Amandina nodded at Brando and walked out with a stack of parchment papers in her hands. In a sense, she was still the same cautious and calm girl that Brando met for the first time. However, there was a healthy flush to her pale face, and her thin eyebrows were slightly furrowed. She looked like she had matured a lot.
She turned around and glanced at the people in the hall. "Ever since we repelled Count Randner's unreasonable invasion —" Amandina coughed lightly. Amandina raised her head and looked at the bad guys carefully. She did not roll her eyes like Scarlett, but her silent gaze was enough to make people feel helpless. "Firburh, Port Gris, and Macsen are all doing well. All the plans and work are being carried out in an orderly manner …" After the hall quieted down, she began to explain the situation in the entire territory and Aouine in an orderly manner. "Firburh, Port Gris, and Macsen are all doing well. All the plans and work are proceeding in an orderly manner …" After the hall quieted down, she began to explain the situation in the entire territory and Aouine.
Overall, Abies was on a path of healthy development. The most pressing problem was the food they bought from Abies. The food they bought from Ampere Seale was enough to last them until the fourth month of the Year of the Sword. They could only count on the harvest of winter wheat, but there was a possibility that they would need to purchase more food as well. Amandina expressed her opinion on the current situation. The clouds of war were gathering in the north, and the price of food was likely to continue to rise in the next few months. She suggested that if the territory needed to purchase food, it should be done as soon as possible.
Bosley, Roman, Odum, and The Shire agreed with her suggestion. Brando naturally agreed as well. He wanted to go to Ampere Seale immediately and buy a batch of food along the way. The nobles of the north and south were currently gathered in Ampere Seale under the Holy Cathedral's arrangement. They were preparing for the final negotiations on the future of the kingdom. To the commoners, this was the last hope to prevent a civil war from breaking out. The merchants were also observing the situation. Although the price of food fluctuated, only a few people were secretly hoarding it.
However, Brando understood that there was no turning back between the north and the south. On the surface, the negotiations were to maintain peace in Erouine, but under the surface, it was a final struggle for the kingdom's power. The Regent Princess would use this opportunity to meet with Arreck and form a marriage alliance. Brando did not know much about the north, but he knew that the Royal Faction and Arreck's diplomatic group had arrived in Ampere Seale before the nobles in the north and the eldest son of the king.
Outsiders did not know much about this, but he knew that the future princess and Duke Arreck were likely to be in the diplomatic group. It was just that they did not announce it to the public. Although Tónigel did not have any spies in Ampere Seale or even the north of Firth, and all the information came from the few merchant fleets in Ampere Seale that had established a temporary connection with Abies. But even without this information, Brando knew the truth behind it.
This was nothing more than a prelude to history.
He still had some time.
Amandina continued to talk about agriculture and the spring plowing. Anyone could see that Brando wanted to expand the scale of Tónigel's agriculture. But if he wanted to increase the scale of agriculture in Tónigel, then the spring plowing would require a large amount of labor. In normal years, no one would be willing to move to such a remote area except for the homeless. Fortunately, the War of the Black Rose had created a large number of refugees. Master Bosley had already sent a letter to his students to organize these refugees to move to Tónigel.
The main problem was the loss of life along the way. Brando felt sorrowful to the point that it was almost depressing. The lives of people had to be calculated like goods. This reminded him more than once of the slave trade in the history of his previous world. But in reality, if these farmers and craftsmen were allowed to stay in the war-torn homes of Viero, Karsuk and Grinoires, the end result would be nothing more than to fend for themselves. Only a small number of people would be able to survive, and the elderly and children would have no chance of survival.
This was the helplessness of war, and also the reality that this world had to accept. Brando, who was half a modern person, could only remain silent when he received this knowledge. He had never paid attention to this background in the game before. It was just like how Wohnde only had those magnificent legends, but the NPCs were living the cruelty of this world, and no one cared.
"… There is a problem. These refugees are more or less taken in by the local nobles, but the nobles only need strong laborers and women who can give birth. The rest are mostly the elderly and children …"
Amandina stopped here and turned to look at Brando with her black eyes that seemed to be able to speak. There was a deep sorrow in her eyes. She spoke of the homeless as if she was empathizing with them. If not for Brando, she would also be part of the lowest class of people in this world where the strong preyed on the weak. But on the other hand, she also had a difficult dilemma in her heart that she could not bring herself to speak of.
"It's fine. The elderly have experience that the young cannot compare to. As for the children, Tónigel needs children. Children are the future of this territory. They have experienced the hardships of war, and only then will they understand how difficult it is to live a peaceful life. Tónigel can take them in." Brando took a deep breath.
He was now a lord, and there were many people standing behind him. This meant that he needed to be mature in his judgement, but maturity did not mean that he had to wallow in the mire with the nobles of this world. Brando had always believed that even if there was a day when the civilized world was reduced to a wasteland, the noble and beautiful culture created by mankind over thousands of years of glorious history would not be eroded. On the contrary, mankind would be the first to walk out of the wastelands with the light of humanity.
That was just his personal opinion, but when he looked at the others, they all looked at him with respect. Amandina had an indescribable complicated expression on her face. She hoped that Brando would calmly reject her, but she was destined to be disappointed. But he also calmed her down. Even though she knew that it was a childish and impulsive decision, it was filled with a kind of power that inspired her.
At that moment, she felt as if she saw a young Knight holding a shining banner in the endless darkness as he advanced against the current. That kind of perseverance almost melted her heart. She wished that she could help the young man take one more step forward, so that this gentle light could exist a little longer before Erouine's dawn.
"Not all the elderly have experience, and there's no need for so many of them …" Amandina muttered to herself, and then smiled gently.
"I've never seen such an idiot before. Forget it, I'll help you to the end …" Bosley shook his head among the crowd, but his eyes were filled with forgiveness and gratification. After experiencing a life of exile, he finally understood how far Erouine had fallen. Who would be able to save Aouine? His passion as a member of the Royal Faction had cooled down, and he was no longer sure if the Royal Faction would be able to help Aouine. His support for the princess's faction was due to the inertia of his past.
Until today, when he saw Brando's decision, he felt that there was something in this young man that the nobles of Erouine lacked. He suddenly made up his mind and wrote a letter to a few of his proud students and old friends, asking them to come to Tónigel and see everything here.
After talking about the refugees, Amandina briefly mentioned the development of the territory. There was nothing much to talk about. The White-Mane Guards were still nowhere to be seen, and the main reason was that they were far from enough. The armor and weapons workshops were also lacking in manpower, and they could not fully support an entire army. Odum's' grand city 'was still on paper. According to him, he was running around every day like a rabbit digging holes to build forts and tunnels on a few mountains. It was as if he had seen a ghost.
The Schafflund Silver Mine was operating steadily, and it was the main source of income for the territory. Brando's main source of income was the Dark Forest. With the help of the Druids, he could easily develop the borders of the Dark Forest. The most important thing right now was the crystal mine that he discovered. Even though the production was not high, the monthly income was faintly surpassing the silver mine.
Other specialties such as alchemy materials, wood, fur, and some rare items were not important. Tamar was the only one who praised him for these things. It was worth mentioning that Tamar's alchemy level had increased to level 12. This was the conclusion that Brando obtained from the quality of the Dragonblood Potion that Tamar helped to create.
Lastly, the main thing was the expansion of Port Gris. The small fishing port had two additional berths for large ships, and a new bridge was built. It was no longer the peaceful port it used to be. Its main task in the future was to maintain the flourishing commerce. The renovation of the port took a lot of manpower, but the Roman did not recruit the citizens, and instead used the method of hiring workers to complete the project. Not only did they not cause complaints like the other lords, but they also won a good reputation.
The only problem with Brando's reputation in the territory was that he did not have a proper title, and the citizens were more or less worried that war would break out again. But in other aspects, the majority of the people had already recognized this wise and benevolent lord. At least, he was many times more benevolent than Graudin.
On the other hand, the cost of hiring workers was also recovered through food. The Roman purposely left a small portion of it among the citizens. According to her words, the small amount of money left in the hands of the hardworking would give birth to more small amounts of money, and the Roman only needed to earn it back when the time came. It was as if the money was originally in her pocket.
However, Brando was rich in the territory, and Brando did not mind her doing whatever she wanted.
"… … The current situation in the territory is more or less the same. Because of the emergency in the north, Count Randner is in danger of being involved in the war with Duke Viero. He might not be able to return to deal with us for the time being. Although Erouine's situation is not stable, Tónigel will be able to gain some breathing space. "
Amandina paused and looked at Brendel with her eyelids slightly raised. Tónigel could be said to be thriving, and everything was on the right track. Everyone present could not help but feel some hope in their hearts when they heard this. Most of the people who followed Brando were at their wits' end, and they did not think that this miraculous young man would be able to lead them step by step to a path of survival. Then again, who would have thought that this young man would be able to bring an alliance with the Druids, Tree Elves, and Centaurs from the Dark Forest when Count Randner's army was pressing on the border?
Everything that had happened in the past few months was like a miracle in the eyes of everyone present.
But this miracle had indeed happened, and it was right in front of their eyes.
Then, they seemed to have created a reality. Occupying this territory and becoming a true lord, everyone might have the identity of a retainer. They would no longer be wandering mercenaries, adventurers, rangers, wanderers, or other identities.
Brando nodded lightly to Amandina.
"Just half a month ago, every one of us tried our best, sacrificed our sweat, and even sacrificed our blood to bring this new territory out of the shadow of war. Perhaps you all thought that we could finally take a breather and enjoy a peaceful life while the nobles were busy. "
Everyone nodded subconsciously.
"But I want to tell you that it is the exact opposite." Brando shook his head: "I will be going to Ampere Seale soon. I cannot predict what will happen on this trip, but I can be sure that when I return here again. Tónigel will be involved in a real war. "
"Compared to the wars you've seen before, the previous wars are like child's play. This war will involve the two largest factions in the kingdom and several dukes. Countless powerful lords with real power will fight for it. The most outstanding Knight you have ever seen will only be cannon fodder on the battlefield. Every enemy you will face can crush you like an ant. "
"And these powerful enemies are likely to join forces to annihilate us. Tónigel will be walking on an unimaginably difficult path, full of thorns, surrounded by strong enemies, and a path that the entire Erouine will not tolerate. "
As soon as Brendel finished speaking, the meeting place that was surrounded by ten ancient banyan trees fell into a dead silence, to the point where one could hear a pin drop. Everyone looked at Brando, who was standing high on the stage, but no one made a sound.
"My Lord … Why?" Finally, someone asked.
Brando thought for a moment: "Because I am going to stop a person with a noble bloodline, the rightful heir of the kingdom, a true princess, from falling into a trap. For this, Tónigel will offend all her enemies, and the nobles who did not get what they wanted from the negotiation table will join forces. The war will spread to the entire Erouine. We have no allies, and can only rely on our own strength to save this crumbling kingdom. "
Everyone was stunned. Only Amandina, who knew the truth, simplified the sentence in her mind. [I'm going to kidnap the bride.] She couldn't help but pout. She suddenly thought of something and lowered her head to look at the pendant in front of her chest. This pendant was left to her by her father.
"But what do those nobles have to do with us? They have never given us any benefits, why should we risk our lives for them?" A member of the Grey Wolves Mercenaries couldn't help but ask. Out of everyone present, these people who were once deceived by Makarov were the most distrustful of nobles.
"The reason is simple. In fact, the reason why we have a foothold here is because of the princess's recognition. In name, we have taken back this land from Madara. Whether you are willing or not, if we lose this moral foothold, when the nobles in the north come back, we will be their next target. "
"That is why we can only join one side and defeat the other. Even though the chances are slim, we have no other choice. "Brando answered.
There was another period of silence in the assembly hall.
Suddenly, a voice exclaimed: "Martha above, my Lord! If we help Princess Gryphine defeat her brother and help her ascend to the throne, then wouldn't we have the merit of helping her when she is in danger? At that time, with the merit of our Lord, it would be natural for him to be conferred a Duke! "
Brando turned around and saw Carglise speaking with a face full of vulgarities: "My Lord, if you are a Duke, then us retainers will at least have the status of a Baron! Ha, let's see how my old man will lecture me then. My status will be higher than his. "
Carglise's face was filled with vulgarity as he spoke. Meria who was beside him pulled on his sleeves with a red face. She was so embarrassed that she wanted to find a hole to hide in. She had never seen such a vulgar noble before, and wondered how Lord Macsen had educated him.
However, Brando was secretly laughing. He could see that this young man was acting as a shill for him, but at least from this point, he could see that Carglise supported him.
Carglise's words caused a commotion. Why not? In front of benefits, most people would see the benefits first and not the risks later. Since they had to take the risk anyway, with such a generous reward, the risks were not worth mentioning.
Indeed, if they were to help the princess obtain the throne, then Carglise's conjecture would definitely come true. Everyone knew that the princess had no one to rely on at the moment. It was easy to add flowers to a brocade, but help in a time of need was precious. What happened to the first batch of families that followed the late King Erik?
Arreck, Seifer, and Viero, which one of them was not a real Duke?
Thinking of this, everyone's heart was stirred.
Brando looked at their expressions and knew that there should be no problem. He knew that those closest to him would definitely follow him, and the Red Bronze Dragon Mercenary Group's veterans from the November War wouldn't oppose him either. They were potential supporters of the King's Party anyway. His main goal was to appease the remaining mercenaries. The mercenaries didn't have much faith, so he had to let them know that they were fighting for him. Otherwise, there would be trouble in the future.
He nodded and replied: "Yes, that is why I want you to be prepared. The rewards will be generous, but only the final victor will get the reward. I think you all understand this without me saying it."
"Of course, my Lord!"
"We understand."
"My Lord, don't worry. With your wisdom, the princess is lucky to have your support!" This was a guarantee, and it seemed that some of them were already full of confidence. [Of course I know that most of them are just flattering me, but at least I managed to get them to be motivated.]
Sometimes, when the hearts of subordinates wavered, it was because they could not foresee the worst outcome. But once they knew that this was the worst outcome, then when the real war broke out, Tónigel would be able to participate in the war in the best possible condition. Brando could not help but touch his chin. To be honest, he did not have much confidence in the upcoming war.
It was not that he was not confident, but the enemy was too strong. He did not tell the truth. If the plan did not go well, he might have to forcefully destroy the marriage between Princess Gryphine and Arreck. But no matter what, it might cause Arreck to turn to the other side in anger. The best result would be to remain neutral, but if the worst happened, it would mean that Tónigel would have to face the pressure of the entire Erouine.
Erouine was not strong, but that was after compared to Madara and Cruz. With the strength of six or seven Archdukes in Erouine against a mere Tónigel, it would be like comparing the strength of an adult to a child. And when that time came, his only ally would be the pitiful help by the princess' side.
In fact, Brando did not have a complete solution for the time being, but he did not have enough time to prepare. He would not let history repeat itself, and the trip to Ampere Seale was imperative. At this time, he saw The Shire walking up to him. He knew that the Shire wanted to tell him that the ship to Ampere Seale was ready.
From Tónigel to Ampere Seale, it would only take a week.
… …
(PS: First of all, I would like to thank [It's Night Wind], [Ten Nights T Wind], [Awoo Tuanzi], [I am Unknown Horizon], [Hemtika], and everyone else on the forum for helping me organize the information.
Then, I would like to correct two bugs. One is Kodan's mid-Gold-rank strength, and the other is the Fire Djinn. I have a look at the Fire Djinn. It is level 45 on the card. Level 45 is the peak of Silver rank, close to Gold rank, so it can be counted as a Gold rank.
Lastly, Metisha. Although Metisha's absolute strength is only below Gold rank, her combat strength is at mid-Gold-rank.)
(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to qidian.com to vote for me. Your support is my biggest motivation.)
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