"Hellfire is continuing north. They plan to station themselves on the highest peak in the Graypeak Mountains. From there, they can protect the new defensive line as the Empire requires while avoiding the guerrilla warfare they're so bad at."
Refugees rescued from the north were gradually gathering in the square outside the City Lord's Mansion. A figure stood at the window while Ingrid reported on the fighting in the north.
"Give me the Map."
The figure turned, revealing a sharp-featured, blond face—
There was no way it was Annan.
Ingrid spread out the Map, picked up the red flag representing the Hellfire Legion, and placed it at the edge of the mountains before moving it to Central Peak in the Graypeak Mountains.
"They want to set up camp here."
Olmedo laid several pens across the Map to represent the rat swarms scattered through the mountains. Then she set her coffee cup at its far edge to represent the Ratfolk main force, which had yet to approach.
"In that case, we can send the Fourth Legion to help with construction."
No castle or fortification was as useful as favorable terrain. That was the hard-won experience of the Northern Frontier after nearly three years of fighting the Ratfolk.
"What's happening at the Northern Great Wall?"
"The Second Allied Army has arrived at the Northern Great Wall. The Orr Empire is leading them."
"The Orr Empire that's famous for its hard-line approach?"
"Looks like the Ratfolk are in trouble."
The Tartun Empire and the Orr Empire had joined the other nations against the McKennan Clan... Unless another clan emerged in the Northern Frontier.
"Is he awake?" Olmedo suddenly asked.
"Lord Annan just went to the Crystal Lair. He should—"
A clear dragon cry suddenly rang across Free City. Olmedo and Ingrid looked out