Chapter 88

Does the lord of Hicks City not know about this? He certainly does, but it doesn't matter, as long as there's money to be made.

Moreover, the Augustus Empire had not carried out military expansion for many years, and the border between the two countries had not seen a large-scale war for thirty years. This front line, which once blocked the invasion of the Augustus Empire, had long been forgotten.

Thirty years is enough for people on this front to forget many things. Compared to preventing a war that is almost impossible, real gold coins are obviously more tempting.

Of course, this route wasn't only used by people from Hicks City; there were also merchants from the Augustus Empire, perhaps even more, otherwise 'Shally' wouldn't have been able to obtain this information.

Now, 15,000 enemy troops are stationed in the Hicks Frontline, which has turned into a forest. What does this mean?

"We can set fire to these places!" Gruk's eyes shone brightly. "Once the fire starts, it will spread along the entire front line... This road is their only way out."

"So all we need to do is block this place."

"Yes... then prepare accordingly, and make this quick!"

'Shally' acted swiftly, with over three thousand people moving overnight. The loosely trained troops were responsible for setting fires, Royal Guards and the Iron Blood Legion were responsible for killing. The time was still set for just before dawn.

This time of day is more suitable for launching a surprise attack than late at night, and considering the ease of retreat, the attack will be completed before dawn, preventing the attackers from getting lost and wandering into the territory of the Kainter Kingdom.

While Ryan was anxiously awaiting the latest news from the Western Territory, a fire had already broken out on Hicks' unnoticed front line. The fire burned for almost half an hour before anyone noticed, and by then it was already close to the border army's stronghold.

Just then, a storm arose, and the dawn wind carried the fire into the sky, like the rising morning light.

Tumultuous!!!

Flames rose up, carrying countless fiery red fluffs that drifted into the sky, transforming the fiery expanse into a sea of fire that engulfed the Hicks Frontline.

This fire was much larger than the one 'Shally' had set off in the Lilta Mountains. The people on the mountain had no way to escape and could only choose the only route to retreat to Hicks City.

'Shally' had already led her people to block the exit. The road was only so wide, so those going down the mountain couldn't get out, and those on the mountain couldn't get down. Soon, tragic screams came from the flames.

Fifteen thousand people!

Blocked on a narrow path, the same road that the Kainter army had used to hinder the Augustus Empire's advance by taking advantage of its natural terrain, now has no escape route for those trapped in the mountains due to the same terrain.

The fire burned for two hours, and the flames, fueled by the wind, had completely destroyed the garrison. The safe zone was getting smaller and smaller. Some people, seeing that the way down the mountain was blocked, had no choice but to rush into the fire. Others rolled down the cliff and their fates were unknown. The remaining people were engaged in the most brutal war.

Gruk is right. There are only 15,000 people here, and they are a bunch of lazy bums who have been raised on a pedestal.

Faced with such an army, the Iron Blood Legion truly has the right to slaughter indiscriminately. Have you ever seen a wolf overwhelmed by fleeing sheep? This kind of thing is commonplace for them. Fighting outnumbered? The Grand Duke said, the advantage is on my side!

As fewer and fewer people descended the mountain, 'Shally' glanced at the time and confirmed that reinforcements from the Hicks City defense line should be arriving soon. She rushed into the crowd, charged up the boundless sea of fire, and finally stopped on a mountain peak of the Hicks defense line. She took out the flag symbolizing the Augustus Empire from her backpack and planted it fiercely!

Boom~~

The wind and waves swept in with the scorching heat of flames, and the flags fluttered in the sea of fire. As the dawn broke and the earth was illuminated, the flags shone brightly.

[Bathed in the divine light of war, your abilities have been enhanced.]

[Constitution +3]

[Spirit +3]

[Magic Power +3]

When Ryan woke up yawning, he was completely bewildered by a series of prompts that popped up in the game.

+3 to all three stats, plus a Ring of Death?

"Wait, what's going on?!"

In the scene featuring 'Shally', she is leading her team in a rapid retreat, while behind them are endless pursuers!

'Shally' stopped on a hillside and deliberately gave Ryan a glimpse of her turning around—'Holy crap, how many people are there?!'

All they could see on the horizon was a dense mass of people, easily numbering in the tens of thousands, and they were incredibly menacing. It was as if 'Shally' had led a group to slaughter their entire family.

Fortunately, the distance is far enough that it is impossible for them to catch up in a short time.

Looking at their current location, they had already reached the border of the Augustus Empire. If they went any further, the army of the Kainter Kingdom would theoretically not dare to pursue them any longer.

Ryan quickly checked the AFK (away from keyboard) history, and his expression instantly turned strange.

He knew yesterday that 'Shally' planned to overthrow the Hicks Frontline, but his attention had been focused on the Western Territory these days. Yesterday, he was thinking that if the Grand Duke could rise from his coffin, then there might still be a chance for things to turn around.

"... Thankfully, we escaped safely."

Ryan kept his eyes glued to the game screen until 'Shally' led the team across the border between the two countries, at which point Kainter's pursuers finally stopped.

He didn't think about it anymore and directly gave 'Shally' the order to return to the capital.

Stop hitting me, sis, really, if you keep going you'll be promoted to marshal!

It's not that I'm worried about 'Shally's' outstanding military achievements, but the situation is unstable right now, and those who stand out are always the first to be targeted. Although 'Shally's' current rank isn't enough to attract attention... well, maybe it was before, but after burning Hicks this time, this hastily cobbled-together army is likely to become famous.

As expected, things really went as planned, and he became famous.

When 'Shally' returned to Berman City with her remaining force of about three thousand men, the news had already spread through the city government. This was an excellent opportunity for propaganda: 'Shally,' a general under the Princess, led her troops to repel the invasion of the Kainter Kingdom and even burned Hicks, allowing the imperial flag to fly high in foreign territory!

Caslathdi was indeed very happy. Although the situation in the Western Territory was quite troublesome, what she looked forward to most every day was waiting for the latest battle reports from the front lines.

How could she let go of the publicity opportunity after this firestorm hit Hicks?

The rules of the border are actually very simple. As long as you are strong enough, people will keep migrating over and businesses will keep coming over, because strength means the safety of the territory. Who wouldn't want to live in a safe place?

In no time, major news outlets in Berman City began to publicize Miss 'Shally's' heroic deeds, even overshadowing Mayor Ryan, who was most favored by the Her Highness the Princess.

Of course, clever news organizations have already begun to waver. With Mayor Ryan on the inside and Lady 'Shally' on the outside, this is the thriving Berman City.

Although Berman City was bustling with activity, Ryan was anything but happy.

Shortly after the Iron Blood Legion returned, Gruk also received news from the Western Territory – Major General Max of the First Ironblood Battle Group contacted him to return to the Western Territory as soon as possible, as they would launch an action against the tyranny of the Empire in the Western Territory.

The Old Emperor clearly wanted to win a quick victory in the Western Territory. Elvin, having received orders, led the Imperial Legion to surround the Iron Blood Legion and attempted to force the disobedient Iron Blood Army to the Imperial Capital under the pretext of His Majesty 'Your Majesty orders.

With the added support of strategist Creed, the situation became extremely dire.

With control of the Western Territory about to be taken away, Max is preparing to secretly unite all staunch Magana Party members to start a war in the Western Territory!

He wasn't stupid. If the Iron Blood Legion really went to the Imperial Capital, would they have any chance of survival?

Since we're going to die anyway, we might as well make it a spectacular one, so as not to tarnish the Grand Duke's reputation!

"Creed is a traitor! With the Grand Duke gone, he's become the Empire's lackey! Lord Ryan, this damned mole will be struck by lightning sooner or later!" Gruk cursed.

Because Ryan was "one of their own," Gruk came to discuss it with him as soon as he received the news.

"Ah, yes... moles are the most annoying thing."

Ryan thought to himself, "I am also wholeheartedly devoted to the Grand Duke."

Am I in the wrong? I am loyal, heaven and earth can bear witness.

But this can't be blamed on me, so sometimes even traitors have their own difficulties.

"The key now is that once the war starts, the Grand Duke will be firmly branded as a traitor." Ryan frowned. "Why is Elvin so assertive, carrying the Old Emperor's decree? He's just hoping to force the Iron Blood Legion to rebel. Once the Ironbloods rebel, he'll have a reason to start the war. The Royal Army has 30,000 men, plus the ones Creed has. There's no way the rest of them can win."

"What should we do then?" Gruk asked anxiously. "We have to go back!"

"But going back won't help."

"It's better than staying here and watching... Lord Ryan, you are the Grand Duke's most trusted person in the Southern Territory. If we really don't return, the Grand Duke's cause will be entrusted to you!"

Ryan's lips twitched slightly. "Do you want to hear what you're saying? Leave it to me? Do you want me to continue the Grand Duke's dying wish and start a rebellion?"

Then give me a massive army!

Although it's a bit unfair to the Grand Duke, if the Iron Blood Legion really falls, then Ryan will have no choice but to move his belongings to the Princess's house overnight.

But... there's still Creed. That guy knows his secrets and might sabotage him at any time. Then he'd be caught in the middle, not pleasing anyone.

He gets neither the Grand Duke's milk nor the Princess's candy, and now he's branded a traitor...

No, we can't do that!

"Gruk, I know you're in a hurry, but don't rush, let me think of another way."

After temporarily calming Gruk down, Ryan prepared to go find Caslathdi. If Magana fell, although Caslathdi could temporarily secure her position in the Southern Territory, it would be difficult for her current strength to protect this territory.

After all, don't forget, Elvin is the Second Prince's maternal grandfather.

If he succeeds in taking over the Iron Blood Legion, the Second Prince's power will increase significantly.

"Damn, these emperors are all cunning old devils. If Elvin succeeds and eliminates the emperor's biggest worry, the Second Prince is his son anyway, and it won't be a loss for his power to grow."

"If Elvin fails, the Iron Blood Legion will most likely go to war with the Second Prince. Using the old general Elvin to fight against the Iron Blood Legion will create a check and balance, and the Old Emperor will definitely make a profit."

"Princess, oh Princess, why didn't you have an awesome mother, a war god uncle, or a cheap maternal grandfather?"

Ryan now feels like he's on a pirate ship, and it's the kind that could capsize at any moment.

However, to his surprise, Caslathdi seemed to be waiting for him and gave him a big surprise.

"I plan to go to the Western Territory," Caslathdi said. "I will go to the Western Territory with Gruk's Iron Blood Army and intervene in the affairs of the Western Territory under the guise of being an ally of Magana."

Ryan was taken aback. "Your Highness, are you planning to take over the administration of the Western Territory?"

"I do want to, but it's definitely not that simple. What I need now is an attitude, understand? Ryan, the Western Territory is a vast area, a place that is absolutely worth fighting for."

"If Elvin succeeds, my second brother's power will reach its peak. What do I have? I only have these three cities in the Southern Territory, and they are constantly in danger. What can I use to compete with him?"

Caslathdi thought about it for a long time before finally making this decision.

She was unwilling to give up; if she didn't fight for the crown prince position, there would be no hope at all.

Of course, doing so would disrupt the emperor's plans, and her father would probably have a lot of complaints about her.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

Imperial Capital gained power through sympathy or favor. Without strength, even if you were given the throne, you couldn't hold onto it.

Ryan clicked his tongue, thinking to himself, "Your Highness, you're amazing. I never even thought of that."

The allies are clandestine; once they become public, Caslathdi's situation becomes precarious. The Old Emperor might get angry and reclaim the Southern Territory.

This is a gamble too.

If all goes well, Magana will die, Caslathdi will step forward to win people's hearts, potentially gathering a large number of followers in the Western Territory.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Elvin is on the side of the Second Prince, and these forces in the Western Territory don't mind helping Caslathdi to fight against the Second Prince.

"Hmm... Your Highness, this matter could also end up being a complete waste of effort. Are you really going to take the gamble?"

Caslathdi nodded. "I'll bet!"

Her Highness the Princess gambling table won't have a significant impact on Ryan, as he still holds administrative control over Berman City. Once he integrates the three Southern Territory cities and has a strong army, he can become a minor lord.

Even if something happens to Caslathdi, he won't be affected.

This is the thing, it's really disgusting. She's my game wife, after all. Are we going to let a few scheming old men have the last laugh? Whether it's the Second Prince or the Old Emperor, if Ryan can still shout a few words of loyalty in front of the Grand Duke, he won't say a single one in front of them.

Who the hell are you?!

But once the Princess made her decision, he couldn't stop her.

"Hmm? This is..."

After leaving the castle, Ryan suddenly noticed that the mirror in his backpack had lit up.

He was taken aback.

A mirror, wait... the Grand Duke?!

Ryan quickly scrambled home and retrieved the mirror.

This mirror was his way of contacting Magana; he had tried several times to reach her after her accident, but unfortunately, he couldn't get in touch with her.

Sizzle~

In the mirror, as the image gradually became clearer with the magical reflection, it was still the one Ryan knew well—white hair, a short person, and a little girl!

"Huh? Finally connected? Ryan, long time no see... Hey hey hey? Why are you so close?? You bastard, stop hugging me, let go of the mirror!!!"

First update, 7000 words. More updates coming! Monthly votes and death threats, please clamor!