Chapter 141
Judd saw that Swann was still making a face as if he found something and immediately dismissed him so as to not raise any of his suspicions, "Okay we will leave for now . Go and rest . "
Judd thought as he decided to go to his quarters quietly, ’Damn, the kids these days are so hard to handle, they doubt every damn thing just because of my reputation . Can’t they just respect me as a senior?’
Meanwhile, Bran was just behind Judd when he heard him lecturing Swann, Bran smiled and asked both of them, "Judd why don’t we report this matter to Blake . I don’t think anyone would mind . "
Judd was immediately alarmed as he heard Bran from behind, "No Bran, no, he is just a kid so it’s nothing serious everyone has an exploring spirit, right?"
He then whispered into his ears, "Damn fatty, okay you win, don’t make me lose face in front of this kid, he will gossip about this to everyone for sure if I lose face . I can give you that new bottle of wine which I stole from Blake’s room earlier . How about it, Deal? Don’t make me lose face, Please . "
Bran smiled and saw his haggard expression and gave the signal that he agreed and spoke to Swann, "Okay Judd, on your account I won’t report this . Kid, Go back, We have to go into the forest tomorrow for exploration . "
Swann thought before he left, ’Something is definitely fishy here . That Selfish Asshole Judd is helping me this time around, I can’t believe it . Both of them are definitely planning something . Anyway, I better make preparations for tomorrow as we will try to find those horses . ’
****
Meanwhile, Judd was in Blake’s room as he reported about Swann’s encounter in the forest today .
Blake thought as he heard him, "Hmmm, So this time that brat found some unique horses which could be quite helpful for us . I think they would be quite hard to tame since they live on this island and might be dangerous . However, it would be worth a shot if they can be tamed, if what he claims that they can swim in water is true . Then These horses could add a completely new dimension to naval and land warfare . Okay, you make your preparations to explore the forest tomorrow . Take more men with you to catch them . "
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Judd was surprised and asked Blake, "You aren’t angry at that kid even after that previous incident?"
Blake shook his head and said with a smile on his face, "Nah, Men should be free and their wings open if they wish to grow . We had made our choices and we shouldn’t mull over it . That kid is just like you: unbridled and uncontrollable, of course, that is only applicable for you . Meanwhile take care when you guys explore the forest, take extra ammunition in case of emergencies . "
****
Royal Family’s reaction to war .
King Lionheart meanwhile saw a report from Ambassador Luke,
King Lionheart roared as soon as he saw the report, "What, that shorty is starting a war with him just because his son died? Did he really announce it? Doesn’t he know this would unintentionally involve that half-elf as well and create a civil war if that elf decides to help that count no matter the cost?"
Ambassador Luke then reported to him another thing, "Yes, he announced it at his banquet . They have already started propaganda in Laguna east domain . This time even the radiant church is funding them from behind the scenes because of the humiliation faced by Francis at the hands of Count John . This is also one of the reasons why Fjord is uncontrollable this time as he has the funding of the Radiant Church while he has gathered enough lords for his campaign . "
Luke continued as he reported about the eastern borders, "Additionally, the dwarves too have increased their patrols on our eastern borders and hence indirectly Fjord is warning us if we take any actions . This is also one of the reasons why the ministers are reluctant to sanction Fjord or this would be more problematic as Fjord would think that we are prioritizing the Count more while he is higher in the hierarchy . I too think taking a neutral stand is the best course of action this time around based on the current events . "
Lionheart thought with a calm head and asked, "Okay, What about those ballistas? Has he delivered the blueprints yet? Winter is just 2 months away . "
Luke thought and spoke, "Yes, they are going to be delivered in a few days . He hopes that we give him political support this time around . "
Luke then continued as he spoke, "I have promised him that as long as he and his men are innocent then we will support him as the radiant church is supporting Fjord from behind the scenes . What do you think, Lord?"
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Lionheart shook his head and spoke, "Cancel that promise as soon as you receive the Ballista blueprints . Give him reasons that investigation is still going and drag this matter till the end of the war . "
Luke surprisingly looked at Lionheart and asked, "Are you sure, Milord?"
Lionheart arrogantly spoke, "Yes, he has no other use than his ballistas . And once we have it, what can we get from him? We will strike him if given a chance at the end of the war or make a deal to take those new technologies in the war when he is in dire straits to take them legally . Yes, we will make the most out of this war . This war can subsequently weaken Fjord, Meanwhile, the threat of Dwarves can be solved as long as we those Blueprints and ballistas fitted onto our naval assets . "
Lionheart was quite proud of his plan as he planned to strengthen the royal family’s power this time around .
Luke reminded as the king was in his dreams of dominating everything, "What about the Bluesea house, This could be a pandora’s box if not controlled well? After investing so much I don’t think they would easily give up their investment which they made in that count . We could suffer the consequences in the form of assassinations . "
Lionheart huffed angrily as he spoke, "That shorty already opened the Pandora’s box so nothing can be done . We have to make our choices and I guess that court will get the short end of it this time around . I am only thinking of measures which can give the best results for us . Bring in Plato and Master Eanred as well . This time we would require their counsel so that we can control this war from the shadows . "
Lionheart smiled mysteriously and added, "As for Bluesea house, we don’t need to worry about them as we have prepared something for them as well . I was quite reluctant about their proposal before but I can consider it this time around since the circumstances demand us right now . "
Luke’s spine chilled as he heard him and remembered the Fire-Abyss prince’s secret arrival just a few days ago and understood what King Lionheart was thinking .
’I guess something big will happen since the king is considering their proposal . However, I wonder why is that count doing the stupidity of giving his weapons to us so early . Is there some trap or is he overconfident in himself?’
Luke left to bring in Plato and Eanred so that their meeting and discussions could start .
****
Both Plato and Eanred met in the hall when they were going to King Lionheart’s Chambers .
Eanred spoke in a grumpy voice as soon as he saw Plato, "It seems something serious is taking place since both of us are called . Even that Brat Luke is here today . I guess this is all because of that shorty . "
Plato smiled and spoke as he heard Eanred, "Well, I expected this meeting to take place after Fjord’s announcement . I have a pretty good solution for this time’s problem . Meanwhile, how was your ritual when you and your old friends tried it last time around? Were there any results?"
Eanred sighed as he remembered about the previous ritual that took place, "Don’t even make me remember it, this was a complete failure, I think it is the future that is constantly changing so it is very hard to predict the major events that will occur in the north this time around . What we saw was a lot of dead bodies that can’t be identified how they died, The eye of the storm being the borders of North-frontier city . I sense something ominous is going to occur this time around . and rest was all a fog of war . Such an amount of resources spent and we can’t even see the face of that Count and predict from his reaction on what would happen next . Well, lets go in and see what will happen, in the end, it is the decision of the king, we can only counsel and guide him . "
Chapter 142
Plato smiled as he nodded and agreed, "That’s true, we all have our own agendas and convictions . I find this as a big opportunity this time around . "
Luke arrived in the hall and invited them in .
Luke greeted them and invited them in as he saw them in the hall, "Its good you both arrived on time, His Majesty is already waiting for us, Lets go . Lets not make him wait any longer . "
****
King Lionheart Asked them after telling them the situation, "I don’t want bullshit greeting . Lets get to the point, I am sure you guys must have already realized the consequences after his speech . So what do you guys think we should do Plato? Master?"
Plato then again reconfirmed from the king, " Your Majesty, Are you sure that Count John is going to provide blueprints of the Ballista in a few days .
King and Luke nodded and confirmed that Count John had indeed promised them to deliver the blueprints .
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Luke reconfirmed and spoke, "Yes, there are no doubts about this Minister Plato . I personally spoke with Count John, he gave his word when we conversed previously . "
Plato confusingly thought and spoke, "Why is he doing that now? Is he so desperate now as Demons are asking for more or he has confidence that we will not betray? or is he baiting us into taking action against him? But does that small count even has the capital or army matching us and the strength to bait us? This is quite confusing . "
Plato thought and continued as he bought various scenarios, "In this case, I think we should be neutral until the end and attack only in the end . This will help us weaken Duke Fjord and he will be forced to make concessions and reveal some of the secrets of his Warships to us . However, if we want to eat up Count John and his wealth then we would have to deal with Bluesea house as well which could be very tricky and we need to be careful . "
Lionheart nodded and revealed his plans, "Well, I have a perfect plan for this, Recently Fire-abyss Prince Chad recently contacted us and proposed a cooperation deal with us . They only wanted Printing technology in exchange for their help in solving the Bluesea house’s problem . Currently, he is one of the princes who is vying for the throne . They can make a situation at Bluesea domain so that Vlad would be forced to return to the Fire-Abyss kingdom or even if he doesn’t return, they at least won’t be able to send men and help them . We can strike them at that point . "
Plato didn’t give his opinions and waited for Eanred opinion first, He asked Eanred, "What do you think Master Eanred?"
Earned thought carefully and said, "If we take a neutral position then this will undoubtedly send our intentions to Count John that we don’t intend to protect him whether it is politically or militarily, do you still believe he will trust us . I am guessing he is hiding something, this time we saw a lot of dead bodies and it can’t happen unless it is a big war . It was at the land and water borders of the North-frontier city, they were full of dead bodies and the most notable thing was their new types of walls and weapons, I couldn’t even identify how do they use that weapon and I could only see the glimpses not how they were used . However, If we support that count then Fjord will certainly take help from Dwarves and this will open a Pandora Box which will fill the whole region into a big war . However, we have a very big army while that count doesn’t even have that much population to match our army . So it would be safe to bet on Fjord and keep the chaos as low as possible while gaining the most benefits out of it . "
Eanred gravely continued, "And the thing is we have to choose our sides now as that count has support from Duke Sapphire or most likely Lukav . This is the first time where even I am not able to predict anything regarding this situation . I think we are too late this time, we should have resolved their differences before they took action . I wonder if that count deliberately killed Evan so that this situation gets out of control . Who the fuck killed Fjord’s son . I swear I will skin him alive as I can’t even predict shit this time around . "
Plato then remarked, "We don’t have to worry about Sapphire, he will be held at the southern theater by the lords most likely who were rallied by Fjord . So I don’t think he will take any steps apart from his usual trading . I think we can squeeze Count John in the winter when he faces Food shortages and that will be our chance to grab him by the neck and make him hand over his slave so that this situation can stabilize a bit after appeasing Fjord . And I guess what Master Eanred said is correct as well as we will have to choose our sides right now . Because most of the people would be easily able to perceive our intentions . However, enraging Fjord would be very fatal right now at least as he can collaborate with dwarves and recently the dwarves have increased their patrols on our borders as reported by the Royal Navy So we have a situation in our hands if we enrage shorty . And that count is just a nobody . We have our dragon knights to deal with him even if he has something hidden . As for who killed Evan, I don’t think we should dwell on it . Master Eanred you aren’t this cautious usually . What’s the matter this time . "
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Plato thought as he heard some rumors claiming that Prince Hector started this whole incident and tried to deflect from the killer of Evan .
Master Eanred shook his head and spoke, "I just feel there are ominous times ahead as we can’t even predict about a mere count’s future . I guess he will be someone big as we can’t predict about him . The most confusing part is him giving the blueprints of his new weapon to us after Fjord’s announcement, is he a fool or just afraid in crunch times? Because if he kept that weapon until the end then we would have a legitimate reason to support him and even Fjord won’t be able to continue this war for long and come to the table to talk . We would at least have not taken sides if he decided to delay the handover of the blueprints And as you said, We have our dragon knights in case of emergencies . "
As soon as Lionheart heard about Lukav, he decided already and gave orders in a calm manner so that he doesn’t seem biased, giving orders out of emotions, "I guess we will follow with Plato’s plan because we can’t enrage Fjord as we would suffer more losses in containing them, though we can handle him it would be very damaging to the royal family . The very fact that Lukav supports him and he has a good relation with Lukav is bad . This is also the reason why the Radiant church is ignoring our collaboration with Fire-abyss kingdom this time around . Additionally, I would rather want his chefs in our Royal mansion . Our restaurants are getting a lot of flak because of their domain’s cuisines and those stubborn chefs . "
Plato nodded and spoke, "Hmm . . . If this is the case, we can’t be too cautious this time around, this weapon has changed a lot of things and we can’t be left behind . This will also help us increase our control in the surrounding regions . We can also use mercenaries to reduce our losses, they can get a free hand at looting common populace in return of supporting us in this war . While we will also encourage migration to North-frontier town so this increases the burden of Food in that town . When the time comes we will use it to our advantage . Even though they can make medicines to cope up with the Radiant Church but they still have limited land to produce food and can’t change the fact that they have to change land after some years . I guess they might already be starting to face the problem of food with an increase in population . Their only solution is an invasion of Beast lands . I guess he wants those northern beast lands and hence fulfilling that contract . Such a moron . "
Eanred nodded and spoke, "I guess we will follow the orders . However, we still need to be cautious of the Radiant church and Prince Lukav if they try anything this time around . By the way Luke, you should keep in contact with that Count and keep an eye on him as he is completely unpredictable . As for population, yes we can use this trick to increase their burden and strike them during the winter when he needs food . I guess that was also the reason why he signed the previous deal where he can buy enough food at market yes, right Luke? He is quite perceptive and far-sighted to be honest . "
Luke then reminded them of another matter, "Yes, I guess that was the reason why he made a deal with us, a farsighted individual indeed but we would have to break the contract if we intend to use it to our advantage . But, What do we do about Prince Hector? I don’t think he will remain quiet this time around when Fjord and John exchange blows with each other . What if that count Assassinate’s Hector out of anger by their assassins . You all heard about Grey and that guy called Sylvan, right?"
Plato shook his head spoke, "We can simply say that we too are short on food because of the current war and hence the shortage of food while using it to our advantage . We shouldn’t worry about Prince Hector as Alistair is a very capable man when it comes to the protection of the Lord . As for this situation, That count bought this on himself . He shouldn’t have made so many enemies left and right . Either he is a fool or rather very clever if he has enough strength and power to deliberately create this situation . " Plato smiled with a mysterious smile as he ended his sentence .
Eanred felt an ominous vibe when he heard Plato,
Plato laughed and spoke, "haha, who am I joking too . He can’t possibly have this much power . "
Lionheart too laughed as he heard Plato and adjourned the meeting, "Hahaha, Damn, your jokes aren’t funny . Okay, this meeting is finished, we will go according to our plans . are you guys clear?"
Eanred murmured as he left irritatingly, "I hope what I am thinking doesn’t become true . This is such a tricky situation . I hate these ominous vibes . Damn, why can’t I predict his future, have I lost it?"
Chapter 143
****
Meanwhile, in the eastern port city, Henry was currently finishing the funeral of his Wife . With determination in his eyes, he spoke in front of Lucia’s grave, "Your sacrifice won’t go in vain, Lucia . I was too naive or being intentionally naive and believed that my efforts would be awarded . I guess I will stick to my ideals for the first time in my life after getting released from my shackles of the oath . "
Henry saw that a lot of Warships that were gathering at the Eastern Port and murmured, "I guess war is really approaching this time around . I wonder if Count John can resist Duke Fjord’s fleet with his ballistas and their range . Judging from Fjord’s personality he might already be drooling over this weapon and increase his power no matter the cost . "
Henry then looked south nostalgically and spoke as he left the town with a determined look, "I guess I need to fulfill my promise I made to you, Lucy . I will be heading to Iron Rainforest, Sapphire’s domain . I guess I will make him honor his promise after all these years . I never asked him but this time I will ask him . I hope Lucius can find me if hears about my presence at Southern Domain . "
In a nearby pub, A few dwarves were chatting in an unknown language,
One Dwarf name Wilson spoke, "Why don’t we sneak in and take one of those ballistas installed in those ships of Morgan family or Count John . "
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The head of dwarves named, Greg spoke, "You think I haven’t tried that already? I already lost a lot of men trying to steal those weapons . Even the local thugs call it a grave and are refusing even to scout the ships . Those Assassin demons of the Bluesea house protect them stealthily at night, We can’t expose ourselves by getting desperate . We are not the only ones who are sending people to steal that weapon . Even that pussy baron, Mendez’s men don’t dare offend them in case Count John gets angry and assassinate him or his loved ones . Haven’t you seen his Antonio? Even he has lost his previous arrogance . "
Wilson furrowed his brows but didn’t rebut him and asked about another thing, "What about Tornwall? Wasn’t he dead or kidnapped by mercenaries? What do we do about him? We can get Blueprints from him since he designed it . Additionally, hasn’t he already revealed a lot of our technologies . Don’t we need to assassinate him as he is a traitor?"
Greg only shook his head and spoke, "We are going there to learn craftsmanship from him . We are not doing anything of that sort, he is a prided jewel of our kingdom, it would be good if we can convince him to come back . Additionally, there is a lot of surveillance and protection given to all the important men close to Count John . We don’t want to suffer the same fate as that guy, Francis . You might not know but he was given incredible torture and hence his confession last time around or do you think those stubborn guys would budge so easily?"
Wilson disagreed and spoke, "What about those protections? Don’t we have those new weapons?"
Greg then continued with a serious face, "Though we have developed Shot, we can’t reveal it so early in the game . Those weapons won’t be released until there is a major war or we have produced enough of them to dominate land and waters . And he might have a lot of things from Runemasters to protect himself . So we can’t be sure of the assassination . And if we fail they will get our weapon and this will expose the dwarf kingdom, at least to that count . "
Another dwarf named Jackson spoke in a serious manner and with a cold expression as soon as Wilson mentioned about shot, "Wilson, listen to Head, he is correct . Don’t be hotheaded . We can’t act as we wish . Remember we are not at home but as spies here . And don’t make me say it twice . Greg, you are the same, act as a leader as you are . Don’t make me solve your problems . Wilson, As for being a traitor, who knows who is the real traitor, I am only going to follow orders, nothing more, nothing less . You should do the same for your well being . Don’t involve yourself too much into politics or you might lose your life in the future because of your lose mouth . "
Jackson didn’t speak anything as he completed his piece .
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Wilson didn’t speak anything as he heard Jackson as he was quite afraid of him . Meanwhile, the other dwarves kept their mouth shut as it seemed like this whole group didn’t wish to speak a word on the topic of being a traitor .
Watching everyone keep quiet, Greg nodded and concluded, "Okay, we will go to North-frontier town and try to get blueprints since it seems war is coming here . It was good that Fjord’s helped us penetrate this deep in the northlands . From now on, we need to be careful as there is a lot of surveillance at North-frontier town . We just need to act like other dwarves over there . Not high and mighty, Are you clear, Wilson? And you should remember what Jackson said earlier . Never mention that ever again, he is saying this for your well being . "
Wilson nodded and agreed .
Greg ordered everyone watching Wilson agree, "Okay, lets go to the hotel and rest, we will leave for the north-frontier city tomorrow morning . "
****
One of the people from town asked Tornwall as he saw him making machine parts, "Looking at your face, It seems you are real busy these days, Tornwall,"
Tornwall smiled and replied to "Yes, This time I am collaborating with that brat Ryfon and making the Clock tower which is really important for the town and hence the workload . "
Tornwall thought, ’I guess production of Guns is one of the reasons for this load . However, this is really important for the upcoming war . It’s good that everyone is normal even after that explosive news from Duke Fjord . ’
He still spoke in a worrying manner, "All work and no fun is no good Tornwall, you should always take care of your body . "
****
One of the journalists named Ealdron was recently working at the Rose Institute, He was an elf who arrived here from the Sapphire domain as he wanted to explore North-frontier town after hearing about it .
Chapter 144
Ealdron was first noticed by Glenn because of his work attitude and his adventurous spirit as he was always curious about most of the things in the Institute . Because of this adventurous spirit, he was hired by Glenn from the institute to the Black and White publishing House as an investigative journalist .
He mostly wrote about the things happening inside the city and the villages nearby as he investigated a lot of things personally and was more interested in the local culture . He also helped in crime investigation as once he helped Joe to solve a murder case that took place recently . He usually wrote about government affairs and analyzed things that benefited common people and helped them keep informed of the general things occurring in the domain .
Today Ealdron was quite excited because of important orders that came directly from Taylor .
Currently, Ealdron was writing about the speech of Duke Fjord’s banquet that took place just a few days back on Taylor’s order . While his assistant was making the sketch of the Banquet that took place in the banquet . One of their trader spies from the Eastern Domain described the banquet that took place in detail and reported all the words spoken by Fjord clearly .
Taylor asked him, "Describe the banquet in detail with the expressions and reactions of everyone, also talk about what happened with Henry and his family in detail . This piece will be published in tomorrow’s issue as a headline along with the announcement of Fjord . This will be our first political piece . This time we have to prepare our population for war . We will have to assure them about our weapons and security while also give them our perspective of Fjord’s raid on our ships and why we retaliated . Do both of you understand?"
Both the Trader and Ealdron nodded,
Taylor continued and said this to the one in charge of the production of newspapers, "Increase the production of this issue to double, No triple it as we will spread this news in other domains as well . "
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Taylor told Ealdron who was listening to the trader, "Ealdron, I hope you can write it early, As I have to show this draft to the lord . This issue will only be personally approved by the Lord . You don’t have to worry, just write about the events that took place in your own way since you are the best writer of our newspaper currently as you are able to explain easily and hence the readers like it . Propaganda may be bad but sometimes you have to do propaganda to counter your enemy’s propaganda . Lord John says that many nations have fallen just because of propaganda and people’s rebellion . "
Ealdron was quite excited after heard from Taylor that Lord John himself was going to review the draft .
Ealdron nodded and spoke, "Hmm . . . This is quite a new perspective . I never knew about the power of propaganda . You don’t have to worry Lord Taylor Since they are the aggressors . I will write a brilliant piece . "
Taylor murmured as he spoke the earlier words, "I guess it was good revealing this bit of news to them, these guys are working extra hard after hearing this news . "
Taylor thought about the recent meeting and the decision that took place, ’I wonder if it was good baiting the Royal family since we decided to give them the blueprints of a weaker version of the Ballista in a few days . I hope they don’t get cautious because of our move . I guess Lord has his own reasons for giving them the blueprints . ’
"You will be big in the Future if you can utilize your position well, Ealdron . Don’t underestimate this job and power of a Journalist . Lord himself thinks the same way . "
Ealdron nodded and spoke after hearing Taylor, "Yes, I will keep these words in my mind . "
****
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After getting the draft from Ealdron, Taylor headed to John’s office for a quick review .
John nodded as he looked at the story, "Okay, this is a good piece and very neutral, you can publish it tomorrow and yeah don’t forget to publish about Francis and Radiant church in tomorrow’s edition, Tomorrow will be special as this will be the first we will use the power of newspapers and comment on political movements that took in and outside of the domain that will affect North-frontier City . As Radiant Church wants to move behind the scenes and fund Fjord then they will have to pay its price . This time we will shame them publicly via our newspapers and show their hypocritic nature to the common people of our domain at least, This was also one of the reasons why I wanted my Domain to be learned . Also, start recruiting new men in our armies from now on . Teach them the new techniques that I designed earlier which will be helpful for Gun training and close combat training . This will be the standard from now on . Meanwhile, make the production of Guns, Ballistas and their ammunition our Highest priority . If possible increase the number of factories to increase production . "
John murmured as he ended his last sentence, "Do I buy the cannon blueprints at such exorbitant prices? I guess I need to be cautious, I don’t even know the real firepower of the dragon knights . I should be cautious in case the Royal Family deploys them at the end of the war . "
Taylor nodded and spoke, "Okay, Lord, I will make sure to personally oversee the production of all our strategic resources . This time Jack did a good job in acquiring the strategic raw materials . I hope he continues his good work . "
He continued, "Lord, I was always wondering if it was right to give the Ballistae blueprints to the royal family this early? Won’t they get cautious by such a move? and wouldn’t it be disastrous for us if the royal family gains our weapons this early . "
John smiled and spoke as he heard Taylor’s question, "You don’t need to worry, even if they are cautious, they will have to pick a side . And this was exactly my aim in giving them the Ballistae blueprints this early . This way we can at least act obnoxious after the war . They will find a lot of problems even if I give them the correct blueprints . A lot of small parts would need precise machines for production . Because of this after the initial spares are used they will start cursing their decision when they are not able to replicate the machines .
As for the weapon itself, we don’t have to worry, we have weapons that are more threatening and are with a bigger range . Meanwhile, I have also improved the new Ballistas just recently after discovering a new metal . So we don’t need to worry . Meanwhile, is there any news from Ross and Blake from Aurora Island?"
Meanwhile, John thought, ’This way we can have a legitimate reason to rebel and create a state free from them after their betrayal . This is a good enough bait if they act upon their greed . ’
Taylor thought and spoke as he handed a report to John after hearing about Aurora Island, "Okay, I more or less understand why we are baiting them since they need to choose a side in this war . And as for the second question, Yes, We got a report from one of the ships that Ross and his men just landed at Aurora Island . They also found some new exotic species and have decided to domesticate them . Here is the report on the animals that reside at Aurora Island . "
John carefully read the report and spoke, "Hmm . . . quite a lot of unique animals, This new type of horse seems very interesting . Try to domesticate it if possible . They can be added to our army if we are successfully able to domesticate them . The very fact that they are able to swim in the water and run on land at such speeds is a very big geographical advantage to any army . It looks like the construction of the base is going well . From now on start transferring a part of our army there . It seems like it will take some time to completely tame that island . However, that base in itself is enough for now . Did they find any sort of mines over there so that transportation costs can be reduced . "
Taylor shook his and reported, "Nope, they only landed when this report was sent by the ship one day later . I guess we can only know more about the island in their next report . Meanwhile, we will be continuously sending ships there as it would seem that we are only patrolling the northern waters . "
John nodded, "Okay . Inform me as soon as you get a new report from Ross . "
Chapter 145
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The next day there was a hubbub in the commercial area as well as the residential areas very early in the morning after the newspapers were distributed to everyone in the city including the nearby village . These days a lot of people traveled from nearby cities with their bicycles to North-frontier City . Many ambitious individuals had even enrolled in the Rose Institute and had a basic literacy to read at least . Currently, a lot of people were able to read the newspaper because of its popularity and hence the enthusiasm among the common populace to educate itself .
Glenn sighed looking at the changes that took place in the city . Currently, he was watching the commotion and gossip among people after reading the daily newspaper .
Plato spoke, "I wonder how those old men at the institute would react watching your hold on power and influence just via the Black and White press . "
Glenn smiled as he heard Plato and spoke: "I am sure they would be quite angry as I intentionally employed a lot of people who weren’t given opportunities because of their stances or their offense to a certain noble . They also revealed a lot of scandals which the Imperial university had covered up because of monetary or political gains . I wonder when we can write about the Royal family . "
Plato thought a bit and gave his thoughts, "I guess there is still time as we aren’t in a fully antagonistic relationship with the Royal family and hence the wait . Meanwhile, this new guy Ealdron is quite good at evoking the emotions of people . Just this piece on Henry could evoke a lot of emotions from people . It is written as if he is one who suffered the cruelty of Duke Fjord . "
After reading the morning newspaper .
Like always, one of the shop owners read the newspaper looking for any government tenders, he spoke angrily after reading the first page, "Who does he think he is, after such a long wait we finally got peace and economic solution thanks to Lord John and because of this Duke’s greed he wants to destroy North-frontier city . God, he is even willing to use his son’s death so that he has a legitimate cause to invade us . Just looking at the way he treated his former officer I am sure he thinks nothing but only about himself, I am sure he was the one deliberately send his son to create a here . I am sure he is eyeing the trade route between the north-frontier city and Ironwood Forest as a lot of trade is taking place over there just a few days ago . Nowadays, even small traders like us are able to earn a good amount of money because of this trade route by pooling money . "
Another shopkeeper spoke after reading it, "I don’t think it is only because of money, but there are other intentions as well, I think it is most likely because of the new weapons that the Lord introduced a few days ago to warn the ones who have malicious eyes on us . I think it is most probably because of the results Fjord got when his navy tried to loot the Morgan Fleet and faced the ballistas and hence his greed for such a strategic weapon . The only place they are better currently is because of their warships and experience in the sea and hence he may be trying his luck right now to get them . "
An Old man who had a big cloth shop spoke after reading the newspaper, "I don’t care about them but I for surely care about this land, I will help in my personal capacity if the North-frontier city is in a crisis . I wish I was young, then I would have joined the army immediately . I was never able to become a knight . And hence I became a small-time trader . However, it was good, since it would have corrupted my morals after watching how brazen they were in the cities all over the years, at least the ones in power are full of greed . I guess the good ones faced the same fate as this guy Henry faced . However, This time I will send my Grandsons for sure . Look closely in the newspaper, even Count John made a speech as he hopes to recruit young people in his army, However, he is not going to forcefully recruit them as he values their choice but he hopes people come together in these tough times . An unselfish Lord, I won’t mind sacrificing my life for such a lord . Previously I was in the Imperial city and only transferred here after this Land was sold by Baron and was worried about it since it was most likely abandoned by that Baron . It was such a boon I never expected . "
The first spoke after reading another piece, "Look at the hypocrisy of Radiant church as well . They would willingly ignore that arrogant guy Francis as he is the disciple of Cardinal Saint Paul but they would be sure to punish anyone who isn’t in power as they sinned or more likely didn’t agree with them . I am sure a lot of people are looking at this which includes the followers of Radiant Church itself . I guess this also one of the reasons why they wanted the Printing technology of our North-frontier Town so that they can control the flow of information . Look it is also reported that they have also stopped giving Medical services to our Town after the last debacle . It’s good that Lord already had plans in case we faced such situations and we are already getting all the types of medicines from the hospitals built by Lord John . I recently heard they even found the cure for the deadly Malaria virus which would only be cured after giving a hefty amount of money to the chiefs of the Radiant church . Many times they would even convert people as they were hopeless and didn’t have a choice . "
The second shopkeeper spoke, "Yeah I too heard about Malaria . It will be launched in full after some days . Lord has also announced the policies for recruited soldiers . It seems any slain soldier’s family would get a lifetime of pension and free studies to children till adulthood . I guess Lord wants to increase the goodwill among all the people . I never heard about these policies in other kingdoms . "
Ambassador Luke worriedly looked at the newspaper and the reactions of people . He thought, "I guess I underestimated the power of these newspapers and the printing press . I am quite surprised that so many of the people in this town are able to read and write . I don’t know where we should start worrying . I guess he always had plans to set up the newspaper printing press but instead he first invested in the Rose institute as people could become educated and that is when he can use the real power of this printing press . I guess it is still better than the Radiant church getting the printing press or this would have become a recipe of disaster for us . And it seems they were the ones who downed Fjord’s ship earlier . At least one good news . "
Luke called his subordinate and gave him the orders, "Make sure to give this letter only to Master Eanred or King Lionheart . Take my token as this will help you go through to the inner Royal palace . "
The subordinate nodded and left taking his orders, "Okay, Milord . "
Bishop Robert thought after watching the first political piece from the North-frontier Times, "Just as I thought, This would be a big weapon . This count sure is a dangerous guy as he too knew about the power of this printing press so early in the game and hence he was cautious as he built the Rose Institute first . It seems they really downed Fjord’s ship earlier . This war will be costly . I thought Fjord was merely lying when he made the previous announcement . We too need both of these weapons . Arrange a meeting already . "
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Pallet frustrating spoke as he was eating at Hope with Simon, "What are these guys making a commotion for? Isn’t this just a small matter and most of the things are already known to most of the people, right Simon?"
Simon rolled his eyes as heard Pallet and angrily spoke, "It is only known to us as we are important people . Most of the times common populace don’t even get an ounce of such information . Are you an idiot or what? How the fuck were you even able to get a recommendation and join my team . This is a natural reaction when people get to know about so many political happenings at once . "
Simon watched Joe, who too was eating at Hope and at the same time eyeing them, "And Yeah I know you are spying us . No need to hide, we aren’t doing any illegal activities here . I am here just because of this fatty . He likes spending his monthly earning here every time . "
Joe thought irritatingly who was eating in a natural manner, ’These guys are on the priority list with grading A+ . I can’t be careless against them . I guess I am quite lucky, free lunch at Hope is quite good . And Damn, I get discovered even after the harsh training with Jake’s team . I guess I will tail them if they meet any suspicious individuals . And yes this fatty likes the food here at Hope . Maybe we can bribe him in future with the good incentives if he has any critical information . ’
Joe spoke in a calm manner after hearing Simon, "You talking to me? I am only here for my Lunch . Don’t overthink yourself being somebody big . I have to look after my cases . "
Joe left after completing his lunch and told his subordinate to look after these men in case of any suspicious movements .
One of the customers of Tornwall’s shop asked Tim who was working, "Tim, what are you doing? You look quite happy nowadays . Is there some good news?"
Tim scratched his horns as he spoke, "Well, I just learned to craft runes from Master and since a few days ago I was successfully able to craft the Ballistae projectiles with magical runes so you can guess my reason for my happy mood . Recently I also learned a lot of other skills as a forger from Master . Master being able to give me so much of his precious in such a busy schedule is very inspiring . I too will become like Master and the best craftsmen in the whole world . I will also trave . . . . "
Tim wanted to speak more but he kept his mouth as soon as he saw his Master’s Glare .
The customer then asked Tornwall, "It seems you are quite busy with Clock tower nowadays Tornwall . You and Ryfon both haven’t gone to Hope for the wines as well . Are you planning to visit anytime in the future?"
Tornwall smiled and spoke, "Well, I guess it’s a little busy these days since there is an increase in orders from Lord’s Mansion for Ballistae factories . The domain will get busy these days . So I don’t think I would have time to visit Hope anytime . Well, I still have my Barrels of those new wines at home so I don’t worry about wine nowadays . I guess this is one of the privileges of being the chief forger of this town . "
He sighed and spoke, "I guess your workload is because of Duke Fjord . Well, We too are preparing to train the local militias with the new skills provided by Lord John . See you later Torn . If something new comes up, inform us, I will visit you later . "
Tornwall then watched Tim, sighed and spoke, "Kid, you should learn to keep your mouth closed . Since you are my disciple, you will have a greater responsibility in the future . We can’t reveal anything right now as we are already in a war . Treat it as a war even though it hasn’t started . We will have big responsibilities . It’s good you kept your mouth shut after my glare . You along with me would have died if you had revealed anything about Aurora Island . "
Red who came just now spoke from Tornwall back, "Whom are you lecturing? You too have a loose mouth, it is only these day’s that you are controlling your uncontrolled mouth . "
Tornwall laughed as he heard Red and spoke, "I guess my disciple takes after me . Well, there are difficult times ahead so we need to be prepared already . Get back to work everyone, no chit-chat . "
Tim nodded and spoke after hearing Tornwall, "Yes, Master . I will keep these teachings in Mind . I was too excited after I heard that I will go to that Town . "
Red too left for his own share of work on Ballistae after grabbing his lunch .
****
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At the Northern Radiant Church Headquarters, there was a meeting taking place,
Bishop Robert Sighed as he looked at the newspaper and spoke to his subordinate, "It seems they have finally started to use this weapon of propaganda . This is also one of the reasons why I wanted this technology so badly in our hands . I could have used it to increase my own influence to become the next pope . I hope our Churches at the North-frontier city don’t get ransacked after this piece . "
"What was the reaction of people in North-frontier city?"
The subordinate nodded and spoke, "It seems a lot of young men have decided to join their army . Just in a day, they were able to recruit 3000 soldiers out of 15000 candidates . However, even after this news, people are still willing to migrate to North-frontier City . It seems the Royal Family is intentionally doing that while North-frontier city as well as is happily taking these people . Most of their food supplies currently being supplied through the IronWood forest or the Imperial Capital . The Royal family is quite happy in selling them excess food right now for a profit . I don’t understand them . "
****
There was also meeting taking place in the Radiant City’s Church,
David read one of the newspapers and slammed it, "Damn, they are using those newspapers to malign our image in public . What do we do about the matter of Francis? This upstart is really getting on my nerves . "
St . Paul thought and spoke, "It seems he took this action because of our decision to fund Fjord this time around . I guess this is one of his ways of retaliation and using propaganda to make a negative image of ours . I guess everyone is starting to use their Trump cards now that the war is coming . Ominous time ahead indeed . "
One of the Cardinals spoke, "I don’t think we need to worry about this newspaper . Even if the common people know about it, what can they do about it? Isn’t it all about power at upper circles . "
St . Paul nodded and added, "As for Francis, He will not be seen in public for some time . People will soon forget about him, then he can come out . If it comes to worst we can simply change his identity at least in public . I will make sure of it . As for our internal matter, make it seem like that count used drugs on Francis forcefully to make that speech against his will . The very fact that he is a pharmacologist will help our case . We will ban those drugs coming out of his domain claiming it is sinful . "
Pope David asked about another important matter, "Didn’t we ban our services in North-frontier city . Have there been any results till now?
The Fifth Cardinal named Rene calmly spoke after hearing David, "No, instead there is a new problem . What do we about the typhoid medicines which that count has released to his populace just now recently after our ban? Usually, people would beg us to cure them and would willingly convert in return for our help . Now, this is a serious problem . And there is also the serious problem of that new uncurable medicines for Malaria . "
Calvin agreed and spoke, "True, there is the problem of those medicines which are coming out of North-frontier city . They have completely taken over the nearby markets . Many people are losing their faith in Radiant Church . We have lost a lot of people in the north-frontier city and their nearby villages . The charity is decreasing at a steady rate nowadays in that place . I hope it doesn’t spread to other domains . It looks like Royal Family, doesn’t intend to do anything in this matter . They are quite happy watching our situation . They are also ones who provided those pharmacologists to that Demon Count . "
Rene Added, "Meanwhile, that count is earning hell loads of money . At the same time, The royal family is encouraging poor people to migrate to North-frontier city . Isn’t this fatal for us? I hope this doesn’t backfire us . We are also funding Fjord this time around . This war will be very costly looking at the past report where Morgans downed Fjord’s ship in the seas . "
Pope David angrily knocked the table cursed, "Goddamnit . How the fuck did that Count found out the solutions of these diseases so early after our suspension of services . Even the grandmasters spent their entire lifetime to research just one disease . If this continues for long he would touch our foundation, he has to die . After Lukav no one has managed to anger me to such an extent . "
Pope David crushed the newspaper as he said those words .
Cardinal Rene spoke gravely, "Yes, that count is really an anomaly, previously we could at least buy those grandmasters off with money and flattering words or kill them if necessary . It would be quite hard to deal with this Count . Quite an unexpected enemy we have found this time around . I guess this count always researched diseases from the start as he viewed us as his enemies and hence his precautions . There is Grand Potioneer Melanie, it was good that we were able to force her out of the court after exposing the Royal Palace . As for killing that count, haven’t you tried that already? Our only chance would be to strike him during this war . "
St . Paul suddenly spoke after hearing them out, "Maybe, we should seriously start funding Charlie as he is quite a clever and cunning guy . What do you guys think?"
4th Cardinal, Gabriel who was one of the oldest cardinals spoke for the first time after hearing them out, "Hmm . . . yes we should hedge our bets . Even if the Royal family tries to reduce our influence we can still fund their progeny to control them behind the scenes . It was good that Lukavv didn’t come to power or else it would have been difficult times for us ahead . And now there is another lunatic in that count as well . I think he would prove to be our biggest enemy to date . "
Pope David heard and nodded, "I agree . There are difficult times ahead . Felix will be our first choice, Charlie from now on will be our second choice . For Felix to emerge victories he needs to kill Lukav and that is uncertain in the near future . We will hedge our bets to contain both of these Lunatics . We need a bigger lunatic for both of them Charlie would be a good addition . Wasn’t he involved in that scandal 10 years ago where he started selling common populace to fund his entrance in the Royal circle . "
Calvin thought as he heard Pope David, ’I don’t think there is any other bigger lunatic than you in this whole kingdom . Of course, there is Felix and Lukav as well . I guess I will continue this job as long as my life is not in danger . ’