[Ding! Congratulations to the host for building a new class advancement facility. Avalanche Defender class advancement unlocked, Aurora Knight class advancement unlocked, Eternal Wind Knight class advancement unlocked. Host, please toss a commoner into the facility. After two minutes, a powerful warrior will jump out … Do you think I would say that? Stop dreaming. This is the real world. There is no such thing as a messy class-change system that is neither scientific nor magical.]
[You want a powerful warrior? Fine, I'll train and nurture them myself. — You want to send troops just by building a barracks? The interstellar war next door is calling for you.]
Alright then, as expected, it wouldn't be so easy to have a powerful troop type. However, the System that was neither scientific nor magical actually retorted that I was unscientific. As expected, it was just as annoying as always.
This was already the third day of the "Day of Return" celebration. However, not only did Diffindor's celebrations not stop, the celebrations had already expanded to include the entire country.
"Since that's the case, we might as well hold a nationwide celebration and pardon the world. Hmm, food will be provided by the national treasury. Let the people who have been oppressed for a long time enjoy themselves. "
This was the judgment that I had made. Although it was obvious that I was trying to win over the hearts of the people, in this time of storm, it was indeed effective in calming the hearts of the people.
The celebration was nothing more than food, wine, music, artistic performances, and all kinds of special activities. The square outside the window was filled with endless singing and dancing, and the sound of drums and music shook the heavens. But inside the palace, it had already returned to the busy daily routine.
"According to your plan, the Day of Homecoming celebration will last for five days, and the food for the celebration will be provided to the other towns. This will use up at least two months of rations, and the food supply that we've worked so hard to obtain will have a shortfall in advance. Although there were some kind-hearted people who sponsored them this time, and they earned quite a lot, the expected lack of resources was still a hidden danger. If it wasn't you, I would've stopped the proposal at all costs, and then found a reason to throw the proposer to the border as a coolie. "
The words of Kelly, the Head Female Official of the Royal Palace, echoed the common thoughts of the government officials. They, who are used to living a hard life, could not help but wish that they could split a single copper coin and spend it on two separate days. How could they tolerate such "extravagance and waste"? If it wasn't for me suppressing them, I'm afraid that this celebration wouldn't even have been held.
"Everyone has worked hard, but it's worth it. On one hand, it was to reward the people. Although the harvest season was still dismal, it was not their fault. After a year of hard work, it was time for them to rest for a few days. On the other hand, we have to give the people a new impression that 'from today onwards, everything will be different'. With this as a node, a lot of work will become easier in the future. "
Morale? Popularity? The will of the people? This seemingly illusory thing will, in a sense, play a crucial and positive role. At the very least, it will fill the stomachs of the people and give them hope for a better future. This is the only thing we can do now.
Of course, to truly change this country, he had to do it step by step.
I made a whimsical request to the System, and as expected, I received an answer that was even more whimsical than I expected. Every single warrior required several years or even more than a dozen years of training. You want to send out soldiers just by throwing resources into a barracks? It would be great if this could be done in real life.
"Then, the two most important things right now are still those two. One is the rebuilding of the main army, and the second is the problem of food …"
Even though the sparrow was small, it had all the essentials. There were at least thirty officials present for this emergency internal affairs meeting, and from what I had just interacted with, there were quite a few talents among them. The reason why Renée and the Mist royalty were able to last till today was due to these experienced and hardworking administrative talents.
A filial son can be seen from a poor family, and a country's difficulties can only reveal a virtuous minister. Should I be thankful for all these years of training? To be able to organize a celebration in a short ten hours, calculate how much pressure a week's celebration would have on the next year's food supply, and then arrange a new base for the army, that bunch of people in Sulfur Mountain City who always said 'what Lord Saint said is right' definitely wouldn't be able to do it.
But no matter how skilled an administrative talent is, it still comes from the efficient use of resources. Even the cleverest housewife can't cook without rice. Without anything, even the most skilled administrative talent can't do anything.
At this moment, I am not used to the way the meeting is conducted. As a newcomer, not only do I not have an official position, I am even sitting at the main seat to host the internal affairs meeting. Yet, they are acting as though it is only right and proper … Un, the one who is the most uncomfortable in the meeting is me.
After all, I am already used to the bunch of unreliable subordinates. In the past, I spent most of the time in the meetings struggling with them, trying my best to bring the topic back to the original point. Now that I am discussing problems with the members of the meeting so seriously, I am actually not used to it.
Looking at the serious faces of the group of middle-aged and elderly officials, constantly taking notes, pondering, and asking questions, I really want to pull Xueti, who is still reveling in the square, over and let them see how others work seriously.
"As for food, there should be a batch of meat in half a month's time. If we prepare our reserves, it should be able to prolong the consumption for a period of time."
Kelly immediately comes to a realization.
"You are talking about that whale?"
I nod my head. That mountainous Narwhal carcass is too much of a waste to be left in the sea. Considering the food supply, I have already sent the Borealis to drag it back.
Considering that it is really too big, if it is impossible to drag it back, it is possible to cut it into pieces on the spot and bring it back.
Even if a top-tier Sea Monster is dead, the remaining might will last for a period of time, so there is no need to worry about fishes and prawns finding us so quickly. The whale meat can be used as food, and there seems to be top-tier spices in its body. This is a huge fortune, and it would be a pity to waste it.
"As for solving the problem of food from the root, I have a plan. Selling off the harvest this time should not be a problem to exchange for at least two to three years of disaster relief rations. Then, we can take our time to think about it."
After all, Donglan is a small country. The huge amount of resources that even the Emperor of the Ottoman Empire, a mega country, would be an astronomical figure to a small country. It is possible for them to eat for a few years.
After asking, the head of the finance department flips through his records and nods his head affirmatively.
"If we were to sell off those gems and minerals, not to mention two years, even five years would be enough."
I nod my head in satisfaction. At the same time, I think of Dasos's bitter face when I extorted him. Also, I heard from Rosemary that she has already entered the core of the Ottoman Empire. Perhaps, there will be opportunities for me to play some tricks in the future.
"From a maid with a suspicious identity to the upper echelons of power, she even said that she might be able to step into an even higher position. I really wonder how she did it …"
Although she is still unwilling to tell me the reason why she ascended to the top in a single step, I don't think that she would lie. Other than the fact that her phylactery is still in my hands, the top-tier intelligence on the entire continent that I obtained from her also proves that she has indeed come into contact with the upper echelons of power.
"It is obviously impossible to just rely on eating from the rich, but at the very least, it should be fine for a few years. I will think of a way to solve the problem of food. Now then, let's talk about the proposal — expanding the army."
If it were any other country, the proposal to expand the army would be a life-threatening proposal. The Dove Faction and the Hawk Faction would definitely fight it out. Unless the Emperor exerts pressure on them, it would be a dream to not drag on for three to five years, or even ten to twenty years. Strengthening the central army would also have to consider the reactions of the local domain lords. Even if it is passed by a fluke, when the time comes to start building the army, it would be difficult to snatch military positions and authority.
But for Donglan, who has struggled in the Northern Lands for so long, this is practically a dream. The main reason why they didn't expand the army previously was because they couldn't afford to support it.
"Regardless of whether it is to deal with future wars or to protect the citizens from the winter beast stampede, in the Northern Lands, there is no amount of powerful armies. So, the first thing I have to do is to imitate the Mist Country's structure of the past. With my Knights as the core, I will rebuild the various armies. Their original names, flags, and equipment will all be the same. If I have the help of the veterans, I should be able to take shape within ten years. "
Looking around, I saw everyone nodding their heads in agreement and excitement in their eyes. The people of the Mist Country had already suffered enough from a lack of military strength. As long as the resources keep up, they would be able to build a truly powerful army. This was a dream come true.
"Actually, the will of the youngsters to protect their country has always been strong. The number of people who volunteered to join the army has always exceeded the capacity of our logistics. Now, as long as the logistics can keep up, coupled with the fact that we have Legendary-tier troops to attract new recruits, there shouldn't be a problem with the supply of soldiers."
"Un, then the recruitment will begin after this celebration ends. If you don't have sufficient equipment, then use the Simple Wooden Sword and Wooden Spear for training. Let's set up the venue first before we talk about anything else. Start from actual combat and focus on training."
However, there were some who understood the hidden meaning behind my words and raised their doubts.
"Future wars? Does Your Highness think that there will be another war? "
"Un, all of you should have heard that a new Eternal Sacred War is about to begin. On the Ottoman side, the war between the Water Elementals and the Seafolk is just the vanguard. That isn't the only place that isn't peaceful. "
At the mention of the Eternal Sacred War, everyone's face darkened. Expanding the army was one thing, but fighting a war was another. It had only been a few days of peace, why did it have to come again?
"Not long ago, I received confidential intelligence that the Black-Winged people in the south and the Wind Elemental God are working together. Their Cloud Fleet is currently heading west, looting all the cities and towns that pass by. There were even two capitals of intermediate kingdoms that suffered a calamity. As for the north … "
At the mention of the north, as expected, everyone's spirits were lifted. After all, this was the northern end of the human world. Their lives were at stake here, so no matter what, they had to be extra careful.
I sighed helplessly in my heart. As expected, the people of the Mist were plagued with disasters. A year ago, they had just defeated the Beastman tribes, and after a few days of peace, trouble came again.
"… In the north, there seems to be a tribe that has received the support of the Earth Elemental God and has suddenly become stronger. That fellow has proclaimed himself as the Khan of the Beastmen. They should be swallowing each other through internal strife. Going by tradition, it is only a matter of time before the main army invades the south."
"That is impossible! Ah, Your Highness, I am not saying that you are lying, but this … "
"This is a devastating disaster! Your Highness, are you sure about your source of information? "
"Your Highness, which Beastman tribe is it? Is it the Highland Beastmen or the Plains Beastmen? Have the other northern countries received the news? "
As expected, the moment this heavy bomb was dropped, the entire conference room became noisy.
The Beastmen of the north were divided into two regions. The Highland Beastmen were distributed along the Orison Mountain Range. The terrain there was complicated, and more than 70% of the Beastmen lived there. On the other hand, the Hulan Plains had a smaller number of Beastmen, but they were densely packed, so the threat they posed was greater.
If it was the Beastmen tribes from the Highlands, there would at least be a few countries acting as a barrier. However, if it was the Plains Beastmen, there was a border between Donglan and them. Due to historical reasons, that border of several dozen kilometers had never been peaceful.
Of course, this was still considered good. If it was the border of the Mist Country in the past, the two sides would be directly connected to each other, and the pressure would be even greater. In the past two hundred years, the Highland Kingdom of Suya, which had the bloodline of the barbarians, rose to power. Together with the neighboring Rhodes Kingdom, they forcefully split the Beastmen Plains into two, thus alleviating the pressure.
By the way, these two countries were the only two among the Seven Northern Countries that had a good relationship with the Donglan Principality. Other than the fact that they were viewed as' barbarian countries', their territories were newly developed lands of other races, and they didn't occupy the original territory of the Mist Country. Thus, they didn't have this complicated history with each other, which was the main reason why they had a good relationship with each other.
As for the other countries of the Seven Northern Countries, most of them were lords who came from the south, and they might even be relatives of the seventeen countries that were destroyed. How could they have a good relationship with each other … At the very least, unless it was absolutely necessary, merchants wouldn't be willing to come to this' barbarian country '.
There are three countries in the north where the natives of the Northern Lands are the main inhabitants (there is also an ancient country called Phoenix Nest. The Rhodes Kingdom is located on both sides of the border, and its political stance is slightly leaning towards the north, but its royal family is from the south), the four countries in the south (among them, the Sleuweir Kingdom is a product of the Mist Kingdom's split, and they emphasize that they are the true ruler of the Mist Kingdom), and a bunch of small autonomous regions that can't even be considered as countries. This is the chaotic situation in the Northern Lands.
The entire Northlands were viewed as barbarians by the major human countries, and there were endless conflicts between the various countries in the Northlands, which made this bitter and cold land truly a land of exiles and borders for humans. At the very least, many of the so-called autonomous lands were "free lands" formed by bandits and wanted criminals.
"… This information was actually provided by the Kingdom of the Elves, so it should be reliable. It's said that they've already informed most of the human kingdoms. It's the Highland Beastmen, I think it's called the Blood Axe Tribe."
"Ptui, those long-eared people can't wait for us to fight to the death with the Barbarians, but we're still being ostracized."
"Ha, Sleuweir is going to be out of luck. Serves that bastard traitor right."
"It's the same for the Kasomi Duchy, the Blood Axe Tribe doesn't seem to be far from them. But I'm afraid that the Rhodes Kingdom will be implicated. "
There was a lot of discussion, and at this point, it was time for the meeting to come to a final conclusion.
"Don't be too happy yet. Although we won't be the first to bear the brunt, the possibility of being implicated is not low. Once the border is breached, we will still have to face the Beastmen Tribe, so we need to prepare for a real battle. Therefore, I have a suggestion. This year, we will restart the glory of our past — the Winter Hunt! "
…
The meeting room was still bustling with activity, but I was resting at the side of the corridor.
Even though it was already night time, the square not far away was still noisy. The bonfire had already been lit, and the vulgar yet lively music made me smile from the bottom of my heart. I also saw the Bone Dragon that was twisting its waist and dancing in a strange manner. It seemed like they were planning to cause a ruckus through the night.
All the tasks that could be assigned had already been assigned, so I didn't have to worry about the rest. The preparations for the recruitment of soldiers and the Homecoming Day celebration were going smoothly. I didn't have to worry too much about it, and the only point of contention was still the Winter Hunt that I had proposed last.
Only the people of the Northern Lands knew that the beasts in winter and the beasts in summer were two completely different concepts. The beasts that were driven crazy by hunger were bloodthirsty and fearless of any enemies.
If they were to go crazy from hunger, they could just dig a ditch to protect the city, and they would use their flesh and blood to fill it up. The mutated beasts and super beasts in the snowy mountains were not uncommon. Once they went berserk, they would definitely be extremely terrifying enemies.
Spring and autumn in the Northern Lands were extremely short. Spring, summer, and autumn only added up to five months. After thirty days, the Northern Lands would be covered in snow and ice, and the winter season would descend once again. In previous years, in order to deal with the beast hordes, fortifying the walls and clearing the fields would be the best solution.
If the beast hordes formed a Beast Tide, it would be a helpless move to move the residents of the small villages and towns to the big cities. After all, not everything could be brought along. When the villagers returned to their hometown in spring, they would definitely see their homes in ruins.
On the other hand, large migrations were often extremely dangerous. If they happened to meet a beast hordes that had set off ahead of time in the wild, ferocious beasts that set off on their own would probably be delivering themselves to their doorstep.
However, it was even more unrealistic for the villagers to give up their homes, livestock, and farmlands right from the start. If they were to give up once a year, they wouldn't be able to survive. Furthermore, the living space around the big cities was limited, and the food supply was even more limited.
Obviously, the above countermeasures were both passive and problematic. On the other hand, the Winter Hunt that I suggested, not only would we be able to obtain a large amount of meat and beast specialties, we would also be able to use our mobile forces to fight against the beast hordes. At the same time, we would be able to reduce the pressure on the cities and boost the morale of the citizens and the army. There were many benefits to it.
Of course, everyone knew of these benefits, but the reason why they hadn't implemented it all this while was because of the fundamental problem of strength.
Using fortifications in the cities to deal with the beast hordes that could only fight a war of attrition, and using them to deal with the bloodthirsty and cunning beast hordes in the wild, were two completely different concepts. The reason why my suggestion was rejected by everyone was due to their lack of understanding and confidence in the military strength of the country.
"How can we be considered a strong army without going through the trials of battle? No matter what, the frenzied Beastmen would be easier to deal with than the brainless beast hordes. Even if we are worried about those young lads, the new soldiers would be able to grow swiftly with the guidance of the veterans. An army that has never seen blood, no matter how well-equipped they are, can only be considered as security guards. "
I didn't argue with them. After all, words were useless. In the end, it would still depend on strength to convince them. In any case, the army was already in my hands, so I should just prepare for it.
Right, my current identity was rather awkward. After all, I was the prince of the Mist Country. Even though the royal family of this country claimed to be my descendant and had received the recognition of the world, from a legal perspective, I should be considered as a member of the royal family. However, logically speaking, I should be considered as an emperor who had already retired from the throne. However, I had never been an emperor, and I wasn't dead either. How did I become an emperor just like that?
This relationship was so messed up that even the most formidable heraldry expert (the study of noble bloodlines and family emblems) wouldn't be able to sort out this mess.
As for the military power that I currently held, it was under the identity of Princess Renée's Guardian Knight.
That's right, Guardian Knight and not a Knight of Military Merit. After all, not too long ago, in order to use the Roland Sacred Sword to prove my identity, I could only ask Renée to help me confer the title of Knight in name only. In the end, she conferred me the title of Guardian Knight right at the city gates of Diffindor.
"We're about to enter the city, so how can we have the time to look for the Senate to confirm your noble title and territory? In any case, there are many precedents of older brothers and fathers serving as the Guardian Knight of a single princess. Big Brother Roland is just like my big brother, so you can just make do with the title of Guardian Knight."
As she said this, Renée's face flushed red. It was apparent that she was a little embarrassed.
However, the identity of Guardian Knight was indeed very convenient. Using the identity of Renée's representative to deal with matters, it also avoided a lot of awkwardness. At that time, I felt that this was a good idea and even praised Renée a few words.
"Her adaptability isn't bad, and this lass is quite quick-witted. Un, that's more like my descendant."
Even though I was praising her from the bottom of my heart, for some reason, the moment I said these words, Kelly and Renée's faces darkened. There were even people from the Undead Army behind us who laughed out loud.
Alright, back to the main topic. At the very least, this identity of Renée's representative gave me, who didn't have an official position, some confidence when I called for an administrative meeting.
In reality, there were many things that weren't convenient to talk about during the meeting, but I had already begun to deal with them.
"Since the symbol of royal authority, the Roland Sacred Sword has reappeared in the world, Donglan should be able to discuss the legitimacy and merger of the Mist Country with the other smaller countries. There's also the Frigid Maw Altar in the middle of the snowy mountains. Who knows how many new Frigid Maw have been born over the past three hundred years. It's about time for a true Aurora Knight to be born. These two matters can only be accomplished by me personally. "
Troublesome matters came one after another. At this moment, I missed Eliza immensely. With her around, I could be at ease and leave all the work to her … Why don't I find some time to chat with her?
【System Notice: Your death-seeking has broken through the heavens … Cough, this time, I really didn't come out to criticize you for courting death. Instead, I have another daily quest, please accept it.】
【Ding! Daily Quest: Today's unlucky fellow, please punish at least three villains who have committed evil deeds. Depending on the identity of the person being punished, you will be rewarded with 1-100 Fate Points. There is no upper limit. However, if you fail, 1000 Fate Points will be deducted — You don't need to do daily quests just because you have so many Fate Points recently that you aren't afraid of deducting it? If you still fail this daily quest, 10,000 Fate Points will be deducted the next time.】
Looking at this daily quest, I was momentarily stunned.
Doing evil doesn't necessarily mean that it's illegal. If it's illegal, it's more likely that it's evil. In the past, it would be easy to find any villains to punish. I just have to find a criminal in the prison. However, due to the Homecoming Day celebration, the amnesty order was just passed down. Where am I supposed to find a criminal?
If I were to directly go and find a criminal right now, the God's notice in the Sinless Land would seem to be right beside my ears. Even the most deranged villains would fear the might of the Gods and restrain themselves for a period of time.
"Looks like I can only admit that I'm unlucky. The darned System must be pissed at me and wants to mess with me. 1000 Fate Points it is, but I really need to be careful of the 10,000 Fate Points tomorrow … Pfft!"
The scene in front of me caused me to spit out my tea. I rubbed my eyes and wondered if I was hallucinating.
It was a group of men running. Among them, there were quite a few familiar figures. The one leading them was that tall and mighty Minotaur.
"Returning to nature and walking with the wind, this is the true nature of us Minotaurs. My real name isn't important. Please call me the Son of Wind! Come, my friends, please join us in this beautiful run of riding the wind. "
As I expected, there were quite a few guards chasing behind this group of bastards. Other than wooden sticks, they were also brandishing messy clothes and pants.
"Lord, at least wear your underwear! Underwear, underwear!" The shouts of the city guards echoed in the streets. My face immediately turned green.
"Son … Son of Wind, your head! Is it because this is the Underground World? How many Minotaurs are there in the entire Diffindor? Isn't it obvious from the start? The Supreme Judge is leading the team to run naked. How are the judges of the Church of Law going to conduct themselves tomorrow? I thought that you would be able to hold it in for a few days. You can't take it anymore? My family is unlucky! "
Thus, I picked up the Silver Avenger without hesitation.
"I get it now. So the System isn't pissed at me, but at that stupid Minotaur! Fine, I'll clean up my family today. "
【Ding! You guessed it right, but there's no reward. The System continued to prompt. Think about it, why does the quest require at least three people? Yes, due to the miracle of the Sinless City, those local criminals will have to restrain themselves for a period of time. However, have you forgotten that there is still a group of weirdos who are experts in guessing the boundaries of the law?】
"Do you want to become the fireworks expert that everyone envies? Do you want to comprehend the profound meaning of the Underground World's Sacrificial Rites? Safe, reliable, and dazzling. The Safety Brand fireworks are on sale. You deserve it! "
Alright, the villains who sold dangerous goods and fake goods have appeared.
"Hmph, it's time for us to settle our grudges. I want to avenge my lover Number 38!" Leaning against the wall with a bow in hand, a Dracon Hunter with the demeanor of an expert stands tall.
"Hah, don't think that I will be afraid of you just because you advanced to Legend. A true hunter will never fear the strength of their prey. That will only make us happier. Hmph, your weakness has long been exposed to me. The next moment will be the day of your death. " This is an old Dwarf Hunter. Although he looks ordinary, the silver gleaming hunting rifle in his hand is obviously not an ordinary weapon.
At a stall on the side, a Gnome is shouting with all his might.
"The grudges from 30 years ago have been settled in a single night. A peerless battle is about to begin. Kabala Gambling House is currently accepting all kinds of bets. If you bet that the Legend Dracon will win, the payout is 1: 2. If you bet that the ace Archer will win, the payout is 1: 3. If you bet that both sides will perish together, the payout is 1: 10. If you bet that both sides will settle the grudges with a smile, the payout is 1: 100 … "
Alright then, there were gambling scams and private brawls. Hearing all this, I knew what I had to do. Before the Underground World and the Church of Law's reputation were thrown into the gutter by these bastards, I had to hurry up and clean up the mess.
"That, can I bet that due to some special reason, the duel has been stopped?"
"Of course you can. The payout is 1: 7. However, the ending of the grudges with a smile isn't included." The moment the gleeful Kabala raises his head and sees me, his smiling face turns into a crying face.
"You … Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting?"
Instead, I throw a bag of gold coins at his head.
"Keep it well. After I settle this bunch of bastards, I will ask you for your reward!"
Alright, what followed after was a delightful night of suppression. After running until I was out of breath, I immediately placed rebuilding the Town Security as the most important task at hand.
In the end, not only did I complete the daily mission on time, I even accumulated more than 700 points.
Of course, the nude running of the highest Bishop is destined to be a stain on the Church of Law. However, in the future history, this is how this dark history will be recorded.
"AD 1897, during the Homecoming Celebration, due to his heartfelt joy for the Knight who returned home, the highest Bishop, Xueti, drank too much during the celebration. After that, he lost his virtue. Although he didn't violate any laws, in order to punish himself, he hung himself on the highest flagpole in the palace for 3 days and 3 nights."
"The people of the world sighed at his noble virtue of upholding justice and being strict with himself. They named him as the 'Just Hanged Man'. Hanging him on the flagpole became the path of cultivation for every judge when they were at a loss. In order to commemorate this legendary story, the Homecoming Sun Breeze became a traditional custom. Of course, most of the participants would still wear underwear. "
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