Chapter 319 - 0319: Appearance (Additional Release, Asking for Monthly Tickets)
North Territory army camp.
The most elite force of the Northern Army is the North Territory Knight Team, apart from them, the majority are conscripted militia during wartime.
The majority of them are ordinary farmers, receiving only the most basic training. Their weapons are pitchforks, and possessing an iron sword could be considered a family heirloom to pass down.
Inside the tent.
A rough map was hung up, with various forces marked in different colors.
“Our current military force only consists of four hundred and seventeen knights from the North Territory Knight Team, five thousand from the regular Black Crow Corps, other than that, it’s just the temporary conscripted militia with a total less than twenty thousand…”
Gran, dressed in his armor spoke: “The army of the Drake family has already invaded Dragon City, adding to the army originally loyal to the Royal Family, as well as a solid fortress, I reckon we should not choose this place for the battlefield.”
Frank, leaning on his hefty sword, his face serious said: “A wise proposal, but…”
Rising to his feet, he looked like a granite statue: “King Felitlin III is my lord. It is the duty of a vassal to seek revenge if his lord is murdered! What about the crows from the south and the east?”
“Duke of the Black Castle promised to lead his troops northwards to join us in besieging Dragon City, protesting against the crimes committed by the Drake family! However, he has not taken any action so far.”
“With regards to the Duke of the eastern archipelago, his stance has been somewhat ambiguous, but he is willing to supply us with some resources.”
Information from all parties converged, a group of knights looked at the map, devising their battle strategy.
Once the meeting was concluded, and everyone had left, Frank kept Gran behind: “Tell me, my son, everything that occurred on that night, was it just as you described?”
“I can swear to the Mother Goddess!”
Gran felt a chill in his heart and answered loudly: “Indeed, it was that vile woman Flora who killed her husband and both the princes!”
Frank’s expression softened, and he gave him a hug: “Regardless, I’m glad that you managed to come back alive.”
“Thank you, I actually thought I would die in Dragon City that day, but an unexpected person saved me.” Gran answered somewhat bewilderingly.
“Who was that person?”
“The court’s chief mage—Sir Erik.”
“So, it was a wizard!”
Frank understood, wizard’s tricks were always beyond human understanding, whatever happened seemed plausible.
“Is he still loyal to the king?”
“Possibly!”
However, different thoughts bubbled up in Gran’s mind.
The palace upheaval was too deliberate, too crude, and most importantly, the ending was something both major families didn’t want to see.
He had reason to suspect that a third party might be involved.
But he didn’t voice any of these suspicions.
Because, within the heart of this wolf, ambition lied!
If the continent didn’t fall into chaos, was there a place for him and his knights to showcase their martial skills?
Upon leaving the camp, Rophis in his silver armor followed behind him: “As per the Duke’s orders, I and a squadron will be reassigned under your command.”
A squadron of the North Territory Knight Team typically consisted of five Black Iron Knights, one Bronze Knight, and added with Rophis, was absolutely a formidable force.
“Very well, I announce my first command. Sweep the surrounding area clean of nobles loyal to Queen Flora and the Drake family!”
Gran’s face became ferocious: “We need a constant supply of materials, we need to let our followers taste the sweetness of victory, otherwise our men wouldn’t be able to keep their spirits up.”
“At your command.”
Rophis bowed with a smile: “So, who’s your target?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Of course it’s the branches and in-laws of the Drake family that are closest to us…”
Gran looked at Rophis, seeing the surprise on his face: “Don’t tell me you thought that I would attack the Free Territory? I’m not an idiot. I don’t plan on making a move until the strategists figure out a way to deal with that person.”
“A wise decision.”
Rophis nodded, bowed, and left.
Free Territory, Manor.
The once vibrant surroundings of the Manor were now desolate, only the villa nearby had a new wall erected around it, which was steadily being elevated and reinforced.
“Looking at the scene, it seems that war is really on its way.”
Su Lu, accompanied by Silver Eye, returned to his territory to witness this particular scene.
“My lord.”
Inside the mansion, there were two severely sleep-deprived Ham males seeing Su Lu, finally letting out a sigh of relief: “You finally returned!”
“Tell me what happened after I left!”
Su Lu lounged in his chair, watching Ham closely.
“In accordance with your will, ever since you left, inside Dragon City…”
Ham quickly briefed him about the occurrences, while Su Lu’s expression became increasingly puzzled: “You mean…our queen tried to poison Gran, but instead accidentally took out her own husband and the two princes? So, she could only push her own daughter onto the throne? Are you sure she didn’t do it on purpose?”
“Actually, this kind of conspiracy theory is quite popular. That’s why the queen got a new nickname—Kingslayer!”
Ham bitterly replied.
“I feel like things might not be that simple.”
Su Lu stroked his chin.
“We don’t need to worry about who the mastermind is, we only need to think about how to face the upcoming war, or rather, which side to align ourselves with.”
Ham bowed and said: “My Lord, even though you’re a free noble, your territory was given by the king. Theoretically, you could say it is part of the King’s faction! Currently, parts of the royal nobles have chosen to be loyal to Flora, while others have chosen the North.”
“Are you asking me to choose my side? I choose… neutrality!”
Su Lu chuckled, “Whoever dares to invade our territory, we fight against them. This is the right of a noble!”
“Against both the northern and royal armies? I see.” Inhaling deeply, Ham appeared much more relaxed.
“Yes, you relay this down the chain and start preparations.”
In reality, to stay neutral, one must have power, else both sides might decide to take you out first!
Su Lu was merely a Lord, barely scraping together a hundred soldiers in his territory. But in the Low Magic World, due to his terrifying individual combat abilities, he had this privilege.
Regrettably, sometimes, it’s not always up to him if he wants to sit on the sidelines and watch the show.
The next day, as Su Lu got up and was just having his breakfast, he heard the loud warning bells.
That signified an enemy invasion!
His countenance stern, flickering, he arrived outside, “What happened?”
“My lord!”
Ham pointed to a team of cavalry not too far away: “Knights from the North are spying on us.”
“What? Don’t tell me that Gran and Frank really aren’t afraid of death?”
Su Lu was surprised.
“No…my lord, though they are knights of the North, they may not necessarily be here under the command of those two… They could simply be here for personal revenge.”
Silver Eye also went over to give an explanation to Su Lu.
“Personal revenge?” Tapping his forehead, Su Lu remembered he had killed numerous knights of the North, and those knights should each have their own families.
In accordance with medieval feudal noble tendencies, even if Duke Wolf Fort had given a clear command, it might not necessarily stop them from avenging their family members.
Not to mention, it’s unlikely that he would give such a command, otherwise the North might break into civil war first.