On November 2, in the territory of Girislav on the edge of Frost-Wolf Forest, Sixth Prince Durosong Nicholas heard that Landen Gallop was passing through and wanted to speak with him.
From the news coming out of Nikolagrad over the past two days, the war west of Gallop Plains had completely died down. Night-Kirin City had even ended its own wartime protections, clearly preparing for another war.
Durosong didn't know much about Gallop, so now that Landen had come in person, he hurriedly put on his formal clothes and went to sound him out.
The original Girislav camp had grown considerably after months of construction under Durosong. It had become a small city.
The outermost circular wall was about 300 meters in diameter and less than 20 meters tall, with gates to the east and west. A branch of Gallop River ran right alongside it to the south.
Although the wall's exterior was covered in stone, the stonework was built on a cement foundation, making it virtually impregnable to ordinary weapons.
Landen's stated reason for coming was to hunt in the forest and, while he was at it, deliver the twenty iron pipes Durosong had ordered.
Standing beneath the city wall, Landen had a feeling that the ruler inside might be a soul from another world, much like himself. The buildings within the gates were laid out in a very orderly fashion. The castle on the hill in the middle of the city was made of reinforced concrete, and various simple factories had been set up around it.
"Marquis, I heard you went to war with the Beastmen and took control of Gallop Plains?" Durosong emerged from the city with his knights and a group of girls.
"Thanks to His Majesty's protection." Landen nodded. "The Beastmen no longer covet Gallop