inspire-indiana Chapter 40: Prelude to War
Chapter 40: Prelude to War
Spring March 8st.
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The sun was not high in the sky.
As dawn broke, in the open space outside the wall, Im was meticulously performing the final checks before departure.
Three wooden barrels reinforced with thick planks contained fifteen silverfish, each coated evenly with salt.
The outer layer is wrapped in three layers of thick linen, which not only keeps it fresh but also prevents damage to its appearance caused by collisions during transportation.
The wooden barrels were secured firmly to the broad back of the Grand Canal with hemp rope, and Im tied a flag between the barrels.
The noble banner representing the chiffon collar.
Richard changed into a smart outfit for his trip, with a fox fur robe over it. Lina slung the scabbard around his waist, making him look exceptionally energetic.
"Is everything ready?"
"Come back to me, sir, everything is fine."
Richard nodded, flipped over and sat on the back of Da Yun's neck, and Lina carefully climbed on as well.
I had just settled into my seat.
Richard pulled her into his arms and wrapped her in his fox fur coat, keeping out the morning chill.
"Hold on tight, it'll get windy later, you won't be able to stand it if it blows for too long."
He chuckled softly in her ear, his warm breath making Lina's cheeks flush, and she obediently wrapped her arms around his waist.
Having already reached the extraordinary level, this slight chill wouldn't have been enough to make her catch a cold, but the lord's actions were truly heartwarming.
Im saw this.
Silently, he turned over and sat on the back of the Dayun's back, grabbing the rope securing the wooden barrel with one hand.
As an extraordinary being.
This bit of cold wind was nothing, but seeing the lord and maid being so intimate, I couldn't help but sigh inwardly: the lord really knows how to enjoy life.
Five maids stood respectfully in a row at the entrance of the compound, bowing deeply in greeting, their voices as clear as bells.
"Wishing you a safe journey and a peaceful return, sir!"
Richard hummed in agreement, gently patted Dayun's forehead, and transmitted the departure command through the telepathic link.
"Set off!"
The Rock Armored Earth Dragon let out a low roar, and its massive body, like a heavy chariot, charged wildly toward the Black Pine Forest.
Under the full force of the Universiade, the speed was extremely exaggerated, and the cold morning wind howled past like ice blades.
The heavy hooves pounded over the withered branches and fallen leaves, making a dull thud that startled flocks of birds and sent wild beasts fleeing.
Im warily scanned the surroundings from behind. Although the aura of the Great Fortune acted as an invisible barrier, deterring low-level monsters, he was guarding the lord alone and could not afford to be negligent in the slightest.
...
Six hours later, the Grand Canal rushed out of the Black Pine Forest boundary, and the outline of Frost City came into view.
The dark blue-black rock walls, reaching ten meters in height, lie across the plains like a lurking serpent.
The city walls were covered with arrow towers, and patrolling soldiers lingered with long spears in their hands.
The city gates were wide open, and people were coming and going in an endless stream: traveling merchants carrying goods, adventurers with backpacks, and free people dressed in coarse clothes.
Before Richard pioneered Chiffon, Frosthold was a vital border town in the northernmost part of the North.
Although no major battles have taken place there, it is responsible for overseeing the endless polar ice sea and preventing the enemy from landing on the coast and invading the northern border.
Upon seeing the city, Richard silently breathed a sigh of relief. Six hours of high-speed long-distance travel had left him quite exhausted, even after reaching the extraordinary level.
He just wanted to get off the bus and rest for a while, so he urged the bus to head towards the city gate.
As a result, the arrival of the Grand Canal from the Black Pine Forest caused the guards on the city wall to panic instantly.
They gripped their weapons tightly, and the archers on the watchtower nocked their arrows and drew their bows, aiming at the enormous creature that had suddenly appeared.
The people near the city gate panicked and scattered in all directions to escape.
When they saw the noble banner fluttering on the back of the Rock Armored Earth Dragon and the three humans sitting on it, they realized that these were domesticated war mounts.
The agitation and panic gradually subsided.
"Please stop!"
The city gate guards shouted loudly, their tone filled with awe and vigilance.
Richard signaled to Da Yun to stop.
Raise your hand.
Point your index finger forward and flick it.
Im then stood up and announced loudly:
"This is Baron Chiffon, Lord Richard, who has come to Frost City for trade. Please make way!"
Several guards quickly bowed in salute. One of them, who appeared to be a mid-level transcendent, stepped forward and said respectfully:
Good day, Your Excellency.
"According to the rules of Frost City, war cavalry are not allowed to enter the city. Please place them in the dedicated stables outside the city."
Richard nodded.
The Universiade is indeed too large, and its entry into the city will inevitably cause panic and chaos.
"Can."
"However, I need a carriage for transportation, please arrange that."
"As you wish, sir."
The captain of the guard quickly agreed, turned around and ordered his men to find a carriage, while he himself personally guided Da Yun to the stables outside the city.
It was a place specifically for the warhorses of visiting nobles and high-ranking legions, and was guarded by dedicated personnel.
After the Grand Canal was settled, a simple horse-drawn carriage arrived, driven by a dark-skinned freeman.
Im moved the barrel to the back of the carriage, planted the flag, and urged the driver to leave so he could drive himself.
Richard then led Lina onto the train carriage.
I had just settled into my seat.
The guard then handed over a register.
"My lord, things have been rather unsettled in the North lately. Viscount Brad ordered yesterday that anyone who is not a local resident must register before entering the city. We ask for your cooperation."
Richard was slightly taken aback.
Taking the pen and ink, he registered the information while asking:
"What happened in the North?"
The guard's face showed a hint of seriousness, but he simply shook his head.
"We were also rotated here from other places yesterday, so we don't know the specifics. We just heard that the eastern part of the North has been invaded."
Li found it all very strange.
It's only been about half a month since I went from Benlang to Qifeng, and I haven't heard any rumors along the way.
How did it get hacked out of nowhere?
By whom?
The only power capable of invading the Star Empire's territory is probably the Titan Empire, which borders the western border...
But probably not.
If they could really invade Frost City's territory, it would be impossible for them to remain completely undisturbed unless Wolf Territory and Frostfox Territory had both fallen and the entire Northern Territory was already engulfed in war.
Although Richard was full of questions, he did not chat with the guards for long.
He quickly finished registering, took out the Chiffon Lord's gold seal from his pocket, stamped it on the register, and casually tossed a silver coin as a tip.
The captain of the guard was overjoyed. He and all the soldiers guarding the city bowed to express their gratitude and waved for them to leave.
The horse-drawn carriage slowly made its way into the city.
The main street was wider than Richard had imagined, with rows of stone houses on both sides, mostly shops, residences, taverns and the like.
The shop signs are varied, ranging from those of merchants displaying cloth to those of food shops featuring beautifully designed bread.
However, the pedestrians on the street were filled with a sense of oppression, walking in a hurry. Occasionally, soldiers would patrol by, making the gloomy atmosphere even more somber.
Im, sitting at the front of the car, naturally saw this strange scene and turned to the passenger compartment, saying:
"grown ups."
"Something seems wrong."
Richard nodded.
"First, find the largest trading company, get the business done, and then find out the details after the transaction is completed."
"Yes, ma'am."