Sean arrived in a very high-profile manner to the Solun Continent and invited the nobles still under Rosalind’s control to a gathering that very night.
Upon hearing that Sean was still single, many nobles began to take action, as most of these nobles still under Rosalind’s control were relatively close to Valunia Port and had a better understanding of the Empire.
Although Sean insisted on treating Rosalind as an equal, Rosalind’s attitude was unmistakable; even though she was nominally the queen, Sean, as a visitor from the Empire, might hold a higher status than Rosalind.
Especially since Sean’s attitude toward those nobles was quite good; at least he understood what they needed, unlike Rosalind, who only knew how to suppress them.
At the gathering, Rosalind watched the enthusiastic atmosphere, particularly as a group of beautiful women who were rarely seen were all brought to the gathering by the nobles, leaving her somewhat at a loss.
The overall atmosphere of the Solun Continent was relatively conservative, yet those noblewomen were dressed so revealingly as if they might expose themselves at any moment, making Rosalind stand out like a tightly wrapped mummy.
However, Sean handled this with ease. Under his experienced methods, he promptly won over many nobles, especially given Sean’s carrot-and-stick approach; some nobles didn’t even realize they were being suppressed and expressed their gratitude for the bright prospects Sean painted for them.
As the gathering was about to conclude, the nobles under Rosalind found themselves in unprecedented unity, because besides actively courting some nobles, Sean also brought many soldiers and military equipment, which was distinctly different from what the last fleet had delivered.
Even for the visions Sean painted, these nobles were willing to tolerate conditions even harsher than those imposed by Rosalind.
Sean had no intention of overshadowing Rosalind; all commands would still be issued through her.
After the gathering ended, with Sean still carrying the lingering scent of heavy perfume, he immediately immersed himself in the work.
“Is the map reliable?”
Sean first asked.
“This map was calculated by our people, and the error within our controlled range is minimal. As for the map from Doming, it is largely reliable, after all, it is their internal map.”
The speaker was Regas, who added, “After all, you know that nobles over there will sell anything if they have the money.”
It seemed Doming’s control over the country was not significant. Indeed, with the methods Doming had provided Rosalind, having any control would be a joke.
“I understand. In a couple of days, let’s have the Lars Knights capture the enemy capital.”
Rosalind initially thought Sean would propose some detailed strategies but was surprised that he seemed to have no strategy in mind and instead planned it all into that simple statement.
“What do you mean by ‘capture the enemy capital’?”
Even with some understanding of the Empire’s military power, Rosalind was stunned by this strategy that barely qualified as a tactic.
“We brought many engineers and materials, and we can assemble tanks in a short time.”
Rosalind understood; it was that mobile iron beast equipped with cannons and treads.
“But shouldn’t we set up any specific tactics? Like detailed plans?”
“That’s for the generals under you to consider.”
Lind did not enjoy micromanagement, and Sean, who admired Lind, also did not like it. These so-called tactical plans were only necessary if the generals felt the enemy was troublesome. However, facing a small kingdom that barely separated from Cape, if they needed to sit down together to discuss specific tactics, Sean would start to question whether those generals were just muddling through.
Moreover, this time the commanding officer arriving in the Solun Continent was Knight Myron. If he were given free rein, he might very well take down the main city with just a few Lars Knights.
“What about those rebels?”
Rosalind pointed to the map with pins indicating the territories of the recent rebellion.
“Eliminate your third brother, and those places naturally won’t rebel.”
Sean was well aware of the tactics of those nobles and even felt that these methods resembled those of the Demon Clan, suspecting that perhaps those nobles were already colluding with them.
In reality, the Demon Clan, upon learning of the situation, had begun to retreat with Daniel, and this time, Sean actually misjudged the Demon Clan.
Of course, Sean would not underestimate the enemy; however, within Sean’s plans, it was indeed necessary to show the continent what an imperial thunderstrike looked like.
When Avar mentioned the potential for extermination, it was not a joke; the troops Sean brought truly possessed that capability.
Meanwhile, Doming was admiring the carefully drawn map created by his subordinates, nodding in satisfaction at his masterpiece.
His sister was still too young, still the same as before, not understanding what the foundation of ruling a kingdom was, actually fantasizing about using those lowly people who scraped out a living in the fields to solidify her rule.
Such foolish behavior was not unprecedented, but these people remained powerless in front of professionals, even with weapons.
Some were inherently superior, and Doming firmly believed in this.
At that moment, a noble dressed as splendidly as Doming approached him, dragging a heavy robe.
“Your Majesty, I heard that the Empire’s fleet has arrived again. According to news from Avar, this time the fleet includes black warships made of steel.”
Hearing this news, Doming took a sip of the blood-red wine in his cup and said, “What does this have to do with us? We are not along the coast.”
The noble sat beside Doming and said, “This may affect Avar’s decision-making.”
“Alonso, you are just too nervous. My plan is flawless; even if the Empire directly intervenes to help my sister, they still have to settle those rebels.”
Doming could even imagine the Empire being at their wits’ end dealing with the rebellion on behalf of his sister. Of course, he respected the Empire to some extent. Once the Empire was also tied down, Doming would then engage with them; at that time, they would know who the best pawn was.
In fact, Doming understood clearly that the Empire simply wanted to support a force, an agent, to enable them to control trade on the Solun Continent. It just so happened that his sister had crossed the Sea of Instability and arrived at the Empire.
Doming was already contemplating whether, with the artillery technology support provided by the Empire, he could unify Castia. He was not willing to be just a pawn.
In Doming’s imagination and planning, the Empire would first need to help Rosalind quell the rebellion, and the control of whether there would be a rebellion was entirely in his hands. He did not know, nor did he imagine what kind of monster he was facing.
Alonso, the noble behind Doming, was one of the investors. Unlike Doming, Alonso was more cautious because Doming was playing with his assets.
“What about the Dragon Church?”
“That’s even less of a concern.”
Doming set down his wine and said, “Taking advantage of the internal chaos among those dragons, I have already won over a batch of them. After all, we both know that in Solun, nothing can be done without the help of dragons.”
In fact, Doming knew that, including within Garcia’s circle, some of his siblings were being controlled by the Night Sanctuary; to combat those evil cults, they naturally needed to seek the protection of the dragons.
Upon hearing this, Alonso finally clinked cups with Doming: “You still consider everything so thoroughly.”
The two smiled at each other.
Upon hearing that Sean was still single, many nobles began to take action, as most of these nobles still under Rosalind’s control were relatively close to Valunia Port and had a better understanding of the Empire.
Although Sean insisted on treating Rosalind as an equal, Rosalind’s attitude was unmistakable; even though she was nominally the queen, Sean, as a visitor from the Empire, might hold a higher status than Rosalind.
Especially since Sean’s attitude toward those nobles was quite good; at least he understood what they needed, unlike Rosalind, who only knew how to suppress them.
At the gathering, Rosalind watched the enthusiastic atmosphere, particularly as a group of beautiful women who were rarely seen were all brought to the gathering by the nobles, leaving her somewhat at a loss.
The overall atmosphere of the Solun Continent was relatively conservative, yet those noblewomen were dressed so revealingly as if they might expose themselves at any moment, making Rosalind stand out like a tightly wrapped mummy.
However, Sean handled this with ease. Under his experienced methods, he promptly won over many nobles, especially given Sean’s carrot-and-stick approach; some nobles didn’t even realize they were being suppressed and expressed their gratitude for the bright prospects Sean painted for them.
As the gathering was about to conclude, the nobles under Rosalind found themselves in unprecedented unity, because besides actively courting some nobles, Sean also brought many soldiers and military equipment, which was distinctly different from what the last fleet had delivered.
Even for the visions Sean painted, these nobles were willing to tolerate conditions even harsher than those imposed by Rosalind.
Sean had no intention of overshadowing Rosalind; all commands would still be issued through her.
After the gathering ended, with Sean still carrying the lingering scent of heavy perfume, he immediately immersed himself in the work.
“Is the map reliable?”
Sean first asked.
“This map was calculated by our people, and the error within our controlled range is minimal. As for the map from Doming, it is largely reliable, after all, it is their internal map.”
The speaker was Regas, who added, “After all, you know that nobles over there will sell anything if they have the money.”
It seemed Doming’s control over the country was not significant. Indeed, with the methods Doming had provided Rosalind, having any control would be a joke.
“I understand. In a couple of days, let’s have the Lars Knights capture the enemy capital.”
Rosalind initially thought Sean would propose some detailed strategies but was surprised that he seemed to have no strategy in mind and instead planned it all into that simple statement.
“What do you mean by ‘capture the enemy capital’?”
Even with some understanding of the Empire’s military power, Rosalind was stunned by this strategy that barely qualified as a tactic.
“We brought many engineers and materials, and we can assemble tanks in a short time.”
Rosalind understood; it was that mobile iron beast equipped with cannons and treads.
“But shouldn’t we set up any specific tactics? Like detailed plans?”
“That’s for the generals under you to consider.”
Lind did not enjoy micromanagement, and Sean, who admired Lind, also did not like it. These so-called tactical plans were only necessary if the generals felt the enemy was troublesome. However, facing a small kingdom that barely separated from Cape, if they needed to sit down together to discuss specific tactics, Sean would start to question whether those generals were just muddling through.
Moreover, this time the commanding officer arriving in the Solun Continent was Knight Myron. If he were given free rein, he might very well take down the main city with just a few Lars Knights.
“What about those rebels?”
Rosalind pointed to the map with pins indicating the territories of the recent rebellion.
“Eliminate your third brother, and those places naturally won’t rebel.”
Sean was well aware of the tactics of those nobles and even felt that these methods resembled those of the Demon Clan, suspecting that perhaps those nobles were already colluding with them.
In reality, the Demon Clan, upon learning of the situation, had begun to retreat with Daniel, and this time, Sean actually misjudged the Demon Clan.
Of course, Sean would not underestimate the enemy; however, within Sean’s plans, it was indeed necessary to show the continent what an imperial thunderstrike looked like.
When Avar mentioned the potential for extermination, it was not a joke; the troops Sean brought truly possessed that capability.
Meanwhile, Doming was admiring the carefully drawn map created by his subordinates, nodding in satisfaction at his masterpiece.
His sister was still too young, still the same as before, not understanding what the foundation of ruling a kingdom was, actually fantasizing about using those lowly people who scraped out a living in the fields to solidify her rule.
Such foolish behavior was not unprecedented, but these people remained powerless in front of professionals, even with weapons.
Some were inherently superior, and Doming firmly believed in this.
At that moment, a noble dressed as splendidly as Doming approached him, dragging a heavy robe.
“Your Majesty, I heard that the Empire’s fleet has arrived again. According to news from Avar, this time the fleet includes black warships made of steel.”
Hearing this news, Doming took a sip of the blood-red wine in his cup and said, “What does this have to do with us? We are not along the coast.”
The noble sat beside Doming and said, “This may affect Avar’s decision-making.”
“Alonso, you are just too nervous. My plan is flawless; even if the Empire directly intervenes to help my sister, they still have to settle those rebels.”
Doming could even imagine the Empire being at their wits’ end dealing with the rebellion on behalf of his sister. Of course, he respected the Empire to some extent. Once the Empire was also tied down, Doming would then engage with them; at that time, they would know who the best pawn was.
In fact, Doming understood clearly that the Empire simply wanted to support a force, an agent, to enable them to control trade on the Solun Continent. It just so happened that his sister had crossed the Sea of Instability and arrived at the Empire.
Doming was already contemplating whether, with the artillery technology support provided by the Empire, he could unify Castia. He was not willing to be just a pawn.
In Doming’s imagination and planning, the Empire would first need to help Rosalind quell the rebellion, and the control of whether there would be a rebellion was entirely in his hands. He did not know, nor did he imagine what kind of monster he was facing.
Alonso, the noble behind Doming, was one of the investors. Unlike Doming, Alonso was more cautious because Doming was playing with his assets.
“What about the Dragon Church?”
“That’s even less of a concern.”
Doming set down his wine and said, “Taking advantage of the internal chaos among those dragons, I have already won over a batch of them. After all, we both know that in Solun, nothing can be done without the help of dragons.”
In fact, Doming knew that, including within Garcia’s circle, some of his siblings were being controlled by the Night Sanctuary; to combat those evil cults, they naturally needed to seek the protection of the dragons.
Upon hearing this, Alonso finally clinked cups with Doming: “You still consider everything so thoroughly.”
The two smiled at each other.
