Work Prophet

This battle meeting was held in the City Lord Mansion in Rock Snow City.

Besides Lilania and her husband, and Ireya, many lords from the Western Territory and Golden Valley attended the meeting.

No one expected the young lady to act so swiftly. Just after her coronation, she immediately began the preparations for war.

However, after a year of recuperation, the order in the Western Territory has now been restored, and last year even saw a harvest, so at least the supplies needed for the war are no longer an issue.

Moreover, aside from the rewards offered by the Double Rest Sect and the Arias family, the Campbell family also promised an additional payment of sixty thousand golden lions to participating lords if Golden Valley is recovered.

However, Pibo and Lilania currently cannot afford to pay this amount and will need five years to settle it, but given the wealth of Golden Valley, fulfilling the promise shouldn't be a problem.

Therefore, although this is an external battle, the enthusiasm among the lords of the Western Territory is quite high, especially those who were previously robbed by the Wing Tribe.

Although Ireya later recovered most of the wealth, except for those who joined the Resistance Army and fought alongside Miss Rabbit early on, others could not bring themselves to ask the young lady to return it.

At present, everyone is generally short of money, and fighting is the quickest way to earn it.

Pibo first briefed everyone on the current situation: after a year of effort, the Campbell family has recovered nearly one-third of Golden Valley's land.

The situation in the remaining parts is more complex, with new nobles supporting Conley, old nobles supporting Lilania's uncle Black Hand Edra, and those still observing.

Recently, it's said that the Second Son Alliance sent a delegation to Golden Valley, lobbying various lords there with tempting offers.

After Pibo finished, Lilania took over his words, pointing to the fortress named Berries Castle in the center of the map.

"Our people have been besieging here for the past month. This castle belongs to the Marson Family. They were originally vassals of the Campbell family, but my uncle reached them first. The current Family Head of Marson is Black-Eared Drake.

"He is now two hundred sixty years old and previously served as my uncle's military tutor. They have always maintained close relations.

"Drake is a renowned commander in Golden Valley. Though it's hard to admit, Drake indeed gave us a good lesson using Berries Castle. We outnumber Drake by five times, yet despite great effort, we still can't take that castle."

"If we can't capture Berries Castle, we can't continue advancing eastward, lest Drake sneaks an attack on our rear whenever possible."

Ireya and others stand by the table, examining the large map before them.

Duren then points to another town named Copper Gate north of Berries Castle, "Who does this belong to now?"

"Philwood family; they haven't declared whom to support yet, looking like they intend to continue observing.

"We've been closely monitoring Copper Gate's movements while besieging Berries Castle since the two places are very close, less than half a day's distance.

"But the Philwood family has always been honest, seldom sending out spies, clearly avoiding involvement," Lilania said.

"But what if they learn that the queen and her Western Territory army have joined the contest for Golden Valley? Can they still sit tight?"

Kaden suddenly speaks up, breaking the long silence.

Duren nods, "I agree, which is why I suggest keeping three thousand men to observe the Philwood family's reactions."

"Why three thousand?" Ireya asked, "We should have plenty of troops now, so we can easily send more people, just to be safer."

"Sir Duren must be aiming to draw the Philwood family out of Copper Gate with those three thousand men," Kaden softly whispered into the young lady's ear.

Miss Rabbit, realizing suddenly, looks again at Duren, "Do you also want to take Copper Gate alongside?"

"Indeed." Duren admitted, "If the Philwood family stays dutifully in Copper Gate, then fine. But if they have other thoughts, we can just capture Copper Gate as well, then push north along the Long Neck River."

Ireya thought about it but didn't find any issues and said, "How many people do you think we'll need to deploy this time?"

"Fifteen thousand should suffice," Duren responded, "We don't need a dragon, just fifty Italian Cannons, a thousand gunners, and the Campbell family's own military. No one in Golden Valley would be a match for us."

Upon hearing merely fifteen thousand would be needed to capture Golden Valley, the audience of lords weren't delighted; instead, each looked worried.

They planned to resolve their financial difficulties through this war; however, fifteen thousand was far less than expected, and many may miss out.

Ireya didn't anticipate everyone's enthusiasm to be so high. She felt both gratified and somewhat troubled.

After all, Duren made it clear earlier; if there are too many people, fishing wouldn't be possible.

Then once again, it was Kaden who suggested, "I think we could consider splitting the forces."

The young lady's eyes lit up upon hearing, "Right, if one army isn't enough to satisfy everyone then why not gather another army?"

After all, she had stockpiled enough Flintlock Guns and Italian Cannons for two armies, and splitting up won't hinder fishing, while speedily reclaiming Golden Valley.

Miss Rabbit asked Duren beside her, "What do you think?"

Duren pondered for a moment and said, "We can split our forces; that would be more prudent."

"Alright, let's settle this; our supplies are abundant anyway," Ireya concluded decisively, "I'll lead one grand army myself, the other will be entrusted to... Sir Ramsey."

Upon learning that the troop count doubled, the nobles and lords present were pleased. The eager ones had already instructed attendants to ready horses, preparing to recruit warriors upon returning.

Miss Rabbit later kept Ramsey and Duren among others to examine the second army's marching route and the final rendezvous point.

It wasn't until dusk that Steward Yago knocked to remind the young lady to end work and rest, prompting Ireya to emerge from the study, stretching lazily.

Yago lightly coughed, reminding Miss Rabbit about etiquette, but Ireya pretended not to hear and pulled Kaden in beside her, exclaiming excitedly.

"What Merlin Prophet said was indeed correct."

Kaden was intrigued upon hearing this, "What did Merlin Prophet say?"

"He said you'll be a good helper. I can trust you like I trust him."

"And then?"

"Then what, that's all he said."