I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means-Chapter 816 - 505 Prince Gerard_2
Chapter 816 -505 Prince Gerard_2
After all… this Hei Malou did seem a bit abnormal.
…
Outside Cui Feng City, in a military camp at the base of a distant mountain.
At the base of that small hill covered in emerald green shrubs, a military camp sprawled out, the last rays of the setting sun gently casting a faint golden glow over the campsite.
Within the camp, cooking smoke curled up leisurely, dancing like whispers, speaking of the day’s peace and the impending dusk.
Compared to the previous brutal war and fierce battlefield, this moment of peace was so precious.
In the camp, tents were arranged haphazardly, standing in orderly rows, much like disciplined soldiers, their silence exuding a formidable sense of power that was hard to ignore.
The soldiers bustled about the camp, each busy with their tasks, some fully armed, their steps firm as they patrolled around the campsite, their eyes sharp, always alert to any movements from the outside; some focused on organizing their equipment, polishing weapons that had grown dull from numerous battles; others meticulously cleaned every corner of the camp, a necessary practice as plagues were easily triggered during wartime.
However, amidst this busy and orderly scene, many soldiers bore scars, remnants of previous battles, while the atmosphere in the camp, though strict, inevitably mixed with a hint of somberness and gravity.
Even though the war had been ongoing for a long time and the casualties were quite heavy, as long as Prince Gerard was still there, their faith remained.
As the most cherished youngest son of King Gordon, at the outset of the war, Prince Gerard had led his troops to defeat enemy nations multiple times, expanding the territory of Gordon Kingdom more than twofold, earning him great military honors.
Meanwhile, this prince, both strong and compassionate, had quickly gained the support of most of the people in Gordon Kingdom.
If it hadn’t been for the joint invasion by Archibald Kingdom and Paluo Federation, and only if this prince personally led the troops, could the morale be stabilized; the old king might have even chosen to abdicate, letting Gerard become the new King of Gordon Kingdom.
In the very center of the camp, a huge gray tent stood, its surface flowing with a faint magic glow, guarded by even more elite guards.
Inside the tent, thanks to the magic, the somewhat chilly cold air was blocked outside, and the temperature inside was adjusted to a comfortable level.
The floor was covered with a soft, blood-red carpet; strategic maps of Ely Hills hung everywhere, and parchments recording intelligence casually placed on the table where an abandoned goose feather quill lay aside, unattended.
Bang!
“This is certainly not going to work, whoever agrees is a traitor!”
Angus slammed the table with furious rage, the parchment lying quietly trembled.
“How can we retreat, having paid such a high price, how can we give up now? We must drive those damned bastards out!”
“You know, just behind us is the Cyril Plain, once we give up Ely Hills, the Royal Capital is in danger!”
“Whoever agrees is a traitor to the Kingdom!”
Angus said furiously, his massive body clad in blood-colored heavy armor exerting immense pressure, making it impossible for those present to contest the words of this hot-tempered Royal Eagle Legion Commander.
Opposite Angus, an elderly man in ornate robes and with a calm demeanor, Archil wiped the saliva sprayed on his face, and said in a deep voice:
“You think I want this?”
“That’s the most prosperous area of the Kingdom, don’t I know its importance?”
“But in fact, the food and strategic supplies in the camp are not enough to last much longer.”
“Rather than waiting until the food runs out and the troops disintegrate, it’s better to prepare in advance to retreat step by step while there’s still a chance to breathe.”
“Archil you old swindler, who do you think you’re fooling!”
“The Kingdom has occupied so many places, how can there be insufficient food, could it be embezzled by you corrupt officials?”
Angus scornfully looked at the senior official in front of him, mockingly said.
Archil’s temples bulged, he took a few deep breaths to suppress the anger in his heart before continuing:
“The Kael Kingdom to the west has always been ambiguous, and their recent actions are also quite frequent; the Kingdom must guard against that side, with two legions stationed on the border line.”
“Among the newly occupied territories are many former nobles with ulterior motives; it’s not possible to mobilize resources and troops from there, and it likely will take years of effort to calm and stabilize that area.”
“Recently, both Archibald People and Paro people have sent many professional teams to sneak into our rear and attack at will; the guarded troops are relatively safe, but those Guild’s merchant convoys suffered heavy casualties and had to temporarily suspend their cooperation with us.”
“Even though we likewise send out personnel for slaughters, the enemy’s objective has been achieved.”
“Our respected Legion Commander Angus, do you ever pay attention to the intelligence we provide?”
“Or is your mind filled with wastewater, utterly failing to understand the difficult situation the kingdom is in now?”
“Oh, it can’t be helped.”
“Even though our clerks have written it very simply for you to understand, it seems with your intelligence, you probably still wouldn’t get it, right?”
“You!”
Angus glared, his eyes wide and teeth gritted, as he faced the man before him. In the art of verbal sparring, he was truly no match for Archil, who was immersed in it daily.
Just as a fierce argument was about to erupt again, a voice suddenly interrupted.
“Alright, let’s all calm down for a moment.”
Angus, who had just stood up, paused mid-motion, glared at Archil, and then slowly returned to his seat.
Archil didn’t look directly at Angus; his body merely straightened slightly as he leaned back in the chair.
All eyes turned towards the man sitting at the head of the table.
This man was about thirty years old; his body exuded an indescribable aura of valor. Tall and muscular, the lines of his muscles subtly visible under his light grey clothes, presenting a reserved yet formidable power. The simplicity of his light grey outfit perfectly complemented his extraordinary demeanor.
His face showed some fatigue, the faint shadows under his eyes revealing sleepless nights and burdensome affairs. Yet, this did nothing to lessen his resolute air.
He was Prince Gerard Gordon of the Gordon Kingdom!
“I am aware of the situation, and I will not consider retreating for the time being.”
“Archil, do your best to transport more supplies here; I’ll have Angus and the people of Cui Feng City coordinate with you.”
“…I understand.”
Although Archil looked troubled, he still nodded in agreement.
Even Angus, who had just been at odds with Archil, did not oppose Gerard’s orders.
“…Also, send a message to the Royal Capital, and prepare a possible retreat plan there.”
Updat𝓮d from freewēbnoveℓ.com.
After hesitating for a moment, Gerard still spoke to Archil.
“Prince!”
Angus was shocked. Was he really deciding to give up the Ely Hills?
Such a move would bring too significant a shock to the kingdom, and even Gerard might not be able to withstand such a failure.
“I understand, so this is just a preparatory plan, let no one else know.”
Gerard’s gaze swept over everyone present; they could not help but lower their heads slightly.
This prince not only possessed outstanding abilities and exceptional charm, but he had also come a long way in the path of extraordinary professions.
He had already become a Golden Rank Warrior, and even the kingdom’s legendary warrior, Lord Hubert “Iron Hand,” considered him the most likely among the young generation to break through to legend.
Therefore, after demonstrating his exceptional talent, he was undeniably the best successor for His Majesty the King.
After ending the meeting, Gerard, sitting at the table, rubbed his temples, looking at the map before him with a somewhat headache-filled gaze.
At that moment, a person quietly walked in.
“Archil, sit!”
Gerard pointed to the seat in front of him and said.
It was Archil, who had just left.
“Your Highness, are you really going to do this?”
