"… Those magic cows lowered their heads, their eyes red. The curved horns on their heads flashed with a cold light, and they let out moos as they charged forward in a frenzy, violently crashing into the walls made of mud and ice. Snow and ice splattered everywhere, and the mud wall shook. The soldiers desperately stabbed these crazy demonic bulls with their spears. One demonic bull fell, but more demonic bulls rushed over … … Standing on high ground, all you could see was an endless herd of demonic bulls. Tens of thousands of demonic bulls rushed over, and the overwhelming momentum only made people feel suffocated, powerless, and hopeless … … "
Earl Kenneth took a sip of the amber-colored fruit wine in his silver goblet, and continued to vividly describe the battle between the Norton Family's armed forces and the magical beasts in his mind. Around him were more than ten gorgeously dressed upper-class ladies and young ladies, listening to him with curiosity as he described the battle between the humans and the magical beasts.
"… A huge magic cow viciously crashed into a sturdy shield, shattering it into pieces. The soldier holding the shield was thrown into the air, and when he landed, he was heavily injured and unconscious. A few soldiers next to him used their spears to stop the charge of the magic cow, but when the magic cow turned around, the spears stuck in its body were immediately broken … At this moment, a horn sounded, and the soldiers finally let out a sigh of relief. This was the order to retreat to the second line of defense. The soldiers who had suffered heavy casualties brought their injured comrades to defend against the magic cows while retreating to the tall stone ramparts … "
"This rampart is taller and stronger than the first line of defense, and there are many ballistae on it. Fire! "With a command, the ballistae shot out like spears, and the magic cows at the front fell one after another. The soldiers cheered thunderously. But at this moment, there was another howl in the distance, and many huge creatures rushed out of the snow. They were five to six meters tall, and their bodies were covered in thick fur. There were two huge curved fangs at the corners of their mouths, and they also had a long and strong nose. With every step they took, they left a deep footprint in the snow … "
This was the former Duke's Mansion in Gildusk City, which was now used by the second prince as his palace.
Today was the last day of the 1770 year of the Galinthea General Calendar. The second prince and his queen would welcome the arrival of the new year with the nobles of the Iberian Kingdom, and they would hold a grand banquet and dance party throughout the night to celebrate the new year.
It was snowing outside, but it was as warm as spring inside the Grand Duke's Mansion. Fireplaces could be seen everywhere, and copper pipes and earth dragons hidden under the floor tiles were constantly emitting hot steam. Nobles and graceful ladies in gorgeous gowns could be found everywhere. They were either chatting in small groups or introducing themselves to each other. Everyone was waiting for the New Year's bell to ring.
At this time, Earl Kenneth fulfilled his promise with Laurist. In front of a group of beautiful noble ladies, he vigorously proclaimed the heroic feat of the Norton Family in resisting the Wave of Magical Beasts.
"… These huge mammoths had crossbow bolts stuck in their bodies, and they madly used their trunks to whip the stone ramparts. The ballistae were smashed into pieces, and the soldiers were whipped into the sky like scarecrows. Everyone broke down, and could only run in all directions. These mammoths, these huge demons, easily caught up to them. When the huge mammoths stomped down, the snow turned into bright red meat patties … "
"That's terrible …" A few of the young ladies hugged each other, shivering.
"What horrid tale is our dear Earl Gammons telling these lovely ladies?" said a voice from the back of the crowd.
Earl Kenneth hurriedly stood up, putting down the silver cup in his hand, and bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty the King, the beautiful Queen, and the goddess of my heart, Princess Sylvia, your humble servant pays his respects …"
The noblewomen and young ladies gathered around Earl Kenneth hurriedly moved to the side and bowed to greet the newcomer.
The second prince, who was at the forefront, flashed an amiable smile, indicating that there was no need to be overly courteous. The Queen, who followed closely behind him, pursed her lips and nodded coldly at the crowd. Princess Sylvia, who was standing beside the Empress, smiled and bowed to the noble ladies and young ladies present.
"I think I heard you talking about a legendary battle. What epic was it about, my Earl?" The second prince asked casually.
"Oh, no, Your Majesty. I was talking about the reality of this moment. While these beautiful ladies and I were enjoying this peaceful night, the soldiers of the Norton Family were engaged in a bitter, bloody battle with the Wave of Magical Beasts that had engulfed the Norton Family's territory … "Earl Kenneth replied.
"Wave of Magical Beasts? The Norton Family? Can you tell me what's going on? "The second prince's eyes narrowed as he asked.
The Queen suddenly interrupted, "Are you talking about that Baron Norton who repeatedly rejected the King's kind invitation and never came to see him? He doesn't seem to have any respect for our honorable King …"
The second prince's face twitched, and he smiled. "If something as big as the Wave of Magical Beasts had happened in his territory, then he would have no choice but to reject my invitation. I believe that as long as the Norton Family's territory is peaceful, then Baron Norton will naturally come to pay his respects to me. Am I right, Earl Kenneth? "
The second prince was asking Earl Kenneth, but his eyes were fixed on the Queen. The Queen, on the other hand, snorted and looked up at the ceiling, completely ignoring the second prince's gaze.
"Of course, Your Majesty. Baron Norton has always expressed his regret for not being able to attend the New Year's celebration. However, every winter, his family's territory will always be attacked by the Wave of Magical Beasts, so he can't leave. It's not that he wants to snub the King's invitation …
I've read about the Wave of Magical Beasts in Earl Franklyn's Travels in the North. It says that every winter, magical beasts from the Barbarian Plains will sweep through the North. Ever since our family came to the North, we've never heard of the Wave of Magical Beasts. We thought that the Wave of Magical Beasts was long gone.
Only now do we know that it was the Norton Family that stopped the Wave of Magical Beasts. I've asked some old people in the North who have an impression of the Wave of Magical Beasts, and they said that the number of magical beasts that sweep through the Norton Family's territory every year is as high as a million. It's unstoppable … "Earl Kenneth first defended Lollister, and then explained in detail where the Wave of Magical Beasts came from.
"I see, Earl Kenneth. Please send my regards to Baron Norton and his brave family soldiers, and show my respect for their resistance against the Wave of Magical Beasts. It's almost time, we have to go to the hall to wait for the New Year's bell to ring. I hope that all of you beautiful ladies will have a wonderful night. We'll take our leave now, and we'll see you at the ball … "The second prince politely greeted everyone present.
However, Princess Silvia took a step forward and said, "Earl Kenneth, may I make a request?"
"Of course, Your Royal Highness. Your wish is my mission. As long as it's within my power, I'll definitely fulfill your request. " Earl Kenneth bowed deeply, and all of the ladies present looked curiously at Princess Silvia.
Princess Silvia's face turned a little red. "It's like this. I overheard you talking about the Norton Family's bloody battle with the magical beasts. Please forgive my presumptuousness, but I've never seen a Wave of Magical Beasts, and I don't know what they look like. If it's possible, could you please send a letter to Baron Norton and ask him to send over a few of the magical beasts that died in battle? I just want to broaden my horizons. I know that those are his family's spoils of war, so I'm willing to pay a hundred gold fords to express my condolences to those brave warriors. I don't know if this request of mine is too rude … "
"Oh, no. Your Highness, Your Highness, your request is nothing more than a small matter. I believe that Baron Norton will gladly agree to send those spoils of war to you as a New Year's gift. Don't worry, I'll send him a messenger tomorrow, and your wish will be fulfilled as soon as possible. "Earl Kenneth promised without hesitation.
"Thank you, Earl Kenneth, for your help. I'll take my leave now." Princess Silvia bowed again and turned to leave.
"We should go to the hall as well. The bell is about to ring, and the new year is about to begin," Earl Kenneth said to a few beautiful ladies and ladies beside him.
"You should be following your goddess. Why are you mingling with us mortals?" A voluptuous lady pouted and said unhappily. Her expression showed that she was a little jealous of Earl Kenneth's attentiveness to Princess Silvia.
Earl Kenneth wrapped his arm around her waist and laughed. "A goddess has to be worshipped, and all of you are my treasures. How can a high and mighty goddess compare to you treasures? Don't you think that makes sense? Treasures, I'm also a mortal. We mortals should find happiness together … "
The bell rang, reverberating through the snowflakes. A new year had arrived.
… …
While the nobles of Gildusk City's Grand Duke's Mansion were raising their silver cups to celebrate the arrival of the new year, the bitter Lollister was lying on a snow-covered hill with a group of subordinates, watching the end of the Magical Beast Wave.
"My Lord, the scale of this year's magical beast wave seems to be less than half of last year's. We've only lured about sixty to seventy thousand magical cows into the Crewe Circle Isthmus. That's not even half of last year's …" The one speaking was Josk. As a sharpshooter, his eyes were sharper and more accurate than the average person's.
Buckingham nodded and said, "We should also go. Otherwise, the Winter Wolves and Snow Leopards that are wandering around will come after us. There are only about four to five hundred thousand magical beasts left. Order Dorais to take three chariot battalions and wipe out the magical cows in the Crewe Circle Isthmus as soon as possible. Then, we'll head to the fourth district and meet up there. We'll leave the remaining magical beasts in the Plentiful Plains this year. That way, there won't be a magical beast wave next winter … "
Fifteen days later, Leurist led over thirty thousand family soldiers to build three ice walls around the central town in the fourth district of Fengle Plains. He was prepared to rely on these three ice walls to exterminate all the magical beasts in this place.
Knight Vasimir, who was in charge of guarding the Monolith Castle, sent a few soldiers with a messenger to Lorist.
"Are you a messenger sent by Earl Cummings? You came from Gildusk City? " Loriste looked strangely at the person in front of him, whose face was swollen from the fall or the cold. He was very puzzled as to what had happened. Why would Count Kenneth send someone to deliver a letter in the freezing weather and in such a heavy snowstorm?
"Yes, yes, my lord. This is a letter from His Lordship to you." The man trembled as he took out a letter from his pocket with great difficulty.
Lorist wanted to curse. I'm here fighting the magical beasts with my life, and Kenneth is accompanied by a beauty, and he wants me to send him a magical beast corpse to show off. He says it's a new year's gift for Princess Sylvia, and the more the better. He's just bored out of his mind …
Wait. Lorist thought for a moment, and his lips curled into a mischievous smile.
"I'm very sorry, Mister Messenger. As you can see, this is our last line of defense. There are only three ice walls. The magical beast wave will reach here soon. At this critical juncture, we really can't spare any manpower to complete Earl Kenneth's request. How about this, I'll trouble you to make another trip to your family's territory and bring some people over. I'll get the family soldiers to transport the magical beast corpses to the empty space in front of Monolith Castle so that it'll be easier for you to transport them? "Lorist smiled bitterly at the messenger.
"Is that so …" The messenger also had a bitter expression. Usually, it would only take five or six days to travel from Gildusk City to Monolith Castle on a fast horse. In this snowy weather, it took them fourteen days to arrive. Everyone had suffered so much, and they really didn't want to make another trip to their family's territory.
Lorist observed the messenger's expression and knew very well what was bothering him.
"How many people did you bring this time?" Lorist asked.
"Seven with ten horses. The rest are waiting for a reply at Monolith Castle," the messenger replied.
"How many days did it take to get here?"
"Fourteen days, and we even lost a horse on the way."
"It must have been hard for you to deliver a letter in this weather. But as you can see, we really can't do anything. The Count's letter wants you to cooperate with us unconditionally and deliver the corpses to Gildusk City as soon as possible. The fastest way is for you to send manpower from your family's territory. How about this, I'll have my subordinates prepare a sleigh for you and have your horses bring you to the family's territory. I believe the journey will be quick and smooth. Redi, take this messenger back to Monolith Castle and prepare the sleigh for them. Also, give each of you two gold fords. This messenger, give five gold fords. It must have been hard on them to deliver a letter in this weather. "
Lorist's generosity made the messenger overjoyed. He suddenly didn't feel cold anymore, and his entire body was filled with energy. But before he left, he still asked, "My lord, how many people should we send to transport the corpses?"
Lorist stretched out a finger, "More than a thousand. There are a lot of magical beast corpses, and I'm prepared to send some of each type to your Count."
Five days later, the wave of magical beasts arrived at the center of the fourth district as scheduled. They attacked the three ice walls that Lorist had set up as if they weren't afraid of death. Unfortunately, under the concentrated fire of more than three thousand steel ballistae and thousands of longbowmen, corpses littered the ground. Even the tyrannical nearly a hundred Demonic Mammoths fell unwillingly in front of the steel ballistae...
When the last Demonic Horned Rhinoceros fell on the muddy snow, all of the family's soldiers threw away their weapons and let out thunderous cheers. Lorist and all of the family's knights had smiles on their faces. This year's wave of magical beasts had been eliminated here. From this moment onwards, the wave of magical beasts that had plagued the family's territory for hundreds of years was finally over.
"Dorles, organize your Chariot Battalion and replace the steel ballistae that can't be used. Immediately clean up the carnivorous magical beasts wandering around the magical beast wave."
"Ferocious Tiger Roth, lead the Armored Spear Cavalry Battalion and be in charge of the security of the Chariot Battalion. Cooperate with them in cleaning up the carnivorous magical beasts. Terman, set off with your knights as well. "
"Josk, take the Archer Battalion and seal off the area between Crouching Ox hill and Maple Forest Manor. I don't want a single magical beast to escape back to the wildlands."
"Borg, set up camp here with your two heavy armoured battalions. They'll be responsible for the safety of this area. Protect the people who clean up the corpses from the carnivorous magical beasts."
"Brother Shi, I'll leave the corpses of the magical beasts in this area to you."
"Yuri, your Ranger Battalion will follow behind the Chariot Battalion and clean up the area again. Try not to let any of the magical beasts that escape affect the spring ploughing."
Lorist was in high spirits as he passed down a string of orders.
Afterwards, he thought of Count Kenneth's letter and called Aire over. "Aire, go pick some magical beasts and remove the bolts from their bodies. Replace them with sword slashes and spear wounds. Don't let people know that they were killed by steel bolts. You can stick some broken spears and swords into their bodies. Make it seem like we've gone through a lot of trouble to deal with these magical beasts. Afterwards, transport them to the empty space in front of Boulder Castle and hand them over to Count Kenneth's group when they arrive … "
Aire laughed. "Locke, are you up to something again? Alright, leave this shady business to me. I promise I'll clean it up properly so no one can tell … "
… …
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