Reincarnated as a boss tyrant in the game

Soren was unaware of the turmoil that had unfolded in the imperial capital, Lodesa.

He hurried back to the capital, travel-worn and filled with anxiety.

The fact that he was accompanied only by himself and five Shadow Guards eased Emperor Gustav's mind somewhat.

During the grand court assembly, Gustav confidently stated, "How could Soren possibly rebel? If he intended to rebel, why would he return to the capital alone to see me?"

The assembled ministers remained silent, the atmosphere heavy.

Many ministers wanted to retort, wondering who had almost overturned the table a few days prior.

Only Breyer was quick to react, cautiously sensing the weather outside.

"Winter is indeed arriving earlier this year."

Breyer's expression turned grave as he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, with winter approaching, the Beastmen may invade southward. This should be the reason why His Highness the Crown Prince is preparing for war."

His words caused a stir throughout the great hall.

The ministers whispered among themselves, discussing the matter and beginning to realize the gravity of the situation.

The Beastmen of the Northern Wilderness invaded southward almost every year, but this was usually not a major concern for the imperial capital.

This was because these invasions and raids were typically carried out by a few allied Beastmen tribes, a scale that local garrisons and nobles could usually handle, with the worst-case scenario being some losses.

However, what truly terrified the ministers was the fact that every ten or fifteen years, the Beastmen Royal Court would organize a massive army.

These armies often numbered in the millions. During the former empire, at the most critical times, the entire northwest region was lost, and even some of the central provinces near the Northern Wilderness were not spared.

Each time a Beastmen army invaded, the losses of the empire's soldiers and civilians amounted to millions, or even tens of millions—and these were not gold coins, but precious human lives.

The loss of food and wealth was even more incalculable.

Under such immense pressure, the ministers could not help but feel deep fear and worry about the impending Beastmen invasion.

They knew that if the Beastmen army were to strike again, the empire would face an extremely severe test.

State Minister Neumann stepped forward, his expression solemn, and said, "Your Highness, it has been exactly fifteen years since the last Beastmen invasion."

This reminder was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, shattering the illusions of those officials in the hall who had still held onto a glimmer of hope.

"Your Majesty, we must prepare for war in advance and conscript soldiers," one official urged.

"Your Majesty, the northwest is important, but the central provinces also have two provinces bordering the Northern Wilderness, so we must not neglect them," another official quickly added.

For a time, the officials in the entire hall argued incessantly.

Some advocated prioritizing the strengthening of the northwest's defenses, believing it to be the main direction of the Beastmen invasion.

Others argued that the safety of the central provinces was equally important, and the two provinces bordering the Northern Wilderness should not be ignored.

Everyone expressed their opinions, arguing endlessly, and the entire hall descended into chaos.

In this tense situation, Emperor Gustav's expression was grim. He knew that he had to make a decision as soon as possible to deal with the impending threat of the Beastmen invasion.

Breyer also suggested, "Your Majesty, this old minister is willing to go to Baffel Fortress for inspection first."

Baffel Fortress, as a large fortress in Adams Province near the border of the Northern Wilderness, held a vital strategic position. It stood like a solid fortress on the border, the greatest reliance of Adams Province to resist the Beastmen invasion.

Outside Baffel Fortress, nearly a hundred small fortresses and bridgeheads were scattered, echoing each other and perfectly forming a solid defensive chain.

Although these small fortresses and bridgeheads were not large in scale, they played a crucial role.

If the Beastmen wanted to take Baffel Fortress, they would have to pull out these small fortresses and bridgeheads one by one.

Because as long as these small strongholds existed, the Beastmen would face threats from the flanks and rear when attacking Baffel Fortress, making it difficult to attack with all their strength.

Breyer's purpose in going to Baffel Fortress for inspection was to fully understand the combat effectiveness of the garrison.

He wanted to carefully observe the garrison's training, equipment, and morale, to see if there was anything that needed to be strengthened.

Gustav nodded slightly and said, "Very well, I will trouble you, Lord Breyer."

Just then, the shout of a guard rang out outside the hall, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

Everyone's eyes turned to the entrance of the hall, anticipating that Crown Prince Soren would bring a good plan to deal with the Beastmen invasion.

Soren, clad in knight's armor, entered the hall with a majestic presence. He knelt on one knee and respectfully saluted, saying, "Father Emperor, your son has returned! Your son has urgent military intelligence to report."

Emperor Gustav gestured for Soren to rise, and asked with a smile, "Is it because winter is approaching and the Beastmen are about to invade?"

Soren was slightly stunned, secretly sighing at how clever his father emperor had become. He quickly shouted loudly, "Father Emperor is wise! With an emperor like you, the empire will surely prosper and become rich and powerful."

This flattery made Gustav feel very comfortable, and the smile on his face became even brighter.

This was even more comforting than the flattery of those ministers, filling his heart with a sense of pride.

"Alright, tell me about the situation in the northwest."

Gustav, feeling much better, did not forget the matter at hand.

Soren organized his thoughts and began to report in detail on the situation in the northwest and the preparations made to deal with the Beastmen invasion.

‘Father Emperor, the northwest is well-defended. The key fortresses in the northwest are now on high alert. Take Stamm City as an example. The city walls are high and strong, built with giant stones and refined iron. The walls are covered with crossbows and catapults, and the soldiers patrol day and night, vigilant of the movements in the north.

There are also layers of defensive works under the pass, such as moats and chevaux de frise, which can effectively block the Beastmen's charge. As for Frostwind Fortress, its geographical location is dangerous, located on the main road. A large amount of grain and weapons are stockpiled in the castle.

The garrison is well-trained, with archers, infantry, and cavalry cooperating with each other to form a tight defense system. In addition, there are several small fortresses distributed around, echoing these large fortresses. In the event of war, they can quickly provide support.’