CHAPTER 883: STABILIZING THE FRONT ( 883 )

"I can personally handle the frontlines in these areas," Javier said, moving his hand to highlight the engagement routes. The glowing markers shifted, forming arcs that connected the northern hills to the wide plains below.

"But the next problem will surface immediately after the initial conflict..." he continued, voice steady. "The bandits, the rogue soldiers, and the remnants of fallen lords’ armies who’ve turned to raiding."

He exhaled softly, eyes narrowing at the flickering red points spreading across the map.

"While I engage the greedy nobles’ primary forces and halt their march," Javier said, "I’ll need the Armand main army, or whoever Esteemed Father commands to assist me. They’ll follow through and stabilize the captured territories, secure the towns, ensure civilian safety, and establish proper control."

He glanced at Garius, then quickly averted his eyes, feeling that quiet, commanding gaze weigh on him.

Reaching out again, he tapped the map’s center, shifting the projection to display the central plains in greater detail, clusters of villages, rivers, and the thin blue lines of trade routes interwoven between.

"Once I push through and claim these areas," he said, his tone thoughtful, "our banner will be raised there. But that doesn’t mean the region will instantly return to peace."

He paused, his finger tracing along the projected roads leading toward the Armand border.

"Since we, the Armand, are still considered outsiders by the people of Arjam, some might not accept our rule immediately. But..." his gaze softened slightly, "if the first secured areas remain safe, if order returns there, and the refugees currently living under our protection in Armand are allowed to return to their homes, then the rest will follow. The people will see with their own eyes how Armand governs. How we protect. How we restore."

He straightened slightly, his expression calm but resolute.

"And once they see that, their resistance will fade. They’ll accept our presence not as conquerors, but as the ones who brought back peace."

Javier’s brow furrowed slightly as he studied the map.

"The problem is..." he muttered, his tone quiet but edged with concern,

"I don’t know how we can make the people of Arjam accept the next appointed ruler."

He exhaled softly, lowering his hand. "Even after we capture those areas... they might still see us as outsiders."

For a moment, silence lingered in the chamber. The flicker of the mana projection painted soft light across everyone’s faces.

Garius smirked faintly, leaning back in his chair.

"You don’t need to worry about that," he said calmly. "Since your best friend, is to be placed there, acceptance will come naturally."

Javier blinked, uncertain. "Naturally...?"

Garius nodded once.

"She was born royal. Even if her title was stripped, her bloodline still carries weight among the people. Commoners don’t forget the faces of their royal family, especially one known for compassion. To them, she’s still Princess Kliatana, not because the crown says so, but because they remember her kindness before Kimar’s rise."

He folded his arms, expression thoughtful.

"Even that greedy fool who calls himself King can’t erase blood. The people will never see him as a true ruler. But when they see her return under Armand’s protection, when food and safety come back with her, they’ll bow, not out of fear, but out of relief."

Javier stayed quiet, the weight of his father’s words settling in.

Garius look at Javier with calm expression.

"The current king, Kimar, abandoned his people the moment he took the crown. he allowed the greedy ones to fight among themselves, each scrambling to seize whatever lordless land they could. Instead of appointing loyal nobles to restore order, he let chaos spread so that when they’ve exhausted each other, he could claim what’s left."

His gaze shifted back to the projection.

"After you’ve conquered the land, Kliatana will be sent there, at the head of her own detachment. She will lead the troops and restore order personally. She will be the face the people see first."

Garius leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the table.

"She will take the leading role in this, not as a puppet, but as the rightful heir reclaiming her people. We’ll raise her banner alongside ours, to show that Armand stands behind her, not above her."

He paused, letting the thought settle.

"Our banner will guarantee safety. Hers will guarantee hope. Together, they’ll symbolize what Kimar never could: a rule that protects rather than exploits."

Garius continued, his tone calm yet firm.

"As you all already know, we, the Armand, have never once had a problem with others. Never once have we declared war out of greed, occupied another lord’s land by force, or made any people suffer under our banner."

He rested both hands on the table, his voice carrying quiet conviction.

"Everyone knows how Armand rules. How we govern. How our people live. No one in our land ever starves. Every man, woman, and child, no matter their race or origin, lives in comfort and dignity."

He gestured lightly toward the window behind him.

"Even the Amazarak people who fled their fallen kingdom... they were given shelter here. Their princess, captured and once broken, now stands among us, respected, not shamed." His gaze shifted to Cedric.

Cedric straightened immediately. "Yes, Esteemed Father."

Garius nodded slightly, his tone deepening.

"Her people were not treated with cruelty, nor abandoned or ignored. They were given land to cultivate, homes to rebuild, and the freedom to live again. And now, those same Amazarak survivors live peacefully within Armand territory—working, trading, raising families, and mingling freely with our own citizens."

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms.

"That is Armand’s way. We welcome, not conquer. We protect, not enslave. As long as they do not overstep our laws, they are one of us."

Garius leaned back again, his face calm but serious.

"So do not concern yourself with that matter, Javier. I’ll handle the plans for that myself. Your focus should be on how to conquer the Arjam Region and hold it."

He sighed softly.

"If I could, I’d go myself, but your mother forbids it. With the wedding to Queen Mylezra so close, even I dare not test her patience. You know well how frightening your mother can be when she insists on something. she rarely interferes in my affairs....but this time she’s serious about keeping me here. The wedding will take place soon, and she doesn’t want me anywhere near the frontlines."

( End Of Chapter )