Xiahou Yan stood up, bent down and stared at the dusty mountains on the map, falling into deep thought.

Chief Quentin carefully observed the expression of the young lord and said slowly:

"After the end of the 'July Offensive', our Eastern Army had retreated across the board, and the orc army of the Glorious Federation, with the power of the 'Ice Demon Mammoth', advanced all the way to the eastern foot of the Yongri Mountains. In the end, we barely stopped the orc army's offensive by relying on the uninterrupted bombing of the Imperial Griffon Air Cavalry and the Yongri City Defense Line organized hastily based on the terrain. And after that, the spies rewarded, indicating that the orc's logistics troops were secretly transporting food and grass to the south..."

Xiahou Yan stared at the map without answering.

Chief of Staff Quentin looked at Lord Shuangfengling with concern and gritted his teeth:

"Eliot, the strategic balance between the Empire and the Federation, between humans and orcs is extremely fragile - we cannot accept it anyway. An elite orc soldier broke into the border from the Soul-breaking Land and directly hit the heart of the empire!"

"Add defense in the area of ​​the Lion Heart River." Xiahou Yan was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "If the orcs really have the ability to cross the dust mountain range, then the Soul-Split Land is no danger to defend. If you really want to stop the orcs from invasion, you must set up defense in the area of ​​the north bank of the Lion Heart River, and use the weakness of the orcs being unable to fight water to block them south of the Soul-Split Land - the Soul-Split Land is deserted. As long as they consume all their food and grass, the orcs will naturally retreat. But in this case..."

Xiahou Yan suddenly felt a stern heart, and a sarcastic sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth:

"... In this case, our Shuangfengling seems to be a victim of this war... My Chief of Staff Quentin, such a smart person, wouldn't he be unable to think of this defense plan and realize the ending of our Shuangfengling, right?"

Chief Quentin's lips trembled and sighed:

"Grim and I have been wary of the possibility of orcs breaking into the Soul-Split Land. We didn't expect you to resist the orcs' soldiers' heads, but we just wanted to arrange a reliable warning outpost..."

Xiahou Yan snorted blindly and glanced at Chief of Staff Quentin and His Majesty Basil.

Quentin’s so-called “outpost” is, in other words, “the unlucky guy who was crushed to death by an orc, but could issue an early warning before death.”

——Obviously, although Eliot Igor was not hacked to death with his unlucky father, it was considered a mercy of the imperial court, but these top human officials could not entrust the son of a treason.

At this point, Xiahou Yan also knew what happened after the Igor family's "transferring seal drama". He also knew that the Empire regarded itself and the countless leaders of the Igor family as such a lowly pawn that could be abandoned at any time!

Fortunately, he spent a lot of effort to rectify the order in the wasteland, but it turned out that he was just a refusal to the orc wolf cavalry before!

"Don't be bitter, have a drink." His Majesty Basil III picked up his wine glass and handed it to Xiahou Daguanren.

Although he knew that His Majesty the Emperor was winning people's hearts, Xiahou Yan still took the wine glass and took a sip.

But his eyes remained as sharp as before.

Somehow, Chief Quentin was a little guilty when the black-haired boy stared at him, and opened his cheeks and said embarrassedly:

"Eliot, you have to understand..."

"I can understand." Xiahou Yan held the wine glass in his right hand, sat back on his armchair, and stretched his left hand lazily, "You continue talking."

Chief of Staff Quentin moved his Adam's apple, gritted his teeth, and continued:

"Eliot, the defense plan that Grim and I originally formulated was to completely abandon the Soul-Splitting Land and set up defenses north of the Lionheart River, as you said... But this plan has two flaws. First, if the orcs give up the northward crossing plan and go south to attack the Arcane Minaret defense line..."

"Then the orc soldiers who travel through the dust mountain range will be like a wedge, cutting off the connection between the Arcane Spire defense line and the empire's inland." Xiahou Yan said coldly, "There is a demon realm in front and a beast army behind. The Southern Army, which can only rely on the sea to transport supplies, may have a hard life. This is why..."

"...Why did Grand Duke Grim Rosario ask you for help to clean up spies in the southern army to avoid mistakes during wartime?" Quentin Chief of Staff smiled bitterly, "Eliot, Commander Paulus has reported your contribution to the Emperor. The Empire will never treat you unfairly..."

"There is no need to say too much polite words. I know how the empire "does not treat us badly" from Shuangfengling." Xiahou Yan sneered, "Let's continue, Chief of Staff Quentin, what is the second flaw of this plan to 'retreat the Lion Heart River'?"

"The second flaw is..." Chief of General Staff of Quentin blushed and whispered, "...We lack an army that is sufficient to deploy defense on the north bank of the Lionheart River. The Southern Army must station the Arcane Spire Defense Line and cannot draw too many people. The Central Army and Western Army, which were originally planned to support the deployment, are now filling the holes exposed by the "Ice Demon Mammoth"... With a calculation, only a few Western Navy can arrive in time and maintain a fleet on the water..."

The Chief of Staff was silent for a moment and continued to grit his teeth:

"The most critical issue is that in our original defense plan, the entire defense line arrangement on the north bank of the Lionheart River depends on the local troops of Yanxi City and the Grand Duke of Houston as the only local noble with a strong status, from which to mediate and coordinate..."

Xiahou Yan didn't say anything, but the expression on his face became more and more sarcastic.

His Majesty Basil sighed quietly beside him, and his whole body seemed to have become much older.

Chief Quentin licked his lips and stared at Lord Frost Maple Ridge with sincerity:

"Eliot, I believe you know that the chaos in Rock Creek City recently was in chaos because of the internal struggle of the heirs - in this case, we are completely unable to rely on Rock Creek City to set up defense lines! Elliot, in the entire Soul-Splitting Land, except for the other waste lords who do not have troops under the north bank of the Lionheart River, we can rely on only you and your Frost Maple Ridge..."

Xiahou Yan slowly clapped his applause with a sarcastic look on his face.

"That old thing in Houston is no longer possible. There is no useful army in the southern border of the empire. So you remember me and the Igor family, who are regarded as abandoned soldiers... Wonderful, so wonderful, your strategic deployment is really good~"

Chief of Staff Quentin and His Majesty Basil both looked a little ugly.

"Eliot..." Chief Quentin wanted to say something, but Xiahou Yan raised his hand and stopped him.

The Lord of Frost Maple Ridge did not look at Quentin, but pointed directly at His Majesty Basil who was sitting aside.

"Your Majesty, let me tell you the truth. The past events of the Igor family have nothing to do with me." As soon as Xiahou Yan opened his mouth, he attracted the attention of His Majesty the Emperor and Chief of Staff Quentin. "I am the lord of the empire's enthronement to Frost Feng Ridge. All I want to think about is responsible to those leaders who have followed me through hardships. Frost Feng Ridge will not be a victim of anyone."

"You will not be a victim." His Majesty Basil resolutely said, "Child, the Empire used to be sorry for you, sorry for your family... I promise you with the honor of my empire emperor that if you can really resist the offensive of the orc elite soldiers, I can restore the title of Duke of the Igor family, I..."

His Majesty Basil hesitated for a moment, finally made up his mind and gritted his teeth and said:

"...I know that setting up defense lines in the Lion Heart River requires completely abandoning Frost Maple Ridge... But if you want, after this battle, I can hand over Yanxi City to your family as a reward for the Igor family to help the empire resist orcs. Child, I know the effectiveness of your Frost Maple Ridge in the Soul-Splitting Land to suppress bandits, and I believe in your strength..."

Chief of Staff Quentin couldn't help but look at His Majesty Basil involuntarily.

He suddenly realized that perhaps the Grand Duke of Houston was not as good as he was in politics as he seemed;

It was just a civil strife in Rock Creek City, just an attack by the orcs, which made His Majesty Basil treat the Grand Duchy of Houston as an abandoned son who can be used as a bargaining chip...

Chief Quentin, who had been in the army for a long time and did not care about politics, suddenly felt sad.

Yanxi City... Xiahou Yan leaned back on the armchair, squinted his eyes, and stroked the ring on his hand.

The current situation and the demands of both parties were quickly weaved in his mind and started to calculate quickly:

Now, the empire is in crisis.

The "Ice Demon Mammoth" who suddenly made a brilliant debut in the Eastern Realm beat the Empire's dream of winning the championship in the Sixth War, and completely shattered the strategic plan of Grand Duke Rosario on the defense line of the dust mountain range:

The Eastern Army, which suffered heavy losses during the retreat, urgently needed the support of other imperial troops, and no longer had the possibility of defensive loopholes in the Soul-Splitting Land;

Rock Creek City, which was originally intended to be the core of the southern defense, fell into chaos due to the incompetence of the Grand Duke of Houston, and the entire local army of the Grand Duke of Houston lost its combat capability due to internal struggle;

At this moment, the empire needs a person and a territory to stand up and shoulder the defensive task of the Soul-Splitting Land and even the lower reaches of the Shixin River. Only by training in the bandit suppression in the wasteland, knowing the Soul-Splitting Land and having a deep understanding of the Soul-Splitting Land and having a strong relationship with the Southern Army can we approach the water and quenching the near-water thirst and shouldering the heavy responsibility of temporarily blocking the gun hole!

In other words, today's empire has to ask for the Igor family!

But the embarrassing fact for His Majesty Basil is that the father of the Lord of Shuangfengling was ordered to be cut off by his head. How could the empire today ask Shuangfengling to guard the southern border for them?

Therefore, the "golden majesty sword" stuffed by His Majesty the Emperor and the meaning of winning over each word were explained at once.

Xiahou Yan leaned on the armchair, picked up the glass of wine that His Majesty had drunk, squinted his eyes and took a sip.

Seeing that he didn't say anything, Chief Quentin seemed a little anxious and said quickly:

"Eliot, we need a local lord to be in charge of defense in the area of ​​Shixin River, and you are the best candidate! Please rest assured, we understand that Shuangfengling has just gained a foothold and its strength is definitely insufficient. The Empire will try its best to provide you with the help you need - according to intelligence, the main force of the Federation is still in the East Realm area, and the orcs who cross the Dust Mountains have only one division at most. With the forces drawn by the Southern Army and the temporary recruitment in the South, you can definitely-"

Xiahou Yan sat upright slightly, so Chief Quentin immediately stopped talking.

The Lord of Shuangfengling, as always, just stared at His Majesty the Emperor who said nothing.

"His Majesty Basil." Xiahou Yan lowered his head slightly, "Since you and Chief Quentin have already explained the matter so clearly, I will not hide it: I said it straightforwardly, as the lord of the empire, it is my duty and obligation to guard the country's gates for the empire."

Chief of Staff Quentin and His Majesty Basil are both clear-headed, and there must be a "but" below.

"But, please understand that our leaders of Shuangfengling have experienced the migration south, experienced the bandit suppression war, and even suffered shameful attacks from the Grand Duke of Houston, Yanxi City." Xiahou Yan said quietly, "The people of the Igor family have suffered too much suffering. If they cannot give them a better future, then I have no right to involve them in another cruel war."

Chief of Staff Quentin hurriedly said:

"Eliot, don't worry, we just need a local lord to take charge of the overall defense. You Shuangfengling don't even have to invest in all your family and troops-"

His Majesty Basil suddenly raised his hand and interrupted his Chief of Staff's defense.

This Supreme Empire, in contrast to his gentle and kind attitude, stared at the Lord of Shuangfengling with a serious look, and said word by word:

"Child, what do you want? If you want to rehabilitate your father--"

"Father? He is my business!" Lord Lord's violent argument made the two empires stunned. "Tell me, Your Majesty, I want soldiers, equipment, supplies, and I want to help Shuangfengling guard everything in the country! Shuangfengling will serve the empire, provided that the empire provides us with the corresponding price - this is the same as rights and obligations, which is very fair."

His Majesty Basil looked at Xiahou Yan silently.

After a long time, the imperial emperor slowly said:

"Child, do you know how stupid it is to hand the sword to the hands of this person after you kill a person? Child, do you know that as long as I give you orders now, these four royal guards can cut off your head on the spot? Is it really wise to ask me for a price code, my dear child?"

Chief Quentin turned his head uneasily and glanced at His Majesty the Emperor.

Unexpectedly, the Xiahou Grand Official showed an innocent smile:

"Yeah, I know, and I know you know. And, I believe you know another thing."

"What's the matter?" His Majesty Basil raised his eyebrows calmly.

Xiahou Yan laughed:

"One who dares to ask for reward in front of you can claim the heads of orcs on the battlefield. And I hope you think carefully whether you need another Houston, Natevan, or another Rosario in this critical war."

His Majesty Basil fell into a long silence.

I don’t know how long it took, but the candles in the living room had crackled because they were about to burn.

His Majesty Basil twisted his aging waist and exhaled a breath of turbid air. Under the astonished gaze of Chief Quentin, he slowly said:

"This time the Empire will recruit soldiers from the entire imperial citizens of the Southern Governor's District. After the war, one fifth of them will be your Frost Maple Ridge - whether to let them continue to fight, or to release their armor and fields to become farmers and craftsmen in your territory, you will be with you. The gold coins and equipment needed to resist orcs, including siege weapons, will be provided to you. No matter how much you have left after the war, you Frost Maple Ridge does not have to return to the treasury."

A moment later, His Majesty the Emperor gritted his teeth and added:

"You will deal with the matter in Yanxi City after the war."

Chief Quentin blinked and said nothing.

His Majesty the Emperor retracted his chair tiredly as if his energy was overdrawn:

"Child, for the future of the empire, I seem to be making a gamble with a low winning rate... I hope you, your territory, and the guarantees Grim Rosario have made for your ability, can be worthy of my trust."

"They will." Xiahou Yan stood up and bowed to His Majesty the Emperor with a smile to show his gratitude.

"And." His Majesty Basil said suddenly, making Xiahou Yan stare in his confused eyes and look up at the Supreme of the Empire.

"'Do you need another Houston, Nettlevan, or another Rosario'?" His old emperor seemed to remember something suddenly and grinned and said softly, "This is really not a good metaphor, my child..."

After saying this inconspicuous words, His Majesty the Emperor stood up with the help of his servant, left the Lord of Shuangfengling in place, and staggered out of the living room.
Chapter completed!