Chapter 435
Talulah knew that she usually addressed the issue objectively and didn't mean to be sarcastic, so she explained:
"It's nothing, just some stir-fries. I didn't know how to cook before, Alina taught me."
"I've tasted it, and it's not bad. Before your trial, if you want to do your part for the members of Rhodes Island, I won't stop you. But you'd better remember who you are, Talulah. Everyone remembers what you've done. All of us in the New Rhodes Island will be watching you."
Talulah didn't reply, but simply gazed towards the direction of the Central City District. There wasn't a single ray of light there, and she had a feeling something bad was about to happen.
June 24, 8:00 AM
A sudden cannon blast echoed throughout the entire sky above Londinium. The commotion this time was greater than the previous attacks from the City Defense Cannon Secondary Cannon combined.
A high-speed warship outside the city was successfully hit by a modified Main Cannon mounted on an airship.
After remote observation, the Technician reported:
"General, target confirmed destroyed."
Manfred nodded, but his face did not show the joy one would expect after destroying a warship.
Because this is just the beginning.
"Alright, next, according to the plan formulated in advance by the Military Committee, we will detach a portion of the territory from the Londinium City. The airships will be stationed between the Central City District and the encirclement of the Grand Dukes, ready to provide support at any time."
Once Duke Windermere receives news of the destroyed warships, he will quickly contact the other Duke to launch an attack. In the meantime, do not interfere with the Blood Demon Army's defenses.
This task should have been handled by the King of Scavengers's team. However, he has yet to appear; he has neither appeared nor been found, presumably having met with some misfortune.
The Blood Demon Great Lord was originally in charge of other matters, but he gladly accepted the task of defending against the Duke's attack.
Hearing the commotion, Theresia went to the airship's Command Room. Manfred, seeing the Empress arrive in person, bowed slightly to show his utmost respect.
"General, you don't seem very happy. Shouldn't the destruction of enemy warships be a good thing?"
"Yes, but I just can't be happy. Although it's been more than half a year late, the war has finally broken out. These Grand Duke will launch their attack today."
If they hadn't been wary of each other outside the city, the Sarkaz wouldn't have had so much time to prepare.
Theresia shook her head and corrected her:
"General, you are wrong about that. The war has not just begun, but has never ended. Only a battle with real swords and spears deserves the name of war."
Those eyes lurking in the shadows, those vicious curses directed at the Sarkaz —all are, without exception, signs of war.
We have never escaped war, but this time we have the initiative and have brought it to the forefront.
General, once this cannon is fired, there's no turning back. If this is the only way to save Sarkaz, please lead us to defeat the enemy and achieve final victory."
"I will do my utmost, Your Her Highness the Empress."
Theresia was pleased with his attitude and revealed her second purpose for coming to the Command Room:
Do you know where he went?
The person she is referring to is the regent.
"I'm sorry, I don't know that. His Highness said he has more important matters to attend to and cannot attend today."
June 24, 8:05 AM
Just minutes later, the Duke Kester received the latest intelligence from the Frontline.
"Your Lord Duke, the loud noise just now came from an airship over Londinium. According to information provided by our allies, a high-speed warship belonging to Duke Windermere was sunk, with no survivors."
According to the observation team's assessment, the Originium used in this long-range artillery weapon warrants caution. The power of the shells exceeds the current capabilities of our military. If conditions permit, it would be best to find a way to acquire airship technology.
Based on the intelligence gathered so far, we are unable to obtain the specific parameters of this airship. This epoch-making large-scale armed aerial vehicle will inevitably change the landscape of large-scale aerial warfare in the future. We hope that Your Lord Duke will take this seriously and dispatch elite forces to investigate."
The Duke Kester listened without saying anything.
Having failed to obtain a response from the Duke, the intelligence officers assumed he was indifferent and began reading the next intelligence report:
"Your Lord Duke, the Norbert District of Londinium has just detached itself from the main city. This area sits on the edge of the city, between the outer lines constructed by the various Duke."
We have reason to suspect that the Sarkaz are attempting to transform this site into a forward base to support their upcoming large-scale military operations. The previously mentioned airships are converging on this site.
Considering the large number of Londinium citizens still residing in the Norbert District, we have not yet launched any large-scale operations targeting that area. Furthermore, according to scouts, Duke Windermere's mobile fortress, 'Galawa Iron Shield,' appears to be preparing to penetrate that area. The specific reasons are unknown, and a thorough investigation is needed."
This piece of information about the land piqued the Duke Kester's interest slightly:
"Using land and airships as bait, and then using the citizens on board to tie our hands and feet, is a terrible tactic, but it's effective."
If it were the Duke Wellington's warship that was bombed, they would definitely raze Norbert District to the ground with cannon fire. These Demon Race really know how to pick on the weak."
When the intelligence officer heard the Duke Wellington mentioned, he also brought up some information about him:
"Your Lord Duke, the Duke Wellington has just launched his high-speed warship and is heading straight for the Norbert District. We have reason to suspect that he intends to seize the technology for building airships. Should we follow suit and join the fray?"
Upon hearing Duke Kester shook his head:
"No, airship technology is certainly important. But we should set our sights on something much more distant."
What really worries me is what the Demon Race are researching inside the Shard Building. It's heavily guarded there; even the Grey Hat couldn't get in. Even the most foolish Duke should have guessed that what's inside is dangerous."
The intelligence officers, as if suddenly receiving important information, paused for a moment before proactively reporting it:
"Your Lord Duke, a man in Grey Hat just contacted us. He said that last night, Vigna, a descendant of Alda and Aslan, entered the Place Where the Kings Sleep."
They took the Breath of the Kings from it, which was then entrusted to Alda for safekeeping. However, she betrayed them at the last minute, joining forces with a mysterious figure to kill the Grey Hat.
Later, Alda returned the National Sword to Vigna, who casually tossed it into the moat. The Grey Hat crew searched for it for several hours without success and hoped for reinforcements.
Upon hearing the news of Alda's betrayal, the Duke Kester calm, seemingly unsurprised.
"Alda has never been decisive enough and is prone to wavering in her choices. We have more important things to do now, so we don't need to hunt her down for the time being."
Relay my orders: send more men to Londinium to retrieve the Breath of the Kings. Also, have Grey Hat locate Vigna and confirm if the sword is in her possession. Sometimes what you see isn't necessarily the truth. Don't think you can get away with losing a similar sword in the middle of the night.
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Chapter 512 I Don't Eat Beef (4K)
June 24, 8:10 am
News of the high-speed warship being sunk by the Sarkaz quickly reached the ears of the Duke Wellington.
He had just gotten up and was having breakfast with a young woman from Dolak when an officer hurriedly knocked on the door and entered, bringing the latest battle report:
"Your Lord Duke, something terrible has happened!"
He presented the printed intelligence report to the Duke Wellington with both hands, and began to explain:
"The airship that rose above the Shard Building has sunk Duke Windermere's high-speed warship. According to reconnaissance Scout the Frontline, the airship has now left the Central City District and is heading towards the Norbert District."
The land in this area has inexplicably detached, blocking the only route to the Central City District. The Sarkaz likely intend to use the Londinium residents within this area to restrict the Dukes' large-scale military operations and to transform it into a supply depot for airship operations.
Besides the Duke Windermere and Duke Kester, Messenger from various powers, such as the Duke Normandy, Duke Godot, and Duke Faf, also wish to meet with you."
"These guys are really energetic this morning. Meeting with small fry won't change anything."
At this point, the Duke Wellington respectfully sought the opinion of the Dolak women present at the table:
"Your His Highness Ablana, what do you think?"
Ablana, blonde with green eyes, led the Talulah uprising in Little Hill County and was the leader of the Deep Pool Forces.
Along with her twin sister Lafhini, codenamed 'Wildfire,' they are both descendants of the King Gael.
As one of the few Dolak in this land, she was one of the heirs to the Victoria Throne.
Ablana possesses a commanding presence, and her movements with a knife and fork are remarkably elegant. Upon hearing this, she responded:
"The war has begun, Duke Wellington. A new era for Tara is just around the corner. All we need to do now is watch out for stabs in the back. As long as we don't make any mistakes, victory will be ours sooner or later."
Wellington nodded in approval; the Sarkaz army could not withstand the combined attack of the various Duke.
Of all his allies now, the Dukes of Duke Kester and Duke Windermere are the most to be wary of. The other Duke pose no threat to him unless they form an alliance.
"The Duke Kester knows what I want, and I know what he wants. Although we have never discussed this matter directly, neither of us will allow the other to sit on the throne. Even though Victoria has a humiliating history of Dual Monarchy over the past century, the throne can only belong to His Highness and cannot be shared with him."
It's a real shame about what happened today. The Duke Windermere fought the Sargon for too long in recent years and probably forgot about Victoria's rules. If she's significantly weakened, she won't be able to help me keep that old man, Kester, in check anymore."
The officer, seeing that he had finished reading the intelligence, then said:
"We still don't understand why the Duke Windermere is in such a hurry to go to the Norbert District. Perhaps she wants the airship technology to increase her leverage in the future and make her situation less awkward?"
Wellington grinned, looking dismissive.
"What Duke Windermere actually wants is not so important. In any case, war has already broken out, and this outcome almost fulfills the wishes of all the Duke."
"Your Lord Duke, this is a perfect opportunity for you to unite all forces. Victoria has been tainted by dust for too long; you are qualified to restore its glory."
Upon hearing this, the Duke Wellington lowered his head, looked at the numerous Victoria medals adorning his uniform, and suddenly burst into laughter:
"Hahaha, Victoria has long since faded away. Why do I need to prove its former glory? Your His Highness Ablana, a new era is about to begin for you!"
Ablana was quite pleased with the flattery and didn't expose it even though she knew Wellington was doing it on purpose.
At the same time, the officer's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and went to the door to answer it.
A short while later, the officer returned to the table and reported to the two men:
"Your His Highness, Ahmone's troops have just withdrawn from Londinium back to our camp. It is reported that they were subjected to a fierce attack by the Sarkaz City Defense Army, suffering heavy losses. Diplomat Mandela is missing; he is suspected of being unilaterally imprisoned or executed by the Sarkaz."
There was no time to mourn Mandela's death, because Ablana had more important things to do next.
Now that Ahmone's troops have withdrawn, there is no need to worry about subsequent actions.
"Summon the 'field officer'."
"Yes, Your His Highness!"
The colonel was the captain of the Crimson Iron Guard under the Duke Wellington, and also an officer in the Deep Pool Forces.
Wellington had no objection to this arrangement, believing him to be the best candidate to scout out the route into Londinium.
The officer returned shortly after leaving.
Upon seeing this, the Duke Wellington narrowed his eyes.
Logically, once he went to inform the colonel, he shouldn't have returned. Unless, of course, new intelligence compels him to come:
"What happened?"
"Your Highness, according to the latest news from the Frontline, the Norbert District Plot, which had been completely separated from Londinium, has somehow rejoined itself."
War Analysis Expert were unable to determine Sarkaz's specific intentions, nor were they certain whether his actions were related to the technology on the airship. If necessary, they suggested sending someone to On-site Investigation.
To use a vivid analogy, Moving Plot is like taking pieces from Jigsaw Puzzle. If one plot is separated from the whole, it's like removing a specific Jigsaw Puzzle. In this way, the physical height of the individual Jigsaw Puzzle will be greater than the whole puzzle.
To rejoin the plots, they need to descend slowly. Even Vertical Ascent and Descent can cause misalignment, resulting in the plots getting stuck.
Therefore, re-interlocking the plots is not impossible, but it would take a very long time to check. It is definitely not something that can be easily done in a few minutes.
"What?!"
The Duke Wellington was particularly surprised because he understood the principles of land movement.
Faced with Ablana's questioning gaze, he carefully chose his words and explained:
"Your His Highness, we previously mistakenly believed that the Sarkaz intended to use this land as bait."
But now it seems that's not the case; the airship's presence in the Norbert District appears to be protecting something beyond our comprehension.
The attack on Londinium needs to be postponed. We should send someone to Investigate Clearly first before making any further plans."
After a moment's thought, Ablana could not come up with a better solution, so she agreed to the Duke Wellington's suggestion:
"Okay, whatever you say."
June 24, 8:12 am
All residents of the Norbert District experienced Flying Sensation this morning.
First, the land inexplicably detached, and the strong tremors woke everyone who was still asleep.
A few minutes later, the ground, which had been gradually levitating at full power, suddenly plummeted. The sudden, weightless fall completely dispelled any drowsiness the group had felt.
This sudden incident led everyone to believe that the engine at the bottom of the plot was severely damaged, which really frightened them.
Fortunately, the plots of land were put back together, and everything returned to normal. The local residents who were still on the plots waited for a long time, and were finally relieved when they saw that there was nothing else wrong.