Duke Fisablon rose very early; he slept less as he grew older. However, the Grand Duke never thought that he was old. Although he was nearly seventy years old, he was still a third-level swordsman. His body was like that of a man in his fifties, very strong. Last night, he found two maids in the palace to let him relax twice.
The reason why he couldn't sleep was probably because he had too many things on his mind. Why hadn't Shandi returned yet? What had happened? The spy sent to the Sabaji Principality reported that at the end of last year, Sandy and two other Master Swordsmen had entered the swamp area of Egret Lake to search for the boy from the Norton family. What was that kid called again? He seemed to be the swordsmanship champion of the last Knight Tournament. Poor Genouild. He had died under that kid's sword just like that. The Grand Duke had originally wanted to nurture him. It was rare for such a talent to appear in the Fisablon family, but he had fallen in the hands of the Norton family. Just thinking about it made the Grand Duke furious.
Sandy should be fine. No matter what, she was still a Third Grade Great Swordsman. Three years ago, when she had just advanced to Third Grade Great Swordsman, even he was surprised. It was because of her advancement that he decided to launch a surprise attack on the Greater and Lesser Gold Rivers. It should be known that the Hubet Tribe, which was entrenched in the Greater and Lesser Gold Rivers, was not to be trifled with. There were seven Grass Barbarian Priests who were equivalent to Great Swordsmen. He had teamed up with Sandy Stem and lured six of them to death. Then, he had taken advantage of the panic in the Hubete Tribe to launch a surprise attack, annihilating the Hubete Tribe in one fell swoop and conquering the Big and Little Gold Rivers.
As a 3rd Rank Great Swordsman, Sandy should be able to do whatever she wanted in the Galinthea Continent. As long as she didn't provoke those old monsters, even if she encountered another 3rd Rank Great Swordsman, she would be able to escape unscathed. Since she hadn't returned yet, she must have encountered something or been having fun and forgotten the time. Women were capricious. The Grand Duke shook his head and stopped worrying about Fairy Stem Sword Grandmaster. Of course, the Grand Duke never dreamed that Laurist would make a move and capture his lover, the Great Swordmaster Sandy, to make her a prisoner of the Second Prince.
The family territory was also safe. Christopher was in charge of the Greater and Lesser Gold Rivers. He was currently building castles and fortresses, as well as redesigning the infrastructure of the Greater and Lesser Gold Rivers. Two years ago, the two hundred thousand young men and women who had been forced to migrate from the Duchy of Merlein had already settled down there. This year, they were preparing to migrate another three hundred thousand people from the Eastern Wasteland Province, making the Jinchuan region the Fisablen Family's new and most solid base camp.
Since the Fisablon, the Greater and would be replaced with with the young and old who migrated from Winston. and Barbarians. and Golden Barbarians had. t could be added. Right now, Sylvia was in charge of the construction of hydraulic facilities and the development of wastelands in the Eastern Wasteland Province. She hoped that by the end of this year or next, her family's territory would be self-sufficient in terms of food production, and they would no longer need to purchase large amounts of high-priced food from the Snow Salt Merchant Guild. The Fisablon, and although there was not lacking. Although, the family territory and did not lack. old and old. of. Family territory, had, the. old, Six of.
Cattle and sheep were the hard currency that the Fisablon Family used to exchange for large amounts of resources. Although the family occupied the Greater and lesser Golden Rivers and had a stable income from the gold mines, gold mining still required capital. Moreover, gold was easy to store and could be used at the most critical moment of the clan. But cattle and sheep were different. Every year, the clan would collect the annual tribute from the grassland barbarian tribes, and the number of cattle and sheep would reach more than a hundred thousand. This was practically free capital. Every year, the Fisablon Family used these cattle and sheep to exchange for large amounts of resources from the Snow Salt Chamber of Commerce. Then, they used the resources to exchange for cattle and sheep from the Barbarian tribes. The cycle repeated, and they took advantage of the situation.
However, when he thought of Princess Sylvia, Grand Duke Fisablon's face darkened. Sylvia was so obedient when she was young. Why did she become so disobedient as she grew up? She actually stubbornly fell in love with the Norton Family's brat. What's so good about that brat that he doesn't even put me, the Grand Duke, in his eyes? Although that brat was indeed the best marriage partner for Sylvia, it was a pity that he was not on the same side as the Fisablon Family. On the contrary, the Norton Family was a potential enemy of the Fisablon Family. When he thought of how that brat had rejected his request, Grand Duke Fisablon felt like he had been slapped in the face …
Rumors could not be trusted. Although many nobles were talking about the Norton Family's new brat, Lollister, in private, was a person who loved his family but did not have any lofty ambitions. Despite having a powerful family, he hid in the Northern Lands like a coward and even created the Northern Four Families Alliance to protect himself. If other nobles had such a powerful family armed force, they would have occupied the Northern Lands for themselves long ago. They would have even been eyeing the world to advance further. However, Grand Duke Fisablon did not think so. After carefully analyzing every step that Lollister had taken, the Grand Duke was secretly shocked.
Although Grand Duke Fisablon did not know the saying of building high walls, accumulating food, and slowly becoming a king, he did not underestimate Lollister's arrangements in the past few years. The Northern Lands had already become an iron plate. The Norton Family, together with its three allies, had accumulated extremely powerful forces. They were in a position where they could attack or retreat at will. When news of the Northern Four Families Alliance dispatching troops to destroy the Madras Duchy two years ago arrived, Grand Duke Fisablon was shocked but not surprised. The Northern Four Families Alliance did indeed have the strength to destroy a country.
No wonder that brat dared to reject his request. He had the confidence to back it up. Regardless of individual cultivation or family strength, the Norton Family was not inferior to the Fisablon Family. On the contrary, they were much stronger. Grand Duke Fisablon sighed deeply. He really wanted to use Sylvia to bind the Norton Family together and influence the Norton Family through a marriage. At the very least, he would not let that brat ruin his plans. Unfortunately, that brat was too domineering. Or perhaps he understood his intentions and simply and crudely rejected the third request …
Now, the Norton Family was about to fall out with the Fisablon Family. At the end of last year, after the last batch of arms was completed, they only maintained the most hypocritical politeness on the surface. For example, Count Kenneth of the Snow Salt Chamber of Commerce had written a letter to him at the end of last year, apologizing for all sorts of reasons. There was only one goal: to increase the prices of all goods by two or three times this year. It was clear that after knowing that the Fisablon Family had occupied the Jinchuan area and had become rich, he treated him as a rich man to be ripped off.
This was also the reason why Grand Duke Fisablon was deeply uneasy. The Northern Four Families Alliance clearly knew that Grand Duke Fisablon and the four central duchies had joined forces to destroy the Merlein Duchy and open up the trade route to the four central duchies. So, why did the Snow Salt Chamber of Commerce still brazenly request to increase the prices of their goods? Were they not afraid that the Fisablon Family would turn around and order from the four central duchies? One had to know that the rock salt produced by the four central duchies was not much worse than the snow salt …
What did this mean? It was very obvious that the Northern Four Families most likely wanted to extend their claws to the Iberian Kingdom. Perhaps the destruction of the Madras Duchy had given the Northern Four Families Alliance a lot of confidence, so much so that they didn't put the Fisablon Family in their eyes. Everyone knew that the Iberian Kingdom relied on the Fisablon Family. Making a move against the Iberian Kingdom was equivalent to declaring war against Grand Duke Fisablon.
What Grand Duke Fisablon regretted now was that he had been too slow in making a move against the Iberian nobles last year, wasting a lot of time in vain. Fortunately, two of the Northern Four Families had exchanged territories last year, so the Grand Duke estimated that they would only settle down this year. If they were to make a move, it would be next year. Perhaps he should have sent an emissary to probe earlier. Even if he had to spend an extra two million, it could be considered insurance for this year's peace, Grand Duke Fisablon thought.
He hoped that this year, the Winston Province could be completed according to his plan. Then, next year, he would have the confidence to properly contend with the Northern Four Families Alliance in the Winston Province. Time was too tight. This year, he had to complete the construction of three castles and fortresses, train the garrison army responsible for defense, and also migrate the majority of the Winston Province's residents. There were so many things to do, and time waited for no one!
At this time, the two palace maids on the bed, who had fallen asleep after being tormented by the Grand Duke last night, finally woke up. When they saw Grand Duke Fisablon standing in front of the window in a nightgown, they hurriedly got up and fetched some hot water. They shyly wiped the Grand Duke's body, allowing the Grand Duke to enjoy his hands on the two of them while he was at it. Just as they were about to give the old but vigorous Grand Duke Fisablon a good morning bite, the Grand Duke waved his hand and refused. The Grand Duke picked up his sword and went out to start his morning exercise.
When Laurist galloped his horse towards the Rose Palace, Grand Duke Fisablon had just finished his morning exercise. After taking a bath and changing his clothes, he was enjoying a sumptuous breakfast in the study room while going through some documents and handling some administrative affairs of the kingdom. When the first warning horn sounded, the Grand Duke merely furrowed his brows. He thought that it was very likely that the few thousand soldiers who had been gathered at the military field for training were causing a ruckus.
This was because those few thousand soldiers were selected from the private soldiers left behind by the nobles in the Southern Province and the garrison army of the nobles in the traditional territories that he had destroyed. All of them had awakened their fighting aura. Although most of them were Bronze and Black Iron, some people must have thought that this was an opportunity when the First Border Ranger Legion went out to war the day before yesterday. Therefore, they had incited these people to cause a mutiny or something.
It didn't matter. In a while, he would lead the guards by his side and kill a bunch of them. He would kill them until they were afraid, and they would naturally become obedient. In the future, if he told them to go east, they would not dare to go west. Grand Duke Fisablon had always used iron and blood methods to govern the army. Otherwise, why would those unreasonable and tyrannical Grassland Barbarians obediently obey his orders? There was no other reason. He had a big stick in one hand and a carrot in the other. Those who obeyed orders would have benefits, but those who disobeyed orders would only have one word — kill!
However, when the bell of the Royal City rang continuously, Grand Duke Fisablon's expression finally changed. This was not a mutiny, but an enemy attack. Who could it be?
Just when Grand Duke Fisablon sent people out to investigate the situation and to gather the palace guards to arrange the defense, he heard a loud bang. The two doors of the Rose Royal Palace were kicked open by someone. A somewhat familiar voice sounded arrogantly, "Your Highness Grand Duke Fisablon, an esteemed guest has arrived. Why aren't you coming out to welcome him!"
"Who dares to be so rude?!" Grand Duke Fisablon was furious. When he came out of the hall to take a look, he saw Loriste flaunting his prowess in front of the two doors that had been kicked to the ground. With a flash of his sword, a loyal palace guard fell to the ground, blood splattering everywhere as he struggled for his life. There were already 30 to 40 people lying on the ground around him …
"All of you, step down …" Grand Duke Fisablon's heart was bleeding. These guards by his side were the elites of the Fisablon Family's armed forces. After the Knight Tournament the year before, Grand Duke Fisablon learned from Loriste and transferred 2,000 soldiers who had awakened qi from his family's armed forces to form the guard camp by his side. These guards would follow him for two to three years, and after a period of training, they would be transferred to the family's armed forces. Every single one of them would be a captain of a hundred men. Not only did this increase the loyalty and sense of honor of the family's armed forces, but more importantly, it increased the combat power of the family's armed forces, allowing him to command them with greater ease.
"Hehe, Your Highness Grand Duke, Norton Loriste is here to pay a visit!" Loriste didn't chase after these small fries that had retreated. Instead, he calmly greeted Grand Duke Fisablon.
Although Grand Duke Fisablon's face was as calm as still water, his heart was in turmoil. Loriste? How did he get here, and even come knocking on my door so arrogantly? The grand duke recalled the scene of Loriste killing a 3-star Gold Knight in one move during the banquet that day. His eyes were filled with fear and vigilance. If he had a sword in hand, killing a 3-star Gold Knight in one move wouldn't be a difficult matter. After all, the grand duke was a 3rd Rank Great Swordmaster. But with his bare hands, the grand duke believed that he wouldn't be able to end his opponent's life as cleanly as Loriste …
"You, how did you get here?" Grand Duke Fisablon was on guard as he secretly made a few gestures with his left hand behind his back.
"Haha, Your Highness Grand Duke, of course I brought my family's armed forces to pay a visit. The Iberian Kingdom doesn't even have a king anymore, so it's naturally time for it to perish. The alliance of the four northern families came for this matter. Come, come, Your Highness Grand Duke, let's sit down and discuss what to do … "But looking at Loriste's posture with his sword, it didn't look like he was going to discuss this peacefully.
"You, dream on. This grand duke will definitely not allow the Iberian Kingdom to perish!" Grand Duke Fisablon was seething with anger.
"Is that so?" Loriste laughed. "You don't have the final say on this matter, only I do. Old man, your first border Ranger Corps is already done for. They were all wiped out, and not a single one escaped. Otherwise, how do you think we came here? Stretch your ears and listen carefully to the cheers outside. That's the victory cheers of Windbri Capital falling into our hands. You're finished, old man. Drop your sword and surrender. For the sake of Sylvia, I'll let your Fisablon Family live as long as you listen obediently. Hahaha … "
Loriste laughed proudly. Grand Duke Fisablon was standing in front of him. At this moment, he was sure that the old man wouldn't be able to escape even if he grew wings. As long as Grand Duke Fisablon fell into his hands, hehe, then all the problems would be solved.
"Bullsh * t!" Grand Duke Fisablon shouted. "Norton brat, this Grand Duke will definitely not let this matter rest. The Fisablon Family is irreconcilable with you. If you want me to drop my sword and surrender, then forget about it. As long as this Grand Duke has a sword in his hand, I will definitely fight you to the death!"
"Is that so?" Loriste sneered. "Not dropping your sword? No problem, I'll beat you until you drop your sword. When you're lying at my feet, I look forward to seeing you say even more unyielding words. Watch my sword! "
Loriste turned the tables and charged forward.
Clang clang clang!
The sound of the sword clashing rang out three times, and Grand Duke Fisablon leaped three meters away.
"Not bad, old man. Your fundamentals are much more solid than your old lover's. It seems like I'll have to spend some effort to take you down …" Loriste praised.
"What do you mean?" Grand Duke Fisablon didn't dare to be careless. He held his sword and slowly circled around Loriste, as if looking for a good opportunity to take the initiative to attack.
"Don't you understand? That old lover of yours, Great Swordmaster Fairy. Hehe, he's also a third-rank swordsman. He couldn't even last ten moves against me, and is now a prisoner in the Imperial Capital. " Although Loriste was confident that he could take down Grand Duke Fisablon, he still raised his guard. It would be a joke if he failed miserably in such an easy task. After all, the Grand Duke was a famous third-rank swordsman. He might have some unexpected ultimate move that could surprise him.
"You, you're spouting nonsense!" Grand Duke Fisablon's footsteps became disorderly upon hearing the grievous news.
Loriste didn't take advantage of the situation. "Nonsense? Hehe, you really think that the Norton Family is easy to bully. You know that Redi is my eldest disciple, yet you still dare to chase after him personally. Do you really think that I, Loriste, am easy to provoke? Do you think that I'm a sick cat if I don't show my might? Also, do you think that we, the four families of the Northern Region, will turn a blind eye to your scheme in Winston Province? Wishful thinking. Making Winston Province fortify its defenses and clear its fields, turning it into the main battlefield to contend with us … Haha, ptui! "
"You, you're too much! I, I'll fight it out with you! " Grand Duke Fisablon's face was flushed with anger. The anger in his eyes seemed to materialize as he stared at Loriste. He scolded loudly as he prepared to pounce forward.
"Good timing!" Loriste shouted in his heart and prepared to receive Grand Duke Fisablon's storm-like attacks.
He didn't expect Grand Duke Fisablon to pounce forward, but he quickly retreated and shouted, "Release the arrows!"
Following his command, nearly a hundred archers suddenly appeared in a hidden corner of the palace. Arrows rained down on Laurist like a torrential rain.
"F * ck!" Loriste cursed. He didn't expect the old fellow to have such a move. This was too shameless. He was a third-rank swordsman! How could he stoop so low and use longbowmen to plot against others?
However, Loriste didn't have a choice. He had to deal with these nearly a hundred longbowmen first. Many of them were Silver-ranked, and the arrows they shot were fast, fierce, accurate, and ruthless. Loriste jumped up and down, dodging left and right, and finally got close to these longbowmen with great difficulty. He pounced into the crowd and killed them all before scattering them. However, he had lost sight of Grand Duke Fisablon …
The neighing of a warhorse came from afar. Loriste quickly jumped onto the roof of a palace and looked towards the source of the neighing. He saw Grand Duke Fisablon leaving the Rose Palace with a few dozen guards and galloping towards the Southern City Gate. Before the old man left, he glanced at Loriste from afar.
Not good, this old bastard wants to escape. Loriste flew down from the palace and ran towards the Southern City Gate.
…
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