"Notify Viscount Tayen to immediately lead his troops to eliminate the Earl of the Red Griffin, with the Roar of the Giant Bear Legion assisting in the attack."

"Tell Tayen that as long as he completes the task, everything belonging to the Red Griffin Family is his."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Count Blue Lake bowed again in response.

This time, he hadn’t even had the chance to turn and leave.

Another guard came running frantically from the end of the corridor,

"Bad news, my lord!"

The guard rushed into the council chamber, nearly tripping over himself.

"Three days ago, the Northern Lord Rod suddenly launched an attack against the border of the Eastern Province at the Urock Family!"

"Count Urock died in battle on the city walls! Urock city has fallen!"

"Rod’s army is advancing eastward, all villages and towns along the way have fallen!"

"What?!"

Prince Goldhammer widened his eyes in shock,

"Damn Rod!"

Prince Goldhammer couldn’t help but curse.

"He must have sided with the Duke of Flowers! This is a premeditated joint attack!"

The Urock Family is the Northern gateway to the Eastern Province.

The geographical location of Urock city is crucial, blocking the main passage from the Northern Territory into the Eastern Province.

After the fall of Urock city, there is a vast plain without any natural barriers to stop invaders.

Rod’s army can drive straight in, directly threatening the core territory of Prince Goldhammer!

Prince Goldhammer’s face was ashen as he paced back and forth in the council chamber, his mind rapidly calculating countermeasures.

"Immediately order the Glory Warhammer Legion and the Scarlet Whip Legion to mobilize completely!"

"Defend the Eastern Province’s defenses at all costs!"

"Notify Bishop Salido to deal with Rod regardless of any consequences!"

Prince Goldhammer vehemently declared: "Tell him I’m willing to pay any price!"

Count Blue Lake’s face was equally grim.

He was just about to respond.

The third messenger burst into the council chamber,

"Urgent military situation!"

"Last night, the Imperial Legion’s Golden Knight Legion invaded the Night Raven family’s territory!"

"Viscount Night Raven surrendered in less than half a day of resistance!"

"The Silver Thorn Legion under the Duke of Flowers is marching towards Giant Stone City!"

"They’ve already breached the outer defenses! Only ninety miles left to Giant Stone City!"

Prince Goldhammer’s body swayed violently, grasping the edge of the sand table to barely stand firm.

This is a meticulously planned siege!

...

...

Eastern Province, Plains of Moonlight.

"Thud, thud, thud—"

Heavy footsteps sounded.

The clashing of armor plates emitted a crisp metallic friction.

Under the sunlight, a silver glimmer reflected from the army arranged in neat formations, slowly advancing across the plains.

From a high vantage point, the army resembled a torrent of steel, slowly tearing a gap in the lush green grassland.

The vanguard at the front consisted of lightly armed infantry, followed by a small number of archers and spearmen, ready to react at the first sight of the enemy.

Despite being lightly armed, due to the enhancement of Rod’s terms, they wore chest armor and other protective gear covering vital areas. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

These did not hinder their movement in the least.

The main column’s middle section comprised heavy infantry and shield guards, ensuring they wouldn’t slow the army’s speed and could quickly change formations to respond to sudden circumstances.

Every one hundred soldiers maintained a marching interval of about fifteen meters to prevent trampling or chaos.

Supply carts, food wagons, and spare weapons were sandwiched within the middle of the main column, protected by shield soldiers and archers from behind.

The flanks of the army consisted of light cavalry and wolf cavalry.

They patrolled back and forth, vigilant for any disturbances in the surroundings.

Rod’s army maintained strict discipline, with no one breaking ranks or making noise, making the footsteps particularly noticeable.

In the sky, robust Hawks circled and soared, their sharp eyes like blades, scanning the surrounding woods and hills.

Protecting the army, averting any possibility of ambushes.

On the slope, Rod stood quietly with Vivian, assessing everything before them.

"It looks just like a wide silver river."

Vivian couldn’t help but exclaim, "Truly magnificent."

She had never seen such a large-scale military march, a total of ten thousand soldiers.

"I believe it more resembles a silver longspear."

Rod gazed at the hills at the end of the plain, "It will pierce through the entire Eastern Province."

Vivian watched the advancing legion, involuntarily nodding in agreement.

This longspear, with only its tip, had already pierced through the Northern Province.

At this moment, Gala quickly ascended the slope,

"Saint Master!"

Gala respectfully reported: "The army is fifty miles from reaching Moon Wolf City."

He paused for a moment and then continued:

"The scout team just reported, they found several oddly shaped giant crossbows placed on the city walls!"

A trace of worry flashed in Gala’s eyes,

"Saint Master, they seem specifically designed to deal with your dragon!"

Rod’s expression remained unchanged, calmly asking, "How many are defending the city?"

"An initial estimate indicates there are five thousand people!"

"But some are wearing tattered burlap clothing and holding long spears,"

Gala speculated further: "They should be newly recruited civilians with weak combat strength."

"Hmm."

Rod nodded slightly, his demeanor still calm.

"How are the surrounding towns and villages faring?"

"The scouts report that the nearest Wolfs Tail Town has already been evacuated."

Gala immediately replied, "But they left hastily, leaving many livestock still tied in their yards."

"The granary doors weren’t locked, with plenty of grain piled inside."

"In villages sixty miles southeast, there are still quite a few people visible, fleeing further east."

Rod’s Vanguard Corps and Dragon Breath Legion were employing a rapid march strategy.