The Changes on the West Coast

"I don't expect you to understand me! But please believe that I have my reasons for doing this."

In the reception room of the Royal Palace, Rhodesney XVIII said to everyone with a remorseful expression, "As for what those reasons are, I'm not at liberty to reveal them for now."

Those present were Paul, Catherine, and Mellon Garnard, who had remained by the king's side and served as a member of the Special Zone Management Committee.

"Your Majesty, will things end here between us and the orcs?" Paul asked him.

After stabilizing the situation in the northwest, Paul and Catherine had hurried to Crystal Radiance at the king's urging. Rhodesney XVIII was going to make up for his earlier omission by holding Paul's ennoblement ceremony.

"Of course things won't end here! Five years!" Rhodesney XVIII knitted his brows tightly and spread open his palm. "At most five years. Aldo's army will once again stand at Watchman Fortress."

The king's tone was decisive. The humiliating treaty with the orcs had dealt a serious blow to his prestige, and Rhodesney XVIII now felt every moment as though he were sitting atop a volcano.

"I'm going to organize a huge army!" He clenched his fist and waved it in the air.

"The Alarda Army is an excellent model!" The king looked eagerly at Paul. "I learned the details of your battles with the orcs. I have to say, the Alarda Army served as a stabilizing force. The troops under your command are an example for every army in the kingdom to follow."

Paul nodded slightly. "I'm deeply honored by Your Majesty's praise."

"But I also understand that supporting an army like Alarda's requires an enormous amount of money. Even with military scrip, we still need a matching supply of redeemable goods."

Rhodesney XVIII