Warhammer Divine Throne-Chapter 658 - 290, Jialan Grand Assembly (Part 2)

When Teresa Trovik walked in from outside, both Noel and Philis were quite surprised; Veronica and Teresa were undeniably the two brightest stars of the Jialan young generation, yet this very reason made their relationship incredibly strained. Their conflicts within the council were well-known, and they were repeatedly penalized due to their disputes.

However, upon seeing Teresa's arrival, Veronica did not seem too surprised. She calmly said, "You came?"

"You knew I would come?" Teresa, unhesitating, pulled over a bench and sat inside the room.

"Certainly," Veronica appeared unwilling to elaborate further. She shook her head: "What does our little princess want to tell me? Is it related to him?"

Teresa raised her fine eyebrows; she understood the implication in Veronica's words.

The fragile peace between Veronica and Teresa was entirely dependent on Laine, with Veronica implying that she would only discuss matters related to Laine with Teresa; other matters should not be brought to her, nor was she interested.

"Do you have time to have dinner together tonight?" Teresa did not address Veronica's topic; instead, she gave her invitation.

An invitation somewhat absurd, at least to the two female council members Noel and Philis present, who both didn't quite understand.

Teresa and her mother had considerable influence within the Jialan Council, and Veronica once had to avoid confrontation. Now, she had her own man to rely on, but Noel and Philis were not so fortunate. The legendary witch of life element expressed a milder temper: "Anyway, have a glass of juice first, Miss Trovik, since you are here, you are a guest."

"Indeed, Trovik, have a seat. We're discussing matters concerning the Nord Kingdom." Veronica likewise did not respond whether she agreed to have dinner together, instead casually changing the topic.

Teresa knew she had agreed.

The two indeed had matters to discuss, and now they were in a cooperative relationship. Yet, like their previous hostile relationship, rebuilding understanding and achieving consensus was complex and painful. With Veronica's pride, she would never offer the olive branch because she didn't need to.

Teresa was the same in the past.

However, the world has changed, and now Veronica held the advantage. Teresa realized that if she remained arrogant, ultimately she would suffer losses.

Judging by Laine's attitude, it was clear that the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lake Fairy did not have deep feelings for Teresa. He accepted her and agreed to be responsible only acknowledging Teresa's contributions.

This connection was very fragile.

Thinking over and over, Teresa decided to let go of her useless pride and actively extend the olive branch to Veronica. She knew Veronica was smart and would understand the significance.

Teresa sat down, attempting to join the conversation: "Nord Kingdom? What's happened recently? I've heard the Skarnes tribe's army went south again but was repelled by the Nord Army."

"It's not that simple," Philis's voice was somewhat heavy: "The Skarnes tribe broke through the northern port, all two thousand defenders perished. General Gaisel led one thousand Nord Army troops for support, also annihilated; not until the king led a large army at Hakendorf did they repel the entire Barbarian tribe. The Skarnes tribe surprisingly chose to retreat after being frustrated in their attack, carrying a great haul of loot and leaving behind countless destroyed villages and farmlands."

This legendary witch of death and shadow element was somewhat saddened as her husband died in the battle to defend Hakendorf.

"Skarnes tribe..." Teresa knew intelligence concerning this tribe. Its history spans over two thousand years, existing already in the world before Charlemagne founded the empire. When Chaos descended, this tribe chose to believe in the Chaos Gods.

Skarnes once produced the greatest leader, Svengar, a Champion Warrior blessed by the Chaos Four Gods. He led his tribe south multiple times, bringing the Imperial people numerous pains, but ultimately, this fearsome Barbarian Chief fell at the hands of the First Duke of Boldro, who was also one of the twelve original Holy Grail Knights—Marcus, losing his life in Brittania.

"Nord suffered heavy losses in this war, and our Emperor of the Empire was in the south engaged in civil war with Brittania, reportedly won, but who cares? Nord is now very weakened." The life element witch Noel also said: "Just as the kingdom focused its attention north, the south suffered as border villages in the area fell victim. Beastman tribes attacked everywhere, seizing food for winter; along the Drakwald Forest, dozens of villages were destroyed, thousands died tragically."

"No reaction from White Wolf City direction?" Teresa frowned.

The actions of the Northern Barbarians and Beastmen... almost seemed to echo each other.

Drakwald Forest is the largest forest within the empire, spanning over several million square kilometers, across five Imperial provinces. In terms of area, it's half the size of Brittania. Inside the forest are countless Beastman tribes, Green Skin tribes, and Chaos Cultists. Only along the rivers, near the roads, and hills are there some human villages. Humans and demons in the forest have battled for thousands of years, a fight with no end, as the forest can never be cleansed entirely; Beastmen and Green Skin will be driven back time and again, but they always return.