It had been four years since the Eight Peaks Mountain expedition.
Four years might be enough to turn a group of human recruits into experienced veterans, and turn a young man with hair around his mouth into an elite who had undergone the test of blood and fire. However, it was only four years for the dwarves.
According to the information brought back by Lucian, Belega had actually done the following things in the past four years.
The first was to resume the excavation of a small part of Eight Peak Mountain's mines. Belegar personally led the army and miners to explore a lot of underground mines. Most of the mines were sealed with explosives and runes, but a small part of the mines had been reopened. This operation alone took the dwarves two years of time.
The second thing was to rebuild the brewery, weapons workshop, barracks, temple, and palace. When Lucian returned, the dwarves of the Eight Peaks Mountain had only just finished rebuilding the brewery and weapons workshop. If it wasn't for Lucian's order to recruit the human army and craftsmen to help, there wouldn't even be a shadow of the barracks.
The third thing was what Lucian said. The security battles around the Eight Peaks Mountain had been fought hundreds of times. Basically, all the nearby Skaven Ratmen and Green Dwarfs had been cleaned up, and a new sentry system had been established. Belega predicted that there wouldn't be any more enemies in the next ten years or so.
The dwarves were indeed suffering. The worst thing was that the dwarves didn't have a paradise like the high elves, Ossouin, nor did they have a high fertility rate like the dark elves. Under the situation where the number of newborns couldn't keep up with the loss of population, the decline of the dwarves was inevitable.
However, with the help of the humans, it was much better. Don't underestimate the humans. The human population growth rate was only comparable to the Green Dwarfs and the Ratmen.
"Lucian, let me ask you. If the three guards of the Badlands encounter a large-scale attack from the Green Dwarfs, what should we do?" Laing began to test Lucian.
"Resist step by step and gradually stabilize a few important strongholds," Lucian said. Lucian continued, "When fighting in the desert, you have to preserve enough strength, but more importantly, you have to focus on making the green skin feel 'bored'. That is, you have to form a strong camp and fight a dull battle. This way, the green skin army will quickly collapse without fighting."
"Very good." Laing then asked, "What if the Green Dwarfs and the Skaven Ratmen form an alliance and attack together?"
"Give up on the Steel Guards and the Armory Guards, retreat to the Eight Peak Guards, and immediately send people to the Supreme Dwarf King, the King of Sea Gate, and even the Empire for help." Lucian said seriously, "Under such circumstances, it is not wise to rush into battle, but we can still make a difference."
"What if the undead, the green skin, and the rat-men attack together?" Laing did not think much of it.
"Then contact Queen Khalida of Lebalas! Even for other tomb kings, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. " Lucian immediately gave the answer without hesitation. "The undead, the green skin, and the rat-men can't be a stable alliance structure. The key to breaking the situation is how to use diplomatic means to get more allies, and how to break the link between each other. In this case, the military arrangement is secondary."
"Good!" Laing nodded slightly. The Knight King thought to himself that Lucian was indeed a knight from François' side. Lucian's every move had the demeanor of a father-in-law. Although Lucian's military ability was far inferior to his father-in-law's, he was still young, and he had inherited his father-in-law's ruthless methods in domestic and foreign affairs.
Laing had an answer in his heart.
"You've worked hard after the expedition." Laing smiled at Lucian. "About the army of the Wretched Land, how many people are willing to return to Brittany? How many people are willing to stay in the Wretched Land? "
"About fifty-fifty." Olica served a cup of cappuccino to Lucian, and Lucian immediately felt honored. This drink was personally served by Her Majesty's personal maid. The commander of the Wretched Land was a little embarrassed and thanked Olica, "Thank you, Miss Olica."
Olica smiled sweetly. No one knew what the dark elf was thinking.
"Okay, I'll arrange for the people who are willing to return to Brittany." Suria took the initiative to take over the task, and the queen could not help but smile. "As for the new recruits, you don't have to worry at all. The number of new recruits this time will far exceed what you need, but it may be a little troublesome to manage. But don't worry, Laing and I will fully support you."
"Yes." Lucian had just returned and was travel-worn, so he did not know much about what had happened in the country recently. When the commander of the Wretched Land heard that there was no need to worry about the new recruits, his face looked a lot better. The Wretched Land was indeed a place with a harsh environment, and it was hard to go there. There were always complaints from the soldiers, but they reluctantly persevered because of the generous conditions.
After Lucian left, Laing and Suria each sat on one side of the reception room. Suria gently brewed black tea. She was very familiar with Laing and knew that Laing was thinking about something. She did not talk to him, but said to Olica, "Where's Sylvia? She seems to be very busy recently. Did you arrange this? "
"She still has one last lesson, I promise it will be soon, madam." Olica smiled sweetly: "She will be an excellent female court official, I promise."
Suria wanted to ask more but Laing had already said, "Then, the list of the ten marshals is settled."
"Have you thought it through? My dear. "Sulia's attention was diverted away.
"Yes, I've thought of everything." Laing nodded.
"Then, let's arrange the order."
… I'm arranging the division lines in order …
The conferring ceremony for the ten marshals was getting closer and closer. All the major factions had sent their envoys over to congratulate and observe the ceremony.
In the past few years, Brittania's influence had been unparalleled, and they held righteousness in their hands. Most of the forces of order had sent envoys. On one hand, they were expressing their respect and recognition, and on the other hand, they were taking the opportunity to observe whether there would be any changes to Knight King Leon's internal and external policies.
On this day, the Empire's envoy, Countess Metternich, also arrived at Brittany's capital, Culona.
The person who greeted her was Laing's chief minister of foreign affairs, Talleyrand, who held an expensive crutch in his hand.
"You've messed up everything, my dear Talleyrand." Metternich saw Talleyrand and said in an annoyed tone, "I've helped you so much, but you haven't given me anything in return. Sir, this is not how business is done."
"I've helped you a lot, Countess Metternich." Talleyrand leaned on his crutch and hugged her warmly. "I'm the one who convinced His Majesty not to annex Kislöw. I'm the one who convinced His Majesty to lend money to the Empire. I'm also the one who convinced His Majesty to rest and stop using his weapons. You have to thank me."
"I'm afraid you don't know, right?" Metternich smiled. "I'm the one who convinced His Majesty not to impose import tariffs on Brittany's crops. This is all for the sake of the unity of the human world. I think you should be more grateful to me."
"But I remember that both sides will not impose additional tariffs on food. Isn't this written in the 'Treaty of Friendship and Assistance'?" Talleyrand gestured for Metternich to follow him. The high elf chuckled. "I don't remember this being your work."
"Food, not agricultural by-products, including cash crops."
"Then I think you should be grateful to me. I'm the one who convinced His Majesty Laing not to pursue your responsibility for sending spies to spy on our intelligence." Talleyrand said playfully. "Otherwise, if I were to accuse you, the Empire would definitely not protect you."
"Then Mr. Talleyrand, you should be even more grateful to me." Metternich did not give in at all. "Isn't it because of me that such an expensive pastry house was not closed down?"
"Then … we're even?"
"Sort of."
"Hahahaha!" The two foreign ministers shook hands. "Please! The welcome banquet is ready! Metternich, my friend. "
"Please!"
At this time, the Kurona Palace was already full of guests. All the dignitaries were present, including the major forces of the old world. Even the Supreme King of the Dwarves had sent people to congratulate them. The only ones who did not come were the dwarves of the Eight Peaks. Belegar sent a simple message and said, "Brother Laing and I don't need to do anything for you!"
It was worth mentioning that Laing did not come because he was recovering from his injuries. The one who came in his place was the Wood Elf's famous spellcaster, Liv. Her braids always reminded Laing of someone else.
Veronica, Teresa, and Aurora, who were engrossed in their research at the sorceress' assembly, arrived. The three witches were all dressed up. Just as Teresa had feared, once they had enough resources and wealth, their lives would be filled with endless magic experiments and meditation, and they would spend less time with Laing.
Incidentally, when Aurora saw Catherine wearing the countess's noble attire, she was so angry that her face turned green. As a result, everyone, including Clayon, had a sour expression on their faces, exuding a cold aura that prevented strangers from getting close.
"I didn't expect that my disciple would become a countess one day," Veronica said with mixed feelings. Veronica had mixed feelings when she saw Katherine holding Kalard's arm. The female president, who was wearing a classic Breton royal dress with a dark butterfly, black silk stockings, and silver rhinestone heels, secretly held Ryan's arm. "So?" she asked.
"So what?" Clayon suddenly had a bad feeling in his heart.
"So what about my lady title?" Veronica said aggressively, "Kathlyn is already a countess, so I should at least be a marquess, right?"
"Kathlyn will be a marquess soon, Veronica." At this time, Lilith, the Lake Fairy, and Suria, the Knight King's successor, appeared. The goddess and the female knight were holding hands. They were wearing the same set of pastel dresses, silk dresses, white unicorn fleece pantyhose, and a black and gold waistcoat. They looked like a pair of good sisters.
The appearance of the goddess and the female knight caused an uproar. Everyone stood up and saluted, except for Knight King and Laing. Why are they dressed like cows?
Well, two golden-haired, white-haired cows! Laing was secretly delighted: They're all mine!
"Hey? Marquess! " Teresa's outfit was similar to Veronica's, but the sorceress wore her favorite grey, fluorescent pantyhose instead of short skirts and low-cut dresses like Veronica. She was very surprised and could only look at Laing. "Really? Laing? Kathlyn is really going to be a marquess? "
"Yes, it's true." Laing nodded slowly.
"Then do I want the title of Duchess?" Veronica put her hands on her hips, and Garland directly reached out to Laing. "I've been with you for so long, and you don't even want to give me a duchess?"
"Whose duchess do you want to be?" Suria said to Veronica with a half-smile. "Lady Veronica, do you want me to arrange it for you?"
"Then … Then forget it." Veronica automatically lowered her head in front of Suria. The chairwoman smiled embarrassedly. "I'm very satisfied now."
"Let's begin!" Morgiana could not help but take the initiative to speak. She had put in the effort to dress up today, but Laing did not pay attention to her at all. This made the Lake Goddess very unhappy, but she could not object to the decision of the Lake Goddess, nor could she appear too intimate with Laing in public. She could only use this method to strengthen her presence. "Everyone is in position."
It was indeed tiring to have so many women, and this was with the absence of Olica and Sylvia, Laing thought to himself. He nodded to indicate that they could begin.
First, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Laing officially conferred Kalad the title of Marquess of Gallament.
The difference between a marquess and an earl was not the amount of land, but the ability to form their own army and start wars. Kalad had proven his loyalty and reliability with his actions, so it was reasonable for him to be conferred the title of Marquess. He would mainly be responsible for the security of the Orc tribe in the Arden Forest and the second line of defense in the Gray Mountains.
Then the Lake Goddess personally appeared and conferred the highest honor of the Knight, the Lady of the Lake Medal, to Kalad.
Then, Laing, the Lake Goddess, Suria, and Morgiana, as the symbol of the highest authority in Brittany, started to confer medals to the ten Marshals.
The luxurious box was opened, and there were ten golden Dwarf Master Rune Marshal Scepters. Everyone cheered, and even the usually calm father-in-law, François, stood up from his seat in surprise.
This Marshal's Scepter was more expensive than an entire winery!
Laing started to read out the names.
"Berchemund!"
"Yes!"
Bohemond walked onto the stage in high spirits. A brand new marshal's suit, marshal's medal, and marshal's scepter were handed to him by the Fairy of the Lake.
There was no dispute about Berchemund being the First Marshal. He was the direct descendant of the first Knight King, Arthur. His bloodline was the noblest, and he was the strongest. His military strategy and bravery were impeccable. He had a good relationship with Laing, so it was reasonable for him to be the First Marshal.
"François!"
"Yes!"
The old man walked up the steps with joy and elegance. He took the whole silver plate from the hands of the fairy in the lake and very politely made a gentleman's gesture of gratitude.
There was no dispute about François being the Second Marshal. His father-in-law was at the pinnacle of the Sanctuary-realm. He was steady in his battles and had a lot of changes. He had made great contributions in several major wars and was very experienced. He was also Suria's father and had always been a staunch supporter of Laing. Of course, Laing had never mistreated him. François had enjoyed the most benefits and benefits from Laing's rise. Of course, when Laing proposed the Governor-General system, his father-in-law was the first to support it. The benefits he received far outweighed the losses of giving up part of his power.
After these two marshals left, the choice of the third marshal was filled with controversy.
Who would it be? Everyone stared at the Knight King who was about to call out the name.
"Bodrick!"
It's him! It's actually him!
Not Laing, not Bertrand, and not the recently favored Kalad, but Duke Bodrick of Bordero, who had two faiths and was also the champion of the Sea God Mannen's Divine Selection.
The political implications of this made many people frown.
However, the awarding process would not stop. Duke Bodrick walked up the stage with his head held high under the applause and joyful gaze of his son, Fedmond. He took the silver plate with the Marshal's medal, Marshal's robe, and the Marshal's scepter from the Lake Goddess. He could not help but cry. He handed the silver plate to his son and was about to say something when Laing took the initiative to hold his hand. "Fedmond, you … don't know how to fly the Dwarf Gyrocopter, right?"
"Of course not. Why are you suddenly asking this, Your Majesty?" Duke Bodrick was puzzled. "Besides, I've visited and operated the Enterprise. The Dwarf Gyrocopter is so small that I can't sit in it."
"That's good, that's good." Laing said seriously, "That thing is unstable and prone to accidents. It's better to leave the flying of the plane to the dwarves."
"Yes, Your Majesty's orders." Although he was puzzled, Bodrick agreed in a low voice.
"You want to be a Marshal with such a low voice?" Laing deliberately made things difficult.
"Yes! Yes, Your Majesty's orders! "
"Good! Next! "
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