Chapter 160: The State of Affairs
Thus, all twenty Lionheart Knights sent by the Bosk Duke were annihilated, and "Black Lion Knight" Fried, one of the seven commanders, even turned traitor, becoming a lackey of the red dragon.
The fate of the over one hundred Double-Headed Eagle Warriors sent by the Nort Duchy was even more tragic. Cassius didn't even bother to act personally; he simply issued a faction task and dispatched a few Crimson Scaled Conqueror to wipe out these so-called "elites," most of whom weren't even professionals. The frenzied wyverns mercilessly burned them to ashes.
Cassius lay sprawled in the great hall, his gaze fixed on the map of Anzeta before him, particularly the small nation bordering the Ember Kingdom.
Compared to the vast territory of the Ember Kingdom, which now encompassed Storm Highlands and the former territory of the Lackman Duchy, far exceeding most of the northern duchies, the Nort Duchy was like an insect that could be crushed at any moment.
Darenna stood attentively to the side. The elegantly dressed pureblood serpentfolk always wore a radiant smile.
"The Bosk Duchy, fine. But this Nort Duchy …"
"Where did they get the audacity to provoke me repeatedly?"
There was a hint of confusion in Cassius's tone.
Darenna, understanding that Cassius's demand for international trusteeship of Nort's resources had pushed the duchy to desperation, maintained her professional smile and patiently explained:
"The Nort Duchy is small in territory and weak in strength. It's more like a vassal state of the Bosk Duchy, even mocked by northern nobles as the 'Nort Marquessate' or the 'Barbarian Tribe.'"
"They are not descendants of the Skandians, who dominate the northern nobility, but rather the indigenous people of the north known as the Val Barbarians. Seven hundred years ago, the reigning Bosk Grand Duke, 'Lionheart King' Aubrick, conquered them. To facilitate governance, he confined the surrendering tribes to a designated area and established it as a nation, giving the tribal chieftains the surname Nort."
"However, over the past four centuries, intentional assimilation by the Skandians has made Nort's language and customs almost indistinguishable from the northern nations. Even the Nort name has long been accepted by northern nobility."
Cassius nodded in realization.
"So, they're a dog raised by the Bosk Duchy."
Darenna immediately praised him with enthusiasm, "Your Highness Cassius, your summary is incisive and clear."
"So, how do you plan to deal with the Bosk Duchy and the Nort Duchy ?"
Although Darenna temporarily managed the Ember Kingdom's diplomacy, she understood clearly that major decisions were Cassius's to make. She wouldn't risk her career or life for a moment of authority.
Cassius strained to recall memories of his past life.
The Bosk Duchy was too vast—tens of thousands of square kilometers, twenty-eight cities. The Ember Kingdom was already struggling to govern the former Lackman Duchy and hadn't fully assimilated its resources, making ruling such an expansive region unfeasible.
Moreover, the Holy Fatherland Empire would experience a brief resurgence in the aftermath of the great rebellion. Officially declaring war on the Bosk Duchy now would likely trigger a full-scale war across Anzeta, potentially inviting legendary-level intervention from the Holy Fadlan.
Meanwhile, Cassius's player base was sparse, numbering only a thousand beta testers, all of whom would temporarily vanish for four years.
Cassius aimed to unify the northern territories five years from now.
Yes, five years.
By then, the Holy Fadlan's great disintegration would begin. The southern powers would scramble for the empire's remains, too distracted to interfere in the north. Cassius's strength would likely reach legendary status, providing robust assurances. Meanwhile, 30,000 official players would flood into Erezaghe, and he was confident he could recruit at least 10,000 of them to his service.
This plan, thoroughly discussed within the Ember Kingdom, was approaching perfection.
Then, with the right timing, geography, and human resources aligned…
Cassius would declare war on the Bosk Duchy and other northern nations, unifying the entire north with overwhelming force, becoming the overlord of Anzeta, and bringing all players under his rule for the [Northern Storm] expansion.
Subsequently, the Ember Kingdom—or rather, the empire—would march south as disruptors, becoming the most ravenous vultures feasting on the Holy Fadlan's remnants.
This was his plan for the Bosk Duchy.
As for the Nort Duchy ?
With its weak strength, proximity to the Ember Kingdom, and status as a vassal of the Bosk Duchy, it was the perfect target to serve as a warning. Subjugating Nort would intimidate the northern nations and secure a stable development period for his kingdom.
Additionally, such a localized war would serve as a cautionary measure for the Bosk Duchy, urging them to reduce covert activities.
With this in mind, Cassius declared resolutely, "Annex it as quickly as possible, leaving no time for the northern nations to react."
"I will slaughter the 'chicken' that is the Nort Duchy to show those attention-seeking monkeys what's at stake."
Hearing this, Darenna's face was filled with fervent excitement.
Although she didn't understand the idiom about chickens and monkeys, she easily grasped Cassius's intent.
What a wonderful feeling, deciding the fate of nations. Those human lords she once had to curry favor with now knelt at her feet, begging for mercy.
"Yes, my lord."
"I will make sure they understand the consequences of provoking you."
Darenna knelt on one knee, her lips curling in anticipation as her forked tongue lightly licked her dry lips.
Months had passed since the conquest of the Lackman Duchy, and the Ember Kingdom was just barely functional. But the dragonblood vassals had been suppressed for too long.
While their lives had improved significantly after plundering the nobles' wealth, these naturally malevolent beings preferred the catharsis of blood and fire to a peaceful, prosperous life.
War, for this red dragon-ruled kingdom, was not a burden but an outlet.
Bosk Duchy, Stravsburg.
As the Bosk capital and the nominal capital of the northern lands, it was always bustling with activity.
In the city center, Aubrick Square, named after the first Bosk Duke, merchants, singers, bards, and noble scions gathered in droves.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out among the crowd.
Wyverns soared above, flying too high for arrows to reach, scattering leaflets from the Ember Kingdom. People were already accustomed to this, and some leaflets were even rushed to Duke Leo's residence.
But this time, the content wasn't the usual dull propaganda; it was a war bulletin.
The news left everyone shocked, sparking heated discussions.
"Did someone actually try to assassinate that red dragon?"
"By the gods, such brave and righteous souls. Too bad they failed. I should write an epic about their valor."
"Good heavens, our Lionheart Knights were utterly wiped out! Twenty of them!"
"Could this lead to war?"
"I don't want to fight those monsters."
The people in the square, whether astonished, regretful, or worried, showed immense interest in the matter.