No matter how many times I return to this keep, its fiery beauty cannot overcome the gloomy atmosphere it exudes. It has always been like this ever since the Queen had lost her second child, the princess. But I did not come here to swim in its depressing air.

Accompanied by ten Sturmhounds led by Captain Isoff, we entered the great halls of Magmar Keep. After a discussion with the slumborn who saved my son, I was called by the king once again for an urgent council meeting.

I was greeted by one of the Ashenguards when I entered the doors to the Throne Room.

「Marquis Windhill, I welcome you once again in our glorious keep. The king and the ministers were waiting for you at the Council Chambers.」Ashenguard

「Yeah, I am heading there anyway…and you are?」Marquis Windhill

「I am Tetrarch, one of the captains of Ashenguards and your guide for today to the council.」Tetrarch

Guide eh? It’s always been like this since that assassination of the previous king at the council meeting. Strict security procedures and almost thousands of Ashenguards were always on duty every single day.

「Do we always have to do this everytime?」Marquis Windhill

「My apologies for the inconvenience milord but it is a requirement for safety and security measures for the king and for all of you in the council. We don’t know the future, as such it is better to be careful than to regret it later.」Tetrarch

We have no choice but to follow such procedures then. But in any place the head of House Windhill goes, a Sturmhound goes with him. So I had to leave again the rest of the Sturmhounds and have their captain instead follow me.

「Fine. Well then… Captain Isoff, have your men on standby within this walls. Then follow me to the chambers.」Marquis Windill

「Yes Milord.」Captain Isoff

「I am sure you wouldn’t mind a single Sturmhound with me right? I always brought one hound with me after all.」Marquis Windhill

「It is completely fine milord. Please do follow me.」Tetrarch

It took almost half an hour before we arrived at the Council Chambers. In the past, an assassin had successfully entered the chambers and murdered the king. As such one of the measurement made by the Ashenguards were to create several layers of magical barriers and guards before entering the vicinity of the room. Since then, two assassination attempts failed thanks to this, but it is a very long procedure for anyone who wanted to enter the chambers. No one is exempted to skip except the king.

「Thank you for following the security procedure milord, you can now enter the chambers. I will now go back to escort your captain also. Well, then milord.」Tetrarch

After that, he left me on the doors of the chambers. Although the room is intentionally made with magic so that no sound can escape the room, the atmosphere of heavy talks and arguments can be felt from the outside.

I entered the room by opening one of the four doors.

It seems they are already discussing something even before I arrived. The ones that are present are my fellow marquises and dukes: Marquis Fatillas, Marquis Aquismeia, Duke Reims, Duke Greatfyd, Duke Farronheld, Duke Adzvestrom, Duke Aefyrwald, and Duke Bevlerhymn.

They were far too busy in their discussion that they didn’t notice me entering the room. And the ones sitting on the table were the high officials and ministers of this kingdom:

Lord Destilmond, the trusted Royal Treasurer who oversees all the taxes and flow of wealth in this country.

Lord Farquas, the Royal Spymaster, one in charge of this kingdom’s external and foreign affairs and the one responsible for knowing the movement and stability of other countries that may affect our security.

Lord Streggor, the current Headmaster of the Royal Internal Bureau, another branch of this kingdom’s army whom manages the order, security and discovering hidden plots inside the kingdom that may harm the king or the kingdom.

But the first one to greet me is Lord Farquas and Lord Streggor, whom both immediately stood up and went towards me after I entered the room.

「Marquis Windhill!! I truly am sorry for not being able to help in your family’s predicament earlier. But do know that I am thankful also to the Great Sprites about the safe return of your son.」Lord Farquas

「As do I, I truly apologize also that my Bureau wasn’t able to help in search for the young lord. The incompetence of my subordinates shall never repeat again milord.」Lord Streggor

「I appreciate it, Lord Farquas. And for you Lord Streggor, maybe you should reintegrate your Bureau. Who knows if someone will try the same thing, endangering the royal family.」Marquis Windhill

Lord Streggor only bowed in response.

「He must have suffered a lot in his captivity in the slums. Is the young lord well, Marquis Windhill?」Duke Aefyrwald

「Yes, he is a very strong boy. He was able to get himself out of the slums without anyone’s help. Although he is not that… good in his personality, I admit. But he is brave enough to survive on his own.」Marquis Windhill

I have made a very strict command to never disclose the identity of my son’s companion in the slums. So aside from the house servants and the Sturmhounds, no one knows about the heterochromatic slumborn child.

「That is quite reassuring. I will be very interested in seeing this brave son of yours again. I truly regret, I was not able to see and know him clearly at the Royal Ball.」King Algwyn

「Your grace, forgive me for my tardiness.」Marquis Windhill

The one who interrupted us is our sovereign, King Algwyn Leorick Van Travadde Lesterheld Musserein Cherubin of House Highland and the 674th Ruler of Grandfram Kingdom.

Behind him is the famed First Hundred Ashenguards. He is the only one in this council that is allowed to bring such number of Ashenguards inside this room. And beside him is High Commander Beckendric of House Adzvestrom, the Royal Military Advisor.

I kneeled in apology towards the king when he came near but instead he pulled me up, forcing me to stand immediately.

「There is nothing to forgive my friend. Instead I should be the one apologizing. I myself have faults in your son’s earlier predicaments, if only I increased the security around the keep at that time, it would’ve never happened. I understand that you must have been quite busy after his safe return but unfortunately, the problems of the realm were as rude and insensitive to these matters. But still… it’s good to know that your son is safe and well once again. Everyone please take a seat.」King Algwyn

I shook the hands he offered. Then he went back to his chair in the round table. We followed suit and took a sit on ours. Captain Isoff had entered the room and stood behind me like other guards of the council.

「Well… now that all of the council members are present, let us begin the minor problems first.」King Algwyn

The king looked at Lord Destilmond as a gesture to start the meeting.

「Yes your grace. Milords, I have received reports about the increase raids and attacks in the Gredorian Mines by goblins and orcs. We still have not traced the location of their nests but these attacks have already crippled the local economy of Count Berkinswill’s territory. The count are asking for help for this matter as he doesn’t have enough military power and funds to eliminate this problem.」Lord Destilmond

Orcs and goblins were humanoids that usually dwelled in the mountains. As such they usually clash with dwarves and halflings who also lived at the same regions. And they are also one of the major problems of the lords who oversee mining operations in the mountains. Though unlike dwarves and halflings, orcs and goblins never had any intelligence for diplomacy, thus to get food or extend their territory, they usually attack and raid unsuspecting mines and villages nearby.

Overall, they are a headache. When I was still 16 years old, I led an army to clear the Shinara Mines that were held by my family. It took me three months to clean the entire tunnels out. But I lost almost a third of my men and the ensuing cleanup operation halted the acquisition of precious metals which decreased the monthly income of my territory.

I suffered a lot because of these creatures so how much more to those lords whom their incomes depended on their mines?

「Marquis Fatillas, your family owns two-thirds of this kingdom’s Rythgold and Kraugstone mines. I am sure you’ve already experienced this kind of problem many times.」Duke Reims

Duke Reims suddenly called out Marquis Fatillas, the overlord who oversees the northern borders of the kingdom.

「Tsk. Many times due to my incompetent cousins whom I left to take care of the mines in the Sollus Mountains. You will wish that you would never experience such problem. That kind of matter is already considered the worst case scenario. Imagine, 20,000 goblins, orcs, trolls and ogres united in a single tribe? And they also made the entire underground mine as their own fortress? Not even an army of a hundred thousand can defeat them so easily in those dark and narrow caverns.」Marquis Fatillas

It would be quite bad if these creatures had made a fortified nest in the mountains. It will be a base of operations for these creatures in their consistent raids and attacks in the nearest settlements and towns.

「Then shouldn’t this be a problem well suited for Adventurers?」Duke Farronheld

Mercenaries and adventurers were mostly hired by wealthy nobles for this kind of job. The reason for this is to never suffer any casualty or reduction of their standing army and for their experience and efficiency in completing such job.

「Yes it is, they are far more powerful and stronger than an average soldier and sellsword but this level of problem was assessed as an A+ Rank Quest. Which means it’s as if I will be paying for an equivalent cost of 40,000 sellswords or even more, if I hire Platinum Ranked Adventurers. And not only that, adventurers still value their lives. So although they have greater efficiency and chance of cleaning out the mines than the thousands of mercenaries, they are very careful and cautious that it may take a decade for them to finish. Any missions from the Adventurers Guild that were regarded as an A+ Rank Quest has a deadline of 10-15 Years.」Marquis Fatillas

「Fifteen years…」Duke Farronheld

15 years of having a no income from your mines which you have solely depended upon is one of the worst problems as a lord.

「Well after seeing the caverns and the maze-like tunnels they made out of my mines, encountered several hundreds of hobspecies, an increase in the number of goblins or orcs, and the existence of an army of shamans, this headache may had become an S Rank Quest which will extend the deadline to 20 years.」Marquis Fatillas

Adventurers Guild has a ranking system to categorize the difficulties of every quest. And S Rank Quests were fourth of the most difficult which were mostly composed of missions on repelling and subduing rogue dragons, giants, sea monsters and large beasts that is capable of destroying cities if left uncheck.

And Mercenary Guild has also their own ranking system but unlike Adventurers Guild, they had no deadline or any allowances given. A hired sellsword must jump on a cliff if his or her employer tells him or her to do so. This may seems to be similar to a slavery but application and entering to the Mercenary Guild is voluntary.

It was never forced and every single disadvantages and risks were always read and told to the applicants. And the sellswords were paid regularly every week with handsome salary and benefits unlike the Adventurers Guild where no benefit is given if one died during and outside the quest and they can only be paid through taking and finishing quests successfully. Any failure of their quests means no payment and with great penalty on the Adventurer. While the Mercenaries were backed by the Guild in case of their deaths or got disabled and with no penalty in failing the mission as it was deemed to be the employer’s fault for any failure done by any sellsword.

「Although I have no problem actually on hiring Adventurers as long as they are Adamantite Rank. But at that time, I was told that our kingdom’s Adamantite Adventurers, was still on their quests on foreign countries. Bloodthorn is on the Kingdom of Hashu to subdue a Calydonian Boar, Seven Set was sent off to the Mycronesian Seas to hunt down a sea serpent, Hemlock was missing in action on their quest on Berberlands and the Maidens of Beholden was on a newly discovered dungeon on the Kingdom of Westermarck. And I also requested for the infamous Platinum Ranked Adventurer, Goblin Hunter who was a known for his achievements and great skills in cleaning out the goblin infestations. But he was also on a quest outside the kingdom.」Marquis Fatillas

Adamantite Rank adventurers were regarded to be almost an equivalent of heroes. Some of them were even descendants of the ancient heroes. They were the cream of the crop of all members in the Adventurers Guild. As such it is understandable for Marquis Fatillas to request for them even with a very, very expensive payment, they could clean out these mines in a short amount of time with almost no casualty.

「As such, I had no choice but to make do with mercenaries and my Jagdtruppen.」Marquis Fatillas

「How about collapsing the entire mountain?」Duke Reims

「Would you? Would you be willing to destroy one of your largest mines just to destroy these creatures?」Marquis Fatillas

「…」Duke Reims

The wellbeing of the nearby settlements and villages were not a priority. As a marquis, Lord Fatillas prioritized the wellbeing of his entire territory than a few peasants. His territories were mostly barren, mountainous and rugged with almost no potential for farming or vegetation. Their lives depended on the rich veins of precious metals and minerals in their mountains. So if he lost these mines, many of his people will lose their livelihood and will greatly affect his territory’s prosperity.

「There are actually other better ways in cleaning out the mines. Although it is costly, hard and took too long to finish, it is much better than collapsing or burying your entire potential wealth below the ground. 」Marquis Fatillas

「And? What did you do that solved your problem?」Marquis Windhill

Marquis Fatillas can only grip his fists in frustration as a response.

「I tried closing up the caves and trapping them with poisonous, toxic fumes, flooding them out by diverting several rivers and even using fire but instead but it only made them desperate to dig deeper. The safest solution I did first is to surround the entire mountain range with forts and castles and by using our magic, we raised up the hardest bedrock to disable them in digging their way outside the mountains. This way we were able to starve and force them out of the caves after using the former methods. But it took me almost seven years before we cleared out the mines…ah! Forgive me for ranting… I still haven’t forgotten this past matter that it keeps haunting me. By the way, may I know more about the detailed reports of the attacks and raids of these creatures?」Marquis Fatillas

That was quite a very long rant, anyone can feel and see that the marquis personally hated this type of problem.

「Umm… I am not actually the one who received the reports as I only handle the… reports about the problems on economy and the flow of wealth of that county…so…」Lord Destilmond

Lord Destilmond kept on sneaking several looks on Lord Streggor as if he is saying that it is not his call to report these matters. It’s no wonder as the records and information about these matters is solely the responsibility and jurisdiction of the Royal Internal Bureau.

After getting the glances from Lord Destilmond and others, he finally got the idea that they are asking about the information he got from his bureau. He then immediately rummages in his book where all notes he received were stamped and recorded.

「Ah, forgive me milords. Let’s see here…. Ah! Here it is, there are twenty-nine villages already near the mountains that were forced to be abandoned due to the constant attacks of goblins and orcs. Many women and cattle were already taken. Thanks to the written reports of the Adventurers Guild, they were able to record about… 749 women and young girls that were taken by force or went missing on these villages just this month alone. And from the Riquer Town’s records, there are… 151 cases of attacks on the roads by goblins and orcs on some merchant convoys and travellers.」Lord Streggor

「Haaa…No wonder the count is desperately asking for help from us. The numbers were already on abnormal level. The large number of kidnapped and missing women only tells us one thing; they are intending to breed fast. I truly mourn for the cruel fate of those captive young girls.」Marquis Fatillas

Goblins, orcs, trolls, ogres and Cyclops don’t have a female member of their species, as such the only way for them to procreate and reproduce is to breed with the female members of other species such as humans, dwarves, elves, demihumans, and beastmen.

And unlike other species, these monsters can impregnate females more quickly. Within a week in captivity, a single female can give birth to over 5-10 goblins, three orcs, 2-3 ogres, and one Cyclops. And giving birth is too brutal for the body of a woman that after a week, the female will die in giving birth then discarded as food for the nest.

「We must not let this problem erupt into anarchy in that region. Marquis Fatillas, we may need your in depth knowledge on these matters. Could you provide some help for the count?」King Algwyn

「Hmm… most of my troops were preoccupied at the moment on some serious matters on the North, but… I could spare some of my competent vassals who helped me solved the matters when this happened at my region. I will be sending eagles back to Onyxfort to mobilize 20,000 of my Jagdtruppen. Ser Uther of House Tenchebray will be leading this army. They will greatly help the count in solving this matter as quickly as possible. *sigh…I don’t want anyone to suffer like what I did.」Marquis Fatillas

Tiredly, Marquis Fatillas covered his frowning face with his palms.

「Thank you milord, I will surely send this good news to the count immediately after the meeting.」Lord Streggor

「Now that is one load off to my back.」Lord Destilmond

「Mmm, now is there anything more?」Duke Farronheld

「If I may milords, just like what Marquis Fatillas had mentioned earlier, the North is getting restless as of late. I am sure you already felt the tremors milord?」Lord Farquas

It seems there will be another migration from the tribes of the north.

「Yeah, it was thanks to the fortresses and castles we built on the northern borders that granted us the ability to repel any raids. But in this month alone we already had suffered several attacks that were able to penetrate the first line of castles. Several pioneering villages were already burnt to the ground before we can even send a party to fend them off.」Marquis Fatillas

「They shouldn’t have the strength to stand against our defenses. Those fortresses were not typical house of stone but were built to disable the fast acting raids of these horselords.」Marquis Aquismeia

That I agree. In the past, we consistently suffered from the raids and attacks of these horselords. But were finally reduced thanks to the innovations that were added and built to the castles on the northern borders.

「If their attacks is intensifying then does that mean that something happened to these Northern Tribes?」Duke Reims

「Yes, according to the worms I planted, eighty-four tribes on the north have united under the banner of Argalik Tribe.」Lord Farquas

「How many?」Duke Farronheld

「I don’t have an exact number due to some inconsistent reports but my rough estimate based from the information I got is about two hundred thousand at least, well this may include the women and children.」Lord Farquas

So they may have 70,000-80,000 strong men as their fighting force.

「Do you already have an idea about the cause of their attacks? Is it about another migration?」Duke Aefyrwald

「I have several points to say regarding the cause of their recent aggressions. First is that the climate on the north had changed greatly, the former grassy plains have become the icy plains of winter. I still don’t know the cause of this sudden change in climate but what I do know is that the different warring clans and tribes were forced to unite once again due to this. Second is that their recent attacks were orchestrated by the newly elected Khan. For the third time in their history, they elected a woman to be their Khan. I still haven’t grasp her identity yet but I was able to get the name. They call her “Yandawei”. 」Lord Farquas

I frowned in hearing that word. I think I know this word but I can’t fully remember where and when.

Ah yes… I think grandfather mentioned this word to me but I don’t remember the rest. But what I do remember is that his words were meant to be a grave warning.

「Yandawei… does that mean something important that we should be concerned about?」Duke Aefyrwald

「Yes milord, we should be. It is synonymous to the Antezcu word of “Astari”, which means “Champion”… or which may also mean in layman terms or in our common tongue… “Hero”.」Lord Farquas

Silenced soon took over after that, as if all of us were thinking deeply of something. Then after several minutes, someone broke that.

「Wait… what? Are you telling me that this girl is a Hero? The one that is told in our books that fell from the another world?」Duke Farronheld

「Throughout the horselord’s history, the word “Yandawei” is the title that was given only four times. And four of these people who received the title were also heroes that were recorded in our archives who descended on their plains. All four of them were elected as khans of the united tribal confederacy of the north on their time.」Lord Farquas

「Tsk, what did your worms tell you? Is our kingdom their target?」Duke Adzvestrom

「I don’t know milord but judging from the information I got from my sources, all of their aggressions in these past months were simply probing attacks. And we are not the only one who’s currently suffering from their raids. The Kingdom of Merica and Alvarren have also suffered numerous raids this month.」Lord Farquas

「We just have to increase our defenses then. Marquis Fatillas, I know that you have promised to send help to other lords but I will be imposing on you once again to defend our northern borders.」King Algwyn

「It is my duty and responsibility as the overlord of the northern frontiers your grace. But any help is also deeply appreciated.」Marquis Fatillas

「Hmm, then Duke Bevlerhymn and Duke Aefyrwald, may I trust you to help defend our realm from the northern tribes?」King Algwyn

The king looked at the two dukes sitting beside each other. These two were the neighbors of Marquis Fatillas on the Northern borders. Their territories sat behind the protection of the marquis. In response to being called, they stood and bowed towards him.

「It would greatly please me your grace.」Duke Aefyrwald

「It would also be my pleasure your grace, me and my men wanted to test our combat capability on the battlefield. I am grateful for giving me that chance.」Duke Bevlerhymn

「Hmmm, thank you. Lord Fatillas, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to send an eagle to the capital.」King Algwyn

「Yes your grace.」Marquis Fatillas

We were about to sigh in relief when the king himself interrupted our attempt.

「Milords, I am sorry but there is still a far more grave matter to be discussed.」King Algwyn

All of us then tensed upon hearing it.

「Lord Farquas if you would, please.」King Algwyn

「Thank you, your highness. Well then milords, I will be straight to the point on this matter. The Albbassid Empire on the south is planning a major invasion on Aeygerian shores.」

「…」

After hearing such news, our wide eyes and half open mouths can let anyone see how shocked we were.

「W-wait... this too much.」Marquis Fatillas

I agree with him, this is too much of a shock for us. Albbassid Empire located at the far south beyond the Mycronesian Seas. They were quite busy all these years in repelling the invasions from the Crusaders and the Endymion Empire. So what happened that they switched their attention towards us here in the far western continent?

「Great Sprites…」Duke Farronheld

「Are you sure you didn’t made any mistake?」Duke Bevlerhymn

「If only I did milord, but I am afraid it is the truth.」Lord Farquas

「How in the world…」Duke Bevlerhymn

「This doesn’t just affect us here in Grandfram but all of our neighboring kingdoms also, milords. I have already sent doves bearing same message to my fellow friends in the Kingdom of Duscanny and Alvarren」Lord Farquas

「Why did we receive this news just now? I am sure as the spymaster, your rats would’ve noticed a large invasion force being gathered beyond the southern seas, am I not correct?」Marquis Aquismeia

「I do apologize for this mistake milord. I myself had fallen to their trap after I misjudged that they are planning to use their armies to invade further towards Berberlands. But I was actually wrong. I was only able to confirm the authenticity of this message from one of the…rats I planted inside the Albbassid harem. I must do give thanks to Lady Uriel whom according to the reports was the one responsible for this massive but very deadly misdirection.」Lord Farquas

「Lady Uriel?」Duke Reims

「A fellow spymaster of the Albbassid Empire milord. We have met a few times in the past. Enough, to know her…signature when she does these things.」Lord Farquas

「How many?」Marquis Windhill

「…500,000 at least milord. But unlike the northern tribe’s migrations, there are no women and children among their numbers.」Lord Farquas

If it was someone else telling us the number, we would’ve shrugged it off, calling it as an exaggeration but it was a well-known fact that Lord Farquas never exaggerates.

「W-what in the world! In which part of hells did they get that vast number of soldiers?」Duke Reims

「I thought they were still at war with the crusader states and the Endymion Empire. How in the world did they still have a spare time to invade a faraway land beyond the seas when their own is in danger of being invaded at the same time?」Marquis Windhill

「The Albbassid was able to ally themselves with another major power on Berberlands, the Saljukbahr Sultanate. This alliance gave a guarantee that the Sultanate will retaliate if the Crusader States or Endymion Empire attempts anything.」Lord Farquas

「A Defensive Alliance huh.」Marquis Fatillas

Not only that, as far as I know the Sultanate have three other allies in the Berberlands; the Pherdician Empire, Khymer Kingdom and Malibu Confederacy which all three surround the Endymion Empire. If any Crusader or Endymion aggression towards Albbassid is done, these three will also act in response with their allied Sultanate attack.

「Yes but with much worse addition. I am sure many of you here may ask, why would they risk the lives of their 500,000 soldiers if they cannot guarantee that they can keep what they will get?」Lord Farquas

Yes I am wondering that myself, the Salyphate invasions and Gurgudan campaigns in the past had proven that even if they did manage to conquer some kingdoms in this part of the continent. They will never conquer the hearts of its people. Every individual in this continent would never bow to any Berber lord or king.

In the past, several kingdoms have fallen to Salyphate’s rule. But their reign on these kingdoms never even reached a year as they were repelled by hundreds of rebellions from its conquered people. And this happened also in the failed Gurgudan Campaigns.

「Yes and why is that?」Marquis Fatillas

「They will not come here to invade or conquer new lands but they will be here for blood.」Lord Farquas

Most of us frowned in response after hearing such word.

If their goal for their invasion is not lands or territory but blood, then it means they are here for one thing… vengeance.

「Blood… Why? What the hell happened?」Duke Greatfyd

「Last month, the princess of Albbassid was visiting the northern kingdoms for trade and economic friendship, but when she visited she didn’t introduced herself as a princess but was an envoy in incognito.」Lord Farquas

Northern Kingdoms was a country on the far snowy cold north where 17 kingdoms vied for power. And two hundred years ago, they were all united under a single king. Although it can be considered now as an empire but their sovereign never proclaimed it as an empire but as one kingdom ruling over several kingdoms. All of them were not ruled by an Emperor but a High King. So far I only heard of them mostly trying to repel the constant raids from the northern tribes and that was all.

But princess in incognito and far away kingdom, these two has only one dreadful answer. And Lord Farquas confirmed it.

「In her several weeks of stay, she was wooed by the male members of the royal family because of her beauty and intelligence. But… on the eve of her departure… *sigh… her fellow envoys found her dead, bloody, beaten and naked body on her chambers.」Lord Farquas

「…」

「The envoys had to postpone their departure in order to investigate her death. And with their local spies’ help, they found the true identity of her murderers: the current High King and his four sons.」 Lord Farquas

The worse type of international incident.

「The envoys then bluntly visited and ask the king of these matters. They revealed that the one they had killed was the first princess of the Albbassid Empire and they demanded justice. The king at first denied the accusations but the envoys got hold of several proofs and evidence that linked the crime back to him and his sons. Thinking that he can still bury the truth, the king executed these envoys. And then he sent an envoy of his own to tell the Albbassid sovereign about how his envoys and the princess died of a disease during their stay.」Lord Farquas

「Blast! Fucking barbarians!」Duke Greatfyd

「But unknown to them, these envoys already sent an agent to report back these grave matters to their homeland. And the current Padisha of the Albbassid Empire is the older brother of the princess and he is known to be a dotting brother towards his beloved sister. When he heard of this matter from the agent, he almost destroyed his own keep in his blind rage.」Lord Farquas

「Didn’t the Albbassid have infamous skilled assassins they usually use? Why can’t they just kill those motherfuckers and end it in a single stroke?」Duke Greatfyd

「Apparently milord, it was also recommended by one of his ministers but the instant he finished uttering these words, his entire body had already become a bloody paste. And the Northern Kingdoms just poured more oil to the fire when their envoy arrived to tell a lie towards the Padisha himself. This envoy never came back as he was then captured and tortured to death.」Lord Farquas

「…」

「The Padisha swore to burn the cold icy north milords. And I doubt that the winters of the north could pacify his rage. According to my sources, many of those who supported his decision were also the people who deeply cared for the princess. Blood can only satisfy their lust milords.」Lord Farquas

「And we cannot also give them Military Access even if they asked. We can’t just let 500,000 foreign soldiers enter our kingdom. Who knows if they decided to aim those blades at us.」Duke Bevlerhymn

The Albbassid Empire is not like the Northern Tribes that we can just repel using our magic and castle defenses. They were one of the empires that were capable of going toe-on-toe for centuries against the combined elite forces of the Crusader States and Endymion Empire. And their Padisha is known to be a descendant of a hero, which gave him the ability to slay and even subdue several dragons that his name became too long to say that those who knew him only call him by his title as the Padisha.

「What was the response of the Northern Kingdoms?」Marquis Windhill

「They were panicking milord. After hearing the mobilization of the Albbassid armies, they sent several envoys to make peace with the Albbassid. The king even offered the heads of his two sons. But all of them were rejected. The envoys returned as bloody beaten skinned corpses and the heads were displayed on the Port of Narra. And just three days ago, an envoy had come to seek help from us. Of course, we didn’t answer anything concrete and had him leave on the next day to avoid any misconception from any Albbassid spies here that we aren’t making deals with the Northern Kingdoms.」Lord Farquas

「When will they sail?」Marquis Aquismeia

「Sixteen months from now and the First Army will set sail towards the Dukedom of Myceia to create a bridgehead for their invasion on this continent. This army will be led by Akashi Ashir Nac’hal Asudssil.」Lord Farquas

「First Army?」Marquis Fatillas

「Due to the large size of the invasion force, it will be divided into eight armies. Although I am still lacking definite information regarding on who will be leading the rest of the seven armies.」Lord Farquas

「*Sigh… so any advise milords?」King Algwyn

「We don’t have a choice but mobilize the Fourteen Armies.」Duke Reims

The Fourteen Armies were the combined strength of all lords in Grandfram. Last time it was mobilize was during the Demon Invasion where 800,000 soldiers were called to war. But due to the long peace and “quick” wars several centuries after that, these number would reach millions if mobilize.

「Then how about the matters on the North then? We cannot just leave our rear undermanned.」Duke Bevlerhymn

And even though we were able to mobilize millions of soldiers, the real problem is that our kingdoms have only a handful of commanders to lead each army. Because unlike other monarchies and kingdoms, everytime we mobilize the Fourteen Armies, the entire country will be put into a temporary centralize control where all of the levies and armies will be put under the control of the King.

This way, it disallows any private affairs or backhand deals like what usually happened in the past between the vassal lords and our enemies. Some lords in the past would offer temporary military access to our enemies or even switch sides in the middle of the war by adding their own levies to the invading armies. As such, this measurement was implemented to avoid such scenario ever happening again.

All armies will be put under the authority of the King and the High Commander except for the personal guards of the Three Marquises, which were the Sturmhounds, Drownguards and Jagdtruppen.

「And we cannot also let our western and eastern defenses go soft, those bastards on Merica and Republic of Venezia would take advantage of our weakened defenses. Not to mention, we are also suffering from the constant harassments from the Diabolic Cults. Who knows if they will also exploit our empty unguarded lands to raise another one of their Devil God on our midst?」Duke Greatfyd

I almost forgot about those cults, although my territory haven’t seen or suffered from any attacks from them yet, the western and eastern lands of Grandfram were teeming in their numbers. They are also one of the reasons why I chose to hide that heterochromatic child under my protection for the time being.

「Okay. How about we, the southerners will take care of this instead. Me, Duke Reims and Marquis Aquismeia will mobilize our own.」Marquis Windhill

「Wait, you will be facing the entire 500,000 soldiers of the Albbassid. Can you really repel them with just your forces?」Duke Greatfyd

「No, milord. Of course, we will still need some of your men. But we will be leading them in your stead so that you can focus on your tasks. And did you forget? Lord Farquas said that these 500,000 soldiers will not land on our shores in full 500,000 in numbers. They will be dividing themselves into several armies which we can defeat one by one. And most of all, they will be facing the combined might of the Drownguards and the Sturmhounds.」Marquis Windhill

Similar to my previous concern, no matter how many soldiers they have if their commanders capable enough to lead such army are limited; this 500,000 strong army will become a dull beast that can be outsmarted and repelled. The only concern I have is their core elite army, the Pestaroi which all of them were descendants from the lines of heroes. They can be considered the equal counterpart of my Sturmhounds, Drownguards and Jagdtruppen.

「Hmmm…」Duke Greatfyd

「So does that settles it? I will also mobilize 40,000 of my Ashenguards to help bolster your forces milord.」King Algwyn

「Thank you your grace.」Marquis Windhill

I actually expected the king to mobilize more of his men with the High Commander leading them but it seems he had other plans in mind.

Then all of the sudden, Marquis Aquismeia who was staying silent previously had made another request.

「In order for my armies to be fully capable of defending our southern shores, I must first request the return of what is rightfully owned by my family」Marquis Aquismeia

Not this again…

「…Not this again… 」Marquis Fatillas

Oh, it seems I have a fellow friend who has the same feelings on this topic.

「This is not the time for such talk Marquis Aquismeia, our priority right now is how to repel the impending invasion of the Albbassid.」Marquis Fatillas

「This is important to defend our kingdom. The County of Prantzly must be returned to us.」Marquis Aquismeia

The County of Prantzly was one of the thriving and prospering naval hubs of the southern Grandfram. Not only that it was a major stopping point for merchant ships but it is also the gateway to enter and exit from the Mycronesian Seas. It is also one of the major strategic naval positions of Grandfram. And the entire southern shores were all under the same overlord, House Aquismeia. As such they became prosperous and wealthy in monopolizing these port cities and its waters.

But they lost it during the Vorsund Wars when the Kingdom of Merica had invaded the southern shores of this kingdom. For decades, Merica held that county. Then at the Axillian Conflict, the county was taken by my ancestors of House Windhill. And for the first time, it stopped the monopoly of the southern seas by House Aquismeia. Since then the County of Prantzly became part of House Windhill’s territories.

「This County is already a de jure land of Windhill’s territory. Almost two centuries have passed since it became ours. Any rights you have on this land were now turned over to my family, as was written on this kingdom’s Property Laws.」Marquis Windhill

I would rather not provoke my potential ally on repelling the Albbassid but I cannot back down on this as the current head of House Windhill.

「This is not–」Marquis Aquismeia

He is about to continue when a sudden loud clap from the king stopped him.

「This talk can still be continued on other meetings, Marquis. That land is not going anywhere but an enemy army is slowly preparing to march on our lands. So for now let us focus first on the matters at hand.」King Algwyn

「Yes, your grace.」Marquis Aquismeia

Thanks to his highness, that problem was closed for the day.

「Are there still other matters we need to discuss?」King Algwyn

「Yes milord, actually regarding with this Albbassid threat. The Sanctuary is planning to send 40,000 crusaders to help defend western shores. They are requesting for a Military Access on our lands.」Lord Farquas

I just want to end this meeting right now, I had enough of hearing some foreign armies trying to enter our kingdom.

「Why? Did someone from the western kingdoms requested their help?」Marquis Windhill

「No milord, it seems this action of theirs is purely voluntary. They are prepared also to send help to our kingdom by giving 4,000 crusaders to help us repel any naval invasions of the Albbassid in exchange for letting them pass.」Lord Farquas

「Where will the rest of 36,000 crusaders then go?」Duke Bevlerhymn

「It seems that the Dukedom of Myceia is their destination. They will pass through our borders and use the Merica navy to transport their troops towards the dukedom. By the way, the Republic of Venezia also supported the Sanctuary’s actions that they will be transporting also another 20,000 crusaders from the Kingdom of Shivthene to the dukedom.」Lord Farquas

I feel that these two warring factions, Albbassid and Crusaders were trying to bring their Holy War into our lands.

「No.」Marquis Aquismeia

「Milord?」Lord Farquas

「No, we can make do with our navy to repel any naval attacks of the Albbassid. I also strongly reject any notion of giving them a Military Access to our kingdom, even if it is temporary. Giving them a chance to exert their influence in this part of the continent will be a major catastrophe for us than the Albbassid threat. I am sure you still remember the tragic invasions they did in the past?」Marquis Aquismeia

「Yeah…」Lord Farquas

「Didn’t we already allow them to build an embassy at Duke Reims’ territory?」Duke Bevlerhymn

「Yeah, although they didn’t cause any problem, their presence alone in my territory increased the tensions between the believers of the Great Sprites and their Militant Priests.」Duke Reims

Duke Reims’ territory is one of the few lords who allowed a Sanctuary embassy and several churches to be built on his lands.

「I apologize for giving such burden to you.」King Algwyn

「No, your grace. It’s actually an honor for me to become their watchdog. Well their monthly tributes did increase the wealth in my coffers.」Duke Reims

「Wait, why can’t they take action against the Albbassid in–」Duke Greatfyd

「As I have mentioned earlier milords, the Alliance between the Albbassid and the Sultanate disallows any aggression from the Empire and the Sanctuary’s crusaders. As such the only way for them to act is to repel them in their impending invasion.」Lord Farquas

Invasion from the North, threats from the East and West, Naval Invasion from the South, increasing strength of the Diabolic cults and potential Invasion from the religious militants… what awful problems we have this month.

「Then milords, what shall be our response to their request?」Lord Streggor

「I already said my stance in rejecting their request. I am sure most of you here are already on the same mind as me.」Marquis Aquismeia

「Yes, just as Marquis Aquismeia, I also propose not to accept their request. Not only that we can handle in repelling the Albbassid but I feel that there is another deeper meaning to their movement here in the far west other than the invasion threat, which they are not disclosing to us.」Marquis Fatillas

「I am also against of giving them military access. Those Sanctuary crusaders are not normal soldiers who just came to fight. They will also carry their own banners of religion and may force to extend their influence on our kingdom.」Duke Adzvestrom

Their actions in the western Berberlands started also as some sort of “Help to keep the peace and order for their newfound friends” but later became a conquest instead.

「Your grace, the final decision still falls on you.」 Duke Farronheld

All of us then silently waited for the words of our sovereign.

「I am also on the same mind as you. We cannot allow any army to pass through our lands. May they be an Albbassid or Crusaders.」King Algwyn

「Yes, your grace. I shall be sending your response to the Sanctuary after this」Lord Farquas

「Another problem settled for now… so any other matters?」King Algwyn

After that, what were discussed were just minor problems with taxes, outbreak of monsters in several cities, caught in-the-act corruptions by several mayors, potential peasant uprising, floods, and famine with minor riots on their lands.

It was already dark when we finish the meeting.

But I still can’t get over my feelings over this so called “Yandawei”. I may have to check the library later for any records.

I was about to leave the Throne Room when someone called for me.

「Lord Windhill, can I take up your time for several minutes? This will be very quick.」Marquis Fatillas

「Of course. Captain have the hounds on standby outside. I will follow you shortly.」Marquis Windhill

「Yes milord.」Captain Isoff

After the captain had left, the marquis continued.

「What a hectic day eh? Problems do pile up if not tended.」Marquis Fatillas

「It is one of the greatest burdens of being on the top, milord. I can only imagine the stress to our king.」Marquis Windhill

Especially when the Queen herself is still mourning about their lost child.

「But don’t you feel something in all of this milord?」Marquis Fatillas

「About what?」Marquis Windhill

「Tremors on the north, critical barrel hoops on the east and west, invasion from the south and the threat from the crusaders. All of these were happening coincidentally at the same time. It is so perfect that I cannot be called coincidence anymore.」Marquis Fatillas

「Hmmm… what do you think milord? Do you think there is someone pulling the strings behind all of these? Because if there is, won’t all of his plans be burned to ashes if someone were to–」Marquis Windhill

「.No, I feel that everything is already on their places that he didn’t mind anymore on letting his plans get exposed. If this is true, then this just makes everything more dangerous than what it already is.」Marquis Fatillas

I’d have to agree, especially this stinging in my gut after hearing the word “Yandawei” and my grandfather’s warning. Should I tell the marquis?

No, for now I need to find grandfather’s journals and research scrolls that was left behind by grandfather. But if all of these were really orchestrated by someone or some country, then these matters were far graver than we had thought.

「If we have to, we still have one last card.」Marquis Windhill

「That is?」Marquis Fatillas

「Destroy the board entirely.」Marquis Windhill

I said it metaphorically but it seems the marquis were able to understand what I meant.

「Eh, but how?」Marquis Fatillas

「I can’t say it right now, but it will be our last option. Don’t worry, I will tell you about it if we have to use it. But still, I wish that it will never come to that future.」Marquis Windhill

This card is still premature to be used but it is my last desperate option to save this kingdom from catastrophic events, may it be a Dragon attack, hopeless defense against foreign invasion or Devil’s resurrection.

「Yeah… by the way you are going back to your land after this right?」Marquis Fatillas

「I do not know milord, as the king may summon us once again so I am considering these matters on my plans. Why? Is there anything I can help you with?」Marquis Windhill

「Actually milord, I will just be extending my invitation to you and your family.」Marquis Fatillas

「Oh?」Marquis Windhill

「We will be at Duke Reims’ territory this month to host a wedding for my younger brother and his bride. So if you will be returning to Wyndeia, please do pass through at the City of Quathbolg and attend at the feast. I would be very glad to have you and your family as one of our honored guests.」Marquis Fatillas

A noble’s wedding feast here in Grandfram would always last for a month. As such most of them would try to invite as many attendees as possible. They don’t want to lose a number of their guests as it would be an embarrassing sight even if there is a day where no guest had attended.

「Ohhh, do send my congratulations to the groom. And I will surely keep that in mind. Hmmm… maybe we will though. There are very few comfortable stops from here to Wyndeia so maybe we will take up your offer. Thank you for the invitation Milord.」Marquis Windhill

「Yes, please do. My daughter Charlotte would be very happy to meet a new girl acquaintance especially someone who is almost same age as her. I am sure that she and Lady Ariel would become best of friends.」Marquis Fatillas

My daughter huh, I feel that she is becoming more like father in these past days.

「And also milord, I have another proposition to make.」Marquis Fatillas

「Go on.」Marquis Windhill

「I wish to have my daughter, Charlotte to be wed to your son, Vincent.」Marquis Fatillas