Clint gave Watanabe a cold, hard look. Despite his injuries, his severity remained undiminished. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "Watanabe, you must keep your word. Since you proposed an alliance, how can you achieve your goal and then betray us? Go back and accept your punishment, reflect on your actions."
"Yes," Watanabe nodded immediately.
"My injury has nothing to do with her; she saved me," Clint added. "Do not bring up that thought again."
Watanabe was somewhat surprised but nodded in response. "Yes, Your Highness."
Watanabe led Clint onto the helicopter first. Then Luther climbed up with Joyce, holding her as they ascended the rope and were lifted into the helicopter.
The helicopter door closed, and the loud noise of the rotor blades drowned out everything else.
Joyce fastened her seatbelt and felt the Black Hawk helicopter take off smoothly. She looked down from the high altitude; the mountain, which had been unclear before, now became distinct in outline. The perilous night had finally come to an end.
Clint and Watanabe sat in the front row. Joyce sat in the back row next to Luther. No one spoke to each other. Fortunately, the noise in the helicopter was loud, and everyone wore headphones.
This awkward meeting was unexpected for both sides. No one had anticipated that they would have a day of cooperation.
After boarding the helicopter, Luther glanced at Clint. Clint was injured and looked almost pale. He knew Clint had always been physically weaker and feared he might not hold out much longer.
Clint's face remained cold and silent as he forced himself to stay conscious. He did not want to faint in front of Joyce or show his weakness to Luther. To stay awake, he repeatedly pinched his arm wound, letting fresh blood flow out and the pain keep him alert.
Upon safely returning to Eastern Capital, Watanabe immediately dispatched medical personnel to take Clint to the hospital for treatment of his gunshot wound. The moment they arrived at the hospital, Clint could no longer hold on and collapsed heavily onto the bed.
While doctors performed emergency surgery on Clint-stitching his wounds, removing embedded shrapnel, and stopping inflammation and bleeding-Reuben, Hajime, Joyce, and Luther sat in a reception room within the palace.
Joyce had already showered and changed into comfortable clothes. Leaning against Luther's chest, she felt tired but secure because she was by his side.
Luther gently held Joyce's waist. He had also taken a brief nap on their way back. There was still a tough battle ahead, and he needed to conserve his strength. He had a plan forming in his mind; now it was just a matter of execution.
The current situation was delicate. After last night's battle, Hirota failed to achieve his goal and suffered significant losses. However, Hirota had already left Eastern Capital overnight with his remaining guards and regrouped outside.
At some point, the conflict had shifted focus. The struggle for the throne was now secondary; first they had to deal with Hirota's attempt at usurpation. Clearly, Hirota hadn't given up; he was now outside Eastern Capital likely mobilizing old allies and gathering support from other families within the Yoshikawa family.
Joyce stirred slightly.
Luther quickly lowered his head. "What's wrong? Are you uncomfortable?"
Joyce smiled faintly. "Don't get so nervous; I'm fine. Just a bit hungry."
"I've prepared some snacks and hot tea for you." Luther gently lifted her into his arms while reaching for a piece of dessert to feed her.
After Joyce took a few bites and sipped some water that Luther offered her, he gently wiped her lips with a napkin.
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