Horns blared as
Also standing with Lorist were Duke Kemis and Count Shahin, while Count
Fatty Shi believed the new livestock market should be placed outside the city walls to avoid negative impacts on the residents. After all, bringing large numbers of livestock into the city would severely affect the environment — it was precisely because of the environmental damage to surrounding areas that the Second Prince had ordered the old market demolished years ago. Viscount Edis, however, argued that Windbury currently had few residents and ample space, and placing the market inside the city would provide better security. As for pollution, they could designate a large dedicated area within the city to keep it away from residential zones.
Fatty Shi countered that while Windbury's population was sparse now, it wouldn't stay that way once the market was established. Merchants and craftsmen would flood in upon hearing the news and settle in the city. Governance required foresight — placing the livestock market outside the city would prevent the need to relocate it again in the future. If the city's population grew, they wouldn't have to keep moving the market back and forth, which would be far more troublesome.
Viscount Edis insisted that placing the market outside the city posed a great threat to its defenses and was unwise from a security standpoint. Fatty Shi, however, blustered that no one in the northeast currently dared to challenge the Norton Family's authority. As long as Norton forces were present, security was never a problem...
Despite his worries, Viscount Edis ultimately yielded to Fatty Shi's forceful advocacy and adopted his proposal to place the livestock market outside the city. He still harbored doubts, though, about how many years it would take for Windbury to regain its former bustle of crowded streets. Seeing his troubled expression, Fatty Shi secretly told him about Lorist's decision to send troops to attack the four central duchies, and that the captured craftsmen and fur merchants would all be settled here. Windbury's revival was not far off. Only then did Viscount Edis's worry turn to joy.
A light cavalryman appeared in the distance. Spotting the welcoming crowd, he pulled out a horn and blew a long, resounding note. The Second Prince's party had arrived.
"Play the music!" Viscount Edis commanded.
The welcoming fanfare began — the most solemn ceremony a lesser lord could offer when receiving a greater lord's visit. Lorist sat astride his horse, his face an expressionless mask. Beside him, however, Princess Sylvia's face was alight with anticipation; she clearly missed her godmother, Great Swordmaster Xianti, very much.
On the distant road, a galloping horse appeared, ridden by the Second Prince himself. Upon hearing that Lorist was waiting to welcome him, he had spurred ahead of everyone else. His enthusiastic shout carried from afar: "Haha, Locke, my brother! It's been too long — I've missed you to death!"
You haven't missed me to death. You just want me dead. Lorist muttered to himself but had no choice but to dismount and stand on the road to bow: "Your Majesty, your loyal servant pays his respects!"
The galloping horse reared up. The Second Prince pulled hard on the reins, leaped gracefully to the ground, and strode forward to embrace Lorist: "Locke, my brother, are you well?"
Lorist warmly returned the embrace and smiled: "Your Majesty, seeing you safe and sound has put my mind at ease at last. You must know that after I received word you had gone to Fisablen territory, I could neither eat nor sleep, living in constant dread. Only now can I finally breathe a sigh of relief. Your Majesty, as king of the Andinak Kingdom, you really mustn't take such reckless risks in the future..."
The Second Prince glanced at Lorist's ruddy, well-fed complexion and thought, This is what you call unable to eat or sleep? I'd say you'd be perfectly happy if I never came back. But outwardly he wore an expression of deep apology: "Come now, Locke. You know that if I had announced beforehand that I was heading to Fisablen territory, you all would have stopped me. The fate of the kingdom was at stake — I had to take this risk. Fortunately, the Fisablen Grand Duke proved to be a man of reason who saw the error of his ways and returned to the kingdom's embrace. My little escapade has paid off."
Lorist's smile didn't quite reach his eyes as he watched the Fisablen Grand Duke and Great Swordmaster Xianti riding toward them from behind the Second Prince. He remarked lightly: "This is truly cause for celebration, Your Majesty. That you managed to subdue the legendary God of War of the Plains — I must say, that exceeded all my expectations. I had been thinking that if anything unfortunate were to happen to you, I would march into the Eastern Wasteland Province and uproot the Fisablen family entirely..."
The words were anything but diplomatic, and spoken loudly enough that the Fisablen Grand Duke and Great Swordmaster Xianti, who had just dismounted and were walking over, clearly heard every word. The Grand Duke merely stiffened, his face betraying no emotion. But Xianti beside him was provoked: "You dare?"
Everyone's doing quite well...
Xianti's face shifted between green and white. She suddenly recalled how Lorist had overwhelmed her in just a few moves at Egret Lake Swamp years ago, making her his captive. Now, facing him again, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear. Even with the Fisablen Grand Duke standing beside her, she didn't dare draw her sword against Lorist. Fortunately, at that moment Princess Sylvia, who had been standing behind Lorist, gave him a sharp pinch, then rushed forward and threw herself into Xianti's arms, diffusing the awkwardness.
"Ahem..." The Second Prince stepped in: "Brother Locke, I know the relationship between the Norton Family and the Fisablen Family hasn't been harmonious — there was even a war between you not long ago. But now the Fisablen Grand Duke has returned to the kingdom's banner and is willing to devote himself wholeheartedly to the great cause of reunifying the empire. Moreover, you've married Princess Sylvia, so we're all family now. Brother Locke, I hope you can be magnanimous. As the Grand Duke of the Northland, you should set an example for all the nobility. As your king and your brother, I also hope that the Norton Family and the Fisablen Family will reconcile, so that the people of the northeast can live peaceful and happy lives..."
Lorist very nearly planted his fist in the Second Prince's face. Talk about taking advantage and then acting magnanimous — look at him, thinking he was so impressive now that he had the Fisablen Family backing him. As if. Who knew what that old fox the Fisablen Grand Duke was really planning? Did the Second Prince truly believe the Fisablen Family would obediently submit to him? The old man was just looking for a way out of his predicament.
But one look at the Second Prince's earnest expression calmed Lorist down. He knew full well that the Second Prince understood the Fisablen Grand Duke's intentions perfectly — he just didn't care. In fact, he was happy to see friction between the Fisablen and Norton families. Anything that complicated things for the Northland Four Families Alliance was something the Second Prince would gladly encourage. After all, regardless of how hard either side fought, he could sit safely in the capital and watch the show — he might even prefer them to fight harder.
Lorist gave a slight bow: "The Norton Family is willing to obey Your Majesty's command. As long as the Fisablen Family abides by the laws and codes established by our Northland Four Families, we will naturally not harbor unnecessary hostility toward them. Coexistence in peace would be a blessing for the people of the northeast."
Ha — abiding by the laws of the Northland Four Families Alliance meant the Fisablen Family would be squeezed until they had nothing left. Lorist had no intention of letting the Fisablen Family off easy. He didn't care whether the Grand Duke's granddaughter was the kingdom's queen — he would not play the fool in the fable of the farmer and the viper. The Fisablen family was a wild beast that had been caged, and he had no intention of letting it out.
"Ah..." The Second Prince was at a loss for words. Lorist had made it abundantly clear that he would not comply with the royal decree and would not spare the Fisablen Family. The Second Prince couldn't very well push the issue and risk a falling out. Fortunately, at that moment Duke Kemis, Count Shahin, Fatty Shi, and Viscount Edis came forward to pay their respects, saving Lorist from making further harsh remarks that would leave everyone uncomfortable.
The queen's carriage also arrived, and Queen Qiqi stepped down. Lorist stepped forward to bow and pay his respects, taking the opportunity to observe her appearance. She was quite beautiful — the Fisablen family clearly had good genes, with handsome men and lovely women alike. She was slightly inferior to Princess Sylvia, though, especially with that haughty air about her, as if she were terribly important. It made Lorist want to laugh. At the same time, he noticed that Princess Sylvia was standing off to the side, absorbed in whispered conversation with Great Swordmaster Xianti, making no move to greet the Fisablen Grand Duke or her cousin the queen. Lorist felt a surge of quiet satisfaction.
After quite a commotion, everyone finally got into their carriages or mounted their horses and, led by Viscount Edis, headed for the Rose Palace in Windbury. Since the city had fallen under Norton Family control, the Rose Palace had served as the king's temporary residence — no one but Lorist was permitted inside. Now that the Second Prince had arrived, it naturally became his lodging. Viscount Edis had already prepared a lavish welcome banquet for the Second Prince and his entourage.
After several rounds of wine and a full spread of dishes, Duke Kemis finally rose on behalf of all the nobles present and asked the critical question: "Your Majesty, forgive my boldness, but was what you said during your inspection about launching a campaign against the four central duchies the truth?"
"Of course." The Second Prince set down his golden goblet and answered solemnly: "Everything I said is the truth. The promises I made and the rewards of merit I offered are all waiting for brave warriors to claim. Allow me to announce some news: the Fisablen Grand Duke, our kingdom's God of War of the Plains, will also lead the Border Cavalry Corps in this campaign against the four central duchies, contributing his part to the reunification of the empire. There are still a few minor matters to discuss, but once all military preparations are in place, we will launch our assault. As your king, I look forward to seeing the nobles gathered here display your valor on the battlefield and achieve unparalleled glory for the kingdom..."
The Second Prince's words drew an uproar and cheers from the assembled nobles. Lorist toyed with the cup in his hand, mulling over the information the Second Prince had just revealed about the Fisablen Grand Duke leading the Border Cavalry Corps. His eyes involuntarily drifted across the table, where he saw the Fisablen Grand Duke raise his cup in a toast toward him, then drain it in great gulps. Interesting. Old fox — what exactly are you scheming?
After the banquet ended, the Second Prince invited Lorist, the Fisablen Grand Duke, Duke Kemis, Count Filim, and Count Shahin to stay behind. After a moment's hesitation, he also asked Fatty Shi to join them in the side hall for a discussion. Lorist knew the real show was about to begin.
...the campaign plan for the four central duchies. In his plan, the Second Prince intended to deploy the fifty-six-thousand-strong White Lion Corps. Upon reaching the Southern Province, they would launch an assault on the four central duchies. The first objective was to recapture Limard Province and Meishan Province, formerly part of the Melein Duchy, and use them as a springboard and staging ground to strike at the heart of the four central duchies. Given the great distance involved, the Second Prince hoped to first seal the border between the Southern Province and Limard Province, then attack once the White Lion Corps arrived. The projected launch date was around mid-August.
"I thought the Fisablen Grand Duke said he would lead the Border Cavalry Corps in the campaign? Could you tell me where he'll be attacking?" Lorist asked, looking directly at the Fisablen Grand Duke.
The Fisablen Grand Duke said nothing, remaining silent.
The Second Prince smoothed things over: "Here's the situation. The Fisablen Family will deploy two corps, joining the battle after we've captured Meishan Province. Meishan Province borders the Sabaji Duchy and the Fulunduo Duchy. In the plan, I intend to split our forces into two routes: one composed of the White Lion Corps and the Border Cavalry Corps working together to attack one duchy, and the other being your Northland Four Families attacking another duchy. With two prongs supporting each other, the four central duchies will be unable to concentrate their forces to resist. Only then can we conquer all four duchies in one stroke."
Lorist laughed coldly: "It seems the Fisablen Family truly is devoted to Your Majesty — they've even brought out their only two remaining Border Cavalry Corps to attack the central duchies. What rare loyalty indeed..."
"Ah, Brother Locke, this requires your consent..." the Second Prince said earnestly. "The Fisablen Family is now part of the Andinak Kingdom, just like you. And you've signed a ceasefire agreement. As your king, I trust you can shake hands and work together, united in purpose, for the great cause of reunifying the empire.
I hope you'll release the soldiers of the Third Border Cavalry Corps, allowing the Fisablen Grand Duke to reassemble them into a corps and lead them into battle against the central duchies. You know the Fisablen Family currently has only two corps — if both are deployed, they won't be able to fend off barbarian raids from the steppe tribes. So be generous — grant those captured soldiers their freedom. Wouldn't it be better to have them contribute to the empire's reunification?"
Ha, so that's what the old fox was after. Lorist sneered but said nothing. The Second Prince continued rambling, urging Lorist to think of the bigger picture, saying everything was for the sake of attacking the four central duchies.
Lorist glanced at Count Filim and Count Shahin, both with their heads bowed, studying something on the table. He looked at Duke Kemis, who was carefully examining his teacup. A wave of disillusionment washed over Lorist. He smiled and raised his hand to cut off the Second Prince's rambling: "Fine. I agree to release the soldiers of the Third Border Cavalry Corps. But the Fisablen Family must provide compensation. The specifics will be handled by Baron Shrade and Duke Kemis. I'm feeling a bit unwell, so I'll take my leave."
Lorist turned and strode away.