Chapter 87: Chapter 86: The Count’s Support

Novovich Province was located in the kingdom’s northeast, the territory of the Fengman Clan.

Valentino’s other title was Governor of Novovich.

"I’m not confident I can keep a dragon like that tethered," Valentino said with a laugh.

And she was telling the truth. Robson’s track record looked like the script for a meteoric rise. They couldn’t just create a viscountcy for him, could they?

Valentino wasn’t that generous.

"There’s no problem with this list. Just go directly to Earl Onoff to collect everything," said Marquis Oscillate.

"Thank you, Grandfather. Actually, there’s something else I wanted to ask your advice on," said Valentino.

Marquis Oscillate took a sip of his tea.

"Is this about His Highness, the Prince?" Marquis Oscillate asked, raising an eyebrow.

Valentino nodded.

Prince Noah wanted to strike out and earn some military achievements, but not everyone was willing to do the royal family such a huge favor. Showing superficial support was one thing, but asking them to charge into battle alongside the Prince was truly putting them in a difficult position.

But Valentino was uncertain about these matters.

No matter how extensive her theoretical knowledge, she was fundamentally a newcomer to the political arena. The King himself stood behind Prince Noah, so such matters had to be handled with caution.

At a time like this, consulting an old hand like Marquis Oscillate was definitely the right move.

Marquis Oscillate took another sip of tea, smiling as he looked at Valentino.

"We have always strictly executed His Majesty’s orders and answered to the Kingdom Council, have we not?" Marquis Oscillate said with a smile.

Valentino looked at the Marquis’s expression and understood.

"I understand, Grandfather."

’Execute the King’s orders and answer to the Kingdom Council. Prince Noah? Never heard of him.’

...

"Robson, I’ve burned all the trees outside! Where’s the Magical Beast Meat you promised me? I could eat a whole cow right now!"

Having transformed into a golden canary, Huang Na continuously chirped in Robson’s ear, seeking praise.

"My lord, we have fulfilled your request. Do you have any other orders?" Delhi asked, standing to the side with several other Mages.

"That’s all for now. Continue refining the city’s defensive layout," Robson said with a nod.

According to intelligence, the enemy’s vanguard was only a day’s march from the fortress.

In the time they had, Robson couldn’t clear out all the resources outside the city and bring them inside. His only choice was to have Huang Na start a fire, assisted by a group of Mages, and burn the entire mountain down.

Robson didn’t know how far the fire would spread; that was a problem for the enemy to consider. In any case, he had already prepared firebreaks and notified all nearby allies.

Huang Na’s flames couldn’t be extinguished by ordinary water—though this only applied to the first breath she exhaled. The "second-hand" fire was merely a slightly more potent flame.

As for any potential environmental problems from burning the mountain, that was a non-issue. Due to the presence of Magic Power and various other elements, this world’s natural environment was unusually resilient.

In just a few years, it would be lush with vegetation again. Of course, this might offend the Druids, elves, and the like.

But this was the age of humans. Besides, Robson was a world away from any elves. He could burn it all without a worry.

"What about me? What about me? Robson, where’s my Magical Beast Meat?" Huang Na circled around Robson in high spirits.

"You’ll get your share," Robson said with a wry smile, taking a few pieces of Magical Beast Meat from his Space Ring.

He didn’t know if it was because of the Mount & Blade-like panel, but Huang Na’s growth rate was simply terrifying.

At a normal pace, Huang Na should still be in her early childhood. But under Robson’s care, she was already showing signs of entering her juvenile stage.

’How long has it been? The frost only just started forming outside the fortress yesterday, and it’ll be some time before it snows. It’s been less than two months since I first met Huang Na.’

’This growth rate is definitely not normal!’

Of course, no matter how you looked at it, this was a good thing.

Shortly after arriving at Qimo Fortress, Huang Na and Robson had completed a Magic Beast Contract with the help of Master Kosen.

The stronger Huang Na became, the more it would benefit Robson.

Of course, on the other hand, Robson was finding it increasingly difficult to afford to feed her. Huang Na could now devour an entire magical beast in a single day.

As the saying goes, an army grinds all before it. Where could one even find a magical beast along the entire Siriel Defense Line now?

Fortunately, after arriving at Qimo Fortress, Robson’s authority had expanded considerably. Otherwise, he really would have had to let Huang Na slow her growth.

...

"Robson, the Count’s reinforcements have arrived at the fortress. A contingent of Knights was sent as well," Viscount Fuman said, his tone somewhat puzzled.

Robson raised an eyebrow. ’A contingent of Knights?’

’What does Qimo Fortress need Knights for right now? If it’s just a matter of defending the fortress, I don’t need reinforcements for the time being.’

"Take me to see them," Robson said.

...

"Sir Robson, I’ve long heard of your reputation."

When Robson arrived, a young Knight in silver armor stepped forward and saluted. The young man bore some resemblance to Knight Commander Elon.

"This is Emil, Knight Commander Elon’s eldest son. He has come to escort the supplies the Count sent us," Viscount Fuman explained.

"I see. Sir Emil, a pleasure," Robson said, feigning a look of sudden realization, though he was still somewhat confused inside.

’By the looks of it, Emil’s Knight Team is at least fifty strong. What kind of supplies needs such a large escort?’

Emil gave a subtle cough.

"The Earl was attending a meeting with His Highness, the Prince, when she heard about your difficulties, Sir. So she specially dispatched me to assist you," Emil said.

"Then I must truly thank the Earl." This time, Robson truly understood.

’So that was the issue. The news of Prince Noah’s impending campaign couldn’t be contained; all the nobles in the kingdom know about it now. Prince Noah wants to take the offensive, and while the other nobles don’t want to join him on his adventure, they don’t have a suitable excuse to refuse. This enemy force currently advancing on Qimo Fortress provides Valentino with the perfect excuse. As a loyal subject of the kingdom, Valentino naturally wants to help Prince Noah. But alas, with a great enemy at her doorstep, the Fengman Clan’s power is limited. It’s not that she doesn’t want to help; she’s simply powerless to do so. Hopefully, His Highness, the Prince, will be magnanimous and understand.’

Having figured all this out, Robson naturally accepted the contingent of Knights.

With the nobles originally at Qimo Fortress, plus this Knight Team supported by Valentino, the number of Extraordinary individuals under Robson’s command was now approaching triple digits.

When the enemy arrived, he would even dare to launch a raid on their camp before they had a chance to establish their footing.

Valentino’s support was quite comprehensive, essentially fulfilling all of Robson’s requests: ten Priests, five Mages, and ten barrels of Divine Water. These were naturally handed over to Bruce Priest and Master Kosen.

The material support consisted of padded winter clothing, mules, and weapons as Robson had requested—nothing particularly novel.

However, one part of the reinforcements caught Robson’s attention.

Three Magic Crystal Cannons with their three Magic Crystal Cannon Teams, and fifty Magic Crossbows.