Hadrian's Wall

This is Hadrian's Wall, originally built during the Roman Empire's occupation of Britain as a military fortress. Now, with the Romans nearly vanished from these lands, this magnificent structure still stands, serving as a solid barrier for the people of the South against external threats.

Everyone believed that as long as Hadrian's Wall stood, Vortigern could never pose a threat to the South.

Arkhan stood on Hadrian's Wall, the biting cold wind making his white cloak behind him rustle. He gently brushed his hand over the weathered and sturdy stones, as if sensing the weight of time left on them.

"Your Majesty, General Pallas is here." Yulina, clad in a black robe, approached.

Ever since her return, Yulina had taken on the role of Arkhan's personal maid. This time, she volunteered to accompany him on his journey to the northern border.

Arkhan turned around to see an old man gradually approaching.

The old man was nearly two meters tall. Despite his hair and beard being white, his body was robust. Clad in heavy armor, his iron-gray eyes were sharp like blades. His face was as cold as frost, emanating an aura of unquestionable authority.

This man was the commander in Hadrian's Wall, Pallas.

Pallas belonged to the same era as Ferguson. In the tumultuous times when Uther and Vortigern had not yet severed ties, he had followed Uther and earned numerous illustrious achievements during Britain's most chaotic period.

With his merits, he could easily have obtained vast lands or at least a ducal title, leading a carefree and comfortable life.

However, with Vortigern and Uther's fallout and the disastrous defeat in the northern campaign, Pallas willingly abandoned everything, personally undertaking the responsibility of guarding Hadrian's Wall for fifteen years.

If not for his presence, this defensive line might have collapsed long ago.

Pallas approached without kneeling or bowing to Arkhan. Instead, he stared at him with those keen, hawk-like eyes.

"You're King Uther's son?"

Seeing Pallas's confrontational stance, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in Yulina's eyes. She was about to speak when Arkhan raised his hand, stopping her.

"I am indeed King Uther's son, Arthur." Arkhan smiled, seemingly unfazed by Pallas's demeanor.

"Where did you get the news of Vortigern sending his army to the South?" Pallas asked.

"My maid overheard it in the royal palace of Kent." Arkhan replied calmly.

Yulina immediately straightened her back proudly, emphasizing her big breasts.

Pallas cast a cold look at her and then back at Arkhan. His expression remained unchanged.

"It seems your maid is quite extraordinary."

"Haha, just a clever bounty hunter." Arkhan chuckled and responded humbly.

"A bounty hunter?" Pallas raised his rugged eyebrows slightly. "You actually let a bounty hunter serve as your maid?"

In the common perception of nobles, bounty hunters were regarded as greedy and despicable scavengers lurking in the shadows, unable to endure sunlight, and even looking at them was a defilement of the eyes. And yet, this young king had kept a bounty hunter by his side?

"Hey! What do you mean by that?! What's wrong with being a bounty hunter?! I haven't stolen or robbed; I rely on my skills to make a living. And if it weren't for me this time, Vortigern's army would probably be pressing against the city walls without you knowing, and you wouldn't even be dressed yet!" Yulina exclaimed indignantly.

Pallas paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Guhahaha! A sharp-tongued little girl indeed! But you're right, this time it's thanks to you. I apologize for my earlier offense."

With that, he actually bowed to Yulina.

She was stunned, not expecting the general who had guarded Hadrian's Wall for fifteen years to actually bow to her without hesitation.

"I pick people based on ability. As long as you bring value, whether you're a bounty hunter or a beggar on the roadside, I don't care." Arkhan said with a smile.

"You truly are an unconventional ruler..." Pallas sighed slightly. Then, his expression turned serious. "I've heard all about your deeds. Frankly, your grasp of the situation and control over people is terrifying to the point where it makes even me a bit afraid. I have a feeling that letting you ascend to the throne might be the biggest mistake those guys ever make."

'Hoh?' Arkhan's eyes showed a hint of surprise. He had just revealed a few thoughts, and this old man managed to pick up on them.

And this was without meeting him in person, just based on some records and information.

Truly a seasoned general who once served under Uther, his insight was not to be underestimated.

"But it has nothing to do with me. Right now, I have neither title nor land; I'm just a soldier." Pallas said casually.

"If you want, I can give you all of that." Arkhan responded to Pallas's statement. 

This pillar of the nation, a distinguished veteran who contributed greatly to Camelot and guarded Hadrian's Wall for fifteen years, was one of the few people Arkhan genuinely respected. Given Pallas's accomplishments, any request from him wouldn't be too much.

"Heh, if I were interested in those things, I wouldn't be standing here now..." Pallas chuckled. Then, his face immediately turned serious again. "I am a soldier, just a soldier. My only mission is to protect my homeland and repel invaders. I don't care what you do to those nobles; I just need you to answer one question—"

Pallas suddenly stepped forward, his iron-gray eyes locked onto Arkhan, emitting a compelling aura.

"For you, what's more important, the nation or the people?"

Watching Pallas's serious expression, Arkhan smiled.

"In my view, there's no difference between the two."

Pallas furrowed his brows slightly.

"A nation exists because of its people, and without a nation, there's no home. These two are inherently interconnected and mutually supportive. There's no question of one being more important than the other." Arkhan continued while shaking his head.

"People make the nation, and without a nation, there's no home..." Pallas murmured softly, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes. He then looked at Arkhan with a deep gaze and said, "You know, I once asked the late king the same question, and he told me he believed the people were more important than the nation."

"Do you think he was wrong?" Yulina asked curiously.

"If the late king was right, I wouldn't be here now."

Pallas's iron-gray eyes revealed a complex emotion as he sighed lightly. Suddenly, he knelt on one knee and bowed to Arkhan.

"Pallas greets Your Majesty!"