

Durant asked the Duke of Flowers.

The Duke of Flowers nodded, "I am willing to submit to Duke Luo De, but the property concerns the family's fate."

"Since that's the case, Kael has no right to stay here."

Durant waved his hand, and two soldiers behind him stepped forward to open the cell door and led Kael out.

"Tomorrow, a group of knights will be sent to the Icefield Mountain Range. Kael, you can join them."

"Yes."

Kael replied calmly.

Without needing the soldiers to escort him, Kael walked out of the prison without turning his head or stopping.

"Kael, don't worry, I will definitely find an opportunity to rescue you!"

The Duke of Flowers shouted at Kael's departing figure.

Kael, however, did not look back, continuing to walk out of the dungeon along the corridor.

The noon sun shone on his face, and Kael couldn't help squinting as he looked up at the sun.

"Being abandoned feels bad, doesn't it?" Durant asked.

"Yes, it feels bad."

Kael nodded, "Even knowing the outcome, it's still hard to accept."

"It's okay, mining in the Icefield Mountain Range isn't so bad, at least you won't have to face choices anymore."

Durant stood next to Kael, comforting him, "It's not bad there, except for the nights being too cold to sleep, your hands and feet freezing until they have no feeling, and going to the toilet being painful. Other than that, there's nothing else."

"For a top knight like you, it's nothing."

Durant patted Kael on the shoulder, "Let's go."

Kael did not move, standing in place looking at Durant, suddenly asking,

"Do I still have a chance?"