It was already pitch black outside, but I was still deep in thought under the lampstand. I didn't know how to put down the pen that I had been holding for a long time. In the end, I sighed and started writing.
"Respected Sir Ferdinand, long time no see. I wonder if everything is going smoothly in Sulfur Mountain City … Three hundred years have passed and a large number of inheritances and secret arts have been lost in the flames of war. The current Mist Royal Knight Order can't even be considered as a third-rate force. Perhaps, our ancestors were a little too unqualified. I have already come to an agreement with the current generation of Mist descendants to provide some 'instructors' to guide those newbies. "
"After much consideration, I can only rely on you for this matter. Please bring Great Sword Saint Fayde, Lucas … The young Knight has already come to their senses. To the famous ancestors of the Valkyrie, there is no need to be too concerned about their identity as Undead. They just need to be more careful on the road. "
Since I was writing a letter to my elders, I spent quite a bit of effort on it. Actually, the content was quite simple. I just wanted to send a group of instructors from the Red Hunting Hounds to the Donglan Principality. However, if it wasn't for my personal letter inviting them, old Ferdinand, who felt guilty towards his hometown, would probably never step foot on that icy plains again.
But without a doubt, even though he had turned into a Skeleton Knight, old Ferdinand was still the most suitable general to train new recruits. Perhaps, other than battle techniques, he might be able to impart something more important, such as the experience of a hundred battles, tactics and unyielding willpower, such as the spirit of the army represented by that war flag.
"… I look forward to the day when the drums of war sound once more. The young Knight will be able to shoulder the glory and responsibility left behind by our ancestors. This matter has to be carried out by you. I sincerely look forward to the day when we meet again in the Land of Ice and Snow. "
The other letter was much simpler. There was no need to think about the wording at all and it was straightforward.
"Donglan has already established the faith of the God of Law as the national religion. It won't make sense for you to hide. You don't need a Pope, a complete legal system, a complete Church of a True God … This is an opportunity. Once it succeeds, the spread of the faith of Law will be saved for decades or even centuries. This is a gamble worth betting on. With the banner of the True God, I don't believe that anyone will dare to stop you from going to Donglan."
Using the name of the Church of the True God of Law, the strength I have in my hands can finally be revealed to the world. From a certain perspective, after making this huge bet, when I put down the chips in my hands one by one, I can be considered to be sharing the same fate as the East Mist Communal Country.
The matter regarding the national religion came much earlier than I expected. From a certain standpoint, this was both an opportunity and a challenge. If Donglan were to soar into the sky, the Church of Law would rise along with it. If Donglan were to be destroyed just like that … Fine, we could still return to the Underground.
I sealed the two letters with beeswax. After thinking for a moment, I wrote another letter to Adam, who I didn't know was there. When I was done with everything, the last letter that I really didn't want to write, but I had no choice but to put it on the table.
"Dasos, it seems that you and your country have met with a huge problem. If you don't handle this properly, the Ottoman Empire will become history. Perhaps you think that I am just trying to scare you, but I will have to start from a bunch of Fishmen … "
Indeed, I didn't expect that the ambush on me would lead to so many schemes and troubles. I will have to start from when I returned during the day.
…
At that time, I wore a borrowed cloak and did my best to ignore the ambiguous smiles on the faces of the women in front of me. Instead, I focused my attention on the Seafolk that appeared out of nowhere.
The Seafolk wasn't a single race. It was the collective name for Fishmen, Merfolk, Shrimpmen, Sea Giants, and other intelligent underwater lifeforms. Most of them lived along the long coastline of the Aichy continent. These underwater lifeforms couldn't leave the sea, so they lived in tribes and underwater kingdoms.
The deeper the sea, the greater the pressure. The Sea Monsters in the deep sea were unimaginably strong. The weak were unable to survive in the deep sea. The living space of the Seafolk wasn't limitless.
There were quite a few scattered Fishmen tribes along the coastline. However, as they couldn't leave the water for too long, they posed a limited threat to the lifeforms on land. In fact, their threat couldn't even compare to the invasion of a neighboring country. However, due to the aggressive nature of the Seafolk, they basically had a natural hostile relationship with the various countries on the continent.
Thus, even if I were to meet a Red Dragon in the river, I would still find it understandable. However, to meet a clearly organized Seafolk was inconceivable.
As the capital of the Ottoman Empire, just by looking at the surface of the river, Kagesi City wasn't completely defenseless. It was completely unimaginable that there would be a Fishmen tribe living in the river.
Fishmen, amphibious lifeforms that could survive in both freshwater and seawater, might exist along the river. However, a powerful Fishmen tribe that could rear Demon Sharks would definitely not live in the river. After all, Demon Sharks are marine lifeforms. If they were to stay in the river for too long, they would die sooner or later.
In other words, most of these Fishmen followed the estuary in the opposite direction and arrived at this Rivertown.
This wasn't easy. All the cities along the river of the Ottoman Empire had their fleets. How could they not discover so many cities along the way? To think that they actually allowed the Fishmen to come directly to the heart of the city? Why did they spend so much effort and take so many risks to come here? Could it be that they just wanted to take a look at this city and observe the enthronement ceremony?
However, my doubts didn't last for long …
"Un? Demon Sharks and Whale Bones' bones? Harpoons? Are their fins white? Un, those are the Fishmen of the White Whale Tribe. Since you met them underwater and even got attacked by them, they should be here to loot this city. "
Not long after I reached home, I recalled that Siren Tracy is also a member of the Seafolk. It is said that Sirens have a high standing among the Seafolk. She might know something, so I sent someone to invite her over. In the end, just as I spoke a few words, the other party dropped a heavy bomb on me.
"Loot this city? Loot the capital of the Ottoman Empire? Has that tribe gone mad? "
"They're not crazy. In the entire southern bay area of the Black Sea, the White Whale Tribe is one of the top three super tribes. The Murlocs are only their vanguard. Depending on the strength of their prey, the Sea Snake Tribe, Naga Tribe, and Sea Giants will all come later. There might even be Mermaids and Sirens. "
"However, it is impossible for them to attack the city. This is equivalent to offending the entire Empire. Aren't they afraid of being surrounded by the fleets? "
"Heh, you don't understand the Seafolk at all. To the Seafolk, they don't have to worry about offending anyone. The White Whale Tribe is a famous hunting tribe, as well as a mercenary tribe. They can just leave after they have harvested enough. It is impossible for the continent races to catch up to them. Besides, do you think that without anyone guiding them, they would be able to come to this city directly? "
After pondering for a moment, I could smell the scent of a conspiracy.
The fleets along the way didn't notice them? Most probably, someone is controlling the fleets and pretending not to see them. Or perhaps, the Seafolk might as well attach themselves to a normal merchant ship and have a smooth journey.
As for the motive? That is even more obvious. If the capital were to be attacked by outsiders on the same day as the inauguration ceremony of the new Emperor, Dasos's position as the Emperor would be shaken.
Tracy says with a face full of disdain.
"That darned fatty is involved in this plan. Since he is so afraid of you, you can go and ask him."
"Lord Egg Breaker? He is involved in it too. "
"Un, I am the liaison sent by the White Whale Tribe. However, he kept pestering me, making me unhappy. So, I placed a Charm Curse on him, causing him to unknowingly do something foolish and become a eunuch. However, the weird thing is that he seems to have recovered. "
Alright, everyone's eyeballs almost popped out. The Tracy in front of me actually didn't deny that she is a spy for the Seafolk. The nonsensical mission that I accepted back then is actually related to her.
"However, the plan seems to have failed, so I took the opportunity to leave the White Whale Tribe."
"Failed? Isn't it already a success? "
"The other group of people I was in contact with was suddenly killed, and their lair was also burned. Without the guidance of humans, it is impossible for the White Whale Tribe to come to this city through the waterway. Furthermore, they wouldn't care about the reason for the failure. If I were to return to the tribe as a failure, I would only become the seasoning for the tribe chief's afternoon tea. "
Clutching my forehead, I vaguely guessed what had happened.
"Right, those people who contacted me are wearing rings with stars and eyes on them."
Many clues are placed in front of me. Just by thinking about it, I understand what happened.
Just like how Dasos is guarding against the Celestial Tower who helped him rise to power, the Celestial Tower isn't completely on Dasos's side. They colluded with the White Whale Tribe and the nobles who are against Dasos. Clearly, they are betting on both sides.
If Dasos were to cooperate with them obediently, the assault of the Seafolk might not have happened. However, it is apparent that the remnants of the Celestial Tower intend to fight to the death with Dasos after all of their members were listed as wanted criminals.
"Heh, those people actually dare to send the White Whale Tribe to attack the coastline. However, they don't know that after that lord awakens, the Seafolk is at least three times stronger than before. When the huge wave hits, they are unable to stop the waves from breaking through their defenses. When the White Whale Tribe's flood dissipates, how many of them will be able to survive? "
"Ailos?"
Hearing this name, Tullius is taken aback for a moment before nodding his head silently.
"The Seafolk are no longer the Seafolk of the past. Under the will of that lord and the Queen of Storms, all of the Seafolk are thirsting for the fresh blood and souls of the creatures on the surface. That is what they rely on to curry favor with their superiors. In the coastal waters, under the guidance of the great existence, various departments are working together. I'm afraid that war is unavoidable. "
The Queen of Storms is the Guardian God of the Seafolk, but she is also one of the Malevolent Gods of Chaos. Obviously, under the incitement of the Ancient Water Elemental God, under the summons of the Holy War, and after many years of fighting with the surface creatures, the Seafolk have already gotten rid of their neutral identity and started to lean towards the side of Chaos.
Once this assault really starts, no, looking at the current situation, the assault of the White Whale Tribe is bound to happen. I'm afraid that it will immediately exceed the expectations of the nobles, turning a small-scale assault into a war between nations.
"Unlike them, I have many friends in the human world. I'm afraid that those fellows didn't trust me from the start. Who knows, that Count might have other motives for approaching me. "
"Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"I've already defected and I don't dare to return to the sea. My source of information has long been cut off. Isn't this the same as not confirming the authenticity of the invasion? How should I say it? Who should I say it to? Now that even the vanguard troops have been seen, I can tell you directly now. After that, how you deal with it is up to you humans, it has nothing to do with me. I'm alone and I'm of a different race. Both sides won't trust me. A fence-sitter will only offend both sides at the same time. I can't do anything about it and I don't intend to. "
After finishing her words, the Siren has a relaxed expression. However, the listeners are helpless. She is relaxed, but this troublesome ball has been kicked onto someone else's head.
Back then, we discussed for a long time, but in the end, we were unable to come to a conclusion. Regardless of whether it is the strategy to deal with the invasion or the veracity of the Siren's words.
Yes, even though she seems extremely calm and took the initiative to reveal a series of secrets, we still suspect her.
Regardless of whether it is the legends or reality, the Siren isn't a kind and honest creature. Her taking the initiative to confess made us suspect that there was a trap. Furthermore, I keep feeling a subtle sense of incongruity, as though I have missed out on something very important.
Dusk had fallen, and my spies had just returned.
"Is there any new news?"
The black cat jumps onto the windowsill. She has been faking a nap by the table, but the 4 clones that she has spread out are omnipresent spies. The residence of the Siren and the riverside are all within her range of surveillance.
"Yes, that Siren is indeed untrustworthy. At least, she isn't as indifferent as she claims. She sent out her seals to monitor the Fishmen tribe in the river. As for herself, she even went to the Thief Guild and Mercenary Guild to entrust them. It seems that she is also looking for something. "
"Something?"
"Un, it seems to be some kind of tribute. It is said that it is related to the Sea God. "
"Related to the Sea God? Then, as a Siren, it is only natural for her to look for it. Is there no other news? How is the situation in the river? "
"The Fishmen have started to build a camp in the river. It seems that they are really the vanguard troops, intending to prepare for the main army later on."
I nod my head. The intelligence is accurate, but I still can't come to a conclusion.
"There is too little intelligence. Our understanding of this country and the Seafolk is too little …"
"Cough, Roland, I have guessed it. Do you want to know?"
"You can eat dried fish and milk until you are full … Alright, I am just joking. I know that you are not a cat. Don't bite me, just say it."
As though enjoying my headache, the gleeful cat walks back and forth on the windowsill, her tail sticking up to the sky.
"My foolish disciple, it is actually very simple. Benefits. The Seafolk aren't a charity organization. Taking such a huge risk to attack the capital of a country, how can it be possible without sufficient benefits? Also, the Water Elemental God isn't the guardian of the Seafolk. With them working together, the Water Elementals and the Fishmen have become one family. How can it be possible without sufficient benefits? "
"You are saying … Damn it! This game is really big. "
Under the cat's depiction, a Water Elemental disintegrates in the air, turning into a drizzle. In the rain, a group of wooden figures representing the Fishmen are advancing.
"With the help of the Water Elemental God Ailos, the Seafolk are about to reach the shore?"
"From a magical perspective, it makes sense. Such benefits are enough to drive the Seafolk crazy. Perhaps, this time, the Ottoman Empire is really in deep trouble. "
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