When Prince Raymond returned, his servant told him that he had changed the color of his hat. The angry prince cut the throat of the servant who talked too much and imprisoned Duchess Anna for questioning.

After forcing the Duchess to tell the truth under torture, he ordered the Duchy's soldiers to arrest the poet who seduced his wife, intending to torture him by ripping out his heart, then fry the poet's heart in oil and force Anna to eat it in front of the entire court.

But Prince Raymond was not able to have his wish, because the poet had already left the duchy in advance, and the duke himself was so angry about this that he suffered a stroke and was paralyzed for a full six months. When Prince Raymond recovered, he could only walk with difficulty. But he continued to seduce the women of Toussaint, and eventually suffered another stroke a few years later and died at the hands of one of his mistresses. Due to his poor rule during his lifetime, Prince Raymond's death did not cause much sadness in the duchy.

Lan had never thought that Raymond was still alive. After all, the Duchess was already a free and beautiful widow when she appeared in the novel and the game.

By the way, the bard who seduced the Duchess is also an extraordinary person. He is the best friend of the wolf-faction witcher Geralt the White Wolf - Dandelion!

Lan certainly didn't intend to tell these "secrets" to others. He still needed to build a good relationship with Duchess Anna.

After paying respects to the deceased husband out of courtesy, Lann continued, "Thank you for putting aside your prejudice against war and allowing us to enter. I admire your tolerance."

The culture of knights is prevalent in Toussaint, which makes the Duchess quite fond of knights like Lann who walked out of poetry. At the same time, she is also quite curious about Geralt who is standing beside her. She has obviously heard the story of the "White Wolf".

The Duchess laughed after hearing what Lann said, "Lord Lannister flatters me too much and underestimates Toussaint's magnanimity. We are not as good at and value swords as Cintra. How can a war so long ago interfere with us now?"

Previous wars?

Lan was stunned when he understood the Duchess's words, and suddenly had an impolite guess in his mind.

"Your Highness Anna?" Lann asked tentatively, "But the war is still going on?"

"What are you saying, Lord Lannister? The war is over!" The Duchess raised her nose. "I mentioned this in a letter to my cousin, Emhyr var Emreis. In it, I firmly asked him to stop the senseless killing. He also promised me peace."

Lann was more certain of his guess. He softly retorted, "But just yesterday, our soldiers were still fighting hand-to-hand with Nilfgaard. The war took up all our energy. Cintra couldn't even spare a craftsman to help build my territory."

This answer was obviously beyond the Duchess's expectations. She was stunned for a moment, then raised her chin higher and her voice became shrill:

"How is this possible? The war is still going on? Why didn't anyone tell me? Minister Tremblay?"

"Your Highness, I..." A noble wearing a gold chain knelt on the ground, "I just don't want to make you worry... make you uneasy... Your Highness..."

"Guards!" cried the Duchess. "Take him to the Tower! You are out of my good graces, Monsieur Tremblay! Chamberlain! Clerk!"

"At your service, enlightened lady..."

"Let our foreign minister write to my cousin, the Emperor of Nilfgaard, immediately. We ask him to sign a peace treaty immediately - I mean, immediately - and stop the war! Because war and conflict are evil! Conflict will only weaken national strength and destroy harmony!"

"Your Highness, you are very wise," replied the palace steward.

"Gentlemen, what are you still standing here for? I have issued the order. Act now!"

Lan looked around. The nobles and officials still had blank expressions on their faces, as if similar things had happened all the time in the palace.

Toussaint is a fairy tale kingdom. No wonder it is a fairy tale kingdom.

Duchess Anna took the handkerchief, touched her nose with it, and smiled at Lan.

"As you can see, Lord Lannister, the war will soon be over," she said. "My cousin is actually very considerate, and I apologize to Cintra for his willfulness. Toussaint will sell a batch of wine to Cintra at a discount as an apology. I will also personally give a barrel of 'East of East' to the royal family of Cintra. I hope that unpleasant things will not damage our friendship."

East of East wine is the treasure of Toussaint. The people of Toussaint respect it almost as if it is sacred. The Beauclair Palace has its own East of East cellar. Every year, a ceremony is held to store two barrels of wine from that year on the shelf. According to the Principality's decree "Saint East Wine Order", if you open these barrels without permission, you will be sentenced to death.

Lan's mouth twitched, and he said in a tone that was almost like coaxing a child: "Okay, Your Highness. Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness."

Duchess Anna smiled reservedly, turned to Geralt and said, "Is this your follower? Is he... a demon hunter?"

Lann shook his head: "Not really. He is my comrade-in-arms and close friend. He was invited by me to help this time."

Geralt glanced at Lann, saluted to Anna and said, "I am Geralt of Rivia, as you can see - I am a demon hunter."

"That's great. It's you, Mr. Geralt. Dan... I've heard a lot about your glorious deeds!" Duchess Anna exclaimed happily, "I have something to ask of you."

"I would like to hear more about it, Your Highness the Duchess."

"This is the common request of many chaste women of Toussaint. Nightmares are plaguing their homes. A monster, a demon in female form, a succubus of unspeakable shamelessness, is killing their loyal and chaste spouses.

She would go into their bedrooms at night and commit all sorts of vile, abominable, depraved acts that are unspeakable. You are an expert in this area and you must know the details."

Geralt nodded and said, "Yes, Your Highness the Duchess."

"This matter has troubled the ladies of Toussaint for too long, and I ask you to put an end to this vile practice. I assure you that we will be grateful."

Geralt looked embarrassed. "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness the Duchess. But I have a commission and I am too busy to attend to you right now. Please wait until I finish the things at hand. Then I will be happy to bring peace to your Toussaint."

Duchess Anna smiled with satisfaction, and the few of them exchanged a few more pleasantries. Before parting, the Duchess cordially invited Lan to attend today's dinner, and Lan gladly agreed.

On the way back to the residence, the expressions of Lann, Geralt and the three servants were quite strange, but because of the soldiers and royal butlers who led the way for them, they were not in a position to say anything.

The few of them soon arrived at the residence arranged for them by the royal family.

"If you have any further instructions, I am just downstairs. I will serve you for the rest of your stay at Beauclair."

The royal butler bowed to Lan and closed the door.

The three servants in the room finally relaxed. After holding back their words all the way, they began to take deep breaths as if they had just come ashore from diving. They looked at each other with ridiculous expressions on their faces.