From Outcast to Overlord The Unyielding Heir (Leander Ashcroft) novel Chapter 387

"B*stard, what are you planning to do?"

Eira's eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at Leander, curious about his next move.

Leander was undoubtedly powerful, but this wasn't like the battle at Southern Shore. Here, they were facing seven major generals and three provincial governors—officials of Astria itself. There was no way he could use force against them.

If Leander actually laid a hand on them, it would be seen as a direct challenge to the country. Martial artists could wield their strength to uphold justice, but ultimately, they had to operate within the framework of the country—unless Leander was willing to vanish completely from Astria's records and live outside the law.

Given the current situation, even Leander's unmatched combat skills wouldn't be enough to take on seven major generals and three provincial governors working together. Facing such a lineup, the Ashcroft family alone would have to go all out just to barely hold their ground.

And even that might not be enough to keep Leander safe.

To counter the Riverstone family's lineup, only a handful of the top-tier families—those with power in both politics and military—could intervene. Other than that, only the true heavyweights of Astria could step in to prevent a full-scale conflict.

Leander, though revered as one of the strongest in the martial world, likely didn't have the same network in the political and military spheres as others did. How, then, would he navigate this?

"What do you mean, what am I going to do?"

Leander chewed a piece of beef, his expression casual.

Eira furrowed her brows. "Don't you need to plan and think things through?"

Leander shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"I'll respond to whatever the Riverstone family does. Why would I need to prepare?"

Eira's eyes narrowed. He seemed unnervingly calm, as if he already had the entire situation mapped out. She couldn't help but wonder—beyond being the strongest in the martial world, did Leander have some hidden ace up his sleeve?

But what kind of card could allow him to ignore seven major generals and three provincial governors entirely?

Her gaze flicked to Daphne, who frowned slightly beside him, and the pieces fell into place.

Leander was the eldest son of the Ashcroft family, and Daphne was the sole daughter of the Florian family. If the Riverstone family sent all these big shots, the Ashcroft and Florian families would never stand idly by. Alone, the Ashcrofts might not be enough to tip the scales—but with the Florians in the mix, they could potentially match their opponent.

So, it comes down to the Ashcroft and Florian families?

Eira's lips twitched with a hint of disappointment. She had expected Leander to face the Riverstone family and their political-military allies on his own, relying purely on his own strength. Instead, it seemed even he needed the combined support of these families, which, to her, slightly tarnished the legendary aura of the Iron Sovereign.

Leander, however, didn't acknowledge her thoughts. He finished the last of his soup, wiped his mouth, and stood.

"I'm full. Carry on without me."

With that, he strode out of the cafeteria alongside Daphne, leaving a few of the top beauties exchanging glances of admiration and curiosity.

Riverstone Residence, western region, Highcliffe.

Logan sat high at the head of the table. On either side of him were five elderly officers, all around his age, dressed in sharp military uniforms, their posture rigid, radiating the aura of disciplined authority.

Each of them had once commanded armies, led sieges, and wielded iron-fisted control. Though they had retired due to age, their influence remained vast. Their reputations spanned the military districts, granting them immense power in decision-making.

"Gentlemen, I've summoned you here because the Riverstone family can no longer swallow this insult!

"Jeff has gone too far. He dared to sever the bloodline of our Riverstone family, almost cutting off the flow of fresh blood. If we don't settle this score, then all my years of service in the army will have been wasted!"

He scanned the room and, turning to the five other veteran major generals, bowed deeply, his voice booming.

"Old friends, everything is in place. This time, we're counting on all of you!"

The five responded with their own bows, each with a glint of ferocity in their eyes. Facing a supreme martial artist alone was intimidating; now, with all of them united and the joint petition of three provincial governors, the pressure was immense. Unless a top-tier Astria figure personally intervened, even Leander would have no choice but to bow to the country's authority, no matter how powerful he was.

Meanwhile, Leander paid little attention to the Riverstone family's maneuvering. He and Daphne left the cafeteria and headed straight to the northern market of Highcliffe.

The market was crowded and noisy, a bustling hub alive with the chaotic energy of a real city.

Daphne, however, was completely at ease. She followed behind Leander, happily browsing the stalls, picking up trinkets and sweets—just like when they were children, coming here long ago.

A street vendor's call for sugared berries floated past. Daphne's heart leapt, and she reached out to pull Leander along—but he didn't move. His gaze was fixed on the far end of the market.

Following his eyes, she saw a tall Taoist walking slowly, carrying a whisk.

He wore a simple white robe, clean and elegant, untouched by the grime of the crowded market. He looked entirely out of place, like a drop of oil on water, drifting effortlessly above the chaos.

"I never expected to see him here again," Leander murmured, eyes flickering.

This Taoist, holding the whisk, was none other than the man he had encountered beneath the ancient pines after passing Mount Martial—the same one practicing the Eternal Flow Technique.

"Come on, Dani," Leander said, lifting his hand to pull Daphne close.

"Follow me. It's time to offer a toast."