CHAPTER 405: CHAPTER 349: EVE OF THE GREAT BATTLE_2

In the vast wilderness between Frostleaf City and Thunderous Swamp, Old Mome had arranged numerous scouts to monitor movements within Thunderous Swamp. As soon as there were signs of an Elf army emerging, Frostleaf City could preemptively enter a defensive state. Although the Orcs had suffered significant losses during winter, supplies from the Eternal Domain had allowed them to retain their fighting capability. However, Old Mome never would have expected that when the Elves blasted through Frostleaf City’s southern gate and stormed in, he hadn’t received a single warning from his scouts. Had all those scouts... died?

There was little suspense once street fighting began in Frostleaf City. The Elves had been resting and recuperating in Thunderous Swamp, while the Orcs had just endured a harsh winter. Frostleaf City’s layout was well-suited for Elven warfare, but the Orcs found themselves constrained at every turn. In urban warfare, the Elves were essentially driving the Orcs before them. If not for the cruelty of war, the sight of soldiers from both sides fighting in green army overcoats might have seemed somewhat comical.

And so, at dawn, the Elves entered the city. After a full day of fighting, they had essentially driven all the Orcs out. By evening, all that remained was to mop up the scattered enemies trapped within.

Prince Elrado did not pursue an overwhelming victory in this battle; as long as the Orcs attempted to break out of the city, the Elves would willingly clear a path for them. By preserving his own strength, Erelado would have sufficient confidence to negotiate, whether facing the Elf Royal Court or the Eternal Domain.

Upon receiving the news of the victory, Yan Xing immediately dispatched someone to Frostleaf City to deliver a letter of congratulations to Prince Elrado. At the same time, he arranged for a shipment of supplies to resupply the Elves and provide care for the wounded. Having acquired a substantial amount of gold, Yan Xing was now willing to spend money on his allies.

The next step was to arm the Elves of Frostleaf City, assisting Erelado in securing actual authority over the Snow Elves. With Elven allies in the north and the Silvermane Principality in the south, the Eternal Domain’s room for maneuver would greatly expand.

After sorting out the affairs of Frostleaf City, Yan Xing returned to the real world. With his new funds, a large purchasing spree was in order.

「At this time, the news of the Orcs losing Frostleaf City also reached Marquis Anderson in Nuta City.」

The Orcs’ defeat in Frostleaf City was something Anderson had anticipated. After all, Yan Xing’s intention to accommodate the Elves had been very apparent. The Orcs controlling Frostleaf City must have been a great inconvenience to him. Even if the Orcs had agreed to open the trade route, they could close it at any time. With Yan Xing’s covert support, it was only a matter of time before the Elves recaptured Frostleaf City.

What Anderson hadn’t expected was how quickly the Orcs lost Frostleaf City. The two forces were comparable in numbers, yet after only a day of fighting, the city belonged to the Elves.

This outcome was also good. Anderson was already planning to visit Old Mome, his old rival. Meeting him in Highland City was much preferable to Frostleaf City.

Just as Marquis Anderson was preparing to depart Nuta City, Count Theodore requested a private meeting with him. Anderson’s visit to attend Count Theodore’s birthday banquet had been largely ceremonial; he had spoken less with his father-in-law than he had with Yan Xing. A significant estrangement had emerged between the once closely united comrades-in-arms.

"Is there no possibility of stopping this?" After dinner, sitting in the brightly lit room, Count Theodore spoke to Anderson with a heavy heart. "Look at the electric lights the Eternal Commerce Guild installed in my Lord’s Mansion, and those popular alchemy items.

"You and I should both regard them with reverence. The alchemy in Thunderous Swamp is vastly different from that of Cloud Tower. They can use alchemy to create dinnerware and wine sets, and produce automobiles and airplanes for ordinary people’s daily transportation. The more unassuming this alchemy seems, the more I perceive the towering strength behind Yan Xing.

"If I were to set aside my allegiances and choose between Thunderous Swamp and Cloud Tower to rule the world, I would pick Thunderous Swamp without hesitation. I yearn for the changes its alchemy can bring to my life. For centuries, all Cloud Tower has done is bask in the adulation of the secular world.

"Just look out the window. Each night, a few more places light up. The night used to be simply dark. But in the future, if the city, having grown accustomed to light, were to be plunged back into darkness, I cannot imagine what terrible things might happen.

"Anderson, this city no longer belongs to me. The people have chosen a better life and a civilization that can bring it to them. Yes, behind Yan Xing stands a civilization—one that surpasses our own. You cannot defeat this civilization, whose rise is inevitable."

Following Count Theodore’s words, Anderson looked out the window. The Eternal Commerce Guild’s electrical grid had already illuminated a significant portion of the city, creating a stunning visual impact against the pitch-black night.

After gazing out for a long while, Anderson finally said to Theodore, "I acknowledge what you’ve said. If I were an ordinary man, I too would desire a life like that in the Eternal Domain.

"But I have my position, and you have yours. Our actions must be based on our positions; otherwise, I would have to give up everything I currently possess and truly become an ordinary person.

"Theodore... The Imperial Emperor has promised to confer upon me the title of Duke of the Galewinds. The coronation ceremony is being prepared. I will soon become the legitimate ruler of this land, and my descendants will rule for generations.

"Come and help me. You will become a Marquis, and the title will be hereditary within the Theodore family."

Anderson was, in fact, trying to persuade Theodore. This venerable Count held considerable prestige within his vassal hierarchy and was a highly respected military veteran. Having the old Count attend the coronation ceremony would undoubtedly help Anderson gain support from various factions more quickly.

Theodore was not surprised that Anderson was about to be crowned a Duke. Nor was he surprised that Anderson refused to stop the war. Yet, for the sake of kinship and friendship, Theodore felt compelled to make one last effort.

"Anderson, do you remember Yan Xing saying yesterday he would accompany me on a hunt? Yet, after discussing the arms deal with you today, he returned directly to the Eternal Domain. He knew what I would say to him, but he didn’t want to hear it.

"I understand Yan Xing. He also wants this war, but you are not the opponent he has in mind. In this conflict, whether one is a Duke, a King, or even our Emperor, they are merely pawns in his path. We are in the eye of this storm; the safest course is to remain still."

But Anderson, already anticipating the arrival of spring, was in no mood to heed Count Theodore’s counsel.

Anderson grew agitated and raised his voice. "Of course, I know I’m a pawn! I’ve known it from the very beginning! But even the humblest pawn, upon reaching the opposite end of the board, can be promoted to a Queen!

"I’ve had the Eternal Domain scouted. Yan Xing’s army is full of new recruits; he isn’t ready for this war. This is the perfect opportunity to defeat him! Furthermore, Yan Xing just helped the elves drive the Orcs from Frostleaf City, and I am about to visit Old Mome in Highland City. I believe the clear-sighted tribes of the wilderness will side with me.

"Theodore, the world order will change because of this war! Regardless of victory or defeat, my name, Anderson, will be etched into the history that marks the dawn of this new era! I intend to be a victor, and I need you now more than ever before. I’ve always believed that if we stand together, we can defeat any foe!"

Anderson extended his hand toward Count Theodore, but Theodore did not take it.

"I’m sorry," Theodore said. "I don’t wish to drag this city into the flames of war. That is the only thing I can do for it now. I will sit here and watch its nights grow brighter, layer by layer, until the city’s lights rival the stars in the sky. To me, that is more meaningful than anything else.

"I apologize once again, Marquis Anderson. I have fought for you and the Silvermane Principality my entire life. This time, I wish to do something truly for myself—something unrelated to family, honor, or loyalty. It is merely the stubborn hope of an old man. Please forgive my inability to attend your coronation ceremony..."