Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points! - Chapter 82

Chapter 82: It’s Gotten Complicated
Duke Herald Ebonriver’s estate stood tall against the night sky, its towering spires and beautifully carved stone walls bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.

The gentle rustle of leaves and distant hoots of owls were the only sounds accompanying the quiet stillness of the night.

Inside the manor, in one of its chambers, a long table dominated the room, its polished mahogany surface gleaming under the golden light of the chandelier above.

Crimson drapes framed the tall windows, shielding the discussions within from any… curious eyes.

Seated around the table were Duke Herald Ebonriver, Lord Damarion Calder, Lady Morwen Ralford, Lord Adrian Velmont, and Grand Vizier Cedric Raine.

Alongside them sat the knight commanders who had been relieved of their positions: Jareth, known as the Thunder’s Wrath; Serilda, the Blade of Frost; Dagon, the Iron Colossus; Freya, the Crimson Huntress; and, of course, Malrik, the Shadow Reaper.

Rising slowly from his chair, Herald allowed a small, foxlike smile to grace his lips.

He clasped his hands together, his sharp blue eyes looking around the room, lingering momentarily on each attendee as though reading their thoughts.

He then began to speak.

“I must begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to all of you for making the journey here tonight.”

He lifted his hands slightly, palms open, as though welcoming them.

“Your presence is proof of your dedication to our shared cause, and it reassures me that we are united in this critical endeavor.”

With a quiet sigh, he sank back into his chair, the faint creak of the wood drawing all eyes to him.

Folding his hands on the table, he leaned slightly forward.

“I have summoned you all here tonight… because the time draws near, and I want to hear firsthand how our efforts to secure forces are progressing. Each of you has a role to play in ensuring we have the strength to march on the capital.”

As the room remained tense, Herald shifted his attention to Lady Morwen. He pointed to her with a graceful flick of his hand.

“Lady Morwen…”

“Why don’t you begin? Share with us the status of your preparations.”

Lady Morwen leaned back slightly in her chair, unfurling a beautifully painted blue fan with a flick of her wrist.

The soft snap of the fan opening drew attention to her, and she allowed herself a small, knowing smile as she fanned herself leisurely.

“My forces from the coastal territories are, of course, ready, Your Grace,” she said with a hint of pride.

“Though my lands are more accustomed to naval operations, I’ve managed to redirect my resources toward assembling a proper standing army. The recruitment drive has been remarkably successful—8,000 soldiers, to be precise. On top of that, I’ve had the foresight to hire mercenaries from the eastern markets.”

She paused, turning the fan slightly as if admiring its delicate design, before glancing around the room with a raised brow.

“Naturally, they are among the finest warriors money can buy, equipped with the best weapons and armor my wealth could secure.”

Herald nodded slowly, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table’s surface.

His foxlike smile returned briefly, though his eyes remained sharp.

“And what of siege equipment or magical support?” he asked, leaning slightly forward.

“We’ll need more than swords and shields to truly crush the capital.”

Morwen chuckled softly, the fan hiding her smirk for a moment before she lowered it.

“Your Grace, do you think I would come unprepared for such a monumental task?”

“I’ve enlisted siege engineers to construct trebuchets and ballistae. They are making excellent progress, I assure you. As for magical support,” she tilted her head slightly.

“I have hired several battle mages with exceptional skills in elemental destruction magic. Their fire and lightning spells should be… devastating.”

Herald tapped his chin thoughtfully before leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small nod of acknowledgment, he spoke.

“Impressive work, Lady Morwen,” he said. His sharp blue eyes locked onto hers for a moment.

“It’s good to see that even the coast can rise to the occasion when needed.”

Morwen folded her fan and placed it neatly on the table in her other palm, her smile remaining.

“It is only natural that I would excel in such matters, Your Grace,” she said, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Herald let his gaze drift to another noble, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

“Now,” he said, “who’s next?”

Herald’s piercing gaze fell upon Lord Damarion Calder, who sat stiffly in his chair. The man adjusted his cloak nervously, his fingers fidgeting with the silver clasp at his throat.

“Lord Calder,” Herald said, his tone both sharp and expectant.

“How fare your efforts in the western provinces? I trust you’ve been as diligent as Lady Morwen.”

Lord Calder cleared his throat, avoiding the amused smirk that briefly appeared on Morwen’s lips. He straightened his posture, though the beads of sweat on his forehead displayed his unease.

“Y-Your Grace,” Calder spoke, his voice wavering slightly.

“The western provinces have been… challenging, but progress is being made. I’ve managed to raise a force of 6,000 men, primarily from conscripts and volunteers. They are not as well-trained as professional soldiers, but they are willing and loyal.”

Herald’s fingers drummed against the table, his expression unreadable as he leaned back in his chair.

“And what of their equipment? Their readiness?”

Calder swallowed hard. “We’ve been working tirelessly to arm them, Your Grace. Smiths in my lands are producing weapons and armor day and night, though we’ve had to supplement with older stock from the armories. It’s not ideal, but it will suffice for now.”

“Will it?” Herald asked, his voice cold. His gaze bore into Calder, who shrank slightly under the weight of it.

“This is not a skirmish in some backwater. We are marching on the capital. ‘Suffice’ is not a word I care to hear.”

Calder shifted uncomfortably, his hands clasping tightly together on the table. “I-I understand, Your Grace. I’ve also reached out to mercenary companies operating along the borders. They are expensive, but their experience will bolster our forces.”

“And siege weapons?” Herald asked, his tone like ice.

Calder hesitated, then quickly added, “We’ve managed to construct a few trebuchets, and more are underway. I’ve also hired a small contingent of enchanters to enhance our defenses and bolster our troops. They may not be battle mages, but their support will be invaluable.”

Herald studied him for a long moment, his fingers steepled under his chin. Finally, he gave a curt nod. “Very well. It seems you’ve done… enough, for now. But I expect better results by the time we convene again.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” Calder said quickly, relief washing over his face as he sank back into his chair.

Herald’s eyes moved next to Lord Adrian Velmont, who sat with his arms crossed and a determined expression. Unlike Calder, Velmont seemed unfazed by the Duke’s piercing stare.

“And you, Lord Velmont?” Herald asked, his tone softening slightly, though his words still carried weight. “What news from the western borderlands?”

Velmont unfolded his arms and leaned forward, placing his hands firmly on the table. “My preparations are proceeding as planned, Your Grace.”

“I’ve raised a force of 7,500 soldiers. They’re a mix of seasoned fighters and fresh recruits, but they are already undergoing rigorous training. I’ve ensured they’ll be battle-ready when the time comes.”

“And their equipment?” Herald asked, arching an eyebrow.

“Top quality,” Velmont replied. “I’ve spared no expense. Blacksmiths in my lands are producing weapons and armor around the clock, and I’ve secured additional supplies from neighboring regions. I’ve also requisitioned several siege engines, including battering rams and catapults.”

Herald’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Good. And magical support?”

Velmont nodded. “I’ve hired a cadre of battle mages skilled in offensive and defensive spells. They’ll provide the edge we need against the emperor’s forces.”

Herald leaned back, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Impressive work, Velmont. Your diligence does not go unnoticed.”

Velmont inclined his head respectfully. “Thank you, Your Grace. I won’t let you down.”

The weight of Herald’s gaze shifted to the Grand Vizier Cedric Raine.

The man, who had remained silent and still throughout the discussions, now seemed to sink into his chair, his yellow eyes wide and trembling as if haunted by some unseen creature.

“And what of you, Grand Vizier?” Herald asked, his tone was sharp but filled with curiosity.

“You’ve been unusually quiet tonight.”

Cedric’s hands gripped the edge of the table tightly, his knuckles white with tension. He opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, his lips quivering. Finally, he drew a shuddering breath and began, his voice wavering.

“My efforts… my efforts have been compromised, Your Grace,” he said, the words barely above a whisper.

“And not by anything mortal.”

The room went completely still, the air thick with as all eyes turned toward Cedric.

Lady Morwen paused mid-flutter of her fan, her smugness turning into curiosity, while Calder visibly tensed, his fingers twitching against the table.

“What do you mean?” Herald asked, leaning forward, his eyes narrowing. “Explain yourself, Cedric.”

The Grand Vizier swallowed hard, his throat dry. “When I moved against House Meldon to take hold of the eastern provinces, I sent my best forces. They were seasoned men—trained, disciplined, prepared for anything… Made up of my best forces and the ones that were given to me.” He paused, his voice breaking slightly.

“But… they were not prepared for what awaited them.”

Herald’s brows furrowed. “Get to the point.”

Cedric’s trembling hand lifted to wipe the sweat from his brow. His yellow eyes darted around the room, as though expecting the very walls to bear witness to his story.

“It descended upon them, Your Grace. From the heavens, like a harbinger of death. A creature unlike any I’ve ever seen. Its form… its presence… it was overwhelming.”