Blood Dragon

Chapter [-] Ambition

"How is it possible..." the little girl whispered to herself while looking at the map.On the wall of her room hangs a huge map.It is the most accurate map the human hand can draw.A layman may be dazzled by the detailed description on the map, but the little girl has learned this specially.

"It's really unbelievable...but...it's possible." Rodia was relatively calm. "In terms of religious piety, the royal family of Tiberius is indeed quite prominent. I have read some records. They were the ones who sent the most troops when they went on an expedition to Kalean to eliminate vampires."

The campaign to exterminate vampires has few economic benefits to speak of.That's because Kalean is a remote, hidden kingdom in an oasis in the desert.It is impossible for a human country to expand its territory and establish its rule at such a far distance from the mainland.In other words, the Battle of Kalyan was entirely a war in the name of religion, for the safety of human beings, between humans and human hostile races—that is, vampires.

"That being said, Tiberius has always had unreasonable thoughts about our country..." the little girl pondered.This has long been an open secret.This is also a long-standing grievance between the two countries.Back in the day, the reason why the wilderness sage Garunas was able to unify Gruni and assist King Mark Remiz to establish the country was that the key was to defeat Tiberius several times.

"But since they only want this little, then it doesn't matter." Rodia replied.

The territorial claims made by the Tiberians were really "small".They claim a worthless area on the border between the two countries.It was a mountainous area with no special products and barren land, and there were only a few small villages after all. If the price of ceding such a piece of land was exchanged for reinforcements, it would be a good deal.After all, the church promised to pay a lot of benefits.

What is especially important is that the high priest has promised that all this can be "paid afterwards".In other words, the promise can wait until after the invading barbarians are defeated.And the two sides can sit at the negotiating table and discuss the details in detail-this also avoids the possibility of playing with words.

"Could it be a trap?" The little girl thought seriously. "For example, they hope to use the power of the barbarians to destroy our country... After all, if the general Beler is the commander, he has a great possibility... to take our army to death. Then they will come forward Defeat the barbarians..."

"Impossible, that's playing with fire." Rodia shook her head. "Besides, it is rumored that Tiberius is in financial difficulties and its military strength is not strong. It seems that it has been trying to reduce its armaments... In this case, it is not a problem to fight a dog in the water, but it cannot support a long-term war. If they plan accordingly , weren't the conditions better last time?"

The previous barbarian invasion resulted in the death of the previous king. In a critical moment, the church came forward to ask for help.At that time, Tiberius also sent reinforcements under the mediation of the church, and elected Belle as the commander of the coalition forces.The last time the situation was much more critical than this time, Tiberius did not take the opportunity to threaten to make any excessive demands.In fact, the last time they really came to assist the battle sincerely.

Of course, the "reinforcements" should actually come from the entire Seven Kingdoms.It's just that Tiberius and Gruny sent troops, while other countries provided Tiberius' army with high subsidies in the form of "paying money".

"By the way... I remembered that Ashuruffat once told me..." The little girl's mind flashed. "At that time...how did he say...he said that Belle had evil intentions?"

"He also said the same thing to me by chance. It's just speculation. Guessing or something can't be used as evidence to convince people. At least on the surface, Beryl is still the commander who has won all battles, and Tiberius is also a credible Good allies."

"But those people from the church...the action is really too fast. They actually hide it from me and invite reinforcements from other countries in my name..."

"Probably because I felt that it was wrong, so I put forward such a good condition." Rodia smiled. "Based on time, it should be... when the siege of Fornoros was underway, the church began to take action. Because the organization, gathering, and mobilization of the army did not happen overnight. Tiberius did not have our country's Large armies such as the Guards are on standby in the royal city. Their troops are scattered and stationed to defend various key points and borders in the country. If it is not an urgent mobilization, follow the normal steps to form an expeditionary army, even if it costs A few months is no surprise."

"You mean, the church has long abandoned me..."

"Well, if it wasn't for Ashurfat's timely capture of Fornoros City, but the siege was delayed for three to five months according to the normal steps, then the high priest's appearance this time is not being polite to us. Instead of offering a bunch of favorable conditions, they resorted to threats and blackmail."

"Is it... threatening to cooperate with Byron?"

"Undoubtedly yes," Rodia replied. "Byron is gone, and there is nothing to be afraid of even if the remaining lonely city is strong. But once the power of the church intervenes...Byron may instantly change from a dead tiger to a vicious giant shark. Aishuruffat Although I persuaded you to list more than [-] great nobles as traitors, it is absolutely impossible to be hostile to the church... If that is the case, then the only way is to accept the conditions proposed by the church. After all, those gangs of the church The ultimate goal of the magic stick is actually the same as ours. It is also to defeat the invading barbarians, so the conditions are not very harsh... It's just that this matter itself will make people feel uncomfortable. After all, for the king, bowing his head is a It's a painful thing."

"Fortunately, there is Ashurfat." The little girl breathed a sigh of relief.But having said that, it seems that the last time we met was not long ago, but I still have an indescribable yearning for Aishuruffat.

"By the way, what we said before, about that poster..."

"Well, judging from the archbishop's attitude just now, the church is not a suspect. In this case..." Rodia thought for a while. "Maybe we can use the power of the church."

……

The fields in the distance are green.The terrain of this gentle slope area is relatively complicated, and it is not suitable for reclamation into farmland, so it has naturally become a pasture.You can see the fat cattle and sheep walking slowly in the distance, just like a little flower dotted on the green background.

"Well, there is a lot of rain this year and the grass grows strong. It seems that the price of meat will definitely get cheaper this year."

Beler reined in his mount, looked at the distant scenery, and said to himself.

"My lord general, turn around this valley and you will arrive at our next campsite." Robin panted slightly and said.

"Why, Robin, are you tired? Didn't you just come here not long ago?"

"My lord, that time I came as a traveler, wearing casual clothes. This time, I was marching in full armor! You don't wear armor, of course you don't know how hard it is..." Robin said with some complaints .

"Well, what about the demeanor and etiquette of aristocrats." Belleur laughed. "I don't know who invented this troublesome rule... Junior soldiers and officers can march without armor, but high-ranking officers must wear it... Well, Robin, after all, you are a man and you can't lose For the little girl."

"What? Lost to the little girl?"

"Well, the little queen of Gruney also obeys this troublesome rule. I remember that when she was attacking Byron, she marched in armor, just like other high-ranking officers."

"My lord general, you can't compare like this. How many days of armor has she worn? It will take no more than ten days from Falcon City to Fornoros City no matter how you calculate it! We came here from a long distance... Everyday Wearing this heavy burden. You are standing and talking without back pain!"

"No way, who told me to 'go out with a disease'? It's inappropriate for a patient to do such a tiring thing." Belleur replied without blushing.

He turned his head to look into the distance again. "Speaking of which, it seems that it has been almost ten years since the last time I came here...Well, there is no ten years, it should be eight and a half years..."

"My lord, what are you looking at?"

"It's just looking at the familiar land." Belle said softly.His voice was more similar to a tone of talking to himself, except for Robin who was close at hand, no one else could hear him at all. "If it weren't for the activity of Garunas, the sage of the wilderness, this place should belong to Tiberius' territory. This is the territory that Gruni took away from our country. I remember that it was said in the book that there used to be Several small countries that surrendered to Tiberius... It is a pity that Garunas launched a southward invasion. While causing heavy losses to our mainland, he also annexed all these small countries. It is true It's embarrassing. Galunas is really too powerful, and the truce agreement he signed...is very unfair."

"what?"

"Well, I saw the entrance of the valley ahead. If we can build a large castle here... guard the main road... rely on the location... one man guards the gate and ten thousand men don't open it... only [-] defenders are needed to stop it. Hundreds of thousands of people." Belle looked into the distance with a smile. "This is the most suitable border between the two countries."

"Castle? But General, it will take at least two years to build a strong castle that can be used as a military fortress."

"That's right. In addition to two years, a lot of manpower and stone materials are needed." Baylor said. "Actually, it's really a pity back then. If our country hadn't been so ambitious and wanted to make a fortune, or even occupy the whole of Gruene... but down-to-earth and use this place as the border, then even a genius like the wilderness sage , and there is no way to prevent us from expanding the border here.”

"That's what I said, but now..."

"Robin. Well, to be honest, the general trend has come. Relying on the power of Garunas, this country has been unified under one throne. From the nobles to the common people, everyone has fully agreed with this country. I remember not long ago Was it about Byron’s rebellion before? Even if he is a great nobleman who has been passed down from generation to generation, once he is defeated, his subordinates and vassals will immediately fall apart and fall under the banner of the little queen. It was just a failure, and he immediately betrayed his relatives. This is what the people want Power. Because everyone agrees with the royal power of the Mark Remiz family and thinks they are legitimate rulers. In other words, if there is no perfect reason to appease the people, otherwise it will be difficult to rely on the power of our country Those who occupy this piece of land from within. In addition, there is now a church holding back there... Things are even more difficult."

"Oh, what about those barbarians?" Robin said a little unconvinced.

Belle laughed out loud.

"They are exceptions." After stopping to laugh, he replied.