The premature collapse of the grassland nations directly affected the Alpha Kingdom's immigration efforts. Countless refugees fell to the Beastfolk before they even reached their destination.
Less than half the expected number of refugees successfully arrived in the Alpha Kingdom. Those traveling overland suffered the heaviest losses.
Without a doubt, the coastal nobles benefited the most from this outcome.
Thanks to the convenience of sea transport, they were the first to secure their shares, while many other noble lords could only watch helplessly.
In truth, no one had the time to worry about the trivial matter of "refugees" anymore. Once the Bright Kingdom collapsed, the military pressure on the Northern Frontier provinces surged instantly.
They had become neighbors with the Beastfolk once more. Given the enmity between the two sides, it would be perfectly normal for the enemy to attack at any time.
The sudden shift in the situation forced the kingdom to convene another military conference. Even Hudson, the expeditionary commander, was summoned back to attend the defense meeting.
"Why hasn't the Northern Frontier defense line been completed? What the hell have those people at the front been doing?"
Prime Minister Grand Duke Newfoundland thundered.
Back when the Continental War had begun showing signs of eruption, the kingdom had restarted construction on the Northern Frontier defense line. The kingdom provided construction funds and supplies, while the lords of the border regions were responsible for carrying out the work.
The Alpha Kingdom was highly experienced in this regard and had already developed a complete set of practices.
The defense line protected their own lands, so there was no need to worry about the participants failing to give it their all. Even if an occasional minor noble was an exception, there were still provincial governors and commanderies above them keeping watch.